New Hampshire

At the Democratic National Convention, breakfast isn’t just bacon and eggs – The Boston Globe

Published

2 years ago

August 22, 2024

At the Democratic National Convention, breakfast isn’t just bacon and eggs – The Boston Globe

At the national party conventions, state delegation breakfasts are in part organizational events, where weary state party staffers hand out credentials and preview the day’s schedule, not unlike camp counselors rallying their adult wards for the day. But the gatherings also offer revealing glimpses at political up-and-comers, who spend their early-morning hours with the party faithful they will need to secure higher office down the line. Their remarks are typically brief — sometimes funny, sometimes heartfelt, always laudatory of the state they’re addressing. For strong speakers, they end in standing ovations.

Savvy politicos make the rounds, moving with discipline from hotel ballroom to hotel ballroom and often hitting multiple breakfasts per day. Not all 50 are created equal: The A-list speakers pay particular attention to battlegrounds, influential delegations, and, of course, the early nominating states that could decide their fates should they pursue the presidency.

That elite status was clear this week for humble New Hampshire, with a breakfast speaker line up that included many of the party’s buzziest names. Vermont’s breakfast may have had maple syrup shots, but its New England neighbor heard from a who’s who of the party’s up and comers, including some who have run for president before or are looking to in the future, and some who were under consideration to serve as Harris’s running mate. Delegates enjoyed bacon, eggs, and potatoes as speakers addressed them from a podium flanked by inflatable coconut trees, an apparent tribute to the now-famous Harris line.

Not every state got the same attention. Shapiro was on the schedule to speak to a Massachusetts breakfast on Thursday, but did not appear. He did not miss his appointment with the New Hampshire delegation Wednesday morning, though.

The status of the state’s first-in-the-nation primary is uncertain on the Democratic side, after the national party pushed it later in the nominating calendar and New Hampshire rebelled. But the early contest, and the outsize power it gives this state of just 1.4 million people, was nonetheless at the center of the conversation.

“Speaking of New Hampshire, the primary is back!” laughed retiring New Hampshire Congresswoman Annie Kuster as she introduced Booker to the delegation on Thursday morning.

“I’m like, it’s home,” Booker said as he took the podium to applause. “I just love your state. I spent so much time there — I don’t know if you all know this, I ran for president in 2020.”

Ten minutes later, the crowd was on its feet applauding him, and state party chair Raymond Buckley had to chastise attendees for lining up for selfies and delaying the rest of the stacked program.

“You know, Cory Booker’s been to New Hampshire about 455 times, and he’s coming back,” Buckley chided.

For some of the state’s youngest delegates, access to the party’s future stars has been a highlight of the convention.

“Who’s gonna be there in ‘28, and who’s gonna be there in ‘32, and how many meals have we already had with them?” laughed Samay Sahu, a 20-year-old Dartmouth student. “Have I met them already? Have we taken a selfie?”

New Hampshire is “small” but “mighty,” Sahu added, crediting the primary for its political power.

Khanna, the California congressman seen as having presidential ambitions, attended more than a dozen state delegation breakfasts this week. A prominent poster near the New Hampshire delegation’s breakfast buffet thanked its sponsors; Khanna was at the top, and he was one of the few sponsors who did not live in the Granite State.

“I have gone to Michigan, to Pennsylvania, Wisconsin,” Khanna told reporters on Tuesday, naming a slate of battleground states as he spoke about the importance of introducing delegates to “the next generation of talent.”

“It’s about getting the right economic message for the party and figuring out what the right message is to win in the fall and going and talking to delegates, talking to people across the breakfasts, helps you figure that out,” he said.

And does the ambitious congressman have particular affection for the first-in-the-nation primary state?

“I love New Hampshire because it’s a state that values ideas. It’s a state that values retail politics,” Khanna said. He added that he has long been a supporter of New Hampshire’s first-in-the-nation primary, “and I’m pretty confident that it’ll have a big role going forward.”

Paying extra attention to states such as New Hampshire is nothing new in national politics. It was a similar scene at the Republican National Convention last month in Milwaukee, where onetime presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy sponsored a breakfast for the state, his smiling face featured on posters outside the room. The state’s Republican delegation heard from Ramaswamy and Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders.

