POLITICS

Police in Manchester, Portsmouth and Milford want motorcyclists to tone it down.

RALEIGH, N.C. - In the hours after Helms died early yesterday at the age of 86, having spent the past few years out of the spotlight while in declining health at a Raleigh convalescent home, he was remembered by some as a patriot. But there were also reminders that Helms was the often caustic "Senator No."

PORTSMOUTH - The Pease Development Authority's executive director has quit, citing "differences" with the airport board's directors.

Agree or disagree with its conservative views, the New Hampshire Advantage Coalition is becoming a factor in the 2008 elections. And it will be a more of a factor in the fall.

SYSYN

MANCHESTER - The decision to keep City Clerk Carol Johnson on paid administrative leave was difficult for aldermen who rely on her.