New Hampshire
Collaboration over division: Addressing New Hampshire’s misguided criticism of Lowell
As Mayor of Lowell, Massachusetts, I find it deeply disappointing that Governor Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire chose to single out Lowell and Lawrence in her recent tweet about drug trafficking. Rather than fostering the collaboration and shared responsibility necessary to address regional challenges, the governor has instead opted to unfairly target our communities while turning a blind eye to her state’s own issues. Let’s be clear: drug trafficking is a national and regional problem, not one confined to specific cities or states, and no community is immune. New Hampshire, it’s time to look in the mirror.
Lowell is a city that has long been a beacon of innovation, resilience, and progress. We are home to world-class universities like UMass Lowell, a thriving arts and cultural scene, cutting-edge technology companies, and a diverse and hardworking community. Our schools are preparing the next generation of leaders, and our local businesses are driving economic growth. From our revitalized downtown to our nationally recognized parks and waterways, Lowell has been steadily building a bright future for all its residents. To suggest that our city is defined by the actions of a few bad actors is both ignorant and disrespectful.
Furthermore, let me take a moment to recognize the incredible progress and vitality of our neighbors in Lawrence. The City of Lawrence is rich in culture, history, and community spirit. Its residents have demonstrated remarkable strength and innovation, contributing meaningfully to the Merrimack Valley and beyond. The truth is, both Lowell and Lawrence are communities full of promise, and they deserve to be uplifted, not disparaged.
What’s even more troubling about Governor Ayotte’s remarks is the glaring omission of accountability for New Hampshire’s own challenges. It is no secret that Manchester has become a hub for drug activity, drawing individuals from Vermont, northern New Hampshire, and even parts of Maine. Pointing fingers at other cities without acknowledging the trafficking issues in your own backyard is not only hypocritical but counterproductive.
Rather than casting blame, we should be working together across state lines to combat the opioid crisis and support those who need help. Regional collaboration, shared resources, and compassionate policies are the only ways we can truly address this crisis. Scapegoating neighboring cities like Lowell and Lawrence does nothing to move us forward.
Lowell’s success is built on community, collaboration, and a commitment to progress. We will not allow one misguided comment to tarnish our reputation or detract from the incredible work being done here. I invite Governor Ayotte to visit Lowell and see firsthand the innovation, diversity, and vibrancy of our city. Perhaps then she will understand that we are not a problem to be feared but a partner to be embraced.
In the meantime, I encourage New Hampshire to focus on its own challenges and work with its neighbors to find real solutions. Divisive rhetoric will not solve the opioid crisis—only unity and collaboration will.
This editorial is in response to the following tweet from Governor Kelly Ayotte: “It’s time for drug dealers from Lowell and Lawrence to be afraid of trafficking their poison into our state. New Hampshire law enforcement will find you, stop you, and lock you up.”
New Hampshire
Abandoned Camper Fire On South Main Street Knocked Down By Concord Fire And Rescue Teams
CONCORD, NH — The Concord Fire Department is investigating the cause of a camper fire on South Main Street late Friday night.
Around 11:30 p.m., fire and rescue teams were sent to South Main Street, not far from Langdon Avenue, for a report of a camper on fire. Dispatch said it was unknown if anyone was inside or if the camper was abandoned.
“We have a couple of calls on it,” a dispatcher said. “It’s fully involved.”
A few minutes later, the fire was confirmed, and firefighters worked to extinguish it. The battalion commander confirmed no one was inside, and it appeared to be abandoned. Dispatch said, if they recalled correctly, the camper had been there for “quite a while.”
News 603 posted videos from the scene on Facebook here:
And here:
The bulk of the fire was knocked down after about 20 minutes, with firefighters overhauling and dealing with “the hot spots.”
Not long after the overhaul update, firefighters were sent to a business on South Main Street, near the camper fire, in response to a report of an alarm activation.
After investigating, there did not appear to be an activation at the business, a commander said. Later, dispatch said the alarm appeared to restore itself automatically. Firefighters cleared the scene of the business alarm just after midnight on Saturday.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire may see rare Atlas V rocket launch. Here’s when to look
A 20-story tall, 1.3 million-pound Atlas V rocket will blast off from Florida this weekend, and Granite Staters waking up very early might able to see it if the clouds in the sky don’t cover it.
