The Dartmouth Independent
Noah Sullivan

Noah Sullivan

Local Community Reporter

Noah Sullivan is a first-generation college student from Claremont, New Hampshire, majoring in Education. With working-class roots, he brings an honest, direct voice to his coverage of local community issues, rural perspectives, and educational equity. His writing is grounded, unpretentious, and occasionally wry.

noah@dartmouthindependent.com

Covers: Education, Local, Community, Upper Valley

Articles by Noah Sullivan (21)

Early morning fire destroys office building at Wheeler Professional Park in Lebanon
Campus

Early morning fire destroys office building at Wheeler Professional Park in Lebanon

LEBANON — An early morning fire destroyed one of three office buildings at Wheeler Professional Park on Route 10, near the Hanover town line, according to Lebanon Fire Department Chief James Wheatley. The fire, reported at about 4:25 a.m. Wednesday by “a property maintenance company that was doing work in the area,” led to a multi-department response and a defensive firefighting operation because of the building’s structural instability, Wheatley said at the scene later Wednesday morning. No injuries were reported, and nearby buildings were not damaged, according to Wheatley. Firefighters arrived within minutes of the report to find Building 2

N.H. House weighs bill to bar public colleges from banning firearms on campus
Campus

N.H. House weighs bill to bar public colleges from banning firearms on campus

New Hampshire House Republicans reintroduced legislation on Jan. 7 that would restrict public colleges and universities in the state from limiting firearm possession on campus, setting up a debate over constitutional rights, campus safety and who has the authority to regulate guns. The bill, H.B. 1739, is titled the “Protecting College Students Act.” According to its sponsor, Rep. Samuel Farrington, R-Strafford, the proposal would prohibit restrictions on firearm possession on the campuses of public New Hampshire universities. If enacted, the measure could require public institutions such as the University of New Hampshire to change existing rules that ban firearms, and

New Hampshire begins assigning attorneys to some children in abuse and neglect cases
Culture

New Hampshire begins assigning attorneys to some children in abuse and neglect cases

Starting Jan. 1, children who are removed from their parents and placed in group homes or other institutions during abuse and neglect proceedings in New Hampshire will be assigned an attorney to advocate for their interests. The change follows a bipartisan law passed in 2024 that aims to provide some minors an additional advocate during what supporters describe as lengthy and sometimes complex legal cases. Supporters say the new representation is intended to ensure courts and state agencies hear more directly from children about what they want, particularly when they are placed in institutional settings. Lisa Wolford of the Children’s

Reddit tip helped identify suspect in Brown shooting and MIT professor killing, affidavit says
Campus

Reddit tip helped identify suspect in Brown shooting and MIT professor killing, affidavit says

A Reddit post describing a vehicle near Brown University helped investigators identify the man authorities say killed two Brown students and wounded others in a campus shooting, then fatally shot an MIT physics professor days later, according to an affidavit from the Providence Police Department. The affidavit, which details investigators’ early steps in the case, says police broke through after receiving a tip pointing them to a post on the Providence-area subreddit that described a gray Nissan with Florida plates near campus shortly before the shooting. Authorities later identified the suspect as Claudio Manuel Neves Valente, 48. Law enforcement later

Two hikers rescued from Mount Lafayette after losing trail in frigid conditions
Culture

Two hikers rescued from Mount Lafayette after losing trail in frigid conditions

Two hikers from Massachusetts were rescued from Mount Lafayette in New Hampshire’s White Mountains early Saturday, Dec. 13, after they lost the trail while descending in winter conditions and one developed what officials described as “severe” hypothermia, according to a New Hampshire Fish and Game news release. The rescue underscores the hazards of late-day hiking in the White Mountains during winter weather, and the risks search-and-rescue teams face when responding overnight in high winds, deep snow and low temperatures. New Hampshire Fish and Game identified the hikers as Shane Squires, 35, and Robert Conlon, 41. According to the agency, the

New Hampshire Republicans Weigh Party Identity Amid Rise of Trump-Aligned Faction
Campus

New Hampshire Republicans Weigh Party Identity Amid Rise of Trump-Aligned Faction

As former President Donald Trump’s influence continues to shape Republican politics nationwide, New Hampshire’s GOP faces growing internal divisions between traditional conservatives and Trump-aligned activists. Long seen as a purple state with a mix of moderate and libertarian-leaning voters, New Hampshire is now contending with a political identity test that could reshape its leadership. Despite voting for Democratic President Kamala Harris by a slim margin in 2024, New Hampshire’s Republican base remains largely favorable to Trump policies and candidates. This dynamic has left moderate Republican leaders attempting to maintain local appeal without alienating a party base aligned with Trump. Governor

Hanover Passes Land Use Reform to Support Housing and Climate Goals
Campus

Hanover Passes Land Use Reform to Support Housing and Climate Goals

In a move aimed at addressing housing shortages and reducing carbon emissions, Hanover voters approved a sweeping set of Land Use Code reforms during the town’s ballot vote on May 14. The updated zoning rules increase residential density near downtown and on major transit corridors while streamlining the permitting process for new development. Proponents say the changes will help create more affordable housing options, particularly for students and workers, and align with the town’s climate action goals. The zoning updates follow over two years of public hearings, stakeholder meetings, and analysis by Hanover’s Planning Board and Sustainable Hanover Committees. The

Proposed Bill Would Require Massage Business Licenses to Curb Trafficking
Campus

Proposed Bill Would Require Massage Business Licenses to Curb Trafficking

In response to a growing number of illicit massage parlors tied to human trafficking operations, New Hampshire lawmakers are pushing for stricter regulations on massage businesses. This month, Representative Charles Foote of Derry introduced legislation that would require massage establishments to obtain state licenses — a move advocates say would enhance local enforcement and help combat sex trafficking. Currently, New Hampshire licenses individual massage therapists through the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification. However, the businesses themselves are not subject to licensing or inspection, leaving a regulatory gap that, according to law enforcement officials, allows illegal operations to persist in

Vermont Prisons Over Capacity as Detainee Numbers Surge
Campus

Vermont Prisons Over Capacity as Detainee Numbers Surge

Vermont’s prison population has climbed sharply in recent months, straining capacity in facilities statewide and prompting officials to consider expanding out-of-state incarceration. As of this week, the Department of Corrections reports housing more than 1,650 individuals, up from 1,366 in September 2023. Though below the system’s historic high of over 2,200 in the late 2000s, the current numbers are the highest since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Several units are over capacity, and staffing shortages continue to hamper operations, prompting the return of measures such as temporary floor beds. The Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility in South Burlington, Vermont’s only

Dartmouth Squash Sweeps Middlebury in Commanding Home Opener
Campus

Dartmouth Squash Sweeps Middlebury in Commanding Home Opener

In their first home match of the season, Dartmouth’s men’s and women’s squash teams delivered a decisive 18-0 combined victory over Middlebury College on Saturday. The Big Green, ranked ninth (men) and 11th (women) nationally, used the home court advantage at the Berry Squash Courts to bounce back from recent road losses and demonstrate early-season form. Both squads secured 9-0 sweeps, with players across the lineups combining consistent shot-making, sharp movement, and strong mental focus. The home match followed a difficult trip to the University of Virginia the day before, where the men’s team lost 8-1 and the women fell

New Hampshire Drought Expected to Persist Through Winter Months
Campus

New Hampshire Drought Expected to Persist Through Winter Months

Despite recent rainfall, most of New Hampshire remains in drought, and state officials anticipate dry conditions will continue into the winter. Experts say the onset of frozen ground could limit soil’s ability to absorb moisture from snowmelt, potentially delaying recovery until spring. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, drought levels have improved slightly since the summer, but areas along the borders with Maine and Vermont still face extreme drought conditions. Much of the state continues to receive below-average precipitation. Ted Diers, who leads the water division at the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, said that current soil conditions are

Dartmouth Women's Basketball Edges BU in Season Opener 52–50
Campus

Dartmouth Women's Basketball Edges BU in Season Opener 52–50

Dartmouth women’s basketball opened its 2025–26 season with a narrow 52–50 home win over Boston University on Friday, holding off a fourth-quarter comeback to secure the victory. The game marked a strong start for a program focused on rebuilding and developing team chemistry following a difficult Ivy League campaign last year. The Big Green led for most of the night, building momentum with a first-quarter 8–2 run sparked by five quick points from co-captain Alexandra Eldredge ’27. BU briefly took the lead midway through the second quarter, but Dartmouth answered through steady offensive play and strong defense. A three-pointer from

When the Safety Net Snaps: New Hampshire’s Week of Hunger
Campus

When the Safety Net Snaps: New Hampshire’s Week of Hunger

Folks across New Hampshire woke up hungry last week. Not just hungry for breakfast. Hungry in a way that gnaws at your nerves. The kind of hunger that comes when the money’s gone and the fridge is bare. For thousands of families who rely on SNAP, the government’s food assistance program, November started with confusion, stress, and empty cupboards. The benefits didn’t show up. No warning. No explanation. Just silence and a lot of worry. It wasn’t just one town. It was Berlin, Claremont, Manchester, and places in between. Food pantries saw lines stretching down sidewalks. Volunteers scrambled to pack

Elite Nordic Skiers Train in Stratton Ahead of New Olympic Cycle
Campus

Elite Nordic Skiers Train in Stratton Ahead of New Olympic Cycle

As top cross-country skiers prepare for the start of the 2025-26 World Cup season and the 2026 Winter Olympics, an elite group has spent the past six months training in southern Vermont. Olympians Jessie Diggins, Julia Kern, and Ben Ogden, along with several other national and international athletes, have made Stratton Mountain their offseason base as part of the SMS T2 elite team. The team, founded in 2012 through a partnership between Stratton Mountain School and the T2 Foundation—now under the World Cup Dreams Foundation—has cemented its reputation as a top offseason training destination in the United States. Head coach

