The New Hampshire Supreme Court yesterday rejected Gov. John Lynch's request that it reconsider its decision denying the state the right to use $110 million in malpractice insurance reserves in the state budget.

For the second year in a row, area residents went to the polls yesterday with the poor economy in mind - and it showed in their votes.

House Speaker Terie Norelli will not ask state Rep. Dan Eaton to step down from his leadership position because of a continuing investigation by the attorney general's office.

New Hampshire fish and game officials have scheduled three hearings next month on proposed changes to hunting and trapping seasons.

New Hampshire lawmakers are considering repealing a 9 percent tax on campsites that took effect last July.

Campaign finance activist Doris "Granny D" Haddock, who walked across the country pushing for reform at age 90, died last night surrounded by family in her Dublin home. She was 100.

The widow of former New Hampshire governor Meldrim Thomson has died at her home in Orford. Gale Thomson was 90.

In Michigan, where many enterprises are struggling to survive, the renowned University of Michigan is in the midst of a construction boom and hiring spree. Michigan State University, on the other hand, plans to lay off faculty and cut programs, blaming state funding that is lower than it was a decade ago. Flagship universities in other states are also prospering, while their lesser-known counterparts suffer from vanishing state appropriations. 

So, why not change the arrangement and require big-name universities to take responsibility for their own financing, leaving more state money to support the other state schools? As legislatures face their toughest budget year since the recession began, the idea of giving a few universities autonomy to control their own finances has some appeal.

The New Hampshire House yesterday voted 214-137 to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana.

The state Senate yesterday voted 14-10 to ask a death penalty commission to look at applying capital punishment to murders that take place during home invasions.

The U.S. Senate has confirmed a Maine man to become the federal co-chairperson of a commission that aims to create jobs and boost the economy in the northern reaches of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and New York. Sandy Blitz of Hudson was confirmed Wednesday night for the new position with the Northern Border Regional Commission.

WASHINGTON — Small defense companies, energy firms, and other technology start-ups throughout New England could lose tens of millions of dollars a year because of a decision by House Democrats yesterday to abruptly halt budget earmarks for companies.