Q. Why is it so hard to get a job right now?

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After nearly 45 years, Fox Run Mall near Portsmouth is closing for good on Jan. 31. Developers are tearing down the mall and spending $500 million over the next eight months to turn the 81-acre site into a new shopping and mixed-use district called Seacoast Landing.

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Here’s what we’re covering today:

📢 Question of the week: Should the United States take over Greenland?

❓ “Why is it so hard to get a job right now? Is anyone else struggling?” Grace tackles the question

Katy Savage

Newsletter Editor, Granite Post

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👉 ACLU-NH sues ICE for records on NH police immigration training

“A routine traffic stop in New Hampshire could now lead to immigration detention, but Granite Staters have no way of knowing what rules local police are trained to follow. This lack of transparency is at the center of a federal lawsuit filed last Thursday by the American Civil Liberties Union of New Hampshire (ACLU-NH) against US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), seeking public records detailing how local officers are trained under a federal immigration enforcement program known as 287(g).” — Granite Post

👉A Democratic-led proposal wants NH Medicaid to cover diapers

“A group of lawmakers led by state Rep. Carrie Sorensen wants New Hampshire to become the third U.S. state to cover the cost of diapers for infants under its Medicaid program.” — New Hampshire Bulletin

👉 Bulk of Smuttynose Brewing campus in Hampton poised for sale

“A sale is looming for of the bulk of the Smuttynose Brewing Co. campus, ending a storied chapter in New Hampshire beer history.” — USA Today via Reuters Connect

👉 No Kings hosts virtual training on documenting federal agents

Organizers with No Kings are hosting a virtual training tonight at 8 p.m. on how to document encounters with federal immigration agents after the fatal shooting of a Minneapolis man by a federal agent. The call will cover recent immigration enforcement actions and legal recording rights. Sign up here. — 50501 movement

After days of escalating rhetoric, President Donald Trump has backed off his threat to impose sweeping tariffs on eight European allies over Greenland. Trump continues to describe a long-term arrangement involving Greenland and the broader Arctic region, leaving questions about how far the US will push.

So this week’s question is…

Should the United States take over Greenland?

Here’s what you’re saying:

“The present arrangement has worked well for years. What we should be doing is working with authorities in Denmark and Greenland to improve our bases there, and make the Arctic more secure.” — JoAnn Carlson

“The citizens of Greenland do not want to live under the control of the United States. To force them to do so is the equivalent of Russia invading Ukraine. All Trump really wants is access to Greenland’s minerals.” — Audrey Stapleford

“Using the same logic: I need $1 million to secure my long-term financial security. Therefore, I can go rob a bank with impunity and take what I want.” — Fran Harriman

“As an ex pat Brit and also US citizen I am shocked almost daily by Trump’s words and actions. I was sad when the UK left the EU as I believe in unity and alliances. So for the President of the US to threaten NATO allies was just terrible. We still can’t be sure of his intentions as he is like a petulant, unpredictable and moody child and punishes anyone who dares to stand up to him, even democratic states and cities here in the USA. Just can’t wait for his bunch to lose power in November. The world would breathe a sigh of relief.” — Lynda Williams

“No, certainly not while Trump—the ‘biggest danger to the world‘ per The Economist Nov, 2023—is president and surrounded by a completely corrupt and sycophantic administration. Our entire focus should be on ousting Trump et al and finally holding them to full account for high treason against the US and the free world.” — Bill Black

Sound off here

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,

Thank you for the opportunity to express a concern I have. I am 55 years old and I am having difficulty finding a job. It’s not like I’m applying for “out of my league” jobs; I qualify for the role and have experience. To be quite honest, it’s never been so difficult.

Is it my age? Is it that I’m not as pretty? Or is it simply just how sad our state of the economy is? I can’t help but feel a bit of ageism. Do you get many letters with this type of concern? Any advice on certain websites that can maybe help? Thx.

— Not Too Old To Work, from California

Dear Not Too Old,

First of all—you are not alone. I get hundreds of questions every week asking me, “Why is it so hard to get a job right now?” I hear from folks in so many industries…restaurant workers, hospital staff, teachers, women who work in technology, marketing, science. I hear from people well into their careers like yourself, as well as students looking for their first job right out of school. Most people are struggling to find work right now.

So let’s talk about how you (and so many women in your shoes) can get through this challenging time in our economy…

Read Grace’s response