I don’t know about all of you, but I can’t wait for real spring to start—the kind of weather where you can actually get out and do stuff.

Here are some interesting tidbits for you tonight:

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

📸 A Granite Glimpse featuring elegant swans

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

📢 Question of the week: How are you coping with soaring fuel costs?

❓Dear Grace: I stood up for my veteran coworker when he was getting bullied. Should I have kept my mouth shut?

P.S. Consider this a good-use-of-your-inbox moment. Know someone who’d appreciate it? Send it their way.

(Courtesy of Chris Olson)

Shoutout to Chris Olson, who spotted these elegant swans on World End Pond in Salem.

I’m always fascinated by birds that mate for life, and swans are among those lovebirds.

If you have a pic to share—animals, your blooming backyard, or anything else uniquely New Hampshire—send it my way to feature in this newsletter.

🚔 In Manchester, a police officer is now under investigation after an arrest was caught on camera …

Manchester police officer Justin Ketcham was placed on leave after a cellphone video showed part of an arrest involving a domestic violence suspect. The New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office is investigating the officer’s actions. WHDH

💰 Meanwhile, staffing shortages continue to strain New Hampshire’s prison system …

State officials approved $12 million in overtime pay for corrections officers, but prison leaders say another $8 million to $9 million will likely be needed before the fiscal year ends. Officials say the prison system currently has a 51% vacancy rate for correction officers. WMUR

🗳️ And in campaign news, former Sen. John Sununu’s campaign says it will amend a financial disclosure filing …

The amendment comes after questions were raised about Sununu’s past role on the board of BlueRiver Acquisition Corp., which was not included on an earlier disclosure form. His campaign says he earned no income from the position. WMUR

Fuel prices are climbing with no relief in sight. As of Sunday, the national average reached $4.52 per gallon, while drivers in New Hampshire were paying a few cents less at $4.50 a gallon, according to AAA.

The rising costs are affecting everything from farming and travel to home heating.

So this week’s question is:

How are you coping with soaring fuel costs?

Here’s what you’re saying:

“It costs almost double to fill my car now. I seriously consider any and all driving I do, and I try to stay within a 20-mile radius. The Trump regime is so out of touch with reality, they cannot begin to understand the implications thrust upon the average American because of all of the rising costs due to this illegal war.” — Jane Duggan

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,

There’s a new guy on my job site who is a veteran, and all the guys know he did two tours. They, of course, thanked him for his service, but a few days in, one guy started making fun of him, saying he has PTSD and is scared of fireworks. The other guys were laughing and going along with it. 

Now I don’t tolerate unkindness like that to anyone, much less someone who served. So I told them not to do that. As a mom of boys, I am comfortable telling men to “can it and be nice.” I didn’t think twice about it.

But later, one of the guys at work told me I shouldn’t have said that because it makes me seem too sensitive. I’m one of the only women at this job. Now I’m anxious that I should be acting differently or keeping my mouth shut.

Should I not have said anything? Should I focus on keeping my head down? I don’t want to lose my job or become the butt of their jokes.

— Anxious in Alaska

Dear Anxious in Alaska,

First of all—good for you. If I had been in your veteran coworker’s shoes, I’d be so grateful that someone spoke up for me. But I understand why you’re feeling anxious now. So many women (especially those working in industries with mostly men) have felt that same knot in their stomach after doing the right thing. When women speak out in a way that challenges the status quo, we sometimes get dismissed as “too emotional. But standing up for someone who has served, after he’s been mocked for his mental health, is not “too much.” You did the right thing.

Here is my advice on how to move forward …

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Katy Savage with stories from USA Today via Reuters Connect and Galvanize Together. It was edited by Paula Solis.

Granite Post is free for everyone. Your support makes our work possible.