“I don’t have any concern about it. They’ll drop very rapidly when this is over, and if they rise, they rise, but this is far more important than having gasoline prices go up a little bit.” — President Donald Trump on gas prices, via Reuters.

If you’ve filled up your gas tank recently, you’ve probably noticed—gas is getting more expensive. As of Monday, the average price in New Hampshire was $3.35 per gallon, up about 50 cents from the previous week. Across the US, prices have jumped too, with the national average hitting $3.48, according to AAA.

Within New Hampshire, prices vary by county: Strafford has the highest at $3.43, Belknap follows at $3.41, and Sullivan is the cheapest at $3.23. 

Why the spike?
Oil prices are climbing as tensions in the Middle East escalate. Uncertainty around oil and natural gas production and transport is what’s pushing prices higher.

Looking to save at the pump?
Check out GasBuddy to find the cheapest gas near you.

Here’s a breakdown of average New Hampshire gas prices by county:

🧩 Before we go further, I went to give kudos to our speedy puzzlers!

Christy Roberts raced through last week’s crossword in 4:44 minutes.

Meg Gilman finished in 8:19 minutes.

Michelle Clark completed it in 10 minutes.

Congrats to all! Think you can beat their times? Try last week’s crossword here. Scroll down and try this week’s crossword on idioms and expressions!

Here’s what else is in today’s newsletter: 

📰 What we’re reading, news from around the state

🥖 14 classic Seacoast restaurants stand the test of time

📢 Question of the week: What matters more to you: no income tax or lower property taxes?

🔠 Test our crossword. The theme? Idioms and expressions

P.S. One email worth keeping. Forward this email to a friend who likes being in the know.

P.P.S. Don’t forget! TODAY is Town Meeting Day. Here’s what you need to know.

👉A new bill would double turnpike tolls for drivers without a New Hampshire E-ZPass, hitting weekend visitors from states like Massachusetts. Supporters say the move could raise tens of millions to maintain and upgrade the turnpike system. Portsmouth Herald

👉 Back in schools, livestreams are rolling again. After some districts paused recording games, concerts, and other public events due to the parental rights law, a new law clarifies that public activities can be recorded without written permission from every parent. New Hampshire Public Radio

👉 Meanwhile, reproductive health protections hit a wall. The NH Senate voted 16–8 against a so-called shield law that would have protected doctors from lawsuits for providing abortions and other reproductive health care to out-of-state patients. Supporters said it would help attract and safeguard medical providers amid maternity unit staffing shortages. New Hampshire remains the only New England state without a shield law. New Hampshire Public Radio

Julie Roy delivers an armful of food to a table during lunch at The Dinnerhorn and Bratskellar in Portsmouth, Feb. 26, 2026. (USA Today Network)

By USA Today via Reuters Connect 

The Dinnerhorn & Bratskellar, Portsmouth
Family-owned since 1960, the Kamakas family started with a drive-in and added The Bratskellar for pizza and beer. Favorites include fresh fried haddock, “Pizzas with Pizzaz,” and Stuffed Grape Leaves from a family recipe.

The Rosa, Portsmouth
A State Street staple since 1927, The Rosa serves classic Italian dishes, white pizza, and its famous Italian dressing. Recently refreshed under new ownership.

Gilley’s Diner, Portsmouth
Open late since 1921, Gilley’s is a go-to for burgers, hot dogs, and nostalgia.

Strafford Farms, Dover
Family-owned since 1938, offering breakfast, lunch, dinner, and year-round ice cream.

Newick’s Lobster House, Dover
Serving fresh seafood since 1948, with a waterfront view and a classic menu of fried, boiled, and baked dishes.

Three Chimneys Inn & Frost Sawyer Tavern, Durham
Historic site dating back to 1649, offering American fare with ingredients from local farms and fisheries.

A group recently proposed a new income tax plan in New Hampshire called the 3-3 Tax Savings Plan. The idea: implement a 3% education income tax alongside a 3% statewide property tax to lower local property taxes.

The reaction? Swift and loud.

Curious how it could affect you? Try this tool to estimate your potential savings.

So this week’s question is…

 What matters more to you: no income tax or lower property taxes?

Here’s what you’re saying…

“Given only two choices—lower property taxes or no income tax—I would choose lower property taxes. But what truly matters to me is a fair and equitable tax system, and that is more complex than those two options. I believe a fair income tax system, without loopholes for the wealthy and investors, could be a critical part of a stable and equitable economy. I also believe that big businesses and corporations need to pay their fair share of taxes and help support the strong public education system that has produced the highly capable workforce our state has relied on for decades. So yes, I support an income tax paired with meaningful relief for middle-class property taxpayers, while also ensuring strong, sustained investment in public education.” — Susan Kane

“Our leaders in Concord need to do their jobs and support public education. I am retired, and I believe we all have a responsibility to support all children in public schools—not vouchers, which mostly benefit families who don’t need them or are already sending their children to private schools with public dollars. Religious schools shouldn’t receive any public funding unless they start paying property taxes, like I do. I am very concerned about the direction of our state. The so-called ‘New Hampshire advantage’ doesn’t exist anymore.” — Randy J. Perkins

On behalf of our parent company COURIER, check out this March 12 virtual event:

Big national decisions can have real impacts close to home—especially when it comes to health care.

COURIER is hosting a live virtual event, MAHA & the Midterms, to help break down how recent political choices are shaping health care access, affordability, and what families should know moving forward.

The conversation features author Hank Green, psychologist Dr. Mary Trump, US Rep. Lauren Underwood (a registered nurse), Shaughnessy Naughton of 314 Action, and medical analyst Dr. Vin Gupta.

Join us for an informative discussion designed to help you better understand the issues—no policy background required.

👉 Save your spot here.

Think you’ve got what it takes to crack this crossword? Tell us how long it takes you to finish it by emailing us at info@granitepostnews.com! This week’s topic? Idioms and expressions.

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Katy Savage with a story from USA Today via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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