KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) — The first half of 2025 brought a mix of community decisions, criminal investigations, and infrastructure debates that shaped the Monadnock Region. Hosts Abbie Trombly and Nicole Colson recapped these stories during the Dec. 27, 2025 broadcast of My Keene Now & Next on WKBK Radio.

Education and public safety made headlines early in the year. The Monadnock Regional School District implemented $3 million in budget cuts, while Winchester voters approved a new tuition agreement with Hinsdale after learning Keene High will no longer enroll Winchester students after 2027.

Criminal cases continued to draw attention. In January, 23-month-old Luca Hudson tragically died from blunt head trauma. Anthony Bliss was arrested and indicted for second-degree murder. Suspicious deaths and investigations, such as the ongoing search for missing Chesterfield resident Robert Clay and the earlier disappearance of Scott Plant of Hinsdale, also dominated local coverage.

In April, a police shooting involved 25-year-old Cullen Costa, who was shot by Keene police during a distress call. Costa survived, and the case remains under review. Meanwhile, the Piscataqua River Bridge standoff shocked the region after Troy resident Trent Weston allegedly killed his wife and son before dying by suicide during a police encounter.

Business and infrastructure stories also marked the first half of the year. Rite Aid closed its Keene and Peterborough stores as part of nationwide closures, while Keene’s downtown infrastructure project entered planning stages, eventually drawing concern over design details and projected costs.

Community debates around land use emerged early as G2 Holdings proposed expanding a gravel pit on Nims Hill. Public hearings highlighted residents’ environmental and property concerns, and the project’s legal and regulatory status remained under review.

Listen to the full show here: