This newsletter you’re reading just won an award—first place from the New England Newspaper & Press Association.

And in a nice bit of timing, February marked two years since this newsletter launched. Time flies when you’re having fun.

To those who have been here since the start and new readers, thank you so much for being here. 

I’ve loved sharing fun, useful tidbits with you all, and I hope you’ve enjoyed reading them just as much.

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

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

🎭 The highest-paid actor of 2025 is from NH

📢 Question of the week: Are you concerned about the economy?

🌞 The bright side: Your local good news roundup

P.S. Spread knowledge, not clutter. This newsletter is free and easy to share.

(Courtesy of Marci Smoger)

Thank you, Marci Smoger, for sharing this photo of this sweetheart, Sunny. Here’s what she wrote:

“This is my sweet Sunny who enjoyed the snow before the end of his 17 1/2 years last week. I don’t really dress up dogs, but can you take a seventeen and a half year old little pup out in the cold and snow without a snow suit and a hat?!”

Share a picture with us, and we’ll feature it in this newsletter. We want to see your pets, stunning New Hampshire views, pics of crazy gas prices, and anything else you want to share!

Adam Sandler hangs out at Puritan Backroom in New Hampshire. (Courtesy Puritan Backroom)

Adam Sandler, the iconic New Hampshire-raised star, pulled in $48 million in 2025, with $60 million in gross earnings, according to Forbes, landing him at No. 1 on the list of highest-paid actors.

Here’s what Forbes had to say:

“The 59-year-old Sandler was one of the first big stars to leave movie theaters behind in 2014, finding a cushy home at Netflix, where he is unquestionably the biggest draw on the platform. Recently seen sitting next to Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos at the Super Bowl, Sandler earns huge annual guarantees regardless of the commercial appeal of his projects. In 2025 he produced and starred in the long-awaited Happy Gilmore 2, and got a second payday for co-starring in Netflix’s Jay Kelly, earning a Best Supporting Actor nomination at the Golden Globes and a several critics’ awards along the way.”

Here are Forbes’ top five highest-paid actors of 2025:

🎭 Adam Sandler – $48 million ($60 million gross)

🎭 Tom Cruise – $46 million ($54 million gross)

🎭 Mark Wahlberg – $44 million ($58 million gross)

🎭Scarlett Johansson – $43 million ($50 million gross)

🎭 Brad Pitt – $41 million ($54 million gross)

Democrats are gaining ground in New Hampshire ahead of the 2026 midterms, with a new Saint Anselm poll showing a widening lead. Concerns over the economy and foreign policy appear to be driving the shift.

So this week’s question is:

Are you concerned about the economy?

Here’s what you’re saying…

“Yes. The Trump administration is geared to benefit the top 1%, including the Trump family enterprises. They seem to view the rest of the population as only valuable to serve as a labor pool and a source of revenue.” — JoAnn Carlson

The following briefs from around the region are presented in partnership with Granite Goodness. Subscribe today.

👷‍♀️ Vermont is expanding trades training: A workforce program is growing to four locations in 2026 to train women and gender-expansive residents for careers in construction. The free Trailblazers program offers hands-on training and paid internships to help fill high-demand, skilled jobs. Construction Owners

♻️ Rhode Island is testing curbside composting: Three communities have launched the state’s first municipal programs, aiming to divert tons of waste from landfills while cutting greenhouse gas emissions. Governing

🌱 Massachusetts is going geothermal: An $8.6 million federal grant will double the size of a cutting-edge heating and cooling network in Framingham, expanding efficient underground energy to more homes and businesses. Canary Media

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

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