Here’s some news to know this morning:
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Here’s what’s inside today’s newsletter:
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🏠 A new federal law could make it a little easier to build affordable housing in New Hampshire …
The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act could lower costs for manufactured homes, preserve rental assistance for some low-income rural residents, cut duplicate environmental reviews and increase investment in affordable housing. Housing advocates say the changes could help developers navigate some of the red tape that slows construction in a state where the median single-family home price recently hit $580,000. New Hampshire Bulletin
🥾 And four hikers are about to find out that a rescue from Franconia Ridge can come with a bill …
New Hampshire Fish and Game says four 18-year-olds from New Jersey will be charged for their overnight rescue after setting out on a seven- to nine-hour hike at 3:30 p.m. without enough food or water, headlamps, or proper clothing. Rescuers reached the group near Mount Lincoln around 1:15 a.m. and helped them off the mountain. CBS News
🤖 Speaking of needing a little help, AI might make your doctor sound more empathetic, but there’s a catch …
A Dartmouth study found AI-generated responses to patient messages could be more compassionate than those written by doctors, but the models also made errors, jumped to diagnoses without asking important follow-up questions, and tended to recommend too much treatment. Researchers say AI may be more useful for simpler tasks like scheduling and prescription refills. New Hampshire Public Radio
🦝 And if you see something strange falling from the sky in northern New Hampshire, it might actually be for the raccoons …
The USDA is distributing 1.1 million flavored rabies vaccine baits by plane across parts of New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York in an effort to stop the spread of rabies among raccoons. The agency says the baits are also safe if other wildlife, or even your dog, happens to eat one. New Hampshire Public Radio
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A train heads out through the forest to show its passenger the fall colors on the North Conway Scenic Railroad. (Neil Mewes)
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By Katy Savage
North Conway is in the running for a title that feels fitting for a snow-covered village in the White Mountains—the most Christmasy town in America.
The New Hampshire village is one of 25 finalists selected for Hallmark’s Merriest Christmas Towns Contest, which recognizes communities for their holiday traditions, celebrations, and community spirit.
Here’s what the entry says about North Conway:
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🎄 Holiday postcard vibes: It has snow-covered mountains, twinkling lights, decorated storefronts, and sleigh rides.
🎄Christmas traditions: Conway Scenic Railroad rides, local shopping, hot cocoa, and the Christmas Loft.
🎄Community spirit: Tree lightings, concerts, and holiday events bring locals and visitors together.
🎄The big pitch: North Conway “lives and breathes the Christmas spirit,” according to the entry.
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New Hampshire gained more residents than it lost to other states in 2024. About 48,700 people moved here from elsewhere in the US, while roughly 40,600 Granite Staters packed up and moved to another state.
So this week’s question is:
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Have you considered leaving New Hampshire? Why do you choose to stay?
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Here’s what you’re saying:
“Aside from five years spent overseas in two different countries, I have lived in NH my entire life (I will turn 58 this fall). I have visited—and in many cases, spent significant time in—almost all 49 remaining states (all except KS, ND, AK, OK, and MO) and have traveled to over 20 other countries. I have never found anywhere else that I love more than New Hampshire. It’s green. It has both mountains and the ocean. Lakes, four seasons, an easy drive to Boston and New York, and no income or sales tax. Yes, we have high property taxes. We also have great schools and a fantastic quality of life. The state has changed a lot over the years and not all of it has been good, but I could never imagine living anywhere else, except, maybe Canada.” — D Veau
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🎈 17th Annual Hampton Beach Children’s Festival
Hampton, Aug. 17-21, starting at 10 a.m. daily
Enjoy five days of free family activities, including magic, mini-golf, ice cream, dancing, storytellers, balloons, and a giant costume parade to close out the week.
More info
🎡 Cornish Fair
Cornish, Aug. 21-23
Spend the weekend enjoying a classic country fair with livestock shows, agricultural exhibits, and family-friendly activities.
More info
🌼 Wildflower Festival
Milford, Aug. 22
Celebrate art, music, and ecology with more than 60 local artists and makers, educational booths, a native plant sale, live music, and food trucks.
More info
🍄 Fun Fungi! Identification and Appreciation Walk
Holderness, Aug. 22, 9-11:30 a.m.
Take a three-mile hike in search of mushrooms while learning about fungi anatomy, identification, and foraging techniques. Free, registration required.
More info
🐕 Bark in the Park: Wag Around the World Festival
Concord, Aug. 22
Bring your pup for international food trucks, live music, local vendors, K9 demonstrations, a police vs. fire kickball tournament, a car show, kids’ activities, adoptable dogs, contests, raffles, and more.
More info
🍺 Annual Gate City Brewfest & Wing Competition
Nashua, Aug. 22
Sample craft beer, dig into wings, and enjoy the annual Gate City Brewfest & Wing Competition.
More info
🎷 Portsmouth Jazz Weekend: Ed Saindon Quartet — A Special Tribute to Les Harris Jr.
Portsmouth, Aug. 22
Hear Ed Saindon and the Good Vibes Trio perform a tribute to the late Les Harris Jr., featuring original music and a CD release celebration for One For Les.
More info
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How do you feel about what you’ve been reading here?
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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Katy Savage. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.
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