By Granite State Report New Hampshire is approaching a quiet but decisive moment. Not a crisis headline. Not a single election. A crossroads built from data trends, policy choices, and long-term consequences that are now converging. The Granite State is still outperforming much of the country on quality-of-life metrics. But…
New Hampshire’s economy shows low unemployment at 3% but exhibits cautious hiring and unstable state revenues. Employers face challenges from high housing costs, child care shortages, and economic uncertainty. The ongoing tax-cut versus public service funding debate raises concerns about the state’s ability to maintain stability and livability amid these shifts.
New Hampshire faces an affordability crisis as housing prices and rents rise faster than incomes, creating financial strain for residents. Despite high income levels, many cannot afford to live near their jobs. Structural issues such as insufficient housing supply, tight rental markets, and escalating living costs exacerbate the problem, affecting diverse demographics statewide.
The investigation analyzes how the “Make America Great Again” slogan evolved into a contentious identity associated with extremism and political violence, particularly among non-Republicans. It explores the intense dislike for MAGA Republicans, rooted in perceptions of threats to democracy, racial tensions, and policy impacts, reflecting a deeply polarized American political landscape.
The article investigates if the Trump administration in 2025 is structurally ungovernable or simply constrained. It examines legal, congressional, administrative, fiscal, and geopolitical factors affecting governance. While the analysis highlights significant constraints, it concludes that the administration faces challenges rather than an inevitable doom, emphasizing the importance of navigating these complexities successfully.
Rep. Maggie Goodlander and fellow lawmakers emphasize that service members must refuse illegal orders, a principle upheld by military law. In response, Trump labeled their message as “seditious behavior.” Goodlander argues that loyalty to the Constitution, not a president, is essential, warning against the dangers of equating obedience with patriotism.
U.S. forces have intensified lethal strikes against suspected drug boats, with at least 80 deaths reported since September. While legal opinions suggest these actions are lawful under a new “armed conflict” paradigm, critics argue they violate international law. This creates legal and moral dilemmas for operators carrying out these orders.
The recent U.S. government shutdown lasted 43 days, marking the longest in history, with repercussions affecting nearly a million federal employees and various essential services. The standoff primarily revolved around funding disagreements related to ACA subsidies, revealing deep political divides and systemic issues. Both parties share responsibility for the shutdown and its consequences.
Bitcoin emerged from a nine-page PDF by Satoshi Nakamoto in 2008, laying the groundwork for a decentralized currency. After developing the network, Satoshi disappeared in 2011, leaving behind a legacy shrouded in mystery. Subsequent attempts to identify Satoshi have been unsubstantiated, reinforcing the importance of anonymity in decentralized systems.
New Hampshire faces critical economic pressures in 2025, including high inflation, soaring energy costs, and a housing shortage, leading to affordability challenges. While overdose deaths and crime rates have decreased, rising health insurance premiums put additional strain on families. Policy reforms in housing, childcare, and health care are essential to maintain competitiveness and livability.
A proposal to redraw New Hampshire’s congressional districts has been withdrawn after Governor Kelly Ayotte opposed changes before 2030. This decision maintains the current “least-change” map adopted in 2022, preserving a competitive landscape for the 1st Congressional District as both parties prepare for the 2026 midterms amidst ongoing political tensions.
Amazon and UPS are leading the charge in AI-driven workforce restructuring, signaling a future where automation reshapes corporate landscapes. As these tech giants scale back human roles, the implications for job security and industry transformation become increasingly clear. Discover how AI is redefining the workforce today.
By Granite State Report Introduction We previously explored how the generation after Generation Z may face a very different relationship to “jobs” and “careers” due to automation, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and shifting work-norms. In this special report we turn our focus to New Hampshire: how might this transformation play…
By Granite State Report Executive SummaryIt’s time to confront a wild but increasingly plausible idea: the generation following Generation Z (often called “Gen Alpha” and younger) may never experience careers in the way their parents did. Thanks to the accelerating sweep of automation, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and digital platforms,…
The author describes their experience at Belknap House, which initially seemed welcoming but quickly revealed itself to be restrictive and controlling. Privacy is nonexistent, with strict rules regulating medication, curfews, and personal autonomy. While the staff are well-meaning, the environment feels more like custody than refuge, undermining dignity and independence.
