Editor’s note: During the course of a week, issues are covered that might not lend themselves to full editorial comment, but they are worthy of The Sunday Telegraph weighing in – thumbs up, thumbs down or neutral.

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Thumbs Up – To the new program that will help eligible residents in New Hampshire who can’t pay their rent and utilities because of the coronavirus pandemic, Gov. Chris Sununu said Thursday. The New Hampshire Emergency Rental Assistance Program will be administered by the New Hampshire Housing Authority, in coordination with the Governor’s Office for Emergency Relief and Recovery. It is federally funded. To be eligible for assistance, at least one person in the household must qualify for unemployment benefits, had their income reduced, had significant costs, or had other financial hardship due to COVID-19. The household must also be at risk for homelessness and meet certain income requirements. Landlords may apply for assistance on behalf of their tenant, with the tenant’s permission. Assistance is available retroactive to April 1, 2020, through the date of application. Households may receive help for a total of 12 months. Details about the program are available at www.NHHFA.org/emergency-rental-assistance. Application information will be available by March 15.

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THUMBS UP – To Cinemagic theaters in Merrimack, Saco, Westbrook and South Portland, Maine; Salisbury and Sturbridge, Massachusetts; and Hooksett and Portsmouth for helping so many create memories that will last a lifetime. The chain’s parent company, Zyacorp Entertainment, announced in early February it was closing all theaters until the spring. Then it announced last week that the theaters will not reopen. The pandemic certainly has taken its toll on area businesses and the community as a whole. Let’s hope it really is coming to an end.

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THUMBS DOWN – To the New Hampshire House of Representatives for giving preliminary approval to a bill that would reverse and refund the fines paid by businesses that have violated emergency orders during the coronavirus pandemic. We know times are hard and the immense impact the pandemic has had on us all, but rule breakers must pay the consequences for their actions.

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