❓ How do I pay for groceries in this tough economy?

In late August, Franklin, NH, was rocked by a DEA raid tied to President Donald Trump’s campaign against Latin American drug cartels. Federal agents claimed they’d busted 171 Sinaloa Cartel members across New England—27 in Franklin—as part of a massive national sweep. But a Globe Spotlight investigation found that many of those arrested weren’t cartel operatives at all, but low-level dealers, addicts, and homeless residents. (Boston Globe)

NH seeks lease to redevelop Hampton Interstate 95 liquor store properties

“The New Hampshire Liquor Commission is moving forward with finding a partner to enter into a long-term lease to redevelop 88 acres along Interstate 95 in Hampton, currently the site of two NH Liquor & Wine Outlets and rest areas.” (USA Today via Reuters Connect)

Plastic bag ban effort stalls in New Hampshire on party line
“Advocates for a ban on plastic bags said they chose to hold off on presenting legislation this session after they could not secure a Republican co-sponsor for what they hope will eventually be a bipartisan bill.” (New Hampshire Bulletin)

New Hampshire disability community rallies against federal cuts to special education

“Angelina Leo, an Exeter High School senior, said that without the special education services she received throughout her time in school, she wouldn’t even be able to speak.” (New Hampshire Bulletin)

WATCH: Where do you think the ‘Cats are headed this season? (Granite Post)

Did you know daylight saving time was first widely proposed by George Vernon Hudson in 1895? The goal was to make better use of daylight during the summer months. It was first implemented in Germany and Austria in 1916 during World War I to conserve fuel. Later, other countries, including the US, soon followed. The practice has been adjusted over the years, like during World War II, when the US adopted DST to the extreme with “War Time.”

From 1942 to 1945, clocks stayed an hour ahead year-round to save fuel and boost productivity for the war effort. After the war, most places went back to the old system.

This week’s question is…

What’s the worst (or best) part of switching the clocks?

Sound off here

Welcome to our weekly advice column, courtesy of Grace: She’s the big sister who shares her own mistakes so you can avoid making them, the coworker who builds you up to ask for the raise you deserve, and the friend who is always happy to listen.

We all need someone like Grace in our corner. Submit your own questions here.

Dear Grace,

How do people get by in this tough economy? Are there any tips for saving money and making cost-effective meals on a fixed income?

— The Struggle Is Real In Rural America, Kentucky

Dear Struggle Is Real,

Ask The Readers is your regular chance to grab the mic and give advice to other readers in our community. Each piece of advice we share comes from a different thoughtful reader. Keep an eye out for more juicy questions and answers!

I sent your question to my subscribers—hundreds of thousands of women across the country—and this community delivered. Women on fixed incomes wrote in with recipes, helpful tips and tricks, and their own stories of struggle.

Grocery prices have been up since the pandemic and have stayed high this year because of tariffs, immigration raids at workplaces, and the impact of climate change on farmers across the country. Regular people like you have been feeling the pinch for a while now. We’re told it’s temporary and things will get better soon, but those of us on budgets know that there isn’t a short-term fix.

Check out some of my favorite suggestions from women who are stretching their dollar farther and making it work…

Read Grace’s response

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