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.