Granite Staters are expected to wager around $20 million on March Madness this year, and I’m curious—who actually bet on March Madness this year—and more importantly, how’s your bracket holding up?

Because if yours is already busted (no judgment), you’re not alone. Between the upsets, the heartbreaks, and that one team you swore would go all the way … it’s chaos out there.

There are no New Hampshire teams in the running. But here’s a reason to keep watching: Courtney Banghart, a New Hampshire native, is the head coach of the women’s team at the University of North Carolina. And yes—her team is making moves.

It’s a pretty good reminder that even in the madness, we’ve got someone local to root for.

 Here’s what else I’m covering today:

🗳️ Maura Sullivan launches anti-corruption campaign 

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

📢 We asked, you answered: Should Ayotte demand tariff refunds for NH?

🔍 Question of the week: Are you concerned about the economy? 

💍 What Granite Staters are shelling out for engagement rings 

Maura Sullivan launches anti-corruption campaign as Trump rakes in billions

While Trump’s family raked in hundreds of millions from crypto and the administration scrapped ethics rules, Maura Sullivan just rolled out her “Unrig Washington” plan to end stock trading by members of Congress, ban dark money, and hold politicians accountable. Is this the boldest anti-corruption platform in the NH-01 Democratic primary—or just what voters have been waiting for? 

Colin Booth has the full story.

👉State officials denied an herbicide-free plan to tackle invasive milfoil at Willand Pond in Dover, saying it could do more harm than good if not handled carefully. Foster’s Daily Democrat 

👉 If you shop at Trader Joe’s, you’ll want to pay attention. There’s been a massive recall of frozen fried rice after pieces of glass were found in the food. Here’s what to know. Portsmouth Herald

👉 And, in Manchester, a bizarre situation unfolded at a middle school. A contracted nurse was removed from campus after officials said she appeared in social media videos engaging in “indecent activities.” School leaders say no students were involved, and the individual is no longer working in the district. Union Leader

Local news is essential for democracy.

Our reporting cuts through false narratives, documents what’s actually happening in our communities, and provides voters with the clear, factual information they need—especially when the stakes are high.

This week, we asked readers: Should New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte demand tariff refunds for NH households?

Here’s what you had to say:

“Yes she should. She doesn’t do much for our state . We need a NH defender, not a Trump follower.” — Sharon Clarke

“Yes, she should! Based on her actions thus far I highly doubt she will, as she will not go against the regime. She’s not for the people of NH! She’s one of Donald Trump’s minions.” — Patrina Ivey

“It would be nice if Trump shared some of the billions he’s making off his presidency, but I’m not holding my breath. Gov. Ayotte seems to be more concerned with making nice with the Trump administration than with the welfare of NH citizens, so I’m not holding my breath waiting for her to do anything either.” — JoAnn Carlson

“I believe every household in our nation is entitled to compensation due to this illegal actions of Trump! It is only fair and just that Kelly gets it for our state!” — Mary Richmond 

“Yes, our governor should follow suit, but I do not believe she will since she follows in the footsteps of the MAGA party. As far as the money, more should go to larger families and less to a single person because those with more people in their family have paid higher tariffs. I’m a single person and don’t believe I deserve a higher return on tariffs than those around me who are raising 3 to 4 children. They deserve a higher return on tariffs.” — Chuck Wetzel

“If only she had the courage to worry about NH folks and not her political career.” — Sandy Keans

“Hell yes! But she’s too in love with Trump and the Republicans to do anything like that.” — David Masters

Democrats are gaining ground in New Hampshire ahead of the 2026 midterms, with a new Saint Anselm poll showing a widening lead. Concerns over the economy and foreign policy appear to be driving the shift.

So this week’s question is:

Are you concerned about the economy?

What Granite Staters are shelling out for engagement rings 

By Katy Savage

Here’s the reality when it comes to engagement rings: according to The Knot’s 2024 study, most couples aren’t going wild with five-figure purchases. 

The average engagement ring in the US costs about $5,200—and that number has actually been dropping in recent years.

About two-thirds spend under $6,000, and a third keep it under $3,000. Translation: the $20,000 ring you saw online? Not the norm.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Katy Savage with stories from Colin Booth. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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