A Life: Roz Finn ‘was very much for standing up for what she believed in’

By JOHN LIPPMAN

SOUTH STRAFFORD — On Memorial Day last month, more than two dozen people gathered at the corner of Route 132 and Justin Morrill Highway in South Strafford holding up signs to passing traffic.

NH man thought a decade-old misdemeanor was behind him. Then he took a vacation in Europe and was detained by ICE on his return.

By PHILIP EIL

Fabian Schmidt had no control over the light.

Universal EFA program sees 2,000 applications in first week of expansion

By JEREMY MARGOLIS

Two thousand new students applied to New Hampshire’s Education Freedom Account program during the program’s first week without an income eligibility cap, according to the program’s administrator.

Statehouse negotiators reach deal on mandatory minimums for some drug crimes in NH

By JOSH ROGERS

A months-long push to stiffen penalties for fentanyl crimes in New Hampshire appears back on track.

Vermont regulators approve a trimmed increase to 2026 health insurance premiums for large employers

By HABIB SABET

The Green Mountain Care Board approved double-digit increases to the premium rates that Vermont’s biggest health insurance provider can charge large employers next year.

Upper Valley cooling stations open amid heat wave

WHITE RIVER JUNCTION — With temperatures predicted to rise to the mid-90s across the region in the coming days, health officials are warning residents to take precautions.

Upper Valley School Notes: Teens receive Eagle Scout honor

Sebastian Bujarski, of Lyme, and Brady Sloop, of Thetford, were awarded their Eagle Scout rank in a Court of Honor Ceremony at the Lyme Congregational Church earlier this month. In order to obtain the rank of Eagle Scout, scouts must complete a community service project, according to a news release from Lyme’s Troop 273, of which both graduating seniors have been part of together since they were in third grade. Sloop repaired and improved a Peace Garden located at Thetford Academy along trails that are used by the Cross Country team and community members. He graduated from Thetford Academy this spring and will study nursing at the University of Vermont this fall on a four-year, Army ROTC nursing scholarship. Bujarski renovated a campsite in the Lyme Town Forest. He graduated from Hanover High School this spring and will study mechanical engineering at Northeastern University this fall.

‘Black history is American history’ — Community members celebrate Juneteenth in White River Junction

WHITE RIVER JUNCTION — Vermont State Sen. Joe Major, D-Hartford, hugged the Rev. Leon Dunkley of the North Universalist Chapel Society in Woodstock, while welcoming him to the podium during a Juneteenth Celebration at Lyman Point Park on Saturday.

Hartford High graduates celebrate beauty and the possibility of a better world

By MARION UMPLEBY

HARTFORD — Like many of the group rituals that punctuate a person’s life, high school graduations offer a moment’s pause at the crossroads of past and future.

Amazon CEO tells employees that AI will shrink its workforce

By CAROLINE O’DONOVAN

Amazon chief executive Andy Jassy told employees in a Tuesday memo that he expects artificial intelligence to thin their ranks, reducing headcount at what is now the United States’ second-largest private employer.

Vermont outdoor company Orvis to cut 4% of its workforce, citing tariff woes

By HABIB SABET

The Vermont-based outdoor gear and apparel company Orvis plans to lay off 4% of its workforce by the end of the year, the company said Wednesday. 

As Canadians stay home, Vermont’s tourism industry is paying the price for Trump’s rhetoric

By HABIBSABET

Hill Farmstead has always had a hardcore contingent of Canadian fans. But even the award-winning brewery is facing boycotts from Quebecers frustrated with the Trump administration. 

Kenyon: Dartmouth retaliates against Black alumni group for questioning college’s protest narrative

By JIM KENYON

The Black Alumni of Dartmouth Association has long been a valuable ally for the college. BADA, as it’s known, assists with the recruitment of Black students and helps fuel the college’s nonstop fundraising machine.

Three Upper Valley entrepreneurs aim to build community through new coffee shops

By MARION UMPLEBY

STRAFFORD — Before this year, Phoebe Mix had no experience running a cafe.

Grafton County sheriff provides limited insight into immigration collaboration

By EMMA ROTH-WELLS

HAVERHILL — The Grafton County sheriff appears reluctant to provide information about her department’s collaboration with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Even other county officials say they’re in the dark.

Ayotte vows NH budget veto unless cuts restored, putting lawmakers in a bind

By ETHAN DEWITT

Gov. Kelly Ayotte vowed Thursday to veto the New Hampshire budget unless lawmakers reverse cuts to health care services, education, and retirement benefits — plunging the spending agreement into uncertainty as it enters its final stretch.

Attorney General: New Hampshire could receive up to $30 million for opioid treatment and prevention from Purdue settlement

By YAA BAME

New Hampshire could receive up to $30 million over the next ten years from a settlement with PurduePharma and its owners, the Sackler family, according to state Attorney General John Formella.

‘He died loving you’ — Jesse Sullivan sentenced in murder of half-brother Zackary

By CATHERINE McLAUGHLIN

While his older brother, Jesse, was in prison, Zackary Sullivan used to send him his allowance. Even as a kid, he wanted to share everything he had with the people he loved.

Despite a rift between the NH House and Senate, Ayotte gets her ‘bell-to-bell’ school phone ban

By ETHAN DEWITT

For Gov. Kelly Ayotte, banning cellphone use in schools has been a day one priority.

Paving project will close I-89 ramps at two Lebanon exits on Sunday night

LEBANON — Interstate 89 ramps at Exit 17 northbound and southbound, and Exit 19 southbound in Lebanon will be closed Sunday night, according to the New Hampshire Department of Transportation.