🌱 Driver Shot Downtown + BMW Chase + Loons Increase, PFAS In NH Lakes

Hi, Manchester! It's me, Paula Constance, your host of the Daily. Let's start this week off with the most important things going on today.

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First, today's weather:

A shower and t-storm are likely; humid. High: 80 Low: 71.

Here are the top 4 stories today in Manchester:

Today in Manchester:

1. A wild, high-speed car chase that started in Canterbury ended on the streets of downtown Manchester Saturday night. After Bethlehem police reported a stolen car from an Irving gas station at 5:29 p.m., state police and a police helicopter pursued the speed in BMW 238 wagon until it was stopped after spike strips near Exit 5 on I-293 slowed the driver, "who then took Exit 4 onto city streets."Police stopped the driver at the intersection of Elm Street and Valley Street around 6:30 p.m. Witness Carol Steeves said thought a trooper hit the car for it to stop. Police arrested Justin Dutton, 40, of Merrimack, who police said had outstanding warrants. (Patch)
2. New Hampshire has a new gun law that is causing concern among county sheriffs. The new gun law effective June 24 when it was signed into law by Gov. Chris Sununu, prohibits state and local officials "from enforcing federal firearms laws, agency rules, or executive orders" unless the laws or rules also exist in state law. Two county sheriffs asked for "clarification" about how to enforce the law, that "limits their ability" to enforce the Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990," which stops a person from possessing a loaded firearm on school property, as well as federal laws that "prohibit firearms possessions for people convicted of domestic violence." Attorney General John Formella said the new law "would not affect the ability to report people who appear suspicious or dangerous." (Manchester Ink Link)
3. Gunshots rang out in Manchester Saturday night at the corner of Elm Street and Bridge Street. A man is in serious condition following the shooting. Police reports said "a person inside a vehicle shot at a man in another vehicle." A short time after the shooting, a man arrived at a local hospital with gunshot wounds and is in serious condition. Manchester Police Detectives are asking anyone with information to call the Manchester Police Department at 603-668-8711. (Manchester Ink Link)
4. The state's loon population "continues slow growth" with some wins, but still faces great challenges from contaminated lakes. “Forever chemicals” are having an increasingly detrimental effect on New Hampshire’s loon population, experts warn. PFAS chemicals, which are used in flame retardants and in stain guards/firefighting foam are a serious threat to the water birds, said Harry Vogel, a long-time senior biologist and executive director of the Loon Preservation Committee. Volunteers measured contaminants in the 350 lakes that the LPC monitors. Loon numbers are lower now than they have been historically, Vogel added. (Subscription/The Union Leader)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door this Monday. I'll see you again soon!

— Paula Constance

About me: Paula is a freelance writer, author, and award-winning media producer. She is committed to media projects that empower, engage, and help make the world a better place. You can find her on Instagram and Twitter.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Manchester Daily? Contact me at manchester-nh@patch.com