“The World Cup should be a moment when the world comes together through sport to celebrate our diversity and an international competition, but because of inaction, it could put waves of international travelers at grave risk.” — Elizabeth Sweet, executive director of MIRA, via GBH.

The FIFA World Cup tournament kicks off June 11. 

Some Foxborough, Massachusetts, homeowners are renting out their lawns for parking, and Gillette Stadium will temporarily be called Boston Stadium during the tournament to comply with FIFA’s strict no-advertising rules.

Wondering which teams are coming to Foxborough? Check out this guide.

Here are some quick hits this morning:

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

📸 June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month!

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

⚽ Your World Cup guide 

📢 Question of the week: How do you feel about New Hampshire’s primary moving from September to June?

🗓 Top events for your calendar

(Courtesy of Angel Robinson)

A shoutout to Angel Robinson, who snapped this photo at Market 32 in Brattleboro.

Angel shared a message for Men’s Mental Health Month: “June is Men’s Mental Health Month. Too often, people say men only receive flowers after they’re gone. Maybe this month we can change that—take a walk on a nature trail, pick a few flowers, and brighten someone’s day.”

Got a photo you’d like to share with fellow readers? Send it my way by clicking the button below. 

🫎 New Hampshire researchers are launching a new effort to save the state’s struggling moose population from a tiny but deadly threat …

A new $1.2 million study will investigate whether logging practices could help reduce the spread of winter ticks, parasites that can number in the tens of thousands on a single moose and are a leading cause of death for calves. Scientists hope the research could reveal new ways to protect the state’s iconic animals, whose numbers have declined significantly over the past two decades. New Hampshire Bulletin

🏥 And at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, officials are expanding support for pregnant patients battling substance use disorder …

The hospital is using $900,000 in federal funding to create an inpatient treatment program inside its birthing pavilion. The initiative will include specialized withdrawal treatment rooms and expanded staff training. Valley News

⚽ As New England prepares to host World Cup matches, immigrant advocacy groups are warning international visitors to plan ahead and understand their rights …

More than 120 organizations have signed onto advisories cautioning travelers that visas do not guarantee entry into the United States and warning of potential immigration enforcement, electronic device searches, and other screening measures at ports of entry. Advocates say the warnings are intended to help visitors navigate travel requirements ahead of the tournament. GBH

Join COURIER and 3.14 Action on June 11 for Facts vs. Fiction: The Fight for Science in American Democracy.

Misinformation isn’t just noise. It’s shaping policy decisions that determine who can afford care, which communities are protected, and how our government responds to real-world risks.

This live conversation will examine what’s at stake when facts are ignored and how science-informed leadership has shaped policy on healthcare, climate, agriculture, and public health. At a moment when institutions and public trust are under attack, we’ll explore what happens when decision-making is driven by evidence, what it takes to rebuild trust, and why scientific integrity is essential to democracy.

Stay tuned for more speaker announcements, and don’t miss this conversation.

By Katy Savage

Soccer fans across New Hampshire won’t have to travel to Boston or spend hundreds on World Cup tickets to be part of the action this summer. Several bars, pubs, and soccer organizations are hosting watch parties throughout the tournament.

Here’s where to watch the tournament in New Hampshire:

⚽ June 12 ⚽

Manchester, Watch Party

Shoppers Pub & Eatery, Manchester
The New Hampshire Soccer Project is hosting a US Men’s National Team watch party as Team USA opens its World Cup campaign.

Portsmouth, Opening Match Party
Liars Bench Beer Company, Portsmouth
Watch Team USA take on Paraguay with a live DJ, local beer, vintage apparel vendors, and fellow soccer fans. Doors open at 7 p.m. with kickoff at 9 p.m.

Lebanon, USA Watch Party
Salt Hill Pub, Lebanon
Salt Hill will have the match on all big screens with surround sound for Team USA’s opener against Paraguay.

⚽ June 13 ⚽

Dover Watch Party
June Cork Pub, Dover
New Hampshire’s American Outlaws chapter, NHSCOT, is hosting a World Cup watch party at one of the state’s most soccer-friendly pubs.

