The State of New Hampshire will invest in a new system to ensure timely restitution payments for crime victims following approval by the Governor and Executive Council today.

The Governor’s Office and the New Hampshire Department of Corrections (NHDOC) worked to deliver this solution following an issue with the State’s previous payment system that temporarily disrupted restitution payments.

“New Hampshire is the safest state in the nation because we protect victims of crime and hold offenders accountable, and we have an obligation to ensure timely restitution payments for those who have been harmed,” said Governor Ayotte. “Commissioner Hart and his team at the Department of Corrections worked tirelessly to identify a solution that would make the system more efficient, transparent, and accountable. I thank the Executive Council for approving this contract today. Together, we are bringing more justice and peace of mind to victims.”

NHDOC manages approximately 13,000 restitution cases involving more than 21,000 victims, with over $2.6 million in court-ordered payments collected annually.

“The contract the Council approved today provides a much-needed system upgrade to ensure that the more than 21,000 victims receiving restitution payments get the timely service they deserve,” said Executive Councilor Janet Stevens. “I thank Commissioner Hart and his team for the time and effort devoted to resolving this matter. I’m committed to working with Governor Ayotte, my fellow Councilors, leadership at NHDOC, and all our state public safety officials to protect victims.  We must hold those responsible for making restitution payments accountable and ensure we meet our restitution obligations outlined in the law. Presently, 60 percent of those required to make restitution payments have not done so within 60 days. This is unacceptable.”

The agreement has a total value not to exceed $600,000 and is funded at no cost to New Hampshire taxpayers. NHDOC will use revenue from its 15% administrative surcharge for offenders paying restitution to fund the new system.

“Restitution is about more than just a financial obligation; it’s about accountability and justice for victims,” said NHDOC Commissioner William Hart. “We know the delays over the past year have been frustrating and have had a real impact on people’s lives. This new system will help make the process more reliable and transparent. Victims deserve that, and it’s something we are committed to getting right.”

Powerball winning numbers are in for the Wednesday, April 29 drawing with a jackpot that reached an estimated $143 million ($65 million cash option).

The winning numbers in Wednesdayh’s drawing are 3, 19, 35, 51, and 67, with Powerball number 15.  The Power Play number is 2.

Did anyone win the Powerball jackpot?

No one won the Powerball jackpot.

When is the next drawing of the Powerball?

The next Powerball drawing is Saturday. Drawings are held at 10:59 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

How late can you buy a Powerball ticket?

In New Jersey, in-store and online ticket sales are available until 9:59 p.m. on the night of the draw.

PENNSYLVANIA (WJAC) — Pennsylvania lawmakers once again advanced legislation that would allow the PIAA to potentially overhaul the state’s playoff format for high school athletics.

On Wednesday, the House of Representatives passed House Bill 41 by a 178 to 23 vote, nearly one year after the legislation advanced out of the House Intergovernmental Affairs and Operations Committee.

The issue of “fairness” in Pennsylvania high school athletics has been a hot topic in recent years as both lawmakers and schools have debated whether or not the PIAA should create separate playoff brackets for public and private districts.

HB 41 was first introduced by Rep. Scott Conklin (D-Centre), who argues that the current competition structure in Pennsylvania high school “jeopardizes athletes’ health and safety.”

Student athletes and their parents recognize that contact sports pose certain physical risks, which schools try to minimize through protective equipment, training, and policies like concussion protocols,” Conklin said. “Unfortunately, our schools can’t protect against a playoff system that needlessly escalates those risks through unfair competitions.

PIAA’s existing playoff system forces athletes from public schools, which are limited to recruiting from within district boundaries, to compete against athletes from private schools, which can recruit from anywhere and amass larger, stronger teams. The result is unfair, lopsided competitions that leave public school students on a dangerously unlevel playing field, subjecting them to added physical risks and even depriving them of scholarship and recruitment opportunities. School sports are supposed to be about building confidence and teaching kids lessons in fair play, but the current system is teaching all the wrong lessons.

My bill would provide a way to end these increasingly dangerous competitions by allowing the PIAA to establish separate playoffs and championships for boundary and non-boundary schools.

House Bill 41 will now advance to the state Senate for a vote.

Lawmakers note that if fully approved, the legislation would not mandate the PIAA to change the current format but would rather give them the option to do so.

WJAC