Hanover Faces Persistent Cell Service Gaps Amid Calls for Upgrades
Campus

Hanover Faces Persistent Cell Service Gaps Amid Calls for Upgrades

Cell service in downtown Hanover and parts of the Dartmouth College campus remains unreliable, prompting frustration from residents, students, and local officials. Despite recent efforts to expand Wi-Fi capabilities, the town continues to lack the infrastructure for consistent wireless coverage, especially in areas where cell signals are blocked by buildings or distant from major towers. Nolan Love, a visitor to Hanover, recently experienced the issue firsthand when weak 3G service delayed his attempt to pay for parking on Main Street. “That’s kind of unacceptable for a college town,” he said, after spending eight minutes waiting for his transaction to process.

The Cost of Care: New Hampshire’s Working Parents Left Waiting
Culture

The Cost of Care: New Hampshire’s Working Parents Left Waiting

In New Hampshire, finding child care isn’t just hard, it’s near impossible in some towns. Centers are full. Staff are burnt out or gone. Parents are stuck choosing between paying more than they can afford or quitting their jobs to stay home. The state’s new roadmap says it wants to change that. But the way it’s going about it has some folks scratching their heads. The Department of Health and Human Services rolled out a plan this fall. It’s called Roadmap 2025–2027. One of its goals is to boost child care access by enrolling 10 percent more kids from high-need

Holding the Line: New Hampshire Fills the Gap as SNAP Faces Shutdown Threat
Campus

Holding the Line: New Hampshire Fills the Gap as SNAP Faces Shutdown Threat

Folks in New Hampshire know what it means to get by with less. We know what it’s like to stretch a dollar, to make a meal out of what’s left in the cupboard, and to keep going even when the road gets rough. That’s why when word came down that a government shutdown might cut off November SNAP benefits, it hit hard. For thousands of families across the state, that monthly deposit isn’t just help, it’s survival. The federal government’s budget fight isn’t new. It’s the same old tug-of-war in Washington. But this time, the stakes are real for people

Holding the Line: Why Budget Caps Won’t Fix New Hampshire’s Broken School Funding
Campus

Holding the Line: Why Budget Caps Won’t Fix New Hampshire’s Broken School Funding

Folks around here know what it means to make do. You stretch a dollar. You patch a roof. You drive the same truck for twenty years and hope it passes inspection. That’s how most of us live in New Hampshire’s small towns. But when it comes to school funding, making do isn’t cutting it anymore. And the latest proposal from Concord feels like another patch job on a system that’s already falling apart. House Bill 675 is the newest idea on the table. It would cap school district budgets, locking them into last year’s spending plus inflation. Sounds tidy on

Faculty Draw the Line: Dartmouth Pushes Back on Federal Compact
Campus

Faculty Draw the Line: Dartmouth Pushes Back on Federal Compact

It’s not every day that over five hundred professors at Dartmouth speak with one voice. But that’s what happened this October, when more than half the faculty signed a petition asking President Sian Leah Beilock to reject a federal compact tied to the Trump administration. The deal, pitched as a way to boost funding for research and infrastructure, comes with strings attached. Those strings, according to the petition, would cut into Dartmouth’s ability to govern itself and protect academic freedom. That’s a line many here aren’t willing to cross. The petition didn’t mince words. It said the compact would “undermine”

Hanover’s Quiet Resistance: Locals Push Back as Dartmouth Weighs White House Deal
Campus

Hanover’s Quiet Resistance: Locals Push Back as Dartmouth Weighs White House Deal

On a gray Friday afternoon in Hanover, a small crowd gathered outside the Hanover Inn. No music, no speeches, just signs and quiet resolve. Some held cardboard cutouts of Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein. Others clutched hand-painted slogans like “Believe the women” and “Snow is better than ICE.” It wasn’t a parade. It wasn’t a rally. It was a warning. The protest came just one day after the White House reached out to nine universities, including Dartmouth, asking them to sign a new agreement called the Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education. The deal promises federal perks in exchange

When Washington Shuts Down, New Hampshire Feels It
Campus

When Washington Shuts Down, New Hampshire Feels It

The government shut down at midnight. That’s the news. But here in New Hampshire, it’s not just politics. It’s paychecks. It’s food. It’s heat. It’s the forest and the shipyard and the folks who keep things running. And right now, a lot of them are stuck waiting. More than 5,000 federal workers live and work in this state. Some are at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Some are at the VA in Manchester. Others work in the White Mountain National Forest, the Berlin prison, or the passport center at Pease. Some are still on the job. They’re called “essential.” But they’re