⚽ June 19 ⚽

Manchester Watch Party
The Shaskeen Pub & Restaurant, Manchester

Join New Hampshire Soccer Project supporters as Team USA returns to action. The watch party begins at 3 p.m.

Bethlehem Family Watch Party
Rek-Lis Brewing Company, Bethlehem
The New Hampshire Soccer Project’s “Pints and Pints” event features the USA-Australia match, activities for kids, Super Secret Ice Cream, and fundraising for the Boys & Girls Club of the North Country.

Newport Watch Party
Salt Hill Pub, Newport
NHSCOT heads to Newport for another Team USA gathering during group-stage play.

⚽ June 24 ⚽

Hooksett Watch Party
NE Taphouse Grille, Hooksett
Fans can join NHSCOT for another World Cup watch party as the tournament heats up.

⚽ June 25 ⚽

Manchester Watch Party
Shoppers Pub & Eatery, Manchester
The New Hampshire Soccer Project returns to Manchester for another US Men’s National Team watch party.

Lebanon USA Watch Party
Salt Hill Pub, Lebanon
Cheer on Team USA against Turkey. Salt Hill will once again feature the match on all big screens with surround sound.

⚽ July 19 ⚽

World Cup Final Viewing Party
BNH Stage, Concord
Watch the championship match on a massive 30-foot screen. Admission is free, but tickets are required. Food, drinks, giveaways, and a stadium-like atmosphere.

Watch All Tournament Long

⚽ Nashua: The Peddler’s Daughter
The downtown Irish pub is running World Cup specials and promotions throughout the tournament.

⚽ Rochester: Revolution Taproom & Grill
Large-screen TVs and more than 40 taps make this a solid option for catching matches throughout the World Cup.

⚽ Hanover: Buddy T’s Grill & Sports Bar
Ten TVs and a classic sports-bar atmosphere.

Related: Best Seacoast bars to watch the World Cup? Here are 17 favorites for soccer fans

Starting in 2028, New Hampshire’s state primary will move from September to June after years of bipartisan efforts to change one of the nation’s latest primary dates. Supporters say the earlier primary will give candidates more time to campaign before the general election, while critics worry a summer election could lead to lower voter turnout.

So this week’s question is:

How do you feel about New Hampshire’s primary moving from September to June?

Here’s what you’re saying:

“I’m afraid that the primary in June will have a lower turnout due to the beginning of the school vacation and other summer activities. I guess it will depend on whether or not people find it easier to get to the polls then. Fingers crossed!” — JoAnn Carlson

1. 🎻 Avaloch Chamber Music Festival
Boscawen, June 11-13
A festival of chamber music, lectures, discussions, and farm-to-table dining centered on the theme of light and dark, featuring internationally acclaimed musicians and guest speakers.
More info

2. 📖 America’s Birthday Story Walk
Etna, through June 21
Enjoy a self-guided outdoor story walk celebrating America’s birthday along the scenic trails behind the Etna Library. Available daily and free to the public.
More info

3. 🎨 Sparrow Plein Air Festival
Middlebury, Vermont, June 12-14
Artists of all ages and skill levels gather for three days of outdoor painting, demonstrations, workshops, exhibits, and family-friendly activities throughout downtown Middlebury.
More info

4. 🐦 Spot the Songbird Bingo
Holderness, June 13
Learn to identify local birds by sight and sound during a guided birding walk featuring a bingo-style wildlife challenge. Free; registration required.
More info

5. 🚗 Annual Keene Outdoor Craftfest & Classic Car Exhibition
Keene, June 13
Browse handmade crafts, artisan goods, and a display of classic and muscle cars during this community event celebrating creativity and automotive history.
More info

6. 🌳 Tree of Independence Festival
Portsmouth, June 13 
Celebrate the 250th birthday of Portsmouth’s historic chestnut tree with special exhibits, commemorative items, treats, and family-friendly activities.
More info

7. 🛠️ MakeIt Fest 2026
Nashua, June 13 
A free maker festival featuring hands-on demonstrations, robotics competitions, local artisans, interactive exhibits, tours, and family activities.
More info

8. 🌸 Maine Iris Annual Flower Show
Auburn, Maine, June 13 
See award-worthy iris, peony, and hosta displays, vote for your favorites, and shop plants at this free annual flower show.
More info

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

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