Some new data shows that suspected opioid deaths in both Manchester and Nashua have reached their highest number in years.  In February, there were 13 suspected opioid deaths in Manchester and five in Nashua, which was the biggest combined total since tracking began in 2015.  Officials believe more people are dying due to the increased potency of synthetic fentanyl.  Anyone who is struggling with addiction can get help 24-hours a day, seven days a week by dialing 211. 

Manchester police are still looking for the man and woman who they say abandoned more than a dozen cats at a foreclosed home.  According to investigators, the 14 animals were found at the residence on Seames Drive back in October.  Four of the cats were dead but the other 10 survived.  Police have identified the suspects as 42-year-old Meghan Williams and 59-year-old Robert Gerhold. Anyone who knows where they are can call police at 603-668-8711. 

The affordable housing crisis in New Hampshire is having a negative impact on one of the more vulnerable populations – lower-income older individuals. Since the start of the pandemic, rent has been on the rise all around the state. Homelessness advocates said that price hikes are forcing seniors living on a fixed income out of their homes. Last year, the population of people 65 and up at Cross Roads House in Portsmouth was around 11%. This year, it’s up to 15%.Homeless advocates said the increase stems from the lack of affordable housing in the state and the dramatic increases in rent and utility costs are forcing the seniors out of their homes. 

The Mega Millions jackpot is continuing to grow and has now surpassed the 200-million-dollar threshold. Whoever correctly picks all six winning numbers ahead of tonight’s drawing will receive at least 203-million-dollars because no one won the game on Tuesday. 

Saint Patrick’s Day is just a week away, and the annual painting of the shamrocks will be happening in Manchester this weekend. It’ll start tomorrow morning at nine a-m at the intersection of Elm Street and Pleasant Street. Crews will then move to the area of Elm Street and Hanover Street in front of City Hall.  

SPORTS FROM THE PULSE OF NH  

The 10-game winning streak of the Boston Bruins has been snapped after the team suffered a very rare loss at home. Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak had a goal each but the Bruins were still beaten by the Edmonton Oilers by a final score of three-to-two at TD Garden last night. Boston goalie Jeremy Swayman stopped 19 of the 22 shots he faced in the contest. Up next for the Bruins is a game against the Detroit Red Wings tomorrow. 

 The Boston Celtics begin a six-game road trip tomorrow night when they visit the Atlanta Hawks.  Boston will be looking for its second straight win after snapping a three-game losing streak.  The C’s are currently second in the Eastern Conference with a record of 46-and-21.