This year’s most-read stories reflect what readers cared about most, from local decisions and developments to seasonal events and new additions around the state. Ranked by engagement, this list highlights what readers found most timely, useful, and worth returning to.
10. Preserving the Endangered Piping Plover This July 4th
This article explained why Hampton Beach canceled summer fireworks to protect the endangered piping plover. Nesting directly on the sand at Hampton and Seabrook beaches, the birds are especially vulnerable to noise and disruption during breeding season. Even small-scale fireworks can cause adults to abandon nests, leaving chicks exposed. The piece also outlined simple ways beachgoers can help support conservation while still enjoying the coast.
9. Collectible Tags Brings Pokémon Passion to Manchester
Collectible Tags opened as Manchester’s first Pokémon-exclusive card shop and quickly became a hub for local fans. The store offers graded cards, vintage rarities, sealed packs, and fresh inventory sourced from shows around the country. Regular tournaments and trade nights turned it into more than a retail space. For readers, it highlighted how a niche hobby can build a strong local community.
8. Raising Cane’s Opens First New Hampshire Location in Manchester
Raising Cane’s made its New Hampshire debut with a new location in Manchester. The March grand opening brought giveaways, music, and community donations to Manchester Proud and the New Hampshire Food Bank. With a simple chicken-centric menu and a two lane drive thru, the restaurant is built for both speed and convenience. This occasion marks a new hot spot for quick lunches, late nights, and first time Cane’s fans.
7. Upcoming Opening Weekend for the Londonderry Flea Market
The Londonderry Flea Market returned for the season, bringing shoppers back to its expansive outdoor grounds. Running from April through October, the market blends weekend yard sellers with season-long vendors offering vintage items, handmade goods, and unexpected finds. Pet friendly policies, food vendors, picnic areas, and wagon rentals make it an easy day trip. The market has become a reliable spot to hunt for deals and enjoy a classic New Hampshire weekend.
6. 8 Trunk-or-Treats Around New Hampshire to Explore This Halloween
This roundup highlighted trunk-or-treat events happening in and around Concord this past Halloween. The events offered families a safe and festive alternative to traditional trick-or-treating. Each local event paired decorated trunks with candy, costumes, and entertainment. The guide helped parents plan ahead by breaking down dates, locations, and special features for each stop. For many readers, it became a go-to resource for mapping out a full October of spooky fun.
5. New Hampshire to End Annual Vehicle Inspections Starting in 2026
New Hampshire drivers learned this year that annual vehicle safety inspections will end in 2026, a major policy shift approved as part of the state budget. The change–which passed by a single vote in the House–was framed by supporters as a way to cut costs and reduce government mandates. Critics of the policy warned it could put more unsafe vehicles on the road and reduce funding for transportation projects. The article broke down how the repeal happened, what it means for drivers, and why the decision sparked such strong debate across the state.
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4. Where to Find Nintendo Switch 2 in New Hampshire: 10 GameStops to Visit
The launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 sent gamers across New Hampshire scrambling for a console after preorders sold out almost immediately. This guide broke down what’s new with Nintendo’s latest system along with prices. It then zeroed in on where local fans might still have a shot at buying one. By outlining GameStop’s pre-ring events, store policies, and specific locations to check, the article helped readers plan their best launch-day strategy.
3. Pokémon Center Vending Machines Arrive in NH: A New Way to Catch ‘Em All
Pokémon fans across New Hampshire got a surprise this year with the arrival of Pokémon Center vending machines inside select Shaw’s supermarkets. The machines offer trading card products at standard retail prices, giving collectors an easier way to buy cards without competing with scalpers. For many readers, it highlighted a small but exciting way Pokémon continues to show up in everyday places.
2. Angel Trees in New Hampshire: How to Help Local Families This Season
The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program returned through its partnership with Walmart, offering residents a direct way to support families during the holidays. The article explained how to adopt an Angel in-store or online while preserving dignity for parents and caregivers. Registry data showed where needs were greatest across the state. It also placed Angel Tree within the organization’s broader year-round work.
1. Legal Hurdles Continue to Delay Steeplegate Mall Redevelopment
The ongoing delay of Concord’s Steeplegate Mall redevelopment became the most-read story of the year. Plans to replace the aging mall with a mixed-use development stalled amid lawsuits from remaining tenants, most notably JCPenney. The article traced how court orders, property disputes, and safety concerns have kept demolition on hold. For many readers, it captured the uncertainty surrounding one of the city’s most visible properties.
A Year in Review
This year’s most-read stories reflected a strong interest in local change, community spaces, and decisions that directly affect daily life. As new developments continue and familiar debates carry forward, these topics are likely to shape the conversations readers return to in the year ahead.