🧩 Shoutout to Thaddeus Gruczka for completing last week’s crossword on state capitals in a super fast 2 minutes, 49 seconds. He was last week’s winner!

This week’s crossword is about state nicknames. Take it, then share your time with me to be crowned the champ.

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

📰 What we’re reading, news from around the state

🥞 Best brunch restaurant in New England? 8 local gems worth the trip

📢 Question of the week: Should New Hampshire require local police to work with ICE—or should Gov. Ayotte push back to protect them?

🔠 Test our crossword. The theme? State nicknames

P.S. One email worth keeping. Forward this email to a friend who likes being in the know.

👉 At the state level, public health policy is drawing attention …

🏥 Gov. Kelly Ayotte says New Hampshire will continue working with the Northeast Public Health Collaborative but won’t formally join. The group was created to coordinate responses to federal public health changes, and documents show NH has been participating behind the scenes despite publicly downplaying involvement. New Hampshire Bulletin

👉 Shifting from policy to schools, some incidents are raising concern …

📱 A Salem teacher resigned amid a social media investigation. Police are investigating, and district officials say affected families were notified. The case has sparked renewed concern about boundaries between teachers and students on social media. CBS

👉 And in another troubling school-related incident …

🔥 A Wilton teacher is under investigation for burning student tests. Police said a sixth grade teacher admitted to setting students’ math tests on fire, reportedly in response to poor grades. Parents say they’re frustrated by a lack of communication from the school, and some are calling for disciplinary action. WMUR

The epic banana and walnut pancakes at Makmak in Cranston. (USA Today via Reuters Connect)

By USA Today via Reuters Connect 

🥞 Makmak Eatery — Cranston, Rhode Island
Creative brunch spot known for caramelized banana pancakes, house-made touches, and BYOB vibes.

🥓 Caleb & Broad — Newport, Rhode Island
Newly revamped brunch destination with inventive dishes like cinnamon roll French toast and brunch cocktails.

☕ The Pickle Jar Kitchen — Falmouth, Massachusetts
Pickle-forward menu featuring unique items like cured salmon bagels and sandwiches with house-pickled ingredients.

🍳 North Street Grille — Boston, Massachusetts
Cozy North End staple famous for over-the-top brunch dishes like banana-bourbon French toast.

🥞 Altea’s Eatery — Worcester, Massachusetts
Casual, family-friendly brunch spot with classic comfort foods and a popular mimosa bar.

🍳 Cocktail Garden and Kitchen — Worcester, Massachusetts
Lively brunch venue known for drag brunch events, buffet spreads, and a social atmosphere.

🥐 The Old Salt — Hampton, New Hampshire
Long-running, highly popular brunch buffet featuring carving stations, made-to-order waffles, and a chocolate fountain.

🥓 Jimmy’s Jazz and Blues Club — Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Sunday brunch buffet paired with live jazz music for a full sensory experience.

Over the past year, local law enforcement made 51 immigration-related arrests, according to New Hampshire Public Radio, which also published charts showing where those arrests occurred.

At the same time, the ACLU of New Hampshire says 15 police agencies in the state have signed agreements with ICE through the 287(g) program.

That program essentially allows certain local officers to act like federal immigration agents—giving them the authority to identify, detain, and process people for immigration violations, which can ultimately lead to deportation.

It’s also worth noting: New Hampshire is the only state in New England where local police are part of this kind of ICE partnership.

So this week’s question is:

Should New Hampshire require local police to work with ICE—or should Gov. Ayotte push back to protect them?

Here’s what you’re saying:

“No, they should not be working with ICE in any form. Expecting Kelly Ayotte to push back, however, is a lost cause as NH has become the most Trump-friendly state in New England thanks to Ayotte and the NH Senate. Anything approved by the current corrupt administration is something that Ayotte also approves.” — David Masters

“Not only should New Hampshire not require local police officers to work with ICE, it should be forbidden. It destroys the trust between local law enforcement and community members. This is another misuse of tax dollars. I have called a local sheriff’s department to express my upset and was told I would receive a call back. It never happened. Our tax money. They work for us. Shameful.” — Deborah Rosa

Think you’ve got what it takes to crack this crossword? Tell us how long it takes you to finish it by emailing us at info@granitepostnews.com! This week’s topic? State nicknames.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Katy Savage with stories from USA Today via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Paula Solis.

Granite Post is free for everyone. Your support makes our work possible.