Housing & State Funding: Gov. Kelly Ayotte and the Executive Council approved more than $5 million to support over 300 new rental units across New Hampshire, including $1.7 million in American Rescue Plan funds and $3.5 million in state dollars routed through Invest NH. Courts & Access to Counsel: NH courts are piloting a new way to verify defendants’ income for court-appointed attorneys by checking wage records with Employment Security, starting in two courthouses. Public Safety & Justice: The state will seek a court order “very soon” to force reopening of the Northern Rail Trail in Andover after a resident blocked access with concrete barriers. Policy Fight at the State House: Supporters and opponents of Ayotte’s “bathroom bill” made their case again as the governor weighs another veto decision. Youth Services Oversight: DHHS asked the Executive Council to extend a $1.3 million contract for temporary youth counselors at the Sununu Youth Services Center, even as staffing gaps persist amid abuse investigations. Local Crime: Police say a Keene murder-suicide left a 70-year-old woman and her 72-year-old husband dead. Sports & Community: Caroline Harvey, a New Hampshire native, was selected first overall in the PWHL draft by the Vancouver Goldeneyes.