Is anyone else anxious about the economy?
Brian Gottlob, the director of New Hampshire Employment Security’s Economic and Labor Market Bureau and principal of PolEcon Research, presented his thoughts recently.
Here’s a summary of what he said:
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- Job market strain
New Hampshire’s economy is steady, but hiring is slowing. Job postings are down, growth is weak, and early 2026 could bring job losses.
- Skills mismatch
Layoffs are low, but many jobs don’t match available skills. AI is adding to the disconnect, keeping the labor market tight.
- Low confidence, steady spending
Consumers are uneasy, driven by affordability concerns, but spending continues—largely fueled by higher-income households.
- Costs remain high
Housing and electricity costs are still rising, keeping inflation above the Fed’s target with little relief expected in 2026.
- Canada impact
Exports to Canada and Canadian tourism are down sharply, creating challenges for hospitality and related industries.
- Tariffs and hiring pressure
Tariffs are raising costs for small businesses, while immigration restrictions are shrinking the labor pool.
- Looking to 2026
Economic growth may improve, but unemployment could rise before conditions ease later in the year.
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💸 Turns out New Hampshire is one of the best tipping states
📢 Question of the week: What do you think of an ICE detention center potentially coming to Merrimack?
🌞 The bright side: Your local good news roundup
💪 Nominate a local hero, and we’ll feature them in this newsletter
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P.S. It’s the new year—spread knowledge, not clutter. This newsletter is free and easy to share.
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(Sam Dan Truong/Unsplash)
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New Hampshire ranks near the top nationally for average tip size, according to data from Toast, with diners leaving just over 20% on average at full-service restaurants. That puts us ahead of most states—and above the national tipping average of about 19%.
That’s notable, especially given how much conversation there’s been about “tip fatigue.” It seems like everywhere you go, you’re asked for a tip—at coffee counters, takeout screens, self-checkout kiosks, etc. Plenty of people are annoyed by it. But, when it comes to sit-down restaurants, where service is more personal and tips still make up a big chunk of workers’ income, Granite Staters are showing up.
Delaware topped the list in the study, tipping about 22.1%, West Virginia was next, giving a 21% tip, and New Hampshire was third, giving a 20.9% tip on average.
The study points out that nationwide, tipping at full-service restaurants has inched upward since the end of 2024, even as prices rise and household budgets feel tighter.
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Protestors recently gathered in Merrimack to speak out against a rumored ICE detention center.
The Washington Post reported that Merrimack is one of 23 sites nationwide under consideration for new ICE detention facilities. ICE, also known as Immigration and Customs Enforcement, is reportedly looking to convert industrial warehouses into detention centers.
So this week’s question is…
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What do you think of an ICE detention center potentially coming to Merrimack?
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Here’s what you’re saying…
“Absolutely NOT. It’s my personal opinion that ICE is gearing up for mass detentions of the Somali community in Lewiston, Maine, and they need a New England detention center in an ICE-friendly state: voila—NH and Gov. Ayotte. No doubt Corey Lewandowski and Karoline Leavitt (NH’s worst of the worst) devised this travesty.” — Denise Clark
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The following briefs are presented in partnership with Granite Goodness. Subscribe today.
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🐷 Dartmouth study reveals early bond between humans and pigs
A new Dartmouth-led study shows pigs began their path to domestication in South China 8,000 years ago by choosing to live near humans and eat their cooked food and waste. Using dental analysis, researchers found evidence of rice, yams, and even human parasites in pig teeth—clear signs of close human-pig interaction. The findings highlight how curiosity and adaptability helped pigs become one of the first domesticated animals, shedding light on the early roots of human-animal connection and cooperation. — Dartmouth
🌐 New Hampshire on track for universal broadband by 2026
New Hampshire officials say the state is now positioned to reach 100% broadband access by 2026, years ahead of schedule. Updated federal rules let the state use a wider mix of technologies, including satellite, to reach the last few thousand unserved locations. With funding allocated and providers lined up, New Hampshire is close to ensuring every home and business can get online. — NH Business Review
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💙 Know someone in New Hampshire who’s doing something worth celebrating? Whether it’s a neighbor, volunteer, small business owner, artist, or community leader, we want to hear about it! Send us their name, what they’re doing, and why it matters to you at info@granitepostnews.com.
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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Katy Savage with stories from Axios and Granite Goodness. It was edited by Paula Solis.
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