Category: News

Primary polling

According to a recent poll conducted by the Saint Anselm College Survey Center, former President Donald Trump maintains a significant lead among likely voters in the New Hampshire Republican presidential primary, with 45 percent expressing their preference for Trump on the ballot test. This represents a 30-point lead over his closest challenger, former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, who has surged into second place with 15 percent support following the first Republican presidential candidate debate, according to the Sept 25. press release. Haley is now the leading alternative to Trump and outpaces former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie among respondents with an unfavorable impression of Trump, the release said. Meanwhile, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has seen his support decline by 18 points since March and now trails Haley with 11 percent. The poll also highlights the polarization within the primary electorate between supporters and detractors of Trump, with implications for the eventual nominee’s ability to challenge President Joe Biden in a general election matchup.

Rising star

Michael Newell, RN, a home care nurse at Granite VNA, has been named “Young Person of the Year” by Stay Work Play in its 14th Annual Rising Stars Awards. According to a press release, Newell joined Granite VNA in 2020 and participated in their Home Health Nurse Residency Program, where he learned the intricacies of home care nursing and later became a mentor for the program, guiding and supporting new nurses. In addition to his role as a mentor, Newell provides in-home care to a diverse patient population, demonstrating a commitment to compassionate care and support for every patient. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the University of New Hampshire and aspires to become a nurse educator in the future.

Maternal health

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has officially launched the Task Force on Maternal Mental Health, an initiative co-led by the Office on Women’s Health and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and established following the bipartisan TRIUMPH for New Moms Act, a law co-sponsored by New Hampshire’s Sen. Maggie Hassan and Sen. Tom Tillis of North Carolina. The goal is to address and support new mothers grappling with postpartum depression and other mental health challenges, ensuring they receive the necessary assistance, according to a press release from Hassan’s office. “New moms struggling with postpartum depression or other mental health challenges need to know that help is out there — and how to get it,” Sen. Hassan said in the release. “I am glad that following our bipartisan law, the administration today launched the Task Force on Maternal Mental Health, and I look forward to seeing how it works to get more new moms the support that they critically need.”

Commission member

Suzanne Brunelle, a shareholder at Devine Millimet, has been appointed as the attorney-appointed member of the State of New Hampshire Real Estate Commission by Gov. Sununu, according to a press release. In her new role, Brunelle will contribute to the commission’s efforts to establish safeguards and regulations within the licensing process for real estate salespersons and brokers in New Hampshire. With over 30 years of experience in the legal profession, Brunelle has provided legal counsel on various aspects of real estate matters, including land development, commercial and residential property financing, acquisition, sale, leasing, permitting and more.

Rural maternity

Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon has been awarded a federal grant totaling $991,467 as part of the Health Resources & Services Administration’s Rural Maternity and Obstetrics Management Strategies (RMOMS) Program. The grant, spanning four years, will support the North Country Maternity Network, a collaborative effort involving hospitals, community-based services, and state agency partners aimed at bolstering maternal health infrastructure in New Hampshire’s North Country region. RMOMS addresses the challenges faced by women in rural communities when accessing adequate obstetric care. The grant will be used to fund various initiatives, including standardizing prenatal screening, implementing evidence-based obstetrics pathways and improving site-based telehealth for comprehensive community care.

More Medicaid

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services has reinstated Medicaid for more than 3,100 individuals, including around 1,350 children, aligning with new federal eligibility guidance, NHPR reported. This reinstatement was prompted by a directive from the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services to review and rectify any inadvertent terminations and align state processes with federal guidelines. This initiative will cover any eligible medical bills incurred during the period of disenrollment and will also help individuals understand if they can retain their coverage without going through a complex eligibility redetermination process. The state is launching further efforts to ensure access to Medicaid services and is exploring more opportunities to expand access to Medicaid-funded health services in schools, according to the article.

The Dover Public Library will host a presentation titled “Hope for Shantytown: A History of Dover Housing Authority” on Wednesday, Oct. 11, at 6:30 p.m. Local historian Mark Leno will use historical photos to showcase the Dover Housing Authority’s impact on the city’s development over the past 70 years. The presentation will cover the organization’s evolution, its role in downtown Dover’s urban renewal efforts and milestones in providing housing for Dover residents. The event will be available for in-person and virtual attendance, with sign-up required for online access. It is free and open to the public. Visit library.dover.nh.gov.

The Upper Room, a family resource center in Derry (36 Tsienneto Road, is hosting the Crossroads Co-Parenting course on Oct. 14, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., for parents and caregivers raising children together. This course offers insights into maintaining children’s love for parents, avoiding involving children in conflicts, navigating personal challenges and fostering effective communication. Interested participants can register for classes online at urteachers.org.

The Nashua Transit System, along with other transit systems in New Hampshire, is observing Community Transportation Month throughout October to raise awareness about various transportation options, including Nashua’s city bus system, paratransit services and alternatives like biking and walking. This initiative includes a collaboration with Commute Smart NH, an organization offering ride-sharing services and challenges for riders in October. The celebration aligns with CommuteSmart NH’s Buses, Bikes and Brooms Commuter Challenge and the National Week Without Driving Challenge, aiming to spotlight essential but often overlooked services.

