County Budget Pressure: Grafton County is proposing a $60.5 million FY27 budget, up 5%, with the biggest drivers being higher nursing home costs (more residents, staffing gaps, pricier overnight coverage) and a larger Department of Corrections population. Public Safety Hoax: Littleton police say there are no suspects yet in a Friday “swatting” hoax that triggered a major response after reports of shots on Main Street—police say there’s no threat to the public. Education Alarm: Researchers warn of a “learning recession” as NH students’ test scores lag further behind a decade ago, with reading still not bouncing back even as math improves. Health Policy Fight: A mental health and Medicaid debate is heating up, including pushback over work requirements and concerns that changes could put 31,000 NH seniors and disabled residents at risk. Environment & Farming: A neonicotinoid pesticide hearing is back in focus, with lawmakers and advocates pressing the Pesticide Control Board to act as lake-quality concerns mount. Higher Ed Labor: UNH graduate contract talks are now in their 18th month, with a “People’s State of the University” event spotlighting budget cuts and stalled negotiations.