New Hampshire Public Radio
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New Hampshire Public Radio
@nhpr.org
· Jan 15
Hello Bluesky! 🦋 We're New Hampshire Public Radio, a NPR member station covering the Granite State. Follow along for breaking news from New Hampshire and NPR, feature stories, moose sightings and more!
Gov. Kelly Ayotte released new documents that she says her office requested from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security about a planned ICE facility in Merrimack.
The move came after Ayotte disputed a top ICE official's claims about the state's involvement in those plans. https://bit.ly/4au35Sb
The move came after Ayotte disputed a top ICE official's claims about the state's involvement in those plans. https://bit.ly/4au35Sb
NH News Recap: Ayotte releases DHS documents on proposed Merrimack ICE site
At a Senate hearing Thursday, acting ICE director Todd Lyons told New Hampshire Sen. Maggie Hassan that his agency has been in contact with the governor about the plan for a detention facility in Merr...
bit.ly
February 13, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Gov. Kelly Ayotte released new documents that she says her office requested from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security about a planned ICE facility in Merrimack.
The move came after Ayotte disputed a top ICE official's claims about the state's involvement in those plans. https://bit.ly/4au35Sb
The move came after Ayotte disputed a top ICE official's claims about the state's involvement in those plans. https://bit.ly/4au35Sb
At an oversight hearing in Washington today, under questioning from Sen. Maggie Hassan, acting ICE Director Todd Lyons said the agency isn’t backing away from its plans in Merrimack amid local opposition. https://www.nhpr.org/nh-news/2026-02-12/ayotte-ice-merrimack-detention-facility-immigration-dhs
Ayotte denies ICE director’s claim federal officials talked to her about Merrimack facility
During a senate hearing Thursday, acting ICE director Todd Lyons said federal officials spoke with the governor about the facility's economic impact. Gov. Kelly Ayotte said his comments were not true.
www.nhpr.org
February 13, 2026 at 12:33 AM
At an oversight hearing in Washington today, under questioning from Sen. Maggie Hassan, acting ICE Director Todd Lyons said the agency isn’t backing away from its plans in Merrimack amid local opposition. https://www.nhpr.org/nh-news/2026-02-12/ayotte-ice-merrimack-detention-facility-immigration-dhs
“Corrections is often seen as a little bit of a stepchild in law enforcement,” said William Hart, who took over the New Hampshire Department of Corrections last year as it was navigating major challenges.
“That is completely misplaced. Corrections is law enforcement.” https://bit.ly/4aLYXyg
“That is completely misplaced. Corrections is law enforcement.” https://bit.ly/4aLYXyg
Six months into job, NH Corrections leader eager to tackle big challenges
Former U.S. Marshal William Hart was appointed by Gov. Kelly Ayotte in August 2025 to be commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Corrections.
bit.ly
February 12, 2026 at 10:20 PM
“Corrections is often seen as a little bit of a stepchild in law enforcement,” said William Hart, who took over the New Hampshire Department of Corrections last year as it was navigating major challenges.
“That is completely misplaced. Corrections is law enforcement.” https://bit.ly/4aLYXyg
“That is completely misplaced. Corrections is law enforcement.” https://bit.ly/4aLYXyg
New Hampshire will appeal last month’s court order directing the state’s vehicle inspection program to continue.
State files intent to appeal vehicle emissions testing decision
A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction late last month ordering New Hampshire to take steps to continue vehicle testing beyond the sunset date for annual car inspections in order to comply wi...
www.nhpr.org
February 12, 2026 at 9:16 PM
New Hampshire will appeal last month’s court order directing the state’s vehicle inspection program to continue.
A dummy rooster provided a “simulated opponent” for the game fowl Scott raised and trained on her 15-acre property. Officers recovered sparring muffs, nine of them, and an egg incubator, according to court documents.
The living evidence: 76 roosters, 84 hens and 261 juvenile chickens.
The living evidence: 76 roosters, 84 hens and 261 juvenile chickens.
NH woman who trained and traded roosters for multistate cockfighting venture sentenced
A woman from Chester, NH, pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of Attending an Animal fighting Venture and was sentenced to a year of probation and ordered to pay a $2,500 fine on Friday, according...
www.nhpr.org
February 12, 2026 at 8:12 PM
A dummy rooster provided a “simulated opponent” for the game fowl Scott raised and trained on her 15-acre property. Officers recovered sparring muffs, nine of them, and an egg incubator, according to court documents.
The living evidence: 76 roosters, 84 hens and 261 juvenile chickens.
The living evidence: 76 roosters, 84 hens and 261 juvenile chickens.
Does New Hampshire need an official state doughnut? 🍩
Some students think so. And they're making the case on behalf of an autumnal favorite. https://bit.ly/3M5Kbcm
Some students think so. And they're making the case on behalf of an autumnal favorite. https://bit.ly/3M5Kbcm
Batter up: Nashua students pitch the apple cider donut as the 'official doughnut' of NH
A group of fourth-graders from Nashua drafted a bill to recognize the fried sweet treat as the official doughnut of New Hampshire.
bit.ly
February 12, 2026 at 7:08 PM
Does New Hampshire need an official state doughnut? 🍩
Some students think so. And they're making the case on behalf of an autumnal favorite. https://bit.ly/3M5Kbcm
Some students think so. And they're making the case on behalf of an autumnal favorite. https://bit.ly/3M5Kbcm
New leaders were recently tapped to take over two state agencies: the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, and the Department of Economic and Business Affairs.
The Department of Transportation will also soon replace its longtime commissioner. https://bit.ly/4rDcspu
The Department of Transportation will also soon replace its longtime commissioner. https://bit.ly/4rDcspu
New leadership in place at multiple NH state agencies
Agencies that oversee everything from business development to state parks to bridges in New Hampshire will have new leadership appointed by Gov. Kelly Ayotte.
bit.ly
February 12, 2026 at 6:04 PM
New leaders were recently tapped to take over two state agencies: the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, and the Department of Economic and Business Affairs.
The Department of Transportation will also soon replace its longtime commissioner. https://bit.ly/4rDcspu
The Department of Transportation will also soon replace its longtime commissioner. https://bit.ly/4rDcspu
Another month, another record in the Seacoast’s pricey real estate market.
The median sales price of Seacoast single-family homes exceeded the $1 million threshold in January for the first time. https://bit.ly/3Mkk6X4
The median sales price of Seacoast single-family homes exceeded the $1 million threshold in January for the first time. https://bit.ly/3Mkk6X4
Seacoast home prices smash records as the median price tops $1 million
Twenty-five single-family homes in the New Hampshire Seacoast sold for at least $1 million, according to the Seacoast Board of Realtors.
www.nhpr.org
February 12, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Another month, another record in the Seacoast’s pricey real estate market.
The median sales price of Seacoast single-family homes exceeded the $1 million threshold in January for the first time. https://bit.ly/3Mkk6X4
The median sales price of Seacoast single-family homes exceeded the $1 million threshold in January for the first time. https://bit.ly/3Mkk6X4
Good news: Our locally produced music shows are now available on Mixcloud! 🎸🪩
This means you can now listen back to The Folk Show with Kate McNally, Live from the Word Barn and past episodes of Saturday Request Live anytime. https://bit.ly/4toJMCs
This means you can now listen back to The Folk Show with Kate McNally, Live from the Word Barn and past episodes of Saturday Request Live anytime. https://bit.ly/4toJMCs
NHPR Music
NHPR Music is on Mixcloud. Listen for free to their radio shows, DJ mix sets and Podcasts
bit.ly
February 11, 2026 at 10:20 PM
Good news: Our locally produced music shows are now available on Mixcloud! 🎸🪩
This means you can now listen back to The Folk Show with Kate McNally, Live from the Word Barn and past episodes of Saturday Request Live anytime. https://bit.ly/4toJMCs
This means you can now listen back to The Folk Show with Kate McNally, Live from the Word Barn and past episodes of Saturday Request Live anytime. https://bit.ly/4toJMCs
Daniel Will was confirmed to the New Hampshire Supreme Court by the Executive Council in a 4 to 1 vote Wednesday, overcoming concerns from some conservative activists about Will’s previous legal work during the COVID-19 pandemic. https://bit.ly/4cocpcS
Daniel Will confirmed to NH Supreme Court
Will, a superior court judge and former solicitor general, will fill a seat vacated by Justice Anna Barbara Hantz Marconi.
