Connect with us

New Hampshire

Biden visits New Hampshire to detail impact of PACT Act on veterans affected by toxic exposure

Published

on

Biden visits New Hampshire to detail impact of PACT Act on veterans affected by toxic exposure


  • President Joe Biden is traveling to New Hampshire to discuss the impact of the PACT Act, aimed at assisting veterans exposed to toxins.
  • Since the law’s enactment in August 2022, over 1 million claims have been granted, benefiting around 888,000 veterans across the U.S.
  • The total benefits given under the PACT Act amount to approximately $5.7 billion, according to the administration’s data.

President Joe Biden, intent on selling his legislative accomplishments this election year, will travel to New Hampshire on Tuesday to detail the impact of a law that helps veterans get key benefits as a result of burn pit or other toxic exposure during their service.

In raw numbers, more than 1 million claims have been granted to veterans since Biden signed the so-called PACT Act into law in August 2022, the administration said Tuesday. That amounts to about 888,000 veterans and survivors in all 50 states who have been able to receive disability benefits under the law.

That totals about $5.7 billion in benefits given to veterans and their survivors, according to the administration.

THOUSANDS OF US VETERANS CONTINUE TO RECEIVE ADDITIONAL BENEFITS AS 1-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF PACT ACT APPROACHES

“The president, I think, has believed now for too long, too many veterans who got sick serving and fighting for our country had to fight the VA for their care, too,” Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough told reporters on Monday.

Advertisement

President Joe Biden speaks during a Jewish American Heritage Month event, on May 20, 2024, in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington. Biden will travel to New Hampshire to detail the impact of a law that helps veterans get key benefits as a result of burn pit or other toxic exposure during their service. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

The PACT Act is relatively lower profile compared to the president’s other legislative accomplishments — such as a bipartisan infrastructure law and a sweeping tax, climate and health care package — but it is one that is deeply personal for Biden.

He has blamed burn pits for the brain cancer that killed his son Beau, who served in Iraq, and vowed repeatedly that he would get the PACT Act into law. Burn pits are where chemicals, tires, plastics, medical equipment and human waste were disposed of on military bases and were used in Iraq and Afghanistan.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

But before the PACT Act became law, the Department of Veterans Affairs denied 70% of disability claims that involved burn pit exposure. Now, the law requires the VA to assume that certain respiratory illnesses and cancers were related to burn pit or other toxic exposure without the veterans having to prove the link.

Advertisement



Source link

New Hampshire

27 Places People Want at Seacoast Landing After the Mall at Fox Run Closes

Published

on

27 Places People Want at Seacoast Landing After the Mall at Fox Run Closes


The Mall at Fox Run’s time is coming to a close on January 31, 2026. That’s just a fact, no matter how unfortunate it may be.

This staple Newington, New Hampshire, spot has served up decades of memories for many, including family trips, hanging out with friends, and simply enjoying the latest shopping finds.

But while change can be sad and hard, the area is getting a reset with what will become Seacoast Landing, which, according to Seacoast Online, will be a “revamped commercial hub that would include a big box store, small businesses and restaurants.”

Mall at Fox Run to Make Way for Seacoast Landing in Newington, New Hampshire

The Mall at Fox Run is not just closing, but the whole area will be demolished. It really is the end of an era.

Advertisement

But where there once was an enclosed building with multiple stores, Atlantic Retail highlights that Seacoast Landing will be an “81 acre premier regional retail destination.” Meaning it will be multiple buildings to access, rather than just walking through to each one inside.

Red Post Realty even noted what’s proposed for the site, including multiple large anchor buildings, retail and office space, a medical building, pad sites, a new internal road network, and an outdoor pedestrian boulevard connecting Chick-fil-A to Texas.

Seacoast Online said that this massive project will reportedly cost north of $500 million.

What Stores and Restaurants Are at Seacoast Landing in Newington, New Hampshire?

The official announcements as to what places are coming to Seacoast Landing have not been made, but that will be coming soon. So keep an ear out.

Red Post Realty posted a Facebook video sharing a quick update on the project while also asking people what places they want to see come to Seacoast Landing.

Advertisement

The Facebook video garnered hundreds of comments, and we’ve compiled a list of some of the top ones.

Just note that none of these suggestions are confirmed for Seacoast Landing. Red Post Realty even noted that there are NDAs in place, so anything you hear about is likely a rumor until official confirmation.

Let’s take a look and dream of what the next phase of Newington could maybe include!

27 Places People Want at Seacoast Landing as the Mall at Fox Run Closes in NH

Here are suggestions of what locals would like to see at Seacoast Landing after the Mall at Fox Run is demolished. These are not at all confirmed, but rather they are ideas of what people are hoping for.

Gallery Credit: Sean McKenna

Advertisement

READ MORE: 17 Nostalgic Memories of Fox Run Mall in New Hampshire That’ll Take You Back

Some of the favorites based on the comments were definitely places like The Cheesecake Factory, Costco, and IKEA.

Interestingly, some of the suggestions already have other locations in New Hampshire, but there were places mentioned that can’t be found anywhere in the Granite State.

Some of those spots include The Cheesecake Factory, The Disney Store, and The Rainforest Cafe.

What spots will actually wind up at the new Seacoast Landing remains to be seen, but it’s certainly fun to wish your favorite places make the cut. Oh, to dream.

Advertisement

Remember When the Fox Run Mall in NH Had These 22 Stores?

Gallery Credit: Megan Murphy





Source link

Continue Reading

New Hampshire

Manchester, NH native killed while in the line of duty working as an officer in Texas – Boston News, Weather, Sports | WHDH 7News

Published

on

Manchester, NH native killed while in the line of duty working as an officer in Texas – Boston News, Weather, Sports | WHDH 7News


MANCHESTER, N.H. (WHDH) – A New Hampshire community is mourning after a Manchester native, who recently became a police officer in Texas, was killed in the line of duty.

Elijah Garretson, 27, died Saturday in a shooting. He’s joined the force in Texas last year.

Garretson leaves behind a wife and a 5-year-old daughter.

In a statement, Manchester’s mayor said, “Elijah exemplified a lifetime of service, first as a U.S. Army veteran and later in law enforcement. His sacrifice is deeply felt here at home, and our prayers are with his family, loved ones, and fellow officers during this difficult time.”

Advertisement

(Copyright (c) 2025 Sunbeam Television. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

Join our Newsletter for the latest news right to your inbox



Source link

Continue Reading

New Hampshire

East Rochester Library joins NH State Register of Historic Places

Published

on

East Rochester Library joins NH State Register of Historic Places


The East Rochester Library has been added to the New Hampshire State Register of Historic Places, according to a community announcement.

John McLain, president of the East Rochester Library Association, reacted to the designation: “This is exciting news! The process of obtaining this status has been a long and difficult one, with hours upon hours of research and documentation by our volunteers.”

In an official letter, the New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources congratulated the library association on the listing and recognized their efforts and the property’s significance.

Advertisement

The division also expressed appreciation for the association’s stewardship and commitment to preserving an important part of New Hampshire’s heritage.

This story was created by Kimberly Green, KGreen@usatodayco.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more.



Source link

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending