Despite the development of driver-assistance and crash-prevention technologies, the number of fatalities from motor vehicle crashes is ticking up in the Granite State. So Gov. Chris Sununu has urged law enforcement officers to issue tickets for driving infractions during the holiday season, especially along I-95 from Seabrook to Portsmouth. Sununu joined officials from the N.H. Office of Highway Safety on Nov. 26 to announce the much-needed initiative to deter dangerous driving behaviors. Before you cry “Grinch,” consider that the N.H. Department of Transportation has recorded 127 fatal crashes so far this year. That number is equal to the total number of traffic fatalities last year. Compared to national statistics, New Hampshire is heading in the wrong direction. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released early estimates on Nov. 25 showing declines in traffic fatalities nationwide. An estimated 18,720 people died in motor vehicle crashes in the U.S. in the first half of this year, according to NHTSA, compared to 19,330 in the first half of 2023. Motor vehicle fatalities exact a toll not only on victims and their loved ones but also on the first responders at the scene, who can suffer mental health consequences later, as The Sentinel’s Abigail Ham recently reported . These incidents leave a lasting impression on emergency personnel. Chesterfield Police Chief Lance Rouse said first responders tend to be good at managing their reactions in the moment so they can respond to trauma professionally and efficiently, but they may be haunted by emotions later. The state hopes stepped-up enforcement for reckless driving for the remainder of the year will prevent the number of fatalities from increasing. Beginning Thanksgiving Eve and continuing through the holiday season, law enforcement officers from state, county and local agencies throughout New Hampshire are assigning patrols across the state specifically to cite or arrest drivers who use excessive speed or otherwise operate recklessly or while distracted or impaired. The effort is funded by grants through the U.S. Department of Transportation. Other New England states will be conducting similar initiatives, according to a press release issued last week by the state Office of Highway Safety. State Police from Massachusetts, Maine and Connecticut, along with the N.H. Association of Chiefs of Police, joined N.H. State Police recently to discuss upcoming cross-border efforts to improve road safety through the end of the year. “Ensuring safety on our roadways isn’t just the job of law enforcement — individual responsibility is something we take a lot of pride in here in the Granite State,” Sununu said in a prepared statement. “Distracted driving and speeding can be deadly.” NHDOT cites “roadway departure” as the top cause of motor vehicle fatalities, followed by speed and aggression and impaired driving, according to statistics gathered from 2015 through 2019. Distracted or careless driving is the main cause of non-fatal crashes in the state, according to the agency. And WMUR reported this week that the state plans to form a commission to study the increase in wrong-way driving incidents on New Hampshire roads. State Police said 248 cases of wrong-way driving have been reported this year along with 17 related crashes. Eliminating fatal crashes is the impetus behind the state’s ongoing Driving Toward Zero program, which aims to use education, enforcement, engineering and emergency management to cut the number of motor vehicle fatalities in half by 2035, with the goal of eliminating them altogether by 2050. By reaching out to local government, schools and community organizations, the Driving Toward Zero program hopes to raise awareness, identify common causes of crashes and connect with those who can facilitate change on the local level. As the governor pointed out, all drivers bear the responsibility for keeping the roads safe.Community members have until Jan. 12 to provide input on the upcoming Spring High School rebuild via a survey launched by Spring ISD on Dec. 11. Some context The rebuild of Spring High School was included in the district's $850 million bond approved by voters in 2022. Spring High School was originally constructed in 1968 and is the district's oldest high school, according to district officials. In March, the district purchased a 185.2-acre plot of land located near the intersection of the Hardy Toll Road and Riley Fuzzel Road for the new location of Spring High School. The property lies about three miles from Spring High School's current location at 19428 I-45, Spring. The details According to the district's bond website—which was last updated Nov. 19—construction on the new campus is set to begin in the summer of 2025 and is expected to open for the fall 2028 semester. Per the website, the new campus will be "designed with the latest technology, resources and amenities to provide students with a state-of-the-art learning environment." The project architect is Huckabee Architects and the project contractor is Stewart Builders . Get involved Parents, students, community members and staff members are invited to give input on the Spring High School rebuild via an online survey , which will be open through Jan. 12. For additional information on the project, click here . Emily Lincke contributed to this report.
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As my time on the Capitola City Council and as mayor comes to a close, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the residents of Capitola for the opportunity to serve this incredible community. My family has called Capitola home for four generations, proudly serving our community through the Capitola Police Department, Central Fire District, Soquel Elementary School District and now, on the City Council. I feel deeply fortunate to have come from a long line of people who have cherished Capitola — not only for what it has been but for what it has become and what it has the potential to be. These past eight years have been transformative for our city, marked by challenges, major projects and collective accomplishments that I am proud to have been part of since first being elected in 2016. Together, we’ve achieved milestones that will continue to shape Capitola’s future. In 2017, we made strides toward inclusivity by adding youth seats to our boards and commissions, ensuring the next generation has a voice in shaping our community. That same year, I joined the Wharf Working Group and became a founding member of Friends of the Capitola Branch Library, laying the groundwork for critical community projects. In 2018, we broke ground on our long-awaited library, and passed Measure F to fund wharf repairs and essential improvements to our jetty and flume. In that same election, we also established a dedicated children’s fund, which now provides funding to programs, services and scholarships that improve the lives of our city’s youth. 2019 was a year of tangible improvements. Along with the completion of the Capitola Avenue Sidewalk Project, which made our streets safer and more accessible, we also completed repairs to storm-damaged infrastructure on Park Avenue. That same year, we overhauled our community grant program to prioritize equity and ensure that we are meeting our community’s most critical needs. With a focus on addressing housing availability, the council also launched a pre-approved ADU program. Then came 2020, a year that tested us all. In my first term as mayor, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, we pivoted to virtual meetings and issued 33 temporary use permits that allowed outdoor dining, retail and personal services to continue operating safely. I joined weekly meetings with the county health officer, bi-monthly meetings with the county administrator, and near-daily calls with our city manager in order to stay informed during a constantly-changing landscape of uncertainty, that had never before been faced by any city council before us. We held virtual town halls and increased our social media presence to keep our community informed during uncertain times, and showed how resilient we can be in the face of adversity. In 2021, we celebrated the grand opening of the Capitola Library, a cornerstone of our community, and with the funding secured through the 2018 passage of Measure F, we completed the Flume and Jetty Rehabilitation Project ahead of schedule, strengthening our coastal infrastructure and increasing our resilience in the face of increasingly strong storm seasons. Also in 2021, we initiated a code of conduct and implicit bias training for councilmembers, commissioners and staff, in alignment with our commitment to fostering a more inclusive Capitola. By 2022, we had successfully administered CARES Act relief to support local nonprofits and rental relief for small businesses, and began our sixth cycle Regional Housing Needs Assessment Process. 2023 brought its own challenges with devastating storms unlike anything our city had experienced in more than 40 years. Walking through the devastation, I was certain it would be years before we recovered. But once again, the city showed its strength. With the hard work of city staff, the support of the County of Santa Cruz and very hard work by our small business owners, nearly all our village businesses were reopened within 30 days. By September of that year, we broke ground on the Wharf Resiliency and Public Access Project. Also in 2023, our City Council took action in enacting mobile home rent stabilization, administered a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant to provide food and transit services to low-income families, and established a new lifeguard program to enhance safety on our beaches. In this past year, the city secured $3.3 million in federal funding to help renovate our Community Center, rebuilding an aging facility to ensure it can serve another generation of Capitolans. That project will be breaking ground this winter. In addition, we have been able to obtain commitments for more than $10 million in additional federal funding to shore up Cliff Drive, protecting this vital roadway and infrastructure against the threat of coastal erosion, with construction slated to begin in 2026. I’ve also been thrilled to facilitate the return of Capitola Boat and Bait, celebrate the reopening of the Capitola Wharf and take part in the approval of two new affordable housing developments in Capitola. Most recently, city residents approved Measure Y, a 1/2-cent sales tax that replaces Measure F, which will fund essential city services including public safety and emergency services, repair potholes, maintain streets, sidewalks, bike lanes, beaches, the new wharf and recreation programs for youth as well as improve traffic safety and support local businesses. Beyond my official duties, it has been a joy in my tenure on council to volunteer at Capitola Foundation car shows and golf tournaments, lead token booths at our Art and Wine Festivals, serve as a judge for our lighted boat parade, pour wine at our Sip & Stroll events, represent our museum at local history fairs, welcome wharf to wharf runners to our bandstand and generally be a part of all that makes Capitola special. As I complete my two terms in office, I do so with immense pride in what we’ve accomplished together. Capitola’s future is bright, and while my role is changing, my commitment to this community will never waver. Thank you for allowing me the privilege to serve. Until we meet again, take care of yourselves, and take care of each other. Kristen Brown is the mayor of Capitola.DENVER (AP) — On a night when rookie quarterback Bo Nix threw one touchdown pass, his defense caught two. In a game where Nix completed 18 passes for 294 yards, his defense picked off three Jameis Winston passes for 171 yards. That defense is Nix’s best friend. Even in a game where it was getting shredded by Winston, Denver's D delivered a pair of pick-6s in a wild 41-32 win over the Cleveland Browns on Monday night. That side of the ball got gouged — allowing a Browns-record 497 yards passing from Winston and a career-best 235-yard receiving performance by former Broncos receiver Jerry Jeudy — but made game-changing plays when it mattered most. “It’s pretty nice for the offense when they bail us out like that,” Nix said. “It was a complete team win." Next up, rest. The Broncos (8-5) enter their bye week two games clear of Indianapolis (6-7) for the final AFC playoff spot. They play the Colts coming out of the break. With a 76% postseason probability, according to the NFL, Nix and the Broncos are setting up for some meaningful football down the stretch. The team hasn't been to the playoffs since winning the Super Bowl after the 2015 season. “We’re a confident bunch right now,” said Nix, whose team has won three in a row. “We’re playing aggressively. We’re playing together. We’re playing with a little bit of confidence and a chip on our shoulder.” The Broncos have graduated to a place where they can overcome sticky situations, such as big games from Winston and Jeudy. “When need be," Nik Bonitto said, “we’re going to find a way to win and that’s what we did.” Bonitto helped lead the way with a 71-yard pick-6 in the second quarter. Ja’Quan McMillian wrapped up the game when he intercepted a pass, fell on his back, got up and sprinted 44 yards for a score with 1:48 left. If that wasn't enough, Cody Barton picked off Winston in the end zone and was on his way for another score, returning it 56 yards before being tackled. “Holy cow. Some games go in a direction you think they are going to go. Obviously that one went in a much different direction,” coach Sean Payton said. "We did enough and made enough plays in the end to win.” This is a Denver defense that leads the league in sacks and now has three interception returns for TDs. “I couldn’t be more proud of our team and just where we’re going,” linebacker Jonathon Cooper said. “It's really important that we get our rest this bye week and come back and look at the film and keep it rolling.” The tandem of Nix and Marvin Mims Jr. They connected on a 93-yard touchdown pass, which is tied for the fourth longest in team history. It's the longest since Jay Cutler found receiver Eddie Royal for a 93-yard score at Cleveland on Nov. 6, 2008. To celebrate, Mims jumped into the stands. “Nobody else was close to me, so I was like: ‘You know what? I’ll jump in the stands,’" he said. “I got grabbed a lot up there. It was cool.” The Broncos had a pair of 100-yard receivers in Mims (105 yards) and Courtland Sutton (102). The defense could use some shoring up after allowing 552 yards of total offense. The Browns were 2 of 2 on fourth down conversions and had 28 first downs. “Through all the bad things, we just stuck together,” McMillian said. “We didn’t split up. We stayed together and kept fighting to the end.” Wil Lutz. The kicker hit both field goals and all five extra points to eclipse 1,000 career points in his 127th game. He's the fifth-fastest player to reach the milestone mark. Levi Wallace. The Browns picked on the cornerback as he tried to cover Jeudy. Denver did stick star cornerback Pat Surtain II on Jeudy at times in an effort to contain him. “He definitely had himself a game,” Surtain said of Jeudy, his teammate with the Broncos and in college at Alabama. Cornerback Riley Moss (knee) was sorely missed as the Broncos struggled to contain Jeudy, Elijah Moore (eight catches, 111 yards) and tight end David Njoku (nine catches, 52 yards and two scores). On Tuesday, the Broncos waived receiver Josh Reynolds, who's been on injured reserve after breaking his finger against Las Vegas in Week 5. Reynolds missed the New Orleans game on Oct. 17 and stayed behind in Denver. He and his companions were the victims of a drive-by shooting later that night after leaving a strip club. Of the bullets fired at the vehicle, one struck Reynolds in the left arm and another grazed the back of his head. Reynolds had 12 catches for 183 yards and one TD with Denver this season. 5 — For the fifth time in team history, the Broncos returned two interceptions for touchdowns in a game. The previous time Denver had a pair of pick-6s in the same game was Oct. 18, 2018, at Arizona by Todd Davis and Chris Harris Jr. A week off and then a critical home game against Indianapolis on Dec. 15. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
