Michael Brindley

Sens. Ayotte, Shaheen Support U.S. District Court Nominee

Michael Brindley — Fri, 24 May 2013 15:21:21 +0000

New Hampshire’s two U.S. Senators are lauding President Obama's nomination of Judge Landya McCafferty to the state’s District Court Bench.

If confirmed, Judge McCafferty would be the first woman ever to serve in the position.

She has served as U.S. Magistrate Judge for the District of New Hampshire since 2010.

540K Tourists Expected To Flood Into Granite State For Memorial Day Weekend

Michael Brindley — Fri, 24 May 2013 14:48:43 +0000

State tourism officials anticipate a busy Memorial Day weekend, as tourists are once again expected to flood into the Granite State.

Despite the gloomy weather forecast, the state’s travel and tourism department projects 540 thousand out-of-state visitors will travel to New Hampshire this weekend.

That would be roughly 1 percent higher than last year.

Tourists are expected to spend about 88 million dollars this weekend, up by about 2 and a half percent from last year.

State Senate Rejects Increases To Gas Tax, Tobacco Tax

Michael Brindley — Thu, 23 May 2013 18:31:40 +0000

The state Senate has rejected a proposal to increase the state’s gas tax.

The bill had already passed the House, and would have increased the tax by 12 cents, or 67 percent.

Republican Senator Jeb Bradley said such an increase would hurt families that are already financially stressed.

“A 12 cent increase in the gas tax is a large increase in the gas tax, and it will hurt the very people that we are sent here to protect.”

The Senate voted 18-6 to indefinitely postpone the measure.

Open Road Tolling In Hooksett Open For Business

Michael Brindley — Thu, 23 May 2013 00:52:02 +0000

Drivers with an EZPass can now go through the tolls in Hooksett at up to 65 miles per hour, after the state launched four open road tolling lanes there on Wednesday.

Department of Transportation spokesman Bill Boynton said the goal was to get the project finished before the arrival of tourists for Memorial Day weekend.

By 199-164 Vote, N.H. House Says No To Senate Casino Plan

Brady Carlson and Michael Brindley — Wed, 22 May 2013 22:15:02 +0000

The State House has rejected a bill to legalize a casino in southern New Hampshire, by a vote of 199 to 164.

NHPR’s Michael Brindley was on hand for the debate today in Representatives Hall. He joins All Things Considered host Brady Carlson with the latest.

Live Blog: House Votes 199-164 To Kill Casino Bill

Michael Brindley — Wed, 22 May 2013 14:11:43 +0000

4:40: The House has voted 199-164 to kill SB 152. This means amendments will not be considered to the gambling legislation and the bill is dead.

Manchester, State Police Work To Curb Distracted Driving

Michael Brindley — Tue, 21 May 2013 16:18:32 +0000

Manchester police partnered with State Police on Tuesday to educate people about the dangers of distracted driving.

Lieutenant Jim Flanagan approached drivers as they stopped at the corner of Hanover and Elm streets in downtown Manchester.

He had a smile on his face and an informational pamphlet about distracted driving in his hand.

“We’re just trying to get the word out and let people know before the worst happens. And we see most of our accidents, or a great deal of them, are related to distracted driving, in some fashion or another.”

Former Sen. Gregg Named CEO Of Wall Street Lobbying Group

Michael Brindley — Mon, 20 May 2013 17:23:05 +0000

Former U.S. Senator Judd Gregg has been named chief executive officer of a Wall Street lobbying firm.

The Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association announced the move on Monday.

Before being elected to the Senate, Gregg served two terms as governor of New Hampshire. He also spent four terms as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Sen. Paul, RNC Chair Headline Sold-Out Event In Concord

Michael Brindley — Mon, 20 May 2013 12:59:05 +0000

U.S. Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky will be in Concord tonight for a sold out event at the Grappone Center.

The New Hampshire Republican’s Party’s first Liberty Dinner will also feature National Republican Party Chairman Reince Priebus.

The event is a fundraiser for Granite State Republicans, as they raise money for the 2014 elections.

Rand Paul is considered one of the leading potential candidates for president in 2016.

Police Search For Suspect In Fatal Manchester Shooting

Michael Brindley — Mon, 20 May 2013 11:48:38 +0000

An autopsy is scheduled today for the victim in a shooting in Manchester over the weekend.

Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect in the shooting, which took place just before 11 o’clock Saturday night.

Authorities have not released the name of victim.

The shooting took place in the area of Pine and Prospect streets.

Live Blog: Common Core Standards

Michael Brindley — Mon, 20 May 2013 11:15:19 +0000

9:56: Gage says over the summer, all five regions of state putting together professional development for teachers to help with implementing Common Core standards. “We’re going to be working very diligently.”

9:52: Question about impact of students at upper end of academic scale, says his daughter’s needs are not being met. Peterson says the nation is not challenging high school students enough.

Gov. Hassan Kicks Off Manchester Small Business Week

Michael Brindley — Mon, 20 May 2013 11:04:46 +0000

Governor Maggie Hassan will be in Manchester this afternoon to kick off small business week in Manchester.

She will speak at an event at noon at the Derryfield Country Club.

The event also includes a panel discussion featuring local business leaders.

The third annual Manchester Small Business Week is sponsored by the city’s economic development office.

It features a series of programs and events meant to ensure small business owners have the resources and information they need.

N.H. Couple Injured In Marathon Bombing Dealing With Medical Costs, Mental Impact

Michael Brindley — Thu, 16 May 2013 19:09:42 +0000

A month after the Boston Marathon bombings, a Nashua husband and wife injured in the blast are raising money for mounting medical costs.

But they are also still dealing with the psychological impact of the tragedy.

After the Boston Marathon bombing, Martha Galvis lost the ring finger on her left hand and nearly had to have her left leg amputated.

She’s had four surgeries on her hand and is due for a fifth next week.

Outgoing N.H. Attorney General Takes Position In Private Practice

Michael Brindley — Thu, 16 May 2013 16:38:37 +0000

Outgoing New Hampshire Attorney General Michael Delaney is taking a position with the McLane Law Firm.

Delaney will join the firm later this month as a director in the litigation practice group.

McLane’s Managing Partner Dick Samuels said Delaney brings extensive litigation and government experience to regulatory and compliance matters at the firm.

Keene Sues 'Robin Hood' Group That Fills Parking Meters, Videotapes Officers

Michael Brindley — Wed, 15 May 2013 19:20:05 +0000

The city of Keene filed a lawsuit this month against a group of people they say are harassing officers handing out parking tickets.

They call themselves Robin Hood of Keene.

They fill parking meters set to expire and videotape officers as they fill out parking tickets.

But city officials say the group has been harassing the parking enforcement officers.

John MacLean is Keene’s city manager.

He says the officers are beleaguered and must be able to do their jobs.