New Hampshire’s median home sale price was approximately $510,600 in September 2025, following a peak of $565,000 in June. The state has no sales tax, but property taxes face increased pressure post-Interest & Dividends tax repeal. Ongoing energy cost concerns, PFAS cleanup, and school funding debates add complexity to affordability challenges.
This investigative report reveals how voters’ perceptions of presidential character are closely tied to economic conditions rather than personal virtues. The University of California study demonstrates that favorable economic indicators lead to positive evaluations of intelligence and morality, while downturns diminish these views, highlighting democracy’s emotional underpinnings and the role of media in shaping perceptions.
Millennials face significant economic challenges due to policies favoring older asset owners, resulting in limited access to affordable housing, education, and childcare. Wealth disparities persist, compounded by rising student debt and stagnant wages. Solutions require structural reforms in housing, childcare, education financing, and social insurance to create equitable opportunities for younger generations.
The report analyzes state contract funding, highlighting complexity and risks in the allocation of taxpayer dollars to private entities. It reveals issues such as lack of transparency, manipulation of contracts, and payment delays. Recommendations include enhancing oversight, improving transparency, and fostering competition to safeguard taxpayer interests and maintain public trust.
By Granite State Report Executive Summary America’s “Red vs. Blue” split didn’t appear overnight, and it isn’t just about ideology. Our parties have grown more sorted (liberals in the Democratic Party, conservatives in the Republican Party) and our politics more affective—we increasingly dislike and distrust the other side, regardless of…
Qualified immunity, a legal doctrine shielding law enforcement from personal liability unless a “clearly established” right is violated, faces scrutiny in New Hampshire. Proposed reforms aim to enhance accountability and align state constitutional rights with legal recourse. Critics warn of increased litigation and risk of defensive policing, complicating reform efforts.
By Granite State Report In the beginning, social media sold itself as a democratic miracle — a place where anyone could speak truth to power. But that promise rotted fast. Behind the memes and trending hashtags, an invisible war is raging between bots, algorithms, and human moderators armed with delete…
New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte’s approval ratings have recently dropped close to disapproval levels, indicating her vulnerable political position ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial election. Unpopular policy decisions around budget cuts and education have contributed to this decline, raising concerns about her chance of reelection amidst potential primaries and emerging Republican challengers.
The article explores fat shaming within the military, highlighting its detrimental effects on mental health, performance, and retention. It critiques outdated fitness standards and flawed measurement tools, while advocating for reforms that prioritize functional performance over appearance. Emphasizing equity and support, it calls for a cultural shift towards more humane and scientifically-based standards.
The United States is experiencing a democratic decline despite advances in information and technology. A significant portion of the population expresses distrust in political institutions, with many believing substantial reforms are essential. Civic knowledge is eroding, polarization is intensifying, and misinformation thrives, highlighting the urgency for systemic changes to restore faith in democracy.
A Lost Generation: Why We Have No Economic Future There’s a quiet despair running through America’s young adults, and it isn’t melodrama—it’s math. The so-called “economic future” has been sold off, collateralized, and hollowed out, leaving behind a generation destined to work harder for less. Stagnant Wages, Exploding Costs For…
A study by Darren Sherkat reveals that Donald Trump’s voter base consisted largely of individuals with lower cognitive sophistication. Voters with higher education and verbal skills were significantly less likely to support him. This indicates a strong link between Trump’s success and anti-intellectualism, shaping the future political landscape along the lines of education and belief systems.
The U.S. military operates under the guise of promoting democracy, yet often prioritizes capitalism and strategic interests. While officials assert the mission is to defend democratic values, historical actions reveal a tendency to support capitalist elites and intervene only when U.S. economic interests are at stake, compromising true democratic ideals.
The article argues that Facebook has transformed the public square into a private entity, monopolizing civic discourse. It proposes regulating Facebook as a public utility to ensure free speech, fairness, and transparency. Increasingly vital for grassroots campaigns and local politics, the platform’s algorithmic decisions and content policies hinder democratic engagement.
New Hampshire’s school funding system relies heavily on local property taxes, creating significant inequities between wealthy and property-poor communities. Despite court rulings declaring the funding approach unconstitutional, reforms remain stalled. As a result, students in poorer districts face limited opportunities, while wealthier towns thrive, perpetuating a cycle of educational disparity.
The Case for Stronger School Funding Reform in New Hampshire Executive Summary Although New Hampshire ranks highly in total per pupil spending among U.S. states, serious structural problems remain: the state provides a relatively small share of that funding; many districts rely heavily on local property taxes; the base adequacy…
The report analyzes generational outcomes in the U.S. concerning happiness, education, work, wealth, housing, marriage, and security. Baby Boomers report higher life satisfaction, while younger generations, particularly Gen Z, show declining happiness and rising challenges in affordability and financial security, despite increased educational attainment among young adults.
The report analyzes generational differences among Americans from Baby Boomers to Gen Z in areas like happiness, education, employment, wealth, and housing. It highlights that older generations report greater happiness and stability, while younger generations face higher debt, delayed milestones, and increasing mental health challenges. Economic pressures complicate their paths to stability.
A 29-year-old nurse from New Hampshire State Hospital, Peter James Lariviere, has been arrested on three felony counts for possessing child sexual abuse images linked to the dark-web platform Kidflix. His arrest follows an international operation by Europol that dismantled Kidflix, which had millions of users. The investigation continues.
In 2025, New Hampshire reversed its offshore wind policies under Gov. Kelly Ayotte, dismantling development offices and aligning with federal rollbacks that withdrew wind leasing areas. This shift reflects concerns over costs and environmental impacts, positioning the state as an outlier compared to proactive neighbors like Maine and Massachusetts in offshore wind initiatives.
New Hampshire is facing a severe housing affordability crisis, identified as the top concern by residents, surpassing addiction and education. Polls show overwhelming support for increasing affordable housing and altering zoning regulations. Rising rents and home prices threaten economic stability, workforce retention, and exacerbate socioeconomic inequalities, necessitating urgent policy reform.
Fire at Weare Recycling Facility: A Case Study & Broader Analysis I. Executive Summary On Friday morning, September 19, 2025, a major fire broke out at Granite State Recycling, a commercial recycling facility in Weare, New Hampshire. The fire quickly escalated to a three-alarm blaze, prompting mutual aid from neighboring…
Executive summary What’s going on: description & scope of actions Here are the main categories of what the administration is doing in this “war on science,” as described in the reporting and expert commentary: Category Specific Actions Taken Agencies / Areas Affected Dismissals & Layoffs Thousands of scientists fired or…
The Assassination of Charlie Kirk: A Turning Point for American Political Violence? On September 10, 2025, right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at Utah Valley University (UVU) while delivering a speech. He was 31. According to available reports, a shooter fired from a rooftop approximately 142 yards…
After the Kirk Assassination: How Secure Is New Hampshire’s Political Life—And What Should Change? By Granite State Report — September 15, 2025 Executive summary The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk during a campus appearance in Utah on September 10, 2025 has jolted the country—and it has clear implications for…
New Hampshire faces severe consequences from federal Medicaid cuts under the OBBBA, potentially leading to over one preventable death per week and increased medical debt. To mitigate this, the state must act by filling funding gaps, reforming Medicaid administration, strengthening subsidies, enhancing preventive care, and raising public awareness to protect vulnerable populations.
New Hampshire’s overdose deaths declined significantly in 2024, part of a national trend, yet fentanyl remains prevalent in the drug supply. Despite progress, the state’s drug landscape is complex, with heightened risks from polydrug use involving stimulants and xylazine. Ongoing harm-reduction efforts and treatment advancements are crucial to maintain gains.
By an independent reporter. Published September 12, 2025. Executive summary The fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025, poured accelerant on America’s already-combustible debate over guns, speech, and political violence. Within hours, the incident became a Rorschach test: the right decried a…
9/11: What Happened, What Changed, What Endures Published on Granite State Report On the morning of September 11, 2001, America’s ordinary Tuesday—skies brilliant and blue up and down the East Coast—became a hinge of history. Four commercial airliners were hijacked by 19 al-Qaeda operatives. Two were flown into the Twin…