“If this continues, it’s not hyperbole to suggest that we may have to quite literally shut down airports particularly smaller ones.” — Adam Stahl, acting deputy Transportation Security Administration administrator via Fox and Friends.

Security lines at airports nationwide have worsened due to the partial government shutdown. In New England, however, wait times remain steady as most TSA agents continue working without pay. Out of roughly 2,000 agents in the region, 25–35 have resigned so far, says Mike Gayzagian, president of the TSA Officers Union in New England.

But he warns that more could quit if the shutdown continues and travel picks up for the Boston Marathon and the April vacation.

Here’s what’s inside today’s newsletter:

📸 Send us your glimpses of New Hampshire!

📰 What we’re reading: News from around the state

💍 The average wedding costs $36,000 in NH

📢 Question of the week: Should Ayotte demand tariff refunds for NH?

🗓 Top events for your calendar

(Courtesy of Emily Hartshorne)

Shout out to Emily Hartshorne, who shared this photo of her cat Nutmeg making friends with a squirrel. 🐿

🚗 The EPA is moving quickly on New Hampshire’s request to end its vehicle inspection program. The state suspended inspections last year after a court ruled federal approval was needed to stop them. Now the EPA says it will propose a decision by early summer and finalize it by year’s end. WMUR

👶 Meanwhile, the effects of COVID-19 are still being felt in New Hampshire’s child care system six years later. Providers say the pandemic worsened staffing shortages and pay issues while drawing more attention to the industry’s importance. Many centers are still struggling to hire enough teachers, and children’s social-emotional and language development have been impacted. New Hampshire Bulletin

We keep our communities informed—and we need your help to keep it that way. If you’re able to help out, please consider chipping in. 

By Katy Savage

Did you know the average wedding in New Hampshire now costs around $36,000?

Zoom out, and New England is officially the most expensive place in the country to get married, according to 2026 data from The Knot.

Here’s the average cost of getting married in each region across the nation:

💍 New England / Northeast: $46,600

💍 Mid-Atlantic: $48,400

💍 Midwest: $29,000

💍 South / Southeast: $31,300

💍 Southwest: $30,800

💍 West: $31,300

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on March 10 demanding a $1,745 refund for every household in the state to offset the financial impact of Trump’s tariffs. Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee followed suit shortly thereafter. 

So this week’s question is:

Should New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte demand tariff refunds for NH households?

Here’s what you’re saying:

“Yes, she should! Based on her actions thus far I highly doubt she will, as she will not go against the regime. She’s not for the people of NH! She’s one of Donald Trump’s minions.” — Patrina Ivey

🍁 New Hampshire Maple Sugaring Experience
Bethlehem, March 28
Hands-on maple sugaring program at The Rocks featuring tree tapping, sugarhouse tours, wagon rides, and maple tastings.
More info

🍷 Free Wine Tasting

Concord, March 28 
Wine on Main hosts a free wine tasting. No reservations required. 
More info

🐰 Easter Craft Fair
Nashua, March 28
Meet the Easter Bunny and support local crafters with unique handmade items.
More info

♻️ 2026 Souhegan Sustainability Fair
Milford, March 28
Live music, local food, live owl presentation, guided hikes, and more.
More info

🦅 Birding in the 21st Century
Holderness, March 28
Learn how to use apps like eBird and Merlin Bird ID to identify birds, log data for citizen science, and explore prime spring birding locations. Free program, registration required.
More info

🌿 Wildlife Friendly Gardening
Auburn, March 28
NH Audubon Senior Biologist Diane DeLuca leads a workshop on creating a backyard wildlife sanctuary. 
More info

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Katy Savage. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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