“The bottom line is New Hampshire has a state law, at this point a 106-year-old tradition of holding the first primary. So that will continue. We are going to defend our law and the tradition.” — New Hampshire Secretary of State David Scanlan via NHPR.

It may feel too early to think about fall, but this weather sure feels like autumn. The Old Farmer’s Almanac has released its prediction for when New Hampshire’s leaves will begin changing color. Take a look.

Here’s some news to know this morning:

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

📸 Reader photo: A mix of marigolds and sweet alyssum brings summer color to a New Hampshire flower bed. Send us your photo! 

📰 What we’re reading, including: 27% of the state’s federal court caseload consists of immigrant detainees.

💦 This New Hampshire waterfall was named best in the state.

📢 Question of the week: How confident are you that New Hampshire’s election process is fair and secure? Share your take! 

🗓 Top events for your calendar.

(Courtesy of Lisa Marie)

Thank you to Lisa Marie for sharing this photo of flowers in bloom Alton.

“Particularly fond of these beauties my dear mom and I are tending to this year! We picked them up right here in our backyard yard in Alton, NH at a local nursery. With the help of the rain and sunshine they are turning out magnificent!” Marie said.

Your turn! What does New Hampshire look like where you are today? Send us your favorite local photos by replying to this email or clicking the button below. We’d love to feature your snapshots!

Related: The 6 best places to rock climb in New Hampshire

⚖️ More than a quarter of New Hampshire’s federal court cases now involve immigrant detainees fighting to be heard …

According to a new analysis, 27% of the state’s federal court caseload consists of immigrant detainees challenging their detention, with many arguing they have been denied the due process protections guaranteed by the Constitution. Granite Post

⚓ Meanwhile, New Hampshire’s ports director has been cleared of wrongdoing following a workplace investigation …
An outside review found no evidence that Ports Director Richard Hartley violated agency policies, despite complaints about his workplace behavior. The Pease Development Authority said Hartley will receive additional leadership training to improve communication and workplace culture. New Hampshire Public Radio

🚧 Elsewhere, drivers in Merrimack should expect more delays as a major road project continues …
Construction is ramping up on the long-awaited Daniel Webster Highway improvement project, with lane closures and traffic disruptions expected as crews work to improve one of the town’s busiest corridors. WMUR

💰 And finally, a former New Hampshire gubernatorial candidate has admitted to running a $50 million investment fraud scheme …
Businessman Jay Lucas pleaded guilty to securities fraud, wire fraud, money laundering, and investment adviser fraud after prosecutors said he operated a Ponzi scheme that diverted investor money to personal expenses and his wife’s skincare company. Lucas also owned the now-defunct Claremont Eagle-Times, where employees reported bounced paychecks before the newspaper shut down last year. Valley News

A series of small waterfalls located in the southeastern corner of the town of Bartlett, New Hampshire, near the village of North Conway in the White Mountain National Forest. (Tophyross79/ Wikipedia)

By USA Today via Reuters Connect 

Travel + Leisure listed the best waterfall in each state in 2026, naming one Granite State locale near North Conway as the best waterfall in New Hampshire.

“Diana’s Baths is composed of multiple levels of rocky pools and chutes that filter into kid-friendly swimming holes,” Travel + Leisure said.

Here’s why it’s the best:

🚶It’s an easy hike. The waterfall is just a 0.6-mile walk from the parking lot, making it an easy option for families and casual hikers.

💦 You can swim there. Diana’s Baths is made up of cascading waterfalls, rocky pools, and shallow swimming holes that are perfect for cooling off on a hot day.

🌲 It’s in the White Mountains. The scenic spot is located in White Mountain National Forest near North Conway.

🪵 It has a bit of history. The site was once home to a sawmill operated by a local family in the 1800s.

🕕 It’s open daily. Visitors can typically access the area from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., though hours may vary seasonally.

🚗 Parking is inexpensive. It costs $5 per vehicle to park at the self-service kiosk. Walking in is free.

President Donald Trump’s primetime July 16 speech called into question election security. 

Trump unveiled heavily redacted classified documents he said showed Chinese influence, a US intelligence cover-up, and election fraud in Michigan. But there’s no evidence of his claims.

So this week’s question is:

How confident are you that New Hampshire’s election process is fair and secure?

Here’s what you’re saying:

“Very confident!” — Katharine Webster

“I have complete confidence in our election system, particularly in small towns where everyone knows almost everybody else, at least by sight. Any errors that might occur would probably arise from computer malfunction and be discovered by human supervisors. The concern about elections is a manufactured issue for political purposes.” — JoAnn Carlson

“Anyone who is worried about the security of NH elections should volunteer to be an election observer. They would be reassured pretty quickly!” — Louise Palmer 

(Google My Maps)

🎪 Cheshire Fair
Swanzey, July 30–Aug. 2
Enjoy one of New Hampshire’s classic agricultural fairs with livestock, rides, exhibits, entertainment, competitions, and fair food.
More info

🎈 44th Annual Suncook Valley Hot Air Balloon Rally
Pittsfield, July 31–Aug. 2
Watch colorful hot air balloons launch throughout the weekend, along with family-friendly activities and entertainment.
More info

🍴 10th Annual Southern NH Food Truck Festival
Milford, Aug. 1–2
Sample food from dozens of food trucks, enjoy live music, local vendors, breweries, a kids zone, and family entertainment.
More info

🥁 Naticook’s Passaconaway Memorial Pow Wow
Litchfield, Aug. 1–2
Celebrate Native American culture with traditional drumming, dancing, artisans, food, and family-friendly activities.
More info

🚶 16th Annual Granny D Memorial Walk
Dublin to Peterborough, Aug. 1
Walk approximately 6.2 miles in honor of democracy advocate Doris “Granny D” Haddock before joining the Democracy Festival.
More info

🗳️ 2026 Democracy Festival
Peterborough, Aug. 1
Enjoy live music, speakers, kids’ activities, food, and community events celebrating democracy.
More info

🍺 Wyman Tavern Brew Fest
Keene, Aug. 1
Sample regional craft beer, cider, and spirits while enjoying food, live music, and the historic Wyman Tavern grounds.
More info

🌶️ New England Hot Sauce Festival
Portsmouth, Aug. 1
Taste hot sauces from around New England, meet makers, and enjoy spicy food and entertainment.
More info

🎧 Silent Disco at the Pope Memorial Library
North Conway, Aug. 1
Dance with wireless headphones while choosing from multiple music channels at this all-ages, substance-free event.
More info

🎨 93rd Annual Craftsmen’s Fair
Newbury, Aug. 1–9
Browse hundreds of juried artisans, watch demonstrations, enjoy live music, food, and mountain views.
More info

🎤 Blank Space: The Unofficial Taylor Swift Tribute
Moultonborough, Aug. 1
Experience a live tribute recreating Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour with music, costumes, choreography, and visuals.
More info

🐻 Animal Encounter Series: New Hampshire Wildlife
Waterville Valley, Aug. 2
Meet native New Hampshire wildlife during free live presentations by Squam Lakes Natural Science Center naturalists.
More info

🐄 Belknap County 4-H Fair
Belmont, Aug. 1–2
Enjoy livestock shows, exhibits, demonstrations, and family-friendly agricultural activities.
More info

🪑 69th Annual NH Antiques Show
Manchester, Aug. 6–8
Browse museum-quality antiques from dealers across New England at one of the region’s premier antique shows.

More info

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Katy Savage with a story from USA Today via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.

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