New Hampshire

Democratic commissioners in Strafford County, N.H., stuck for now with newly drawn districts – The Boston Globe

Published

2 years ago

June 5, 2024

Democratic commissioners in Strafford County, N.H., stuck for now with newly drawn districts – The Boston Globe

One of the plaintiffs, George M. Maglaras of Dover, said the judge’s order doesn’t necessarily suggest he’ll rule against the commissioners on the merits of their lawsuit.

“There’s a lot of constitutional questions at stake here,” he said. “I don’t know whether he will rule against us or not.”

Maglaras has said the new law aimed to “destroy” the Strafford County Commission. If the law remains in effect, it could pit him against fellow incumbent commissioner Deanna Rollo of Rollinsford in the Democratic primary for the newly established second district, preventing one of them from advancing to the general election.

Maglaras, who is serving his 20th two-year term, said he intends to seek reelection. Rollo said she has not yet decided whether to run again. They are both eagerly awaiting further word from the court.

The judge is slated to hold a hearing next Thursday, June 13, on the state’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit, according to court records. That’s the day before the filing period closes.

New Hampshire Senator James P. Gray, a Republican from Rochester who advocated for the change, said he heard from constituents and fellow lawmakers who expressed concerns about the voices of conservative voters in northern Strafford County being drowned out by Democratic voters in the county’s southern communities.

The three Republicans who ran for Strafford County commissioner in 2022 carried about 41 percent of the vote but didn’t win any of the three seats.

Gray said divvying the county into three separate districts gives conservative voters a shot at electing a commissioner who aligns with their views. It also makes Strafford County more similar to New Hampshire’s other nine counties, which already have commissioner districts, he said.

“What I’m trying to do is bring Strafford County in line with the others and make sure there is fair representation,” he said.

Gray said the judge’s decision late last week was an encouraging development that brought needed clarity ahead of the filing period, and the final outcome of this case remains to be seen.

The third Democratic incumbent commissioner, Robert J. Watson of Rochester, appears to live in the newly drawn first district, which covers several communities across northern Strafford County. He did not return calls seeking comment.

Democrats have denounced the introduction of district lines — which slice through Strafford County’s two most populous cities, Dover and Rochester — as a form of partisan gerrymandering. They tried to undo the change with another bill this year, but failed.

Commissioners, who will earn a base salary of $13,907 next year, are generally tasked with oversight of county government departments and budgetary matters. Some serve two-year terms. Others serve four-year terms that may be staggered.

While commissioners in New Hampshire’s other nine counties must live in the districts they represent, not all of them are elected solely by the voters in their district. Each commissioner in Carroll and Sullivan counties is picked through a countywide vote.

Maglaras said he will review the judge’s final ruling then decide whether to appeal to the New Hampshire Supreme Court. He said this law shows how state lawmakers have foisted “Washington-style politics” onto Strafford County government.

“I just feel sorry for the people of Strafford County who have been disenfranchised by this action,” he said. “I think it’s totally wrong.”

Steven Porter can be reached at steven.porter@globe.com. Follow him @reporterporter.

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New Hampshire

NH Lottery Powerball, Lucky For Life winning numbers for Jan. 7, 2026

Published

4 hours ago

January 8, 2026

Press Room

The New Hampshire Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from Jan. 7 drawing

15-28-57-58-63, Powerball: 23, Power Play: 2

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Jan. 7 drawing

05-14-15-21-39, Lucky Ball: 10

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from Jan. 7 drawing

Day: 1-5-7

Evening: 0-1-4

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from Jan. 7 drawing

Day: 6-8-6-9

Evening: 7-8-6-6

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Megabucks Plus numbers from Jan. 7 drawing

03-08-13-33-40, Megaball: 04

Check Megabucks Plus payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Gimme 5 numbers from Jan. 7 drawing

16-19-21-25-34

Check Gimme 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the New Hampshire Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Pick 3, 4: 1:10 p.m. and 6:55 p.m. daily.
Mega Millions: 11:00 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
Megabucks Plus: 7:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Lucky for Life: 10:38 p.m. daily.
Gimme 5: 6:55 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.

Where can you buy lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms: jackpocket.com/tos.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a New Hampshire managing editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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New Hampshire

Civics 101: What’s happening with Venezuela?

Published

16 hours ago

January 7, 2026

Press Room

Civics 101: What’s happening with Venezuela?

On January 3, the United States military carried out what the administration called a “large-scale strike” in Caracas, Venezuela’s capital, amid several reported explosions and aerial bombardment.

Tune in to Civics 101 during Here & Now on Thursday, January 8 for a special edition breaking down one of the most unprecedented events in recent international affairs. This segment begins at 1:40 p.m. EST.

Listen to NHPR on your radio, stream us online, or just ask your smart speaker to “play NHPR.” You can also listen to this special episode of Civics 101 on demand.

In this episode, hosts Hannah McCarthy and Nick Capodice break down the history, context, and legality of what’s unfolding now — and what it could mean for Venezuela, the United States, and international law.