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…
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 It critiques outdated fitness standards and flawed measurement tools, while advocating for reforms that prioritize functional performance over appearance.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.
Elon Musk’s $44 billion acquisition of Twitter, later rebranded as “X,” is criticized as a misguided and costly error. Analysts argue he destroyed a recognizable brand for an untested identity, while financial metrics reveal a steep decline in value and ad revenues. Musk’s ambition clashes with market realities, leading to chaos.
Community Voicesđź’¬ Opinion & Commentaryđź“š Special Series / Deep DivesForgotten NH: Rural & Underserved VoicesInvestigative Reports
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.
New Hampshire’s Dunkin’ Donuts is more than a coffee chain; it represents a cultural phenomenon integral to local life, serving as a communal hub. Residents view their Dunkin’ orders with reverence, seeing it as essential for survival. This devotion shapes social interactions, political campaigns, and embodies the state’s communal spirit.
In New Hampshire, the State Liquor & Wine Outlet serves as a symbol of state identity and civic duty. It’s more than a store; it’s a pilgrimage for many, attracting tourists seeking tax-free alcohol. The state-run outlets reflect a unique blend of rugged individualism and communal participation, fostering a sense of democratic unity through consumerism.
New Hampshire’s motto “Live Free or Die” evokes a sense of boldness, but its interpretation is muddled. While it suggests maximum liberty, the reality is a mix of leniencies and restrictions. The state embodies freedom paradoxically, allowing certain behaviors while imposing limits, making the motto both a charm and a conundrum.
In a comedic town hall in New Hampshire, presidential candidates participate in an unconventional debate centered on local customs like snowblowers and maple syrup. Moderator Martha ensures the event highlights the absurdity of politics. As candidates compete for a farmer’s last donut, the scene humorously underscores New Hampshire’s significant yet quirky role in presidential elections.
Jimmy Kimmel’s return to late-night television signifies more than entertainment; it represents a revival of cultural commentary that resonates deeply with audiences. Balancing humor with political and personal topics, Kimmel provides a stable voice in a fragmented media landscape, emphasizing the importance of truth and laughter in today’s society.
America at the Crossroads: Civic Decline, Misinformation, and the Crisis of Awareness By Granite State Report In the land where democracy was meant to thrive, where self-governance is both a right and a responsibility, the American public faces a quiet but serious crisis: a growing disconnect from the foundational knowledge…
In 2024, New Hampshire’s presidential race was extremely close, highlighting flaws in the current electoral system that can allow winners without majority support. Advocating for ranked choice voting, the article argues it would offer a fairer representation by allowing voters to rank preferences, promoting broader candidate appeal and reducing negative campaigning while reflecting the true will of the electorate.
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.
Are We Defenders of Freedom and Democracy, or Simply Capitalism? Introduction The United States and other Western powers often frame their global role as defenders of freedom and democracy. These ideals are central to political rhetoric, foreign policy justifications, and national identity. Yet beneath this rhetoric lies a tension: are…
The article argues that children are not the cause of poverty; rather, inadequate wages and high costs due to policy failures are the main culprits. It emphasizes the importance of supportive policies like affordable childcare, refundable child benefits, and paid leave, which can help families thrive instead of struggling financially.
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…
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.
The Granite State Workforce in 2025: Strengths, Shortages, and the Stakes Ahead Granite State Report — Special Briefing Executive Summary New Hampshire’s job market in 2025 is a paradox in motion: low unemployment and high labor-force participation sit alongside structural worker shortages in health care, skilled trades, and advanced manufacturing;…
Do We Need to Take the Second Amendment Away to Protect the First? TL;DR Short answer: No. Repealing the Second Amendment is neither necessary nor realistic to safeguard free speech and assembly. The real work is to regulate guns in ways our Constitution already permits (especially in “sensitive places” like…
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…
A group of politicians shocked the nation by pledging to tell the truth, causing widespread panic among citizens used to deception. Admissions of misleading practices, such as minimal climate efforts and corporate sponsorship, have left journalists and the public reeling. The movement disrupts industries tied to political spin, while therapy demand rises as people adjust to this new honesty.
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping various aspects of life, prompting New Hampshire’s legislature to introduce regulatory measures. The debate centers on balancing innovation with rights protection. With public concern and industry pushback, clear policies on transparency, oversight, and risk classification are essential to navigate AI’s implications effectively.
New Hampshire’s court has ruled that the state’s education funding is inadequate, requiring legislative action. To address this, a combination of education funding reform and housing policy changes is proposed. This includes adjusting per-pupil aid, rationalizing the statewide education property tax, and promoting affordable housing to relieve tax burdens and support families and workers.