NH efforts
After a shooting in Lewiston, Maine, which resulted in 18 fatalities, New Hampshire’s Department of Safety actively monitored the situation and provided significant assistance, according to a press release. The state dispatched its SWAT team, shuttled blood donations and offered other critical resources. Maine authorities led a manhunt for the suspect, who was later found deceased in a trailer at a former workplace. Gov. Chris Sununu issued the following statement: “Grateful for the efforts of Maine State Police who led the manhunt to bring closure to this challenging search. Thanks to the men and women of our own New Hampshire State Police for their tireless assistance. It is time for the communities in Maine to heal and I hope the families of this tragic situation can heal in peace.”
Biden write-in
In an unprecedented move, New Hampshire Democrats, including numerous state lawmakers and prominent figures like filmmaker Ken Burns, have initiated a write-in campaign supporting President Joe Biden for the state’s presidential primary, NHPR reported. This comes after Biden opted not to list his name on the New Hampshire ballot, following the Democratic National Committee’s decision to prioritize South Carolina as the first primary state. The “Write-In Biden” website guides voters on the write-in process and critiques the DNC’s decision as “misguided.” Despite Biden’s notable lead in local Democratic polls, Minnesota Congressman Dean Phillips has entered the fray, emphasizing the younger generation’s desire for alternative nominees. The write-in initiative marks a historic moment, as campaigns of this nature targeting a sitting president during the New Hampshire primary have never occurred before, according to the article.
New AUSA
U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young has announced the appointment of Tiffany Scanlon as an Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) to handle domestic terrorism and violent crimes in the District of New Hampshire. AUSA Scanlon brings with her a wealth of experience from her tenure since 2012 at the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office, where she worked in various units, including the Major Felony and Gang Units. Throughout her career she has prosecuted numerous severe criminal cases, such as homicides and armed robberies. In May 2023 the U.S. Attorney’s Office in New Hampshire was allocated two new attorney positions, with one focused on Civil Rights yet to be filled.
School security
The New Hampshire Department of Education has opened its third round of applications for the Security Action for Education (SAFE) grants program, according to a press release. This program will allocate $10 million to district and public charter schools to bolster school security, with a focus on enhancing access control, emergency alerting, and surveillance. Although $13.9 million has been awarded in previous rounds, schools that haven’t received grants before will be given priority in this round. Applications can be submitted to the Public School Infrastructure Commission, and the maximum award for any school will not surpass $100,000. Award decisions will likely be made in the first quarter of 2024.
Honorees
U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan honored Dr. Reiko Johnson of Newfields and Dr. Nathan Swanson of Durham as October’s Granite Staters of the Month for their contributions to the community, according to a press release. Dr. Johnson founded Volunteers in Medicine of New Hampshire (VIM-NH) to cater to uninsured and underinsured patients. Recognizing a need for dental care among these patients, she collaborated with Dr. Swanson to organize VIM-NH’s inaugural Dental Day of Caring. The event witnessed volunteer dentists providing 19 extractions, 10 fillings and one root canal, donating services worth $11,531. Sen. Hassan’s “Granite Stater of the Month” initiative acknowledges remarkable New Hampshire residents for their community contributions.
FEMA funds
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded New Hampshire more than $26 million in reimbursements for Covid-19-related costs, according to a press release. Of this, a grant of $24,410,106 will be directed to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services for staffing vaccination sites, having facilitated the vaccination of around 36,727 vulnerable individuals. Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital will receive $1,770,931 to cover expenses tied to a Covid-19 testing system and related public service announcements. In addition, the state will receive nearly $1.4 million for renting and operating warehouse space from April 2020 to July 2022, which stored and distributed essential Covid-19 supplies. To date, FEMA’s Public Assistance program has reimbursed New Hampshire more than $286 million for pandemic expenses.
In Pembroke, more than 50 “No Coal No Gas” activists rallied by the Merrimack River, urging Granite Shore Power to transition from coal to solar energy at the Merrimack Station. Several were arrested after clashing with Bow Police on trespassing claims.
The Greater Manchester Chamber (GMC) reports that more than 20 nonprofits will participate in the “Find Your Cause” event organized by the Manchester Young Professionals (MYP). Presented by Southern New Hampshire University, this event, scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 29, at the Rex Theatre, aims to connect young professionals in Manchester with nonprofit leaders and opportunities. Attendees will have the chance to interact directly with each organization before the nonprofits present their two-minute pitches. Registration is available on Eventbrite, and nonprofits interested in joining can contact the GMC for more information.
The Nashua Public Library will host a Veterans Day celebration on Saturday, Nov. 4, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the Chandler Wing, according to a press release. Inspired by a previous Salute to Service display, this year’s event will feature live music, miniature military vehicle displays and a preview of a WWII oral history project. Attendees can engage in crafting buttons and cards for veterans. Veteran organizations will be present to provide resources. Visit nashualibrary.org.