Bill Shaheen, husband of Senator Jeanne Shaheen and DNC committeeman for New Hampshire, said in an interview after breakfast Thursday that his state “has a tradition of being involved and being active, and I think we can help give these people who want to run for president guidance.”

Sahu, who introduced Boston Mayor Michelle Wu when she addressed the New Hampshire breakfast earlier this week, said he was “bawling” when they heard from Buttigieg, whom he reveres.

“The thing is, even though we’re seeing them, and I get to be, what, two feet away from Wes Moore, it’s almost not that big of a deal,” Sahu added. “Because he’s gonna come back to New Hampshire.”

Emma Platoff can be reached at emma.platoff@globe.com. Follow her @emmaplatoff.

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New Hampshire

New Hampshire teacher resigns after alleged inappropriate communication with students online

Published

8 hours ago

April 17, 2026

Press Room

New Hampshire teacher resigns after alleged inappropriate communication with students online

A Salem, New Hampshire High School teacher has resigned after allegations of inappropriate interactions with students on social media.

“Definitely surprised. It just kind of hurts because he was a very liked teacher,” said senior Thomas Mallous.

The district confirmed that the Salem Police Department has been notified and that a criminal investigation is underway.

In a statement, Superintendent Maura Palmer said parents of students directly affected were notified immediately. The broader school community was informed of the teacher’s resignation on April 14.

Parents described the situation as troubling.

“I think it’s inappropriate,” said parent Inna Gacevic. “I think we need to be careful with our kids on social media, definitely. I have kids on social media, but I make sure that we don’t interact with teachers outside of school in that way.”

The Salem School District has a strict social media policy for staff. According to the policy, teachers are prohibited from “friending” students or sharing social media content unrelated to academic work.

Community members say those rules are critical but acknowledge the challenges of enforcement.

“It’s hard to keep track of that,” another parent said. “We can’t know what every teacher is doing outside of school or what every student is doing,but I think, for ethical reasons, as a teacher, you don’t do that.”

Mallous said interactions between teachers and students on social media should be off-limits. “It should be rule number one of being a teacher never interact with your students online,” Mallous said. “It’s just not acceptable.”

Officials have not released additional details about the investigation.

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New Hampshire

11 Off-The-Beaten-Path Towns In New Hampshire

Published

20 hours ago

April 16, 2026

Press Room

11 Off-The-Beaten-Path Towns In New Hampshire

New Hampshire is covered with forests and greenery, and many of its off-the-beaten-path towns sit right in the middle of it all. Waterville Valley is one such town, set against the White Mountains with Corcoran Pond, year-round outdoor recreation, and a tiny population of just 520 people. New Castle and Woodstock have the added advantage of gorgeous water views, with New Castle overlooking the Piscataqua River and Woodstock tracing the Lost River. Of New Hampshire’s many tiny towns, the 11 below offer some of the best glimpses of small-town living in the state.

Waterville Valley

Corcoran Pond, Waterville Valley, New Hampshire.

It doesn’t get more off-the-beaten-path than Waterville Valley, with only one road in and out. The road through the town ends at the spectacular White Mountains. Although Waterville Valley’s population is less than 1000, it swells to 6,000 in winter for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities, including the NH Special Olympic Winter Games in March. Summer trails include hiking and biking, as well as boating, fishing, and swimming. Waterville Valley’s own trail network offers excellent access to the surrounding landscape, while Corcoran Pond and the nearby White Mountain scenery make it easy to enjoy the outdoors in every season.

The authors of the popular Children’s Curious George books, former residents of Waterville Valley, founded the Rey Cultural Center, which focuses on art, science, and nature education through its many exhibits and programs.

Watch spectacular sunsets from Corcoran Pond and appreciate the beauty of seclusion.

New Castle

Off the coast of New Hampshire lies a town on an island. Originally named Great Island, New Castle is the only town in the state completely on an island. It provides stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and panoramic vistas of the Piscataqua River. History buffs will particularly enjoy exploring New Castle. Notable sites include Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse, Fort Stark Historic Site, and Great Island Common, although Fort Constitution is currently closed for repairs.

Ashland

Located on the southern edge of the White Mountains and surrounded by the beautiful lakes region, Ashland is a charming town full of delightful surprises. Visitors can explore the historic Whipple House Museum, built in 1837 and once home to Dr. Whipple, as well as the Pauline E. Glidden Toy Museum, showcasing charming toys from the 1800s collected by Glidden. Don’t miss the Ashland Railroad Station Museum and the picturesque Squam River Covered Bridge, which are among the town’s beloved historic landmarks.

For outdoor enthusiasts, there’s plenty to enjoy! Whether you’re hiking, biking, or engaging in water activities, Squam Lake, the Whitten Woods Trailhead, and the stunning White Mountain National Forest offer endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation.

Woodstock

Initially, Woodstock served as a hub for the logging industry until 1911. In 1905, tourism emerged as a vital part of Woodstock’s economy thanks to its pristine setting in the White Mountains. Today, the town draws many visitors who come to explore and enjoy its charming, off-the-beaten-path atmosphere. Discover the raw power of nature and breathtaking landscapes at Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves by walking along the wooden boardwalk through the gorge alongside the Lost River. Jagged rock formations, massive boulders, cascading waterfalls, a treehouse, and a suspension bridge invite every adventurer.

The Woodstock Inn Brewery offers backstage passes for guests to learn about the brewing process, live music, and spectacular igloo dining experiences. Another standout winter attraction in Woodstock is Ice Castles, a seasonal experience featuring ice slides, caverns, archways, crawl tunnels, and illuminated frozen sculptures.

Colebrook

In the Great North Woods Region is Colebrook, a stunning small town off-the-beaten path to relax and revive the body and mind. The town has preserved its centuries-old history by restoring and maintaining the architecture, historical markers, like the Coos Trail marker, and old-town ambiance. Magnificent buildings, such as the Citizen’s Bank and Hicks Hardware, can be viewed when walking through the town.

Moose watching and hunting are popular activities in Colebrook. The North Country Moose Festival takes place annually on the weekend before Labor Day. Exploring the countryside and its beautiful landscapes, the Poore Family Homestead Historic Farm Museum celebrates the Poore family’s efforts toward Colebrook’s sustainability. In addition to the museum, the homestead offers picnic areas and hosts events such as field trips, demonstrations, concerts, and a six-week student program. For a closer connection to nature, the Beaver Brook Falls Wayside features hiking trails that lead to breathtaking waterfalls and lush forests.

Chichester

Chichester is a town tucked neatly off the beaten path on the Suncook River. A prominent must-see in Chichester is the 1887 Thunder Bridge, crossing the Suncook River. The Chichester Historical Society keeps its heritage alive with many documents, artifacts, and knowledge of landmarks for public interest.

Family fun in Chichester is best experienced at Chuckster’s Family Fun Park, which provides a variety of activities for all ages, including go-karts, climbing walls, ziplines, bumper boats, and batting cages. Additionally, the Chichester Town Line Trail is a gentle two-mile route offering great wildlife sightings and beautiful scenery.

Sunapee

Sunapee is a charming small town that welcomes visitors year-round. During summer, Strolling along Sunapee Harbor offers live music, shops, and dining experiences, especially at The Livery. Visitors can also take a scenic lake cruise or a dinner cruise around Lake Sunapee. In spring and fall, the area is perfect for hiking and biking, while the Adventure Park at Mount Sunapee Resort in nearby Newbury provides additional family entertainment. In winter, the mountain’s ski trails are popular among skiers.

Sunapee’s intriguing past is brought alive at the Sunapee Historical Society’s Flanders-Osborne Museum and the Sunapee Archives on Main Street. In nearby Newbury, explore The Fells, the 83.5-acre 20th-century John Hay Estate, and its six gardens.

