Local news in and around Durham, NH

The New Hampshire · Durham, NH

Students, locals, and candidates show up and speak out at Durham polls

DURHAM, NH - Voters, campaigners, and candidates gathered at Oyster River High School on Nov. 3 as decisions regarding the future of New Hampshire, and America were made. Among the many voters, University of New Hampshire (UNH) students were casting their ballots to weigh in on the issues that are shaping their communities. On-site campaigners were one source in which voters were exposed to the agendas of the candidates, however, the local community has become accustomed to other styles of advertising. “I don’t think you should be campaigning like ‘I hate this person, I hate that person’ I think it should be ‘I want this, this is what I’m gonna do, for you,” said Oliver Goodchild, a senior at UNH who was voting alongside other students Wednesday. These “fearmongering ads”, as labeled by Mariah Curtis, a UNH senior, have been taking over TV breaks for months leading up to the election. Students found it difficult to make decisions on candidates as a result.

Tryon Daily Bulletin · Kittery, ME

Nearby: Kittery, ME

Bicyclists have as much right to be on highways as drivers

It was a bicyclist’s worst nightmare. A group of 30 riders were making their way along Optimist Farm Road in Holly Springs, a suburb of Raleigh, a week ago when a 76-year-old man, apparently drunk, plowed into them. One cyclist was killed, and a dozen other riders were seriously injured. Donald R. Morris-Jones was arrested. He appeared in court to answer several charges, including felony death and felony hit-and-run, that could put him in prison for the rest of his life. The riders are members of the Carolina Cycling Club. The road they were riding on that day goes through a residential area. It is a wide, quiet stretch of road without much traffic. The driver crossed the center line and hit the riders head-on as they were biking in a double file to leave ample space between them and the center line. The driver continued on after striking the bikers and only stopped when he crashed his car into a ditch. He was being held on a $1 million bond.

New Hampshire Bulletin · North Hampton, NH

Nearby: North Hampton, NH

Simpson vs. Maggiore: The battle for New Hampshire House speaker heats up

This story was updated at 9:55 a.m. Nov. 12 to correct Maggiore’s hometown and add more context on his background. He’s from North Hampton, not New Hampton. After last week’s election results dramatically shifted power in the New Hampshire House, the new Democratic majority faces its first big task: picking leadership. Republicans held a 215-177 majority prior to Election Day. Once the new lawmakers elected last week are sworn in, that’ll become a 291-108 Democratic majority (including one independent), pending recounts. With their new majority, Democrats will have enough control to pick the speaker of the House for the first time in six years. The speaker has an array of responsibilities. They make committee assignments, preside over voting sessions and control how bills move through the legislative process. Rep. Alexis Simpson, who has led the caucus as minority leader since 2024, was instantly seen as a candidate for the role. But she now faces a challenge from Rep.

The New Hampshire · Rochester, NH

Nearby: Rochester, NH

Habitat for Humanity chapter builds up in Rochester and wants students to help

ROCHESTER, N.H. — A year ago, the Habitat for Humanity build site in Rochester was a foundation and a few bare frames. Today it has come together as a house with four walls, a roof, a second story, and mostly installed windows. Based on the progress already made, Habitat is projected to begin interior work before the end of the academic year. The progress has come largely through volunteer labor from various contributors and schools, including University of New Hampshire (UNH) students. Organizers say plenty remains to be done on this project. “It’s fun,” said June Demers, a longtime volunteer and overseer of the Rochester site. “I like meeting all the different people and corporations that come out. It’s also very interesting to watch the interactions between those that work together and learn each other’s skills.” Elizabeth Pollock Inside of the house under construction Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit that builds and repairs homes with the people who will live in them.

Concord Monitor · Pittsfield, NH

Nearby: Pittsfield, NH

Pittsfield fire ravages home, displacing six

An afternoon fire believed to have begun in the basement of a Pittsfield home displaced six people on Wednesday. One resident sustained minor injuries and a cat died in the blaze, according to Pittsfield Fire. The two-alarm fire broke out around 2:15 p.m. First responders rescued one resident who was inside the home, and transported her to Concord Hospital, according to Pittsfield Fire Chief Peter Pszonowsky. She was medically evaluated and cleared for release shortly after. The building’s other five residents were not home at the time. Firefighters also saved several cats and dogs from the building, but one cat did not make it out. About 10 municipalities dispatched emergency staff to the fire and knocked it down shortly after arrival, Pszonowsky said. The cause is still under investigation, Pszonowsky said, but it is currently believed to be related to the building’s basement wood stove.

Haverhill Gazette · Haverhill, MA

Nearby: Haverhill, MA

PHOTO SLIDESHOW: Haverhill vs Central Catholic Football

CARL RUSSO PHOTOS: The wild shootout with the Central Catholic Red Raiders and the Haverhill Hillies on Thursday, October 29, was for the Merrimack Valley Conference 1 title, which Central finally prevailed 43-36. 10/29/2026 Close Support our Santa Fund The Haverhill Gazette has once again partnered with the Merrimack Valley YMCA to administer the Santa Fund program. They will work with other community organizations to distribute food and gifts for the holidays throughout the readership area. Please become a part of this year’s Santa Fund by clicking "Contribute" today. Contribute Trending Recipes Most Popular Articles Images Videos Commented ArticlesNH woman arrested in Haverhill shootingTopsfield Fair crowns Peabody woman Mrs.