“A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song.” — Maya Angelou 

Hummingbirds are probably my favorite bird. I can’t believe these super tiny beings make the long journey south every winter, spending time in Mexico and Central America.

They can travel as much as 500 miles a day when migrating, and they’re on their way back north now. Birdwatchers are tracking them on Hummingbird Central. As of Sunday, the closest one to us—a male ruby-throated hummingbird—was spotted on March 12 in Belhaven, North Carolina.

Fun fact: Males usually migrate first in order to establish their breeding ground. 

If you want to see them in action check them out their flight map here. 

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: Are Americans mostly bad?

❓Dear Grace: How do I get the guy I’m seeing to put a little more effort into romance?

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

Shout out to Areli T who shared photo of her dog, Moco. 

Do you have a photo of your pet to share? We want to see it! Send us your favorite pet pic and we’ll feature it in this newsletter.

Local news shines a light on the decisions shaping your community. It separates facts from noise and keeps residents informed about what really matters. Supporting it means making sure those stories—and that accountability—don’t disappear.

⚾ NH Fisher Cats are stepping up the fan dining experience. You can expect newly rebranded concession stands this season with New Hampshire-themed menus, $5-and-under options, craft beer from Smuttynose, and even ice cream served in plastic batting helmets. The team opens April 3 against the Binghamton Rumble Ponies. Manchester Ink Link

🌡️ New Hampshire’s snowmelt isn’t fixing the drought. The state’s winter was the eighth driest on record, and with 80% of the state still in drought, melting snow is mostly just turning into mud. Experts say slow snowmelt can help fill ponds and wetlands, but it won’t solve the water deficit, which can be up to 18 inches in some areas. Ice jams could also cause localized flooding despite low water levels. Bottom line: Conserve water now before the real high-use season hits. New Hampshire Public Radio

🚓 NH voters weighed in on police cooperation with ICE. Recent town votes were all over the map: Gorham and Ossipee approved ending 287(g) agreements, Carroll tied, and Troy tabled the question. In Hampton, voters preemptively rejected any future agreements. While the votes aren’t binding, they show strong community interest—and mixed opinions—on how local police should interact with federal immigration enforcement. New Hampshire Public Radio

A recent global survey from the Pew Research Center found something surprising about the United States…

Americans are more likely than people in any of the 25 countries surveyed to say their fellow citizens have bad morals and ethics.

In fact, 53% of Americans say other Americans are morally bad, while 47% say they’re morally good.

Politics may play a role: Democrats are more likely than Republicans to say their fellow Americans have bad morals. But across many countries, people who oppose the party in power tend to view their fellow citizens more negatively too.

So this week’s question is…

Do you think Americans are becoming less moral—or just more judgmental of each other?

Here’s what you’re saying…

“A capitalistic system is in danger of becoming less moral due to the pressure of human greed. It sometimes seems that the only thing that matters in our society is the bottom line of how much profit we make. However, we have passed laws that show increasing concern for individual well-being and the future of our planet. It is too soon to attempt to predict what the final outcome of the evolution of our species will be. American society is suffering from a lack of ethical and moral leadership at present, but we can hope that the pendulum will swing back in the near future.” — JoAnn Carlson

“Americans have become more judgmental.” — Laura Hoglund

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’m dating a divorced dad, and he’s a little low-effort. Our last date was gas station beer, corn nuts, and…you-know-what. I liked the last part, but the first part wasn’t a great warm-up.

How can I give him gentle encouragement to be more romantic?

— Not There Yet in Provo

Dear Not There Yet in Provo,

First of all, I hear you. Gas station beer and corn nuts might be fine in a pinch, but it’s understandable to want more romance, more care, and more intention. Many women wonder whether they should just be “easygoing” or speak up. So let’s get one thing straight: it is okay to want more than a low-effort hookup. Here’s some advice to get the romance you’re looking for…

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

Granite Post is free for everyone. Your support makes our work possible.