🌱 Encampment Fire Closes I-293 Bridge + Mr. Mac's Gives Back

Hello, Manchester. I'm here in your inbox this morning to get you up to speed on everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: Partly sunny. High: 41 Low: 35.
• Friday: Breezy with snow and rain. High: 41 Low: 34.

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Here are the top three stories in Manchester today:

1. The I-293 northbound bridge was temporarily closed on Wednesday morning following reports of a fire at a homeless encampment. State police reported seeing thick black smoke coming from under the bridge; the Manchester Fire Department was dispatched to the scene just before 7 a.m. As of Wednesday afternoon, the fire remains under investigation by the Manchester Fire Marshal's Office, while the New Hampshire Department of Transportation will continue bridge inspections. (Manchester Ink Link)
2. As part of its recent fundraising efforts, local favorite Mr. Mac's Macaroni and Cheese has donated $2,000 to two area organizations. Throughout the month of October, $1 from each Take & Bake order was set aside for charity. Earlier this month, the eatery gave $1,000 to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Manchester, and another $1,000 to the Manchester Police Athletic League. (Manchester Patch)
3. A winter storm watch has been issued for the state of New Hampshire, with the exception of the seacoast. While some light snow or rain could happen tonight, the main part of the storm is expected to fill in around midnight tomorrow. Manchester can expect limited snow accumulation, with flurries quickly changing to rain or mixed precipitation. (WMUR 9)

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Today and tomorrow in Manchester:

Thursday, December 15

• Eric Mintel Quartet: A Charlie Brown Jazz Christmas At The Rex Theatre (2:00 PM)
• A Christmas Carol At The Palace Theatre (2:30 PM)
• Art After Work Ft. Paul Nelson At Currier Museum Of Art (5:00 PM)

Friday, December 16

• FNC: Jimmy Dunn’s Comedy Christmas At The Palace Theatre (2:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Adam Sandler recently returned to his old stomping grounds here in Manchester. The comedian paid a visit to the Puritan Backroom, thought to be the birthplace of the chicken tender. (WOKQ 97.5)
• Fancy yourself a storyteller? Rob Azevedo, the host of "Granite State of Mind" on WMNH 95.3, is seeking Manchester-based storytellers for an evening of live stories about the Queen City. Visit the link to learn more about the free event, scheduled for Feb. 11 at the Shaskeen Pub. (Manchester Ink Link)
• This weekend, 35 of the world's best bull riders will go head-to-head at the 'Unleash the Beast' show at the SNHU Arena! Tickets for both Saturday, Dec. 17 and Sunday, Dec. 18, are available for purchase online. (WOKQ 97.5)

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You're officially in the loop for today! I'll see you around.

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.