bit.ly
February 11, 2026 at 10:03 PM
Daniel Will was confirmed to the New Hampshire Supreme Court by the Executive Council in a 4 to 1 vote Wednesday, overcoming concerns from some conservative activists about Will’s previous legal work during the COVID-19 pandemic. https://bit.ly/4cocpcS
🎶 Tune in on Feb. 13 for a special program from ClassicalNH, "A Beautiful Symphony of Brotherhood: A Musical Journey in the Life of Martin Luther King, Jr." https://bit.ly/4ti3sb4
A Beautiful Symphony of Brotherhood: A Musical Journey in the Life of Martin Luther King, Jr.
In this hour-long special from WQXR and WNYC, host Terrance McKnight interweaves musical examples with Dr. King's own speeches and sermons to illustrate the powerful place that music held in his work-...
bit.ly
February 11, 2026 at 9:16 PM
🎶 Tune in on Feb. 13 for a special program from ClassicalNH, "A Beautiful Symphony of Brotherhood: A Musical Journey in the Life of Martin Luther King, Jr." https://bit.ly/4ti3sb4
Participants in this year's field test of the 2030 census may be asked about their U.S. citizenship status, the Trump administration revealed last week.
Trump officials propose testing a citizenship question amid a push to alter the census
The Trump administration proposes to include a question about U.S. citizenship status in this year's field test of the 2030 census, as Republicans push to alter the counts behind voting maps.
www.nhpr.org
February 11, 2026 at 8:12 PM
Participants in this year's field test of the 2030 census may be asked about their U.S. citizenship status, the Trump administration revealed last week.
The bipartisan bill is sponsored by legislative leaders from both parties, who say creating safety recommendations for candidates, campaigns and the public could help ensure presidential campaigning here retains a face-to-face feel in an age of growing political violence.
Trail safety: Lawmakers mull plan for a security task force for 2028 presidential primary
The plan's backers say sharing public safety guidance would protect state political traditions at a time of rising political violence. But a top law enforcement official says the bill could do more ha...
www.nhpr.org
February 11, 2026 at 7:08 PM
The bipartisan bill is sponsored by legislative leaders from both parties, who say creating safety recommendations for candidates, campaigns and the public could help ensure presidential campaigning here retains a face-to-face feel in an age of growing political violence.
U.S. Rep. Maggie Goodlander says a grand jury has reportedly rejected an attempt by federal prosecutors to indict her and five other Democratic lawmakers for their role in a video urging members of the military to reject illegal orders. https://bit.ly/4aJ0mFQ
Goodlander says grand jury refused to indict her and other Democrats over ‘illegal orders’ video
Goodlander and five other congressional Democrats appeared in a video in November 2025 urging military and intelligence members to not carry out illegal orders – those at odds with the U.S. Constituti...
bit.ly
February 11, 2026 at 6:04 PM
U.S. Rep. Maggie Goodlander says a grand jury has reportedly rejected an attempt by federal prosecutors to indict her and five other Democratic lawmakers for their role in a video urging members of the military to reject illegal orders. https://bit.ly/4aJ0mFQ
State and federal transportation officials will construct a tunnel for pedestrians and cyclists under a new roadway near the Exit 4A project on Interstate 93 in Derry, resolving a lawsuit brought by cycling advocates.
NH DOT agrees to build tunnel for cyclists under new road crossing in Derry
A federal judge ordered the state to follow its original tunnel design last year, after a group of rail trail advocates sued over a proposed redesign they considered unsafe.
www.nhpr.org
February 11, 2026 at 5:00 PM
State and federal transportation officials will construct a tunnel for pedestrians and cyclists under a new roadway near the Exit 4A project on Interstate 93 in Derry, resolving a lawsuit brought by cycling advocates.
With snow on the ground, and possibly more to come, it might be tempting to daydream about warmer days ahead by getting your seeds started indoors. But Emma Erler, lead horticulturist at Kirkwood Gardens and host of Homegrown NH, says it’s important to pay attention to timing.