Hinsdale

Hinsdale hosts the oldest continuously operating post office in the same building in the U.S., operating since 1816. The area spans 37 acres along the Connecticut River, featuring landmarks like the Ebenezer Hinsdale House, Fort Hinsdale, and the Ebenezer Hinsdale Farm. The site includes livestock and agricultural barns, plus a blacksmith shop. Located in the Wantastiquet Mountain Natural Area, Hinsdale offers numerous trails suitable for all skill levels. An easy trail leads to the Walter H. Child Monument and connects to Miners Ledge, which provides stunning views of the Connecticut River Valley and the Madame Sherri Forest in Chesterfield.

Hinsdale is part of the popular 13,300-acre Pisgah State Park, which offers excellent outdoor activities like hiking, biking, horse riding, bird watching, ATV and snowmobiling, and many water sports. Since it is off-the-beaten-path, far from city entertainment, Northfield Drive-In, which has entertained people since 1948, is great for a family outing.

Ossipee

Ossipee, sharing its name with the Ossipee Mountains, is a hidden outdoor haven composed of several small villages nestled in the hills. The area features Ossipee Lake, its rivers, and the mountains, offering plentiful opportunities for fishing, swimming, hiking, and skiing. At the Ossipee Historical Society’s Grant Hall Museum, visitors can see men’s and women’s clothing, a spinning wheel, a bootmaker’s stand, and Civil War artifacts. The historic Whittier Bridge, which crosses the Bearcamp River and stands as an Ossipee monument, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Campton

The Campton Falls, also known as Beebe River Falls, is a 28-foot-tall waterfall nestled amidst lush vegetation but easily accessible to visitors. It flows throughout the year, offering stunning views of this natural attraction. Campton features 18 historical markers, including sites like the Campton Congregational Church, Campton Pond and Dam, the Campton Town House, and Campton Hollow, one of the original settlements.

The town’s conservation efforts enable visitors to enjoy preserved natural areas such as Blair Woodland Natural Area, Pattee Conservation Park, and West Branch Brook Forest.

Squiggles adds entertainment to this off-the-beaten-path town. It’s more than just a store in an 1826 building that sells locally sourced products, including gifts, toys, and candies. It also hosts a vintage arcade with games like air hockey, various pinball machines, and Pac-Man, all operated with quarters. Additionally, the venue offers mini-golf and a function hall.

Shelburne

Shelburne, a small town with about 360 residents, may be off the beaten path, but it is vibrant and rich in history. Nestled along the Androscoggin River and surrounded by the White Mountains, it is part of the scenic Presidential Range Trail. The town consistently charms and impresses visitors year-round. Notable landmarks include The Shelburne Birches, which features a bronze plaque honoring military service members, and the Stone Fish, a unique piece from Mason’s 1900 stone collection that stands as an interesting landmark.

New Hampshire’s small towns, gloriously placed within luscious mountain ranges and alongside rivers and the coast, might be off-the-beaten-path, yet they offer excellent outdoor and historical activities that cannot be experienced in a city. New Hampshire is a state for all seasons: winter invites skiers to the mountain slopes, summer invites water sport enthusiasts, and spring and fall invite hikers, bikers, and rock climbers to its countless trails through dense forests, waterfalls, and covered bridges.

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New Hampshire

New details in man’s suspicious death in Laconia, NH

Published

1 day ago

April 15, 2026

Press Room

New details in man’s suspicious death in Laconia, NH

A man whose death is being treated as suspicious in Laconia, New Hampshire, was identified on Wednesday, but officials have yet to reveal many details about what happened.

The New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office identified the man found dead at an apartment on South Main Street Tuesday as John Anderson, 62.

He lived at the residence, which officers were called to for a welfare check Tuesday morning, prosecutors said Wednesday.

Anderson was due for an autopsy on Thursday, officials said. The procedure usually reveals a cause and manner of death.

Prosecutors haven’t shared more information about what’s believed to have led to Anderson’s death, or if anyone was suspected in it. But the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office has said that his death isn’t believed to be connected to the killing of a woman in Laconia, also reported on Tuesday.

State and local police were investigating what happened. Officials have said there was no known threat to the public.

Anyone with any information about the investigation was asked to call the state police tip line at 603-MCU-TIPS.

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