John Grappone, auto dealer and Concord philanthropist, dies at 92

John Grappone, the second-generation owner of the Grappone automobile-dealership empire and a longtime Concord philanthropist, has died at the age of 92. Grappone died shortly after 1 this morning at the Concord Regional Visiting Nurse Association Hospice House, several weeks after he suffered a bad fall, according to his granddaughter, Gina Grappone. John Grappone was a lifelong Concord resident and son of Rocco and Emmanuella Grappone, who in 1924 bought a Gulf filling station on North State Street and a year later began to sell cars there. John started… 0

The full text of Lynch's state of the state address

Gov. John Lynch delivered his fourth and final state of the state address this morning. Here's the full text of his speech: Mr. Speaker, Mr. Senate President, Madam Chief Justice and members of the judiciary, honorable members of the Executive Council, House and Senate, and my fellow citizens of New Hampshire: First, let me thank our great first lady, Dr. Susan Lynch. For eight years, Susan has juggled our family and her medical practice with service to organizations such as Walk New Hampshire and the Prouty. She has been a strong advocate for children and… 0

3 things to know about the state of the state

Gov. John Lynch will deliver his final state of the state address this morning at 11 a.m. Here's some background:Lynch plans to step down when his term expires at the end of the year, so this will be his fourth and final state of the state address. You can read the full text of his past addresses (and other significant speeches) here.The speech will be preceded by a ceremony that will include a performance by The Dartmouth Aires. David Clark, a resident of the New Hampshire Veterans Home and a Vietnam veteran, will lead the Pledge of Allegiance.Reporter Matthew… 0

A mandate to stand during the pledge and other bills up for hearings today

All eyes will be on Gov. John Lynch this morning as he delivers his final state of the state address, but his speech is just one part of a busy day at the State House. Here are some of the more interesting bills scheduled for hearings today: 0

Singing at the State House

The State House might be the hottest ticket in town tomorrow. Lawmakers gathering for Gov. John Lynch's final State of the State address at 11 a.m. in Representatives Hall will be serenaded by the nationally renowned Dartmouth Aires. In November, the college singing group came in second on NBC's "The Sing-Off." The Aires are scheduled tomorrow to perform the national anthem and a medley of songs. Here they are ripping through a series of Queen hits: For the record, this isn't the first time the governor has invited a local a capella group… 0

Barking dog alerts Belmont family to fire

A Belmont family found their home on fire early today when their dog barked to alert them to the blaze, according to fire officials. No one was injured in the fire, which took place at about 12:30 a.m. at 133 Middle Route, according to a Belmont Fire Department release. There were no working smoke detectors in the home, Lt. Greg Bavis said. “They were alerted by their German Shepard dog that was whining and barking,” he said. The first firefighters on the scene found a garage fully engulfed in flames, which were nearing the attached home, according… 0

Lynch vetoes loan bill

Gov. John Lynch has vetoed a bill that would have created a new type of high-interest loan, saying the legislation "hurts our families, communities and economy." Here's the text of Lynch's veto message:"SB 160 creates a new small loan product in New Hampshire - an installment loan - and overturns the interest rate cap for payday lenders. These new installment loans are essentially payday loans that would create an escalating spiral of debt for New Hampshire families that would undermine their financial security, as well as the financial… 1

Lawmakers ask if moms should get cash for babies born on welfare

Rep. Neal Kurk argued before the House Finance Committee this morning that women in New Hampshire should not be given additional public money for children born while they are on welfare. The bill would save the… 17

Some bills we're watching today

Guns, welfare and the veracity of President Obama's birth certificate are among the many topics lawmakers will ponder today. Here's a little background on some of the bills our State House team is tracking: WELFARE The House Finance Committee will review a bill that would limit financial assistance to mothers who have additional children while on welfare. The AP reports that lawmakers believe the bill would save $34,000 a year. PUBLIC SCHOOLS 0

Senate passes eminent domain prohibition aimed at Northern Pass

The state Senate voted 23-1 this morning to prohibit private energy projects like Northern Pass from using eminent domain unless the energy produced is deemed needed by regional power regulators. Sen. Jim Rausch, a Derry Republican,… 1