Homegrown NH: How to know when to start seeds indoors
Anticipate planting tender flowers and vegetables in the garden around Memorial Day and count backwards depending on the seed.
www.nhpr.org
February 10, 2026 at 10:20 PM
With snow on the ground, and possibly more to come, it might be tempting to daydream about warmer days ahead by getting your seeds started indoors. But Emma Erler, lead horticulturist at Kirkwood Gardens and host of Homegrown NH, says it’s important to pay attention to timing.
Through different mediums, storyteller Baratunde Thurston has explored how people relate to their communities, nature and most recently technology. He spoke with NHPR’s All Things Considered host Julia Furukawa about what it means to be civically engaged in this current moment.
‘Democracy is something we do’: Baratunde Thurston on how to create the future we want
As a writer, speaker, and storyteller, Thurston has explored the importance of the relationships people have with their communities, nature and most recently, technology like AI.
www.nhpr.org
February 10, 2026 at 9:16 PM
Through different mediums, storyteller Baratunde Thurston has explored how people relate to their communities, nature and most recently technology. He spoke with NHPR’s All Things Considered host Julia Furukawa about what it means to be civically engaged in this current moment.
The Trump administration sued New Hampshire, seeking access to its voter data.
State attorneys are now trying to dismiss the case, saying it “is neither supported by any viable legal theory nor by well pleaded facts.” https://bit.ly/46Cdav5
State attorneys are now trying to dismiss the case, saying it “is neither supported by any viable legal theory nor by well pleaded facts.” https://bit.ly/46Cdav5
State pushes back against Trump’s ‘unprecedented’ demand for NH voter data
In court filings, state election officials and privacy advocates say the Trump administration's demand for unredacted voter files runs afoul of the law.
bit.ly
February 10, 2026 at 8:12 PM
The Trump administration sued New Hampshire, seeking access to its voter data.
State attorneys are now trying to dismiss the case, saying it “is neither supported by any viable legal theory nor by well pleaded facts.” https://bit.ly/46Cdav5
State attorneys are now trying to dismiss the case, saying it “is neither supported by any viable legal theory nor by well pleaded facts.” https://bit.ly/46Cdav5
Firearms manufacturer Sturm, Ruger & Co., which is the town of Newport's largest employer, announced layoffs last week.
The company produces some of its pistol models, most of its revolvers, and some of its rifle models in Newport, according to its 2024 financial disclosures. https://bit.ly/4a8aNCG
The company produces some of its pistol models, most of its revolvers, and some of its rifle models in Newport, according to its 2024 financial disclosures. https://bit.ly/4a8aNCG
U.S. gunmaker Sturm, Ruger & Co. confirms job cuts at its Newport facility
Sturm, Ruger & Co., commonly known as Ruger, has firearms production facilities in Newport, New Hampshire, as well as plants in North Carolina and Arizona. Its headquarters are located in Southport, C...
bit.ly
February 10, 2026 at 7:08 PM
Firearms manufacturer Sturm, Ruger & Co., which is the town of Newport's largest employer, announced layoffs last week.
The company produces some of its pistol models, most of its revolvers, and some of its rifle models in Newport, according to its 2024 financial disclosures. https://bit.ly/4a8aNCG
The company produces some of its pistol models, most of its revolvers, and some of its rifle models in Newport, according to its 2024 financial disclosures. https://bit.ly/4a8aNCG
Nuclear power faced major opposition in New Hampshire in the 1970s. Today, Gov. Kelly Ayotte wants to make the state the face of nuclear innovation.
Here's what it would take to make that happen. https://bit.ly/4rFDe0E
Here's what it would take to make that happen. https://bit.ly/4rFDe0E
Ayotte wants to bring more nuclear power to New Hampshire. How would that work?
Nuclear power faced major opposition in New Hampshire in the 1970s. Half a century later, Ayotte wants to make the state the face of nuclear innovation.
bit.ly
February 10, 2026 at 6:04 PM
Nuclear power faced major opposition in New Hampshire in the 1970s. Today, Gov. Kelly Ayotte wants to make the state the face of nuclear innovation.
