Q. Is anything off-limits anymore?

Happy Martin Luther King Day! Today isn’t just a day off—it’s a day to give back. King dreamed of a world where we lift each other up, and one of the best ways to honor that is by pitching in, helping out, or just spreading a little kindness in your community. 

One of my favorite quotes from his book “Strength to Love” feels especially relevant today:

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.”

Here’s what we’re covering today:

📢 Question of the week: What do you think of an ICE detention center potentially coming to Merrimack?

❓ “Are you sure nothing is ‘off the table?’” Grace tackles the question

P.S. New year, new inbox energy. Forward this newsletter to a friend who likes staying informed—no resolutions required.

👉 New Hampshire native leads New England Patriots cheerleaders

“Driss Dallahi was one of the first male cheerleaders on the team, and now, he’s managing the squad.” — WMUR

👉 Medicaid premium system could bring New Hampshire up to $23 million in revenue, DHHS estimates

“Certain New Hampshire Medicaid recipients will begin having to pay premiums in order to receive coverage from the public health program this year as part of a Republican plan to shore up the state’s finances. State officials say those premiums could bring in tens of millions of dollars.” — New Hampshire Bulletin

Protestors recently gathered in Merrimack to speak out against a rumored ICE detention center.

The Washington Post reported that Merrimack is one of 23 sites nationwide under consideration for new ICE detention facilities. ICE, also known as Immigration and Customs Enforcement, is reportedly looking to convert industrial warehouses into detention centers.

So this week’s question is…

What do you think of an ICE detention center potentially coming to Merrimack?

Here’s what you’re saying…

“I think ICE needs to be done away with.  Are we becoming the US of Russia under this administration? I’m old and won’t be around much longer, but I worry for my children and my children’s children. We do not need those lawless people in our state. How many more families are they going to be allowed to destroy?” — Sharon Clarke

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,

Can we really talk about everything here? Can we talk about racism, politics, marriage, children and how wild the world is?

— Incredulous in Illinois

Dear Incredulous,

While I wish you didn’t feel like you had to ask, I appreciate your question and anyone else who may have wondered it but never written in. The short answer to your question is, “Yes!” This community and my advice columns are here to talk through anything and everything. 

I get why you might be skeptical (and even Incredulous). Some of the topics you named can feel like taboos or arguments-waiting-to-happen, but that’s why I started this column in the first place: To give women like you and me a chance to be honest about our struggles, questions, and feelings, no judgment. Most of life isn’t black and white, Incredulous, and my goal is to give us a space to sort through the shades of gray together.

No matter the topic, there are a few truths that I try to always remember when I’m giving (and getting!) advice….

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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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