Sununu is a ‘no’

Gov. Chris Sununu is not running for president in 2024, as he explained in a Washington Post opinion piece from June 5 and as was reported by several local media outlets that day. “Our party is on a collision course toward electoral irrelevance without significant corrective action. The stakes are too high for a crowded field to hand the nomination to a candidate who earns just 35 percent of the vote, and I will help ensure this does not happen,” Sununu said in the piece (former President Donald Trump received 35 percent of the vote in the 2016 Republican primary). Sununu said in the Washington Post piece he believes he can have more influence “on the future of the Republican Party and the 2024 nominating process” as governor. In an interview with WMUR aired on Monday, he said he could be more unleashed as governor than as a candidate. The WMUR piece also said Sununu has not yet said whether he plans to run for a fifth term as governor.

Schools survey

The New Hampshire Department of Education has released the results of its 603 Bright Futures Survey, which recently gathered feedback from educators, families and community members on the previous school year. The survey showed progress made in innovation, school safety and partnerships between schools and families, while areas for improvement identified include student anxiety, behavior and additional support for educators. Other key findings include positive relationships between staff and students; the need for more support for educators working with special education and academically advanced students; and the importance of social and emotional support systems in schools. Full survey results can be viewed at secure.panoramaed.com/nhed/understand.

Pedestrian bridge

The City of Manchester has unveiled updated designs for the Granite Street Pedestrian Bridge, which is part of the RAISE Manchester transportation infrastructure project, “Connecting Communities.” According to a press release, the new design incorporates feedback from residents, businesses and community groups to enhance safety and usability for pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers. The bridge, near the Commercial Street and Granite Street intersection, will provide a safe alternative for Fisher Cats fans and commuters crossing Granite Street. The widened bridge and ramps now meet ADA accessibility standards, and cyclists can choose between using the bridge or street-level travel lanes. The project also aims to improve signal operation, reduce emissions and pay homage to Manchester’s history by resembling the former Notre Dame Bridge.

Lawsuit settlement

Attorney General John M. Formella has announced in a press release a nationwide settlement of $102.5 million with Indivior Inc., the maker of Suboxone, in which 42 states participated. New Hampshire will receive approximately $896,400 as part of the settlement. The complaint alleged that Indivior used illegal tactics to maintain its monopoly over Suboxone, making it more expensive and difficult to treat opioid addiction. “Indivior’s illegal actions truly put profits ahead of people, and with this settlement we are holding them accountable and obtaining significant relief for our citizens,” Formella said in the release. The agreement, subject to court approval, requires Indivior to pay the states and comply with injunctive terms to prevent similar conduct in the future.

Help for kids

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded $499,277 to Lamprey Health Care to support its Southern NH Area Health Education Center program, according to a press release from New Hampshire’s congressional delegation. The funding will be used to expand access to trauma-informed care and interventions for children and caregivers who have been exposed to adverse childhood experiences. The delegation, including U.S. Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan, as well as Reps. Annie Kuster and Chris Pappas, emphasized the importance of such programs in addressing the substance use disorder epidemic in New Hampshire and supporting affected families.

Detentions abroad

U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen has been appointed as an honorary co-chair on a bipartisan commission aimed at addressing the increase in hostage taking and wrongful detention worldwide. According to a press release, the commission comprises various experts, including former hostages and their families, law enforcement officials, diplomats, academics and journalists. Formed in collaboration with the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), it will focus on studying effective strategies to respond to different types of hostage-taking actors, proposing new U.S. government policies to deter such actions and developing tools and authorities to aid U.S. officials and hostage families. Additionally, a bipartisan legislation co-led by Shaheen establishing a national day recognizing U.S. hostages and their families was unanimously approved by the U.S. Senate. Shaheen is also a leader on the Supporting Americans Wrongfully or Unlawfully Detained Abroad Act of 2023, which aims to provide assistance to families of wrongfully detained Americans and improve mental health support for detainees and their families.

Anagnost Investments held a ribbon-cutting Tuesday, June 6, for the opening of its new Bow Lane Property, behind Bedford High School at 3 Bow Lane in Bedford. The property comprises three buildings totaling 93 units, with 47 units dedicated to workforce housing, aligning with the community’s affordable housing initiatives. Speakers in attendance, included Dick Anagnost, developer at Anagnost Investments, Inc.; U.S. Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan; State Sen. Denise Ricciardi, and Rob Dapice from the New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority.

The Candia Town Wide Yard Sale will be held Saturday, June 10, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Find maps to registered sales on Friday, June 9, outside the front door of Candia Town Hall (74 High St.) and Smyth Library (55 High St. in Candia) or via the Candia Community Women’s Club’s website, candiawomansgroup.org.

From now until Aug. 20, all Jordan’s Furniture store locations, including the one in Nashua, will collect donations of new and gently used clothing for children up to 12 years old to support its Cradles to Crayons’ Ready for Learning initiative, which provides back-to-school supplies and clothing to children experiencing homelessness or living in low-income households. Donations will be distributed through a network of partner hospitals, shelters, schools and community centers. Visit jordans.com to learn more.