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A Gallup and West Health study reveals a growing crisis: nearly one in four Americans cant afford their prescriptions, leading to skipped doses and worsening health. The issue disproportionately affects those with chronic conditions, with one in ten adults reporting a loved ones death due to unaffordable treatment. The study underscores the urgent need for policy changes to address rising drug prices.

Concords new solar array, despite promising cheaper electricity, highlights energy transition challenges. Once a pine grove, the lands unsuitability for nursery stock led to its use for solar. However, the project faced delays due to local opposition and outdated zoning laws, costing the region nearly a decade of affordable, clean electricity. Soft costs like permitting and community acceptance have become significant hurdles. Red states with fewer regulations have seen solar booms. Concords arrays, powered by net-metering, benefit municipal and nonprofit organizations, but state law prevents companies from participating, slowing further solar expansion.

Concords school district faces a significant budget overrun for special education and related student services, with projections now at eight million dollars, three million more than initially planned. This increase is not isolated to Concord, but the district is experiencing a more accelerated trend over the last two years. The rising costs are due to an increase in students needing significant support and higher service provision expenses. A major factor is the cost of professional services, with contractors hired to work in schools now projected to be four point three million dollars, more than double the original budget. The main drivers behind the increased need for services are mental health challenges and autism, with a twenty-six percent jump in autism cases in the state.

NASAs Europa Clipper spacecraft embarks on a six-year journey to Jupiters icy moon, Europa, to determine its potential for life. The mission, launched from Cape Canaveral, will conduct detailed studies of Europas subsurface ocean using advanced instruments, aiming to understand its depth, salinity, and habitability.

The Crimson Tide football teams standout players shine in Division One Central All-Conference honors. Junior running back Colin Savard, named Offensive Player of the Year, led with over fifteen hundred yards and eighteen touchdowns. Sophomore Jax Diachenko, first-team tackle, protected Savard and quarterback Rhys Craigue. On defense, seniors Travis Dunbar and Gabe Menchion, along with sophomores Ethan Dunbar and Edison Harerimana, earned first-team and second-team honors. Rhys Craigue, Tim Fahnbulleh, Cody Haskell, Jack Gfroerer, and Ben Ryder received honorable mentions for their significant contributions.

Kick off 2026 with literary events at Gibsons Bookstore! Sally Cragin discusses Llewellyns Two Thousand Twenty-Six Moon Sign Book on Jan 13, offering moon cycle tips for gardening and home decor. Gray Fitzgerald presents Capitalism Converts Christianity on Jan 15. Jenna Blum and Edwin Hill discuss Murder Your Darlings on Jan 20, a thriller about love, loss, and deadlines. Kelly Scarboroughs debut Butterfly Games is explored on Jan 21 with Laura Knoy. Kristi DeMeesters Dark Sisters is discussed on Jan 27, blending horror and historical fiction. Engage with new stories and authors as the new year begins!

Meet Kate McGuire, a Dunbarton artist specializing in hand-painted, wood-burned jewelry. Using balsa wood, she creates lightweight, unique pieces inspired by everyday life. Kate believes art is a powerful form of expression, with no right or wrong. She advises aspiring artists to step away if ideas arent flowing. Discover more of her work on Facebook under Moonlit Sky Creations.

Monadnock Community Hospital and Catholic Medical Center have made a significant impact on healthcare education by donating specialized ultrasound machines to NHTI-Concord’s Community College. This generous act allows students in medical imaging programs to gain practical experience with professional-grade equipment, a rare opportunity as hospitals typically trade in older systems. The new machines, praised for their exceptional image quality, have become student favorites and are instrumental in their training. This donation underscores the local medical facilities understanding of the importance of training the next generation of sonographers, with NHTI boasting a one hundred percent employment rate for its healthcare program graduates.

Concord Chorale Announces Scholarship Recipients: Kiara Robidas and Corin Batchelder The Concord Chorale has awarded the Peggy Senter Concord Chorale Scholarship Award to Kiara Robidas and Corin Batchelder, each receiving a five hundred dollar scholarship for voice lessons at the Concord Community Music School. This annual award, established in 2022, honors Peggy Senters legacy as founder and executive director of the music school for 37 years. Recipients also enjoy complimentary concert tickets, fostering their growth and connection to the local music scene.