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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.”
A surprise Democratic frontrunner has emerged in an early poll of New Hampshire voters ahead of the 2028 presidential election.
Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg came out on top in the Granite State Poll of likely Democratic Party primary voters, released on Monday.
Buttigieg garnered 19% support in the poll, the New York Post reported.
Buttigieg in the poll topped California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has for months been the favorite in legal betting markets to land the 2028 Democratic Party nomination for president.
Newsom finished second in the Granite State Poll, with 15% support.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) captured 14% in the poll, with former Vice President Kamala Harris at 11%.
Buttigieg, Newsom, AOC and Harris were the only candidates who garnered double-digit support in the poll.
Other candidates getting support in the poll included Sen. Bernie Sanders at 8% and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker at 6%.
Buttigieg is the most popular of the Dem contenders, with an 81% favorability rating.
That outpaces Newsom’s 58% favorability rating, which was good for fourth place in that category, behind Buttigieg, Sanders and AOC.
The Granite State Poll showed GOP Vice President JD Vance far ahead of the field for the 2028 Republican Party presidential nomination.
Vance got the support of 51% of likely GOP primary voters in New Hampshire.
Vance also leads the pack with a 77% approval rating, according to the poll.
Vance has for months also been the far-and-away leader on legal gambling sites for the 2028 GOP presidential nod.
Finishing a distant second in th Granite State Poll was former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, with 9%. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard got 8% in the survey.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, touted by President Donald Trump as the ideal vice-presidential running mate for Vance, polled 5% in the Granite State survey.
Rubio’s 58% favorability rating is second only to Vance’s in the poll, however.
The 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution precludes Trump from seeking a third term in office.
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A woman was found dead near a construction site in Derry, New Hampshire, on Monday, police said, asking for help identifying her.
There was no indication of foul play in the death of the woman, whose body was reported by workers about 1:25 p.m. on Birch Street near Rockingham Road, according to Derry police.
The woman was seen on video days before walking to the area alone, apparently sick or impaired, police said. She stumbled and fell as she walked past a retention pond and landed near it.
The location is hard to see from a nearby business and driveway, according to police.
They described her as being about 45 to 50, with dark blond, slightly longer than shoulder-length hair. She wore a black sweatshirt, a floral skirt about mid-thigh length and grey sneakers, but no purse, cellphone or ID.
Anyone with information about the woman’s identity was asked to call Derry police at 603-432-6111.
NORTH HAMPTON, N.H. (WPRI) — A Providence man was injured Sunday morning after a box truck crashed on I-95 south in North Hampton, New Hampshire.
According to New Hampshire State Police, the truck veered off the road just before 9:30 a.m., traveling about 50 feet down an embankment before crashing into the tree line.
First responders cut through the trees to reach the driver, who was trapped inside the cab. He was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries.
State police said the highway was closed for about five hours as crews cleared the scene.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information is asked to contact Trooper Alison J. Baumbach at (603) 223-4381 or Alison.J.Baumbach@dos.nh.gov.
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