Good morning, Nashua.

Southern New Hampshire will host a busy first weekend of August with events including the 43rd Annual Hot Air Balloon Rally in Pittsfield from August 1 to 3, the 9th Annual Southern NH Food Truck Festival in Milford on August 2 and 3, Concord’s First Friday, Nashua’s Bad Art Night on August 1, and a Yarn Gnome Making class in Manchester on August 2. Upcoming events include Nashua’s Puzzle Race today, Mahrajan from August 15 to 17, and Glendi from Sept. 12 to 14 — offering many choices for local family fun.

Senator Maggie Hassan recognized dental hygienists Myra Nikitas and Mary Duquette as Granite Staters of the Month for providing free dental care to Nashua children.

They started Sealing Smiles Across and Traveling Tooth Fairies, programs that have helped 1,500 students get treated—efforts expected to expand to more schools soon.

Police said Stephen Field, 39, was arrested Monday night after a crash on Route 101 near Exeter and that a welfare check at a Newmarket apartment found his girlfriend Kylie Fritz, 38, dead from a gunshot, with a judge holding him in jail until a hearing next month.

The FBI Boston Division warned New Englanders that scammers are making unsolicited calls claiming to be law enforcement to steal personal information and money—recipients should hang up and report these calls immediately.

The Executive Council confirmed Caitlin Davis as the new Department of Education commissioner with a four-year term ending in 2029 on Wednesday.

Davis worked in the department for 15 years + earned praise from Gov. Kelly Ayotte and councilors for her fair, data-driven approach+ during the confirmation hearing.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said today that the interest rate is held at 4.3% for the fifth time this year—an action intended to keep the nation ready for shifts in the economy.

Local financial expert Sean Tole said the decision means borrowing costs remain steady for consumers even as high credit card rates push many to pay off debt quickly.

State Rep. Heath Howard, 25, launched his campaign for Congress in New Hampshire's 1st District on Wednesday morning, saying he will focus on universal health care, free college tuition, affordable housing and a living wage—efforts driven by his own experience with a debilitating back injury in his teens. He is running for the House seat vacated by Chris Pappas, who is now a candidate for the U.S. Senate.

Graphic Design Bootcamp

9 a.m. — 20 Trafalgar Square, Nashua, NH — Course fees apply — Gain hands-on experience in graphic design tools and techniques at this intensive bootcamp.

Crokinole League Night

6-8 p.m. — Spyglass Brewing Company — Free entry — Engage in fast-paced Crokinole matches while enjoying craft brews in a friendly atmosphere.

Modern Calligraphy Workshop for Beginners

6:30-8 p.m. — Courtyard Nashua — Ticket required — Explore the art of modern calligraphy and take home your own beginner's kit.

Salem Town Forest Hike & Lunch Outing

10 AM – 1 PM — Salem Town Forest — Free entry — Explore scenic trails followed by a relaxed lunch at a local spot.

Crokinole League Night

6-8 p.m. — Spyglass Brewing Company — Free entry — Engage in competitive and social Crokinole play with fellow enthusiasts in a fun brewery setting.

The Hot Sardines Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Nashua Center for the Arts — Tickets available — Experience the lively vintage jazz sounds reminiscent of 1920's Paris, New Orleans, and New York.

Crokinole League Night at Spyglass Brewing Company

6-8 p.m. — Spyglass Brewing Company — Free entry — Engage in thrilling Crokinole matches during this summer league night.