Business
‘It’s definitely not getting better’: The hiring struggle continues for employers
While unemployment claims are down, the hiring challenge shows no signs of letting up in the short term. READ MORE
Articles by Annmarie Timmins
Civics
Pair of new laws add to state’s gambling options
New Hampshire is expanding its gambling options under two new state laws signed by Gov. Chris Sununu Tuesday. A third law will transfer background checks for charitable gaming licenses from the state Attorney General’s Office to the New Hampshire Lottery. READ MORE
Civics
Expanded contract sought for Manchester marketing firm to promote vaccination
At Wednesday’s Executive Council meeting, the state Department of Health and Human Services will ask to increase its $434,500 contract with a Manchester marketing firm to $1.3 million to continue promoting COVID-19 vaccination through 2022. READ MORE
Civics
Sununu disbands juvenile justice advisory group to form new commission
Gov. Chris Sununu announced Wednesday he had disbanded the group to start his own, saying it was time to “bring in fresh perspectives and ideas” as the state rethinks treatment for at-risk juveniles. He asked anyone interested in joining his new Juvenile Justice Reform Commission to submit a resume. READ MORE
Business
As health care workforce shortage persists, employers boost incentives
Recruitment, however, is about to become even more challenging. The state’s 10 community mental health centers are expanding services significantly under their new contracts with the state. The centers are exploring recruitment plans now and some are beginning to offer bonuses, Couture said. Even with cash incentives, the centers’ inability to match salaries provided by private providers remains. READ MORE
Civics
Community mental health centers on the precipice of a ‘transformational’ moment
The state’s 10 community mental health centers would be able to expand services significantly and offer statewide mobile crisis response under a contract going before the Executive Council Wednesday. READ MORE
Civics
New guidance gives a bit of breathing room on wearing masks outdoors
Just in time for cookouts and black flies, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Tuesday fully vaccinated people can socialize and dine outdoors with a small group of friends without wearing a mask, even if those friends are unvaccinated. READ MORE
Civics
Support for closing Sununu Center stops at jail as an alternative
State lawmakers and juvenile advocates have long wanted to close the Sununu Youth Services Center, believing a youth detention facility is the wrong place to hold and rehabilitate children. They also oppose spending the governor’s proposed $13 million a year for the approximately 17 children held there at any given time. READ MORE
Civics
Making the rounds: West High art teacher uses pedal power to stay connected with students
When learning went virtual, video visits with her students weren’t enough for West High School art teacher Richella Simard. So, she began pedaling to their homes – up to 15 miles – to say hi from the driveway. READ MORE
Civics
2 months and 200K meals later, Manchester School District and partners keeping kids fed
In the last two months, the school district has made and delivered more than 200,000 breakfasts and lunches via school buses with the help of the Manchester Transit Authority and volunteers. Southern New Hampshire University is providing 7,000 meals on Saturdays, all paid for with donations that currently will cover meals through the end of May. But more support is needed for that program to continue. READ MORE
