How is it already mid-April? Here are a few things that caught my eye while scrolling recently—I think you’ll find them interesting too.

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

📸 Send us a picture of your pet or your favorite NH spot

📰 What we’re reading: News from around the state

📢 Question of the week: Do you support NH National Guard members being deployed in the war with Iran?

❓Dear Grace: I want to tighten up spending and pay down our debt, but my husband doesn’t. How do we make a plan together?

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

Rich Collins, Thirst Productions

Shoutout to Rich Collins, the owner of Thirst Productions who shared photo of these sled dogs in Wonalancet. 

Now it’s your turn! Send us a picture of anything New Hampshire. It could be your favorite spot, favorite animal, or anything you can think of. We’ll feature it in this newsletter!

🚨 A new report alleges kids at the Sununu Youth Services Center were kept in weeks-long lockdown, denied school and outdoor time and, in one case, a child was allegedly restrained in a way that led to a broken bone. State officials say they’re investigating, and lawmakers are now launching their own review. NHPR

➡️ Meanwhile… a major environmental case just wrapped up in federal court.

⚖️ The owner of Old Dutch Mustard Company was sentenced to 18 months in prison, and the company was ordered to pay a $1.5 million fine for illegally dumping pollutants into the Souhegan River. Prosecutors say the company secretly pumped acidic wastewater into the river for years, harming wildlife and water quality.  DOJ

➡️ And speaking of costs hitting Granite Staters…

💸 A new report shows property taxes in New Hampshire vary dramatically depending on where you live. For the same $500,000 home, annual tax bills can range from about $1,300 to over $18,000. The state relies on property taxes more than almost anywhere else in the country—making up 61% of local revenue. NHPR

New Hampshire’s National Guard has been activated amid the conflict in Iran, even though Congress hasn’t officially declared war, as is required under the Constitution. 

So this week’s question is…

Do you support NH National Guard members being deployed in the war with Iran—or should Gov. Kelly Ayotte be legally challenging the constitutionality of deployment, as many other governors around the country are doing?

Here’s what you’re saying:

“No, I do not support NH National Guard members being deployed to the illegal war with Iran, for that very reason—it is illegal. Gov. Kelly Ayotte should absolutely legally challenge the constitutionality of deployment. Considering the fact that she’s the one who’s always going after the bad guys, she’s on the wrong side of the table politically.” — 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,

I have a financial question. I want to save money. My goal is to slow our spending for 2026, pay off our credit card debt, and build up our savings. I am ready to say “no” to family outings, shopping for needless things, and “no” to things that cost money. My husband isn’t really on the same page. He says he is willing to save money, but he doesn’t think the credit card debt is a problem, and he’s not willing to give up his hobbies. He spends money on gear for camping and things he enjoys. I don’t know how we can get on the same page with our finances. We both work, but he makes more money than me. Is he right that the credit card debt isn’t a problem? How do we save money if he doesn’t cut back?

—  Ready to Live Like I’m Broke, Colorado

Dear Ready,

Oh friend, you are not alone…nearly half of American households have credit card debt. Credit card companies are predatory and want you to be in debt, so you’re not the only one who has fallen into their trap.

Good for you for having such a clear vision! Big changes don’t happen overnight; they happen after a series of small, intentional steps. You’ve already taken the hard ones: naming the problem, deciding to prioritize savings, and thinking seriously about where to cut back. That’s huge. Now let’s talk about getting your husband to catch up to where you already are….

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Katy Savage with stories from CBS, ACLU, and Galvanize Together. It was edited by Brook Bolen.

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