Laura Knoy

Sale prices are up for the first time in two years.  Also, foreclosure activity has leveled off and mortgage rates are at rock bottom.  But with the economy still uncertain, some wonder if this good fortune will be short-lived or, if the real estate sector could lead the economy into better times.

Guests

Our issue of the week series continues with a look at where the candidates stand on Foreign Policy!  Eight years ago, it was a front-and-center issue in our national elections., but now, it has more of a backseat role.  Still, the Presidential contenders did dig into it this week, in a major debate, and New Hampshire’s congressional candidates have offered their opinions as well.  We'll look at where the similarities and differences are between the candidates on the issue of foreign policy.

Guests

Mixed news has recently come from the top part of our state.  The long awaited prison in Berlin is now open, and the popular ATV park is expanding, but unemployment there is higher than the state average and in recent months has gone up. We’ll look at the economic hopes and challenges for the North Country.

Guests

Charlie Jordan - editor of The Colebrook Chronicle

Edith Tucker - reporter for The Coos County Democrat and The Berlin Reporter

After last night President Obama and Governor Romney have squared off three times along with one event starring the VP candidates.  Lots of issues have been covered from the economy to foreign policy and many times the tone was contentious.  We’ll look at who won these debates…who may have received a 'bump' from them and how we’ll continue to hear the themes that were raised up until election day. 

Guests

We sit down with The 2nd Congressional District Republican candidate Charlie Bass. He served in Congress for twelve years but was defeated in two thousand seven under the Democratic wave…but two years ago he won his seat back in a close race against Democrat Ann McClane Kuster. Now Kuster is challenging him again in another tight race.. We’ll talk with Charlie Bass on where he stands on the issues and why he says he deserves another term

Guest

We look at a new study that suggests that those factors that have made New Hampshire the economic envy of the region, like its low tax burden, higher income levels and steady influx of well educated people may be waning.  And the one time New Hampshire advantage may be a thing of the past. We'll look at the study and see how bad it may be.

Guests

We continue our “Issue of the Week” election series  as we look at where the candidates for Congress, Governor, and President stand on… social issues, including abortion, contraception, and same-sex marriage. Although these generally rank low on surveys of important issues, they get talked about often. Today we'll look at what the candidates are saying and what role they'll play in this election.

Guests

Ballot question one asks if New Hampshire should permanently prohibit an income tax?  In next month's election, Granite Staters will have to vote 'yes' or 'no' on this proposed change to the state's constitution. Supporters say this would settle a longstanding debate once and for all. Opponents say it would damage the state's fiscal standing. Today, we're taking a look at the arguments both pro and con to this question and answer any questions you may have before you head to the ballot box.

Guests

Obesity is on the rise here in New  Hampshire, a recent study finds that the U.S. population is gaining too much weight. New Hampshire's numbers are also increasing, with about 26% of Granite Staters now considered obese. Its also predicted that by the year 2030, more than half of this state's population will be obese. Today we'll look at this study and see what can be done to tip the scales in the opposite direction.

Guests

A proposed constitutional amendment on the ballot this November would give the legislature final say over judicial rules and procedures.  That has some in the legal community incensed over what they consider to be a power grab by the legislature. But others in that same legal community think it simply restores authority appropriately to the people’s representatives.

It's not as important to most voters as jobs and the Economy but for many it cracks their top three concerns... what do do with rising health care costs.  The candidates for Governor and Congress have different philosophies as to how do this.  Today our Issue of the Week series continues and we'll look at where the candidates for our state's highest offices stand on health and health care.

Guests

She's been a business attorney, a state Senator,  Senate Majority Leader and now the Exeter lawyer, Maggie Hassan wants to be your next Governor.  Hassan defeated Jackie Cilley and Bill Kennedy in the state primary this September to be the Democratic Gubernatorial candidate but still needs to get through her Republican challenger, Manchester attorney, Ovide Lamontagne.  Today we sit down for the hour with Maggie Hassan, talk with her about where she stands on the big issues facing the state and why she says she'd be the best next person to sit in the State House corner office.

Last month, NHPR in partnership with NHPTV, the Union Leader and the NH Business and Industry Association put together three debates on the economy with the Candidates for Governor, and both Congressional districts.  Today we listen back to parts of those debates, look at some of the major themes raised, and pull back the curtain a bit to look at the stories, challenges and process of putting together these debates in our special Power Morning.

Guests

For a long time, 'middle class' meant 'comfortable'.  It was a place to strive for and once there, it meant a stable job, a nice home and secure retirement.  But a recent study by the Pew Research Center describes a 'Lost Decade' of the Middle Class, finding this groups to be fewer, poor and gloomier due to the economic crisis.

In a new book, author Charles Mann explores what happened in the years after Columbus’s famed voyage to the Americas. He says it altered everything: sparking a new era of globalization and not just in commerce: but radical changes in crops, cultures, and politics. We’ll talk with Mann about this expansive look at this new era and how the world changed after Columbus.

Guests

• Charles C. Mann - Author of 1493:Uncovering the New World Columbus Created