New commish

DJ Bettencourt has been confirmed as the Commissioner of the New Hampshire Insurance Department, following his nomination by Gov. Chris Sununu and subsequent approval by the Executive Council, according to a press release. Prior to this role, Bettencourt had been serving as the Deputy Commissioner since January 2021. In his new capacity, Bettencourt has outlined several key priorities, including achieving mental health parity, ensuring affordable coverage for small businesses, and supporting nonprofits in obtaining essential insurance coverage. He has emphasized his commitment to reinforcing operational efficiency within the department and maintaining a consumer-centric and competitive insurance marketplace in alignment with the department’s mission to uphold public interest through diligent enforcement of state insurance laws.

Grant for UNH

The University of New Hampshire (UNH) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are expanding their long-standing partnership with the creation of a new Center of Excellence for Operational Ocean and Great Lakes Mapping, according to a press release. U.S. Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan, along with Reps. Annie Kuster and Chris Pappas, announced the initiative, which builds on a 24-year collaboration in ocean and Great Lakes mapping. Funded by an $8 million NOAA grant, the new center, on UNH’s campus, aims to fortify advancements in ocean mapping, facilitating safe marine transportation and enhanced understanding of coastal hazards. It will act as a nexus for academia, industry and government and will feature state-of-the-art facilities, including specialized spaces for storing and managing equipment and vessels. The center will focus on practical hydrographic training, providing technical expertise and fostering partnerships to transition ocean mapping research to operations, aiding in a range of applications from environmental management to emergency response.

Trees for Manchester

U.S. Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan, along with Reps. Annie Kuster and Chris Pappas, have unveiled a $2.5 million federal grant through the U.S. Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry Program for Manchester and Lebanon, stemming from the Inflation Reduction Act. The grant prioritizes environmental conservation with a spotlight on tree planting and maintenance to address climate change and intense heat. Manchester, partnering with Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) and The Nature Conservancy in New Hampshire (TNC), will benefit from $2.2 million toward its Urban Forest Equity Planning and Implementation project. This project emphasizes equitable tree planting, particularly in underserved neighborhoods, urban forest resilience, workforce expansion in urban forestry, community participation in forestry decisions, and methods to alleviate severe urban heat. Concurrently, Lebanon’s Green Streets Initiative will be granted $244,275.

STEM in schools

The New Hampshire Department of Education is investing in the future of STEM, allocating a total of $713,601 in grants to 77 schools for the development of robotics programs, according to a press release. Commissioner Frank Edelblut is optimistic that these programs will not only spark interest in STEM careers among students in public and charter schools but also foster essential life- and work-related skills. Schools will use these funds to expand current programs or create new ones, covering costs associated with robotics kits, competition fees, transportation and other related expenses. Grants for each school vary, ranging from $2,000 to $14,850, tailored to meet individual school needs. Beyond robotics, some schools, like the Cooperative Middle School in Stratham, are diversifying into drone programs, enriching students’ learning experiences in robotics, coding and technology.

Historical marker

A lawsuit has been launched against New Hampshire state officials over the removal of a historical marker dedicated to Elizabeth Gurley Flynn, a feminist, labor activist and former leader of the U.S. Communist Party, the AP reported. The marker was removed due to its depiction of Flynn’s Communist involvement following criticisms from Republican members of the Executive Council and Gov. Chris Sununu. The plaintiffs, an American history teacher and an activist, argue that the removal was illegal, violated administrative procedures and was ideologically driven, contrary to the historical marker program’s purpose. They allege interference with their rights to petition for the erection of a historical marker, and the case is currently under review by the Attorney General’s office, according to the article.

More Medicaid

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services has reinstated Medicaid for more than 3,100 individuals, including around 1,350 children, aligning with new federal eligibility guidance, NHPR reported. This reinstatement was prompted by a directive from the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services to review and rectify any inadvertent terminations and align state processes with federal guidelines. This initiative will cover any eligible medical bills incurred during the period of disenrollment and will also help individuals understand if they can retain their coverage without going through a complex eligibility redetermination process. The state is launching further efforts to ensure access to Medicaid services and is exploring more opportunities to expand access to Medicaid-funded health services in schools, according to the article.

New Hampshire Audubon has announced the establishment of the Ines and Frederick Yeatts Wildlife Sanctuary in Warren, its 40th sanctuary, according to a press release. The 545-acre property, a gift from the Yeattses, abuts the White Mountain National Forest and is home to diverse wildlife, including some in decline. Plans include the development of access trails and a parking area. Visit nhaudubon.org to learn more.

The New Boston Fire Department is set to receive more than $9 million in federal funding from the Department of Defense’s Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP) to construct a new, modern fire station. According to a press release, the facility will offer advanced fire, emergency and hazmat services and will support the New Boston Space Force Station. The grant is part of an initiative to bolster infrastructure and safety in communities harboring crucial defense installations.

A new Cathedral Gift Shop has opened at Saint Joseph Cathedral at 145 Lowell St. in Manchester, according to a press release. The shop was established following the closure of the privately owned Cathedral Church Goods and will feature a range of religious items, including books, gifts, devotionals and home décor. It will be open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with extended hours on Wednesdays until 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays until 3:30 p.m.