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Satanic Temple monument joins nativity scene in N.H. to 'avoid litigation,' city says

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Satanic Temple monument joins nativity scene in N.H. to 'avoid litigation,' city says


Alongside a nativity scene in Concord, New Hampshire, stands a new black goat-headed figure with horns holding a bouquet of lilacs, the state’s flower, and an apple.

The figure, Baphomet, is from The Satanic Temple’s New Hampshire and Vermont congregation. It was unveiled Saturday as part of Concord’s City Plaza holiday display during the month of December after The Satanic Temple received a permit for the monument.

The Satanic Temple, which opened its first official headquarters in Salem in 2016, and its members don’t view Satan as an evil figure, but as one who dared question authority. It is different from the Church of Satan. The group advocates for the separation of church and state and is known for attempting to get its one-ton goat-headed idol statue put next to the 10 Commandments monument on public grounds.

In Concord, a Bill of Rights scene installed by the Freedom from Religion Foundation is also near the nativity scene.

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The Satanic Temple has been making requests to install its monuments at holiday displays “as part a show of unity and religious pluralism,” the city said in a Facebook post. “Throughout the country, the Satanic Temple has both threatened and brought lawsuits under the First Amendment when excluded.”

In order to “avoid litigation,” the city decided to allow the display, the Facebook post stated. Otherwise, the city would have to ban all holiday displays.

“After reviewing its legal options, the City ultimately decided to continue the policy of allowing unattended displays at City Plaza during this holiday season and to allow the statue,” the city said. “It is anticipated that City Council will review next year whether permits for unattended holiday displays should be allowed at City Plaza.”

The apple in Baphomet‘s hand represents “a quest for knowledge, defiance in the face of arbitrary authority, and our commitment to self-determination,” according to Orpheus Gaur, director of the Satanic Representation Campaign. The seven tenets are also included on a plaque. They include acting with compassion, not distorting scientific facts to fit one’s beliefs and acknowledging that people are fallible.

During the unveiling, which was livestreamed on Facebook, The Satanic Temple Minister Vivian Kelly reminded people how important empathy and compassion are and reiterating some of the seven tenets.

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“Just because we’re not large in number, doesn’t mean our beliefs are less important than any of the other religions represented here,” Kelly said.



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Walk Through 3 Million Incredible Lights at New England’s Largest Holiday Light Show

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Walk Through 3 Million Incredible Lights at New England’s Largest Holiday Light Show


Have you heard of Holly Jolly Journey in Litchfield, New Hampshire?

It’s touted as “New England’s largest and most spectacular holiday light show,” and it’s just one more incredible event you should check out this Christmas season.

According to its website, Holly Jolly Journey has added a million lights for this recent season, meaning there are now over 3 million dazzling lights you can take in while walking through.

What Is Holly Jolly Journey in Litchfield, New Hampshire?

Located at Mel’s Funway Park in Litchfield, Holly Jolly Journey is a walk-through Christmas light event that spans over 2/3 of a mile and features some incredible displays all along the way.

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Some of the spectacular things you can see include Santa’s Workshop, Candy Cane Lane, Twinkly Tunnel and Teddy’s Christmas Corner, among others.

The walk is truly mesmerizingly festive.

The Holly Jolly Journey website also notes some new stuff for the 2025/26 season, including additions to almost every scene along the walk, more trees lit, more food and drink stations, a new 28-foot centerpiece, and a new indoor party suite.

When is the Holly Jolly Journey in Litchfield, New Hampshire?

According to its website, the Holly Jolly Journey takes place from the day after Thanksgiving through January 11. It is closed on Christmas Eve.

There are multiple time slots to choose from, starting at 4:30 p.m. and with the last time slot of the day being at 10 p.m. (for those late-night holiday owls).

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It should take about an hour to complete, but you can take as long as you’d like.

READ MORE: New Hampshire’s Dazzling 2-Mile Holiday Drive-Thru With 3 Million Lights Returns for 2025

Have you decided which holiday experience you should do this season? You certainly don’t have to limit yourself to one, and Holly Jolly Journey is one you might want to consider. With over 3 million lights and incredible displays on a festive walk perfect for the family, you’ll be soaking up the sparkle of Christmas in the best way possible.

You’ll also have so many Instagram-worthy pics with that glowing backdrop!

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Gallery Credit: Kira

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New Hampshire woman arrested after high-speed chase ends in crash

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New Hampshire woman arrested after high-speed chase ends in crash


DOVER, New Hampshire (WGME) — A New Hampshire woman is facing charges after reportedly speeding more than 100 miles per hour during a police chase.

New Hampshire State Police say it happened Saturday night on Route 16 in Dover.

Troopers say they tried to pull over the driver, Stephanie Dupont, but she took off at high speed.

Troopers say they followed her to Exit 3, where she veered off the road.

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After the crash, they say she jumped out of the car and tried to flee on foot.

An off-duty officer from Ogunquit happened to be near by and was able to stop her.

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Officials say Dupont suffered non-life-threatening injuries in the crash.

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Judge strikes down challenge to NH absentee voting law

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Judge strikes down challenge to NH absentee voting law


A superior court judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by a group of visually impaired New Hampshire voters who argued a newly passed absentee voter law violates the state constitution.

In a lawsuit filed this summer, the plaintiffs alleged the measure, which was backed by state Republicans, places a disproportionate burden on people with disabilities by making it harder to vote.

On Friday, New Hampshire Superior Court Judge David Ruoff dismissed the case, ruling that the new policies are reasonable.

The new law requires people requesting an absentee ballot to prove their identity in one of three ways: either mail in a photocopy of an ID, along with their ballot application; have their ballot application notarized; or show an ID at town hall prior to an election.

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In his opinion, Ruoff said, “The identification requirements impose ordinary burdens on all absentee voters, and the possibility that it may cause additional burden on a subset of absentee voters does not render the entire statute unconstitutional.”

It isn’t clear if the plaintiffs will appeal the ruling to the New Hampshire Supreme Court.

“We appreciate the Court’s recognition that the identification requirements for absentee voters are reasonable, constitutional, and consistent with New Hampshire’s long-standing election practices,” said New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella, who defended the law in court.

New Hampshire residents who vote in person are already required to show an ID at the polls when requesting a ballot. Supporters of the new law say the same safeguards should be in place for those voters who request an absentee ballot.

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