Welcome to InDepthNH.org’s roundup of news that matters in New Hampshire, Dec. 20
Report highlights DCYF failures; Children not kept safe from risk of harm (Nashua Telegraph)
CONCORD – The Division of Children Youth and Families is failing to protect children from the risk of serious harm and continues to keep children in potentially abusive situations because of systemic problems, according to the full report released Monday by the Center for the Support of Families.
New Hampshire electors give 4 presidential votes to Clinton (Concord Monitor)
Four women cast historic but bittersweet ballots Monday when they gave New Hampshire’s four Electoral College votes to Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, the first woman to win a major party’s nomination to the presidency.
Man wins OK to wear goat horns in driver’s license photo (NH1)
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — An ordained Pagan priest finally has gotten the OK to sport goat horns in his Maine driver’s license photo.
Commission Ponders Future of Mount Washington’s Yankee Building (Berlin Daily News)
CAMPTON — Much of Friday’s two-hour-plus Mount Washington Commission meeting in the White Mountain National Forest headquarters focused on capital improvements, some sparked by a Master Plan subcommittee report discussed at its last meeting on June 17 in the historic 1853 Tip Top House.
Man charged with second-degree murder in Wentworth man’s death (WMUR)
A Penacook man is behind bars, accused of murdering another man last month. Todd Downing, 60, was found hurt inside his Wentworth home.
Ayotte Bids Farewell As Hassan Moves On To U.S. Senate (InDepthNH.org)
Two New Hampshire politicians have said goodbye to their current positions, one of them with an uncertain future. Roger Wood reports.
Now missing for week, Derry man a ‘vulnerable adult’ under new state law (Union Leader)
It’s been a week since 63-year-old Jack Walsh walked away from Parkland Medical Center in Derry. Despite nights of freezing temperatures and snow, his family believes “Uncle Jack” is out there and fine — and they desperately want him home.
Suit: Town of Durham used land without owner’s OK (Union Leader)
A Florida-based business owner says the town of Durham has been using his land for a large water tank without permission for 20 years, and he wants a judge to declare that he is the rightful owner.
Woman accused of murder-for-hire plot to be released (Union Leader)
A 20-year-old woman accused of hatching a murder-for-hire plot is set to be released next week.
Penacook man charged with murder in month-old beating (Concord Monitor)
A 30-year-old Penacook man has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the beating death of a Wentworth man last month, the attorney general said.
Belmont officer not charged use of deadly force (Concord Monitor)
Police Officer Patrick Riley flicked his blue lights on to pull over a suspicious car late at night. He found an active electronic bench warrant and attempted an arrest.
Former police commission candidate arrested on pot charge (Conway Daily Sun)
CONWAY — A onetime candidate for the Conway Police Commission was arrested in a parking lot by a town police officer last Friday and charged with possessing marijuana. Conway Patrol Officer Richard Gaudreau arrested William Barbin, 49, of Conway at about 8:30 a.m. Dec. 16.
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AROUND THE NATION AND WORLD
Berlin police ‘uncertain’ suspect held is Christmas market attacker (Washington Post)
A day after a truck plowed into a market, killing 12 and wounding dozens of others, German Chancellor Angela Merkel called the deadly rampage a likely “act of terrorism.”
After days of tension, China returns seized U.S. naval drone (Washington Post)
China said in a statement that after “friendly negotiation” the drone was transferred to the United States.
Why US liberals are now buying guns too (BBC)
Gun ownership has traditionally been associated with the right wing in America but the election of Donald Trump has prompted some left-wingers to join gun clubs – and even start preparing for the collapse of society.
Daycare worker wounded when stray bullet smashes through window (Chicago Tribune)
A stray bullet pierced the window of a daycare center Monday in Calumet City and seriously wounded a worker inside, according to police.
Merkel Says Attack on Berlin Market Was Act of Terrorism (New York Times)
Twelve people were killed when a truck plowed into a market. “We must assume at the current time that it was a terrorist attack,” said Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany.
Compiled by InDepthNH.org, a nonprofit investigative news outlet published online by the New Hampshire Center for Public Interest Journalism 603-738-5635
