Q. What advice would you give your younger self?

February is Black History Month—a time to recognize, reflect on, and celebrate the achievements, culture, and resilience of Black Americans that have shaped our country.

The observance began in 1926 as Negro History Week, created by historian Carter G. Woodson to ensure Black history was taught and remembered. It expanded to a full month in 1976, when it was officially recognized nationwide. Today, Black History Month is both a celebration of contributions long overlooked and a reminder that Black history is American history—past, present, and ongoing.

Here’s what else we’re covering today:

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

📢 Question of the week: Should New Hampshire expand or restrict local law enforcement’s cooperation with ICE?

❓ “Ask The Readers: This 18-year-old wants to know, what advice would you give your younger self?” Grace tackles the question

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

👉 Keene Democrat resigns from State House amid attorney general residency probe

“Representatives misrepresenting their residence has been an issue in New Hampshire in the past. In 2024, two different representatives were caught surreptitiously living outside their district and later resigned.” — New Hampshire Bulletin

👉 Hearing scheduled for bill to end mandatory school vaccinations in NH

“HB-1811, which would completely end mandatory vaccinations for children entering school or daycare facilities, proposes treating the Department of Health and Human Services’ vaccination guidelines as recommendations that ‘shall not be used to deny services or access.’” — Concord Monitor

👉 ARMI board says it plans to review Kamen’s ties to Epstein

“This comes as revelations last week about Kamen’s relationship with Epstein prompted FIRST, the youth-based robotics organization he founded decades ago, to hire an outside law firm to review his conduct while he takes a leave of absence.” — NHPR

👉 Harriet E. Wilson: A trailblazing NH native whose story you need to know

“Harriet E. Wilson was the first Black author published in the US. Her novel would remain undiscovered for over 100 years.” — Granite Post

👉 How did New Hampshire get its name? Here’s how the state came to be

“In 1788, New Hampshire officially became the ninth state to ratify the U.S. Constitution.” — USA Today Network via Reuters Connect

By Lily Jackson

A New Hampshire lawmaker who oversees education policy is facing mounting backlash after leaked messages from a private group chat appeared to promote racially-segregated schools.

Leaked screenshots from an alleged private Signal group chat involving New Hampshire House Education Policy and Administration Committee Chair Rep. Kristin Noble suggest that public schools would see a test score disparity if New Hampshire separated students into different schools for white and non-white children.

The messages, shared in the “EdPolicy2026” group chat, were first reported by Colin Booth of the Granite Post and have since sparked a growing grassroots effort calling for Noble’s removal from the House Standing Committee on Education Policy and Administration.

Several New Hampshire agencies, including the New Hampshire State Police and the sheriff’s departments in Belknap, Grafton, Hillsborough and Rockingham counties, announced they’re planning to cooperate with ICE.

So this week’s question is…

Should New Hampshire expand or restrict local law enforcement’s cooperation with ICE?

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,

As an 18-year-old who is getting out of high school, what is some advice you would give to me, that would put me 5 steps ahead? I don’t have a lot of older people in my life, and I’m nervous about this big change and being “officially an adult.” What would you tell your younger self that might help me?

— Excited, Nervous & Timid from Texas

Dear Timid from Texas,

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!

It’s completely normal to feel a bit nervous stepping into the “officially adult” world! It’s a big change, and everyone navigates it differently. Here’s what women from across the country had to say to help put you five steps ahead:

How we’re reporting on immigration right now

Immigration has become one of the most closely watched and emotionally charged issues in the country since President Trump returned to office. We’ve seen an increase in ICE raids, legal battles, protests in New Hampshire and across the US, and reports of people dying in custody or being killed during encounters with authorities—developments that affect families and communities here at home.

Our newsroom has been covering these moments with depth and care, showing up on the ground right beside our community.

Stories like these take time, verification, and thoughtful editing. If our reporting has helped you better understand what’s happening in our state, we hope you’ll consider supporting Granite Post. Thank you for reading and being part of this community.

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

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