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Residents in Tilton and Northfield have approved the purchase of a private water company that serves their communities.

Officials there argued that if the towns didn't buy the company, a private company could and perhaps raise rates.

The city of Nashua tried a similar course over two years ago.

They offered to purchase Pennichuck Corporation.

The company, though, refused to sell, and Nashua is now in a costly eminent domain battle.

Now the company is hoping that with Nashua's current budget crisis, the city will give up its plan.

NHPR correspondent Avishay Artsy has more.

Reducing mercury pollution is a top priority in the state these days. Recent attention has focused on New Hampshire's biggest polluter, coal burning power plants. But burning the fossil fuel is just one way mercury gets into the environment. It's also found in many products from batteries to thermostats. And if they're not disposed of carefully, harmful mercury can find its way into the environment. New Hampshire Public Radio's Rebecca Kaufman reports on one source the state is hoping to more closely regulate ---the dentist office.

The state’s first charter school is in trouble.
Franklin Career Academy opened last year, but still has not received its share of state education money.
Now, the Franklin School Board wants the charter revoked.
But as New Hampshire Public Radio’s Amy Quinton reports,
Franklin Career Academy’s troubles may not be isolated – half the charter schools in the state are waiting for money.

The US House of Representatives has passed an wide ranging energy bill.

Last year, Both of New Hampshire's Congressmen voted against the bill.

But this year, while Congressman Jeb Bradley opposed the bill, Congressman Charlie Bass decided to support it.

NHPR News Correspondent Julie Donnelly reports from Washington.

An informal group of doctors, insurance companies and hospitals are pushing for a medical malpractice panel they see as the best way to heal rising insurance costs.

A bill they back was passed by the Senate recently.

At the heart of the plan is the creation of a panel that serves as a buffer between juries and the people who think they have suffered at the hands of doctors.

This is the measure that the healthcare community has invested hundred of thousands of dollars in for the past two years.

But as New Hampshire Public Radio's Dan Gorenstein reports, it's not clear whether this panel system will treat what ails malpractice premium increases.