🌱 Laugh At The Rex + $3M In Biz Grants + Police Look For Suspect

Hello all. It's me, Paula Constance, your host of the Manchester Daily. Follow along to find out the most important things going on today.

• Laugh with Christine Hurley at The Rex.
• Record low unemployment. Way to go, New Hampshire!
• "Stay away" from this violent man. Call 911 if you see him.
• $3M in grants for restaurants, but half still unclaimed.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and warmer. High: 90 Low: 65.

Here are the top 4 stories today in Manchester:

1. Manchester restaurant owners: Grants may still be available! Only about half of the $3 million in grants to provide relief to restaurants that lost business due to the COVID-19 pandemic have been used. Even with pending grants that are likely to be approved, the program could have "about $1.4 million left," state officials said. They also may offer additional rounds of grants in the future for local restaurant owners "who may have been too busy to apply over the summer tourism season." The Local Restaurant Infrastructure Program to support independent, local small businesses was announced last November by Governor Chris Sununu. The maximum grant for a restaurant is $15,000. (Subscription/Union Leader)
2. Unemployment in New Hampshire, and Manchester, is at an all-time low. The unemployment rate in July remained at 2 percent — a record low. "There were 570 fewer unemployed residents in July compared with the previous month and 11,390 fewer than in July 2021," according to New Hampshire Employment Security. Way to go, New Hampshire! (Subscription/Union Leader)
3. A man who Manchester police called "very dangerous" is wanted for a violent assault that happened in the City's south end on Thursday, Aug. 18. Manchester Police are actively searching for Drew Fortier, 26, for first degree assault after a "violent incident" early Thursday morning that left a person in the hospital in serious condition. He was last seen walking on Weston Road at 3 a.m. Due to the violent nature of the assault, police believe that Fortier is experiencing mental health issues. They warn residents to "stay away" and not approach Fortier, but to call 911. You can read more here: (Manchester Ink Link)
4. Laugh with comedian Christine Hurley at the Rex Theater in Manchester on Friday, Aug. 19. Hurley shares the humor she sees in “everyday” situations. "For years, she entertained family, friends, and neighbors in their kitchens, at barbeques and the grocery store aisles. The only difference now is she uses a microphone and a stage. Her stories and views on motherhood and marriage are exactly what everyone is living through… people get it and love it!" wrote Manchester Ink Link. You can find out more here: (Manchester Ink Link)

Today in Manchester:

• "Snow White" — The Rex Theatre. (10 a.m.)
• Drop-In Craft Extravaganza — Goffstown Public Library. (1 p.m.)
• Family Fun Night — Goffstown Public Library. (6 p.m.)
• Summer Camp: "Legally Blonde Jr" — The Rex Theatre. (7 p.m.)

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Events:

• 39th Gail Singer Memorial Blood Drive: Aug. 24 and 25! (August 24)
• Add your event

Thanks for following along and staying informed. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

— Paula Constance

About me: Paula is a contributing writer, author, and award-winning media producer. She is committed to media projects that empower, engage, and help make the world a better place.When she's not writing, you can find her hiking or watching the fireflies in the sultry moments before sunset. You can follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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