Teams with United Launch Alliance are prepping for the Atlas V rocket launch, the fifth Amazon Leo constellation mission. Liftoff is planned at 3:53 a.m. ET Sunday, March 29, 2026, from Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Pending weather conditions and cloud cover, the Atlas V-Amazon Leo predawn launch could be visible from Florida to New England, according to ULA. That is, if their city falls on the ULA Atlas V rocket launch visibility map (see below), and if they’re awake at the time of liftoff.
The Atlas V rocket will be equipped with five solid rocket boosters to launch the next batch of Amazon Leo broadband satellites (previously referred to as Project Kuiper) into low-Earth orbit, giving a great show to those watching.
However, weather could disrupt viewing, as the New Hampshire area on the visibility map is set for isolated snow showers before 10 p.m. on Saturday night as well as partly cloudy skies, the National Weather Service said.
Here’s what to know about ULA Atlas V rocket launch visibility from New Hampshire.
When will ULA Atlas V launch?
The United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket will launch from Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida in the early morning hours on Sunday, March 29. The 29-minute launch window will begin at 3:53 a.m.
The visibility map provided by ULA shows about when and where your best chances are to see the rocket as it streaks northeasterly into space.
Will New Hampshire be able to see the ULA Atlas V launch
New Hampshire, specifically just outside Concord, New Hampshire, falls in the semi-outer periphery of the visibility area for the ULA Atlas V rocket launch, according to ULA’s visibility map.
Estimated visibility will occur at launch +330 seconds, or about five minutes and 30 seconds, following the launch in Florida. However, viewing chances depend on weather conditions, and Concord, New Hampshire is currently set for isolated snow showers before 10 p.m. and then partly cloudy skies on Saturday night into Sunday morning, according to the National Weather Service. This might block visibility, as clear skies are essential for best views.
What is ULA Atlas V?
United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V rocket is a spacecraft with five solid rocket boosters that will send a batch of Amazon Leo broadband satellites into outer space, to low-Earth orbit.
How can you follow along live?
FLORIDA TODAY will offer live coverage via a live webcast with live tweets and updates for the rocket launch.
New Hampshire
Tiger Woods arrested on suspicion of DUI, authorities say
JUPITER ISLAND — Tiger Woods showed signs of impairment Friday at the scene of a car crash in which he struck another vehicle and rolled his Land Rover, authorities said.
Woods was arrested on suspicion of DUI. The Martin County Sheriff’s Office said Woods was not injured.
The crash occurred just after 2 p.m. not far from where Woods lives on Jupiter Island.
Woods’ manager at Excel Sports did not immediately respond to a text message seeking information.
This was at least the third time Woods has been involved in a car crash, most recently in February 2021 when his SUV ran off a coastal road in Los Angeles at a high rate of speed, leading to multiple leg and ankle injuries. Woods said later doctors considered amputation.
Woods has played 11 tournaments since that 2021 crash, not finishing closer than within 16 shots of the winner the four times he finished 72 holes.
He also was arrested on a DUI charge in 2017 when south Florida police found him asleep behind the wheel of his car that was parked awkwardly with damage to the driver’s side. Woods said he had taken a bad mix of painkillers. He later pleaded guilty to reckless driving.
Woods won his fifth Masters, and 15th major, in 2019. He has 82 wins on the PGA Tour, tied for the all-time record with Sam Snead.
Woods, 50, had been working his way back to golf from a seventh back surgery in September. He had not decided whether he could play in the Masters on April 9-12.
His last official tournament was the British Open in 2024. Woods ruptured his Achilles tendon in March 2025 and that kept him off the course all season even before the back surgery. He managed to play in his indoor TGL golf league on Tuesday night.
He has kept deeply involved in PGA Tour affairs as chairman of the Future Competition Committee that is restructuring the model of the tour.
Woods also faced a soft deadline at the end of the month to decide whether to become U.S. Ryder Cup captain for the 2027 matches in Ireland. Woods was offered the job for the last Ryder Cup and did not turn it down until June. The PGA of America wants a decision much sooner this time.
Copyright 2026 NPR
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