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The rise of Donald Trump has forced his fellow oligarchs out into the open. Oligarchs are business leaders and groups who wield incredible economic and political power. Big business has sought to capture our governments for the last 50 years, starting with the Powell Memorandum of 1971 and capping it with Project 2025. The endgame is here.

Applications are now open for New Hampshire’s largest student journalism award, the Brodsky Prize, which was established seven years ago by the late Jeffrey Brodsky and his father, Howard, to encourage innovation by student journalists. The $5,000 prize is open to all high school students attending public, charter, or parochial schools in New Hampshire.

By CHARLOTTE MATHERLY

For Eric Pauer, a former board member of the Hollis Brookline Cooperative School District, school board elections are already deeply rooted in party politics. So, why not make it official?

With hits such as “Love Takes Time, ”Dance with Me,” and “Still the One,” the smooth melodic pop-rock music of Orleans has stood the test of time in the past 53 years since the group’s formation. Bringing its music to Concord, the band will perform at the Bank of New Hampshire Stage on Thursday, Feb. 27.

By JEREMY MARGOLIS

Editor’s note: This story is part of the Monitor’s Inside EFAs series, which examines New Hampshire’s Education Freedom Account program.

By JOSEPH D. STEINFIELD

Joseph D. Steinfield is an attorney living in Keene and Jaffrey. He can be reached at joe@joesteinfield.com.

Prior to the 2024 election, I expressed my deep concern that many Americans were “sleepwalking ” into that election and could awaken to an unrecognizable America. Regrettably, that nightmare is upon us.

Calling all farmers and gardeners: Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Hampshire’s annual spring bulk order is a collective buying program for organic farming and gardening supplies. No minimum order. No shipping charges. You don’t have to be a member to order, though members pay less. Save on supplies and support the association at the same time!

By EDITH PERKINS

Edith Perkins is a public school educator of more than 25 years. She lives in Bow.

By ALEXANDER RAPP

Willem Avenant sipped on a coffee with bruised and calloused hands and a big smile, one of profound accomplishment.

Apparently our astute Gov. Ayotte is now concerned about President Trump’s tariffs hurting New Hampshire commerce. Good point governor, I’m glad you noticed. The question I can’t help asking is: Did you think about this before you voted for the madman now sitting in the White House? Oh, and did you also think about any of the following items before casting your support behind our favorite Facist? Did you notice he is a felon or that he fully supports Project 2025 and is filling, or trying to fill, his cabinet slots with a bunch of Project 2025 supporters? Did you notice that he is trying to eliminate transgender human beings from existing in the U.S.? Women’s reproductive rights are also on his list of elimination. And then, there is the whole Elon Musk thing, but that deserves a separate letter. This is all just the tip of the iceberg, Gov. Ayotte, and it’s all on you and every other Trump supporter. Next time, think before you vote!

Last week, the Trump administration announced sweeping illegal, unconstitutional cuts to federal benefit and grant programs. While multiple lawsuits and federal court rulings have ordered temporary blocks to Trump’s order, many of these vital programs are actively being undermined. This chaotic announcement has caused widespread confusion and panic for millions whose livelihoods rely on these funds. Federal grant programs fund a range of vital programs like SNAP food assistance, low-income home energy assistance, Meals on Wheels, clean water protections, free school lunches, veterans’ benefits, disaster relief and recovery, housing assistance and support for Medicaid and Medicare. It is clear that this is work to implement Project 2025, cutting broad vital programs to fund tax cuts for the richest people in the country. These federal investments must remain in place for New Hampshire to ensure continued access to clean air and drinking water, protections for the environment, cheaper clean energy, and safeguards for the health and safety of our communities. I’m a person with over a dozen disabilities. I’m scared. I read the news every day, hesitantly. I scan for “Medicare,” “Medicaid,” “healthcare” as my eyes dart by other concerning headlines. I’m also LGBTQ. It is 2025. We live in America. I shouldn’t be waking up every day fearful that my rights have been taken from me! I’m calling on Congress to oppose any cuts to these critical programs. Senators Shaheen and Hassan, Representatives Pappas and Goodlander: Please, do your part to stop these dangerous cuts.

Government expenditures benefit everyone. For example, the U.S. Economic Development Administration alone invests billions in water and wastewater systems, transportation infrastructure, telecommunication infrastructure, workforce training centers, business incubators, intermodal facilities, science and research parks and technology-based facilities. This creates hundreds of thousands of jobs, generating billions in private investment. A win-win for everyone. President Trump would purge these programs. Jobs? Gone. Money for local economies? Vanished. Infrastructure upgrades? Terminated.

By PAUL STEINHAUSER

A top non-partisan political handicapper predicts that New Hampshire’s U.S. Senate race in 2026 is already shaping up to be a very competitive contest.

By JEREMY MARGOLIS

Leaders of school districts hammered by the rising costs of special education services reacted with muted optimism to the news that Gov. Kelly Ayotte plans to increase a component of state funding for special education by nearly 50%.

By CATHERINE McLAUGHLIN

With rising personnel costs alongside declining enrollment, the proposed 2025-2026 operating budget for the Concord School district would dip into trust funds and downsize its teaching staff to blunt the tax increase.

By DANIEL SARCH

FRANKLIN — The Franklin Animal Shelter will cease operations and dissolve the charitable organization known as Granite State Animal League. President Jennifer Ach said while she’s not normally an emotional person, this is a tough time for her and the members of the board. She appreciates all the help the shelter has received from the community for over 20 years.

By CHARLOTTE MATHERLY

State department heads warned in recent months that just meeting the bare minimum legal requirements on their budgets could lead to staff cuts and reduced services. Governor Kelly Ayotte had requested proposals that were 4% less than what they spent this year.

By REBECA PEREIRA

In Canterbury, a waiting game is underway.