I hope everyone is adjusting to the time change. Losing that hour is the worst. I saw a meme this morning that read, “Who decided to spring forward at 2 a.m. on the weekend? We should do it at 4 p.m. on a Monday.” I’d sure be in favor. 

The bright side? It finally feels like spring is around the corner. 🌱

In other news, 16 years ago this month, something happened that fundamentally changed how millions of Americans get health insurance.

On March 23, 2010, the Affordable Care Act, often called the ACA or “Obamacare,” was signed into law by former President Barack Obama.

The law has reshaped the health care landscape. It helped more than 21 million Americans gain access to health insurance. I was 20 years old at the time, and like a lot of young adults, the ACA meant I could stay on my parents’ health plan until I turned 26. I wouldn’t have had health insurance otherwise.

It also meant insurance companies could no longer deny coverage for pre-existing conditions. And, seniors and people with disabilities began paying less for prescription drugs.

It wasn’t perfect. But for many people, the ACA was life-altering.

So I’m curious: How did the ACA affect you?

Did it make health insurance easier to get? More affordable? Did staying on a parent’s plan help you in your early 20s? 

Hit reply and tell me your story.

Here’s what else we’re covering today:

📸 Send us your pet pic

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

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

❓Dear Grace: How can I build a better relationship with my children?

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

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

Calling all pet owners! Send us a photo of your furry, feathery, or scaly friend, and we’ll show them off in the next newsletter!

🐋 Rare blue whales were spotted off Martha’s Vineyard! Researchers from the New England Aquarium’s aerial survey team saw one whale near the Northeast Canyons on Feb. 27, and two more 15 miles south of Martha’s Vineyard the next day. These sightings are a first for the area. Scientists say it likely means food conditions are good in the area. See pics from NBC Boston.

🌱 Meanwhile, on land … Canterbury is considering banning large AI data centers. While it seems unlikely any data centers will come to town, residents worry about electricity use, water impact, and pollution. The zoning article, to be voted on March 10, would block multi-acre commercial centers. Concord Monitor

📵 Speaking of tech, the New Hampshire DMV is warning residents about a widespread text scam claiming “unresolved traffic violations” and demanding payment. The messages include fake links that look official, but the DMV only uses texts for appointment reminders. Officials urge everyone to delete these messages immediately and not share personal info. Boston 25

🦷 And, Tooth Fairy payouts are on the rise! After two years of decline, the average payout per lost tooth jumped 17% to $5.84 in 2026, with the first tooth now fetching $7.17. The Northeast led the nation at $6.45 per tooth, and nearly one-third of kids received a non-cash gift under their pillow. Axios

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…

“Thousands of New Hampshire residents are already paying income tax—to Massachusetts. According to an agreement between the states, if your state has an income tax and you work in an adjacent state, you pay your home state’s income tax. If your home state doesn’t have an income tax, you pay the income tax of the state where you work. This used to infuriate me when I worked in Massachusetts. I paid the full 5% income tax to Massachusetts, yet I wasn’t eligible for any benefits afforded to Massachusetts residents. If New Hampshire passes a 3% income tax, it would save interstate commuters the 2% difference while giving New Hampshire the money it needs to improve schools and lower property taxes. I say we pass the 3–3 plan and recapture some of the money we currently pay to other states.“ — John McInnis

“The knee-jerk reaction against a state income tax in New Hampshire is like suggesting we eat babies (sorry to bring that up again, but it’s just as ludicrous). What about an income tax only for those earning over a certain amount per year—say, $500,000? How else can we rein in property taxes that unfairly burden lower- and middle-income residents, seniors, and others on limited, fixed incomes? Especially when the New Hampshire Legislature refuses to follow the New Hampshire Constitution and adequately fund public schools, resulting in those costs falling back on local governments, which have only one way to pay for them: raising property taxes. A vicious circle.” — Mary Livingston

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 Readers,

How can I build a better relationship with my children? They’re grown and live in another state.

— Missing Them in CT

Dear Missing Them,

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’ve gotten hundreds of questions like this from other mothers who are navigating the changing role of “mom” now that the kids are all grown up and leading lives of their own. Parenting is hard and beautiful at every stage, and this one is no exception. There are any number of things that could be holding you and your kids back from the relationship you want. It could be physical distance and the challenges of living several states away. Maybe you’re feeling emotional distance caused by some unresolved hurts or just the way that life and work can get in the way of actually connecting with each other. 

No matter what kind of distance you may be grappling with, our community had wonderful advice to share. Here are some of my takeaways…

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Katy Savage with stories from Galvanize Together. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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