Here's what it would take to make that happen. https://bit.ly/4rFDe0E
Here's what it would take to make that happen. https://bit.ly/4rFDe0E
Gov. Kelly Ayotte has again vetoed a bill that would allow transgender people to be excluded from restrooms and other spaces that don’t match their sex at birth.
She rejected a similar bill last year, calling it "overly broad and impractical to enforce." https://bit.ly/3M05gVB
She rejected a similar bill last year, calling it "overly broad and impractical to enforce." https://bit.ly/3M05gVB
New Hampshire’s ‘bathroom bill’ vetoed for the third time
The Republican-backed bill sought to create exceptions to the state’s antidiscrimination law, which protects people from discrimination on the basis of “gender identity” and other characteristics. Gov...
www.nhpr.org
February 10, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Gov. Kelly Ayotte has again vetoed a bill that would allow transgender people to be excluded from restrooms and other spaces that don’t match their sex at birth.
She rejected a similar bill last year, calling it "overly broad and impractical to enforce." https://bit.ly/3M05gVB
She rejected a similar bill last year, calling it "overly broad and impractical to enforce." https://bit.ly/3M05gVB
A federal judge heard opening arguments Monday in a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of a 2024 state law that requires first-time voters in New Hampshire to show proof of U.S. citizenship when they register. https://bit.ly/4amumWu
Trial begins over fate of NH’s proof-of-citizenship voter law
A 2024 state law requires first-time registrants to show a passport, birth certificate or naturalization papers to vote in New Hampshire. Critics say it creates unnecessary burdens for legitimate vote...
bit.ly
February 9, 2026 at 10:20 PM
A federal judge heard opening arguments Monday in a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of a 2024 state law that requires first-time voters in New Hampshire to show proof of U.S. citizenship when they register. https://bit.ly/4amumWu
“[Gleaning] is biblical,” said Kathy Parker, one of the group’s assistant coordinators. “Gleaning is the act of going to a farmer's field and gathering the excess that's left behind that's still edible.”
Leave no crop behind: NH gleaners fight food insecurity, food waste at the same time
The Hillsborough County Gleaners serve about 6,000 families each week. They say demand has surged in recent months.
www.nhpr.org
February 9, 2026 at 9:16 PM
“[Gleaning] is biblical,” said Kathy Parker, one of the group’s assistant coordinators. “Gleaning is the act of going to a farmer's field and gathering the excess that's left behind that's still edible.”
Mayra Vaca Latacunga was among more than 200 people arrested in Maine during an immigration enforcement surge last month.
"I begged them to help with my daughter, but they didn't listen," she said. "My daughter was left at school alone, and they didn't care at all." https://bit.ly/3Mvk66z
"I begged them to help with my daughter, but they didn't listen," she said. "My daughter was left at school alone, and they didn't care at all." https://bit.ly/3Mvk66z
A mother in Biddeford reunites with her daughter after ICE arrest, but their future remains uncertain
The federal immigration surge in Maine that led to more than 200 arrests last month has ended, but for many families the fallout is just beginning.
bit.ly
February 9, 2026 at 8:12 PM
Mayra Vaca Latacunga was among more than 200 people arrested in Maine during an immigration enforcement surge last month.
"I begged them to help with my daughter, but they didn't listen," she said. "My daughter was left at school alone, and they didn't care at all." https://bit.ly/3Mvk66z
"I begged them to help with my daughter, but they didn't listen," she said. "My daughter was left at school alone, and they didn't care at all." https://bit.ly/3Mvk66z
“I come to decisions not based on my own views or personal positions, but on what governing law requires,” Daniel Will, Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s nominee to serve on the New Hampshire Supreme Court, said during a recent hearing before the Executive Council. https://bit.ly/45Uls1d
Daniel Will, nominee for NH Supreme Court, makes case before Executive Council
Will is currently a state superior court judge. He faced questions Friday over his judicial philosophy and past work defending Gov. Sununu’s COVID-era restrictions on public gatherings.
bit.ly
February 9, 2026 at 7:08 PM
“I come to decisions not based on my own views or personal positions, but on what governing law requires,” Daniel Will, Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s nominee to serve on the New Hampshire Supreme Court, said during a recent hearing before the Executive Council. https://bit.ly/45Uls1d