ERIE, Pa. (AP) — Alex Chaikin's 20 points off of the bench helped Lafayette to a 77-73 victory against Mercyhurst on Saturday. Chaikin went 7 of 8 from the field (6 for 7 from 3-point range) for the Leopards (5-5). Justin Vander Baan added 13 points while shooting 3 of 5 from the field and 7 for 9 from the line while he also had six rebounds and five blocks. Andrew Phillips had 10 points and shot 4 of 6 from the field and 1 for 3 from the line. Shemar Rathan-Mayes finished with 21 points and four assists for the Lakers (5-6). Aidan Reichert added 18 points, six rebounds and three steals for Mercyhurst. Jeff Planutis also recorded 13 points. Chaikin scored nine points in the first half and Lafayette went into the break trailing 38-31. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .India’s climate crisis is not a distant threat — it’s a stark reality impacting millions across the country. That said, it is the marginalised — farmers, low-income communities, women, and the displaced — who often bear a disproportionate burden. In a nation where 65% of the population relies on agriculture, every degree of rising temperature affects livelihoods. India’s climate crisis demands immediate, bold action. While the government, along with corporates and civil society organisations, is working to address this challenge, the scale of the problem requires a multi-dimensional approach to narrow the gap between solutions and response. Empowering grassroots movements, channelling resources to often overlooked segments, and framing policies and on-ground initiatives are at the core of accelerating climate solutions. By providing flexible, long-term funding, and amplifying the voices on these issues, philanthropy can be the force behind building more resilient and sustainable communities. To truly unlock its potential in advancing India’s climate goals, philanthropy must focus on key strategic areas that can drive community resilience. Climate innovation : Investing in technological, policy, and social innovations is essential to building a climate-resilient India. Whether it’s exploring new renewable energy technologies or developing adaptive agricultural practices, these investments can boost the required groundwork. Effective climate action requires policies that not only set ambitious targets but also create pathways for innovation, accountability, and collaboration with stakeholders. Scaling grassroots solutions : Philanthropic funding can enable proven community-led models to achieve broader national impact. This helps to foster resilience from the ground up, ensuring that local success translates into broader acceptance. Empowering civil society : By investing in civil society organisations, we can ensure that opinions from communities directly affected by the climate crisis are heard at national and global forums. Democratic decentralisation is key to developing sustainable and equitable solutions, both for and by the community. Empowering women as change agents : As primary caregivers and often the first responders in households, women possess unique insights into managing natural resources. By supporting capacity-building initiatives, philanthropy can harness women’s unique perspective and leadership for climate resilience. Women-led programmes can facilitate platforms that ensure their voices are integral to climate action. Closing the funding gap : The India Philanthropy Report 2024 highlights a critical need — only a small fraction (0.5%) is directed towards climate initiatives, covering only 10% of India’s climate financing needs. Philanthropy has the power to direct resources to these often-overlooked segments, where attention may be limited. Addressing this gap is more than an opportunity, it is a responsibility to ensure that vulnerable communities are not left behind. India’s philanthropic sector has already planted the seeds of change through various initiatives, such as climate collaboratives or mainstreaming local voices into the climate conversation. These demonstrate the sector’s potential to create a meaningful impact. For example, organisations such as PRADAN cultivate resilience through natural farming and nature-based solutions, empowering communities amid climate uncertainties. Climate RISE Alliance’s compendium, Interwoven Futures highlights CSO-led climate efforts in India. Platforms such as Giving Pi are connecting donors with projects that mitigate environmental impacts, showcasing how technology can enhance philanthropic efforts toward climate action. Similarly, numerous on-ground implementing organisations are actively collaborating with governments and corporates to strengthen climate resilience. To cite a recent example, the mangrove plantation and restoration efforts in coastal Odisha played a vital role in mitigating the damage from Cyclone Dana. Many initiatives are focusing on promoting traditional knowledge, which often holds valuable insights for addressing climate change. Philanthropy has the power to align with governments, NGOs, the private sector, and civil society, allowing the good work happening in silos to become a unified force. Such partnerships pool resources, foster transparency, and minimise duplication. As the climate crisis intensifies, real impact demands a focused and strategic approach. Philanthropy can provide the flexibility needed to act on climate goals. Neera Nundy is co-founder, Dasra, andShaifalika Panda is trustee and founder-CEO,Bansidhar and Ila Panda Foundation.The views expressed are personal