Weekly N.H. News Roundup

Earlier this week, New Hampshire’s Supreme Court ruled that boarding people with mental health crises in the emergency room is a violation of their due process, and the state’s first post-election audit in recent history is underway in Windham. We talk about these news stories and much more.

Air date: Friday, May 14, 2021. 

As COVID-19 restrictions ease, we take stock of this moment in the pandemic, and get the latest on vaccine distribution efforts. We look at some of the small but impactful items in the proposed state budget. And as President Biden pushes to end the country’s reliance on for-profit prison populations, we look at the ramifications for the federal prison in Berlin. 

Air date: Friday, May 7, 2021. 

We talk with reporters about how well the state is providing vaccine access to its vulnerable populations, and an investigation into the oversight of New Hampshire's correctional facilities, which have seen a number of outbreaks of COVID-19 in the last year. We also talk about energy legislation: from funding for broadband development to a proposed ban on discussions of "low carbon fuel standards programs."

Air date: Friday, April 30, 2021. 

We speak with NHPR reporters about the latest coronavirus news, the return to full-time in-person school this week, and an investigation into a Manchester-based video hosting website. We also talk with a summer camp director about how she's prearing to bring camp back safely this year. 

Air date: Friday, April 23, 2021. 

We speak with Senate Democratic Leader Donna Soucy about the governor's lifting of the statewide mask mandate, the current legislative session, and the state budget. We also learn about the resignation of a Rochester City Councilor in the midst of a sex abuse investigation. And, we talk with NHPR reporters about the state's pause of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and school reopening efforts. 

Air date: Friday, April 16, 2021. 

We discuss how vaccine registration went this week, including another mass vaccination clinic and questions about eligibility for out-of-state college students. We also talk about baseball's opening day and chat with Manchester's Fire Chief, who is retiring after 36 years in the department. And we'll meet NHPR's new community engagement producer. 

Air date: Friday, April 2, 2021. 

The latest on the state's battle with the coronavirus, including the easing of some restrictions. The contest for Democratic party chair enters its final days before this weekend's vote. And what are the prospects for several Republican-led bills that would tighten voter eligibility laws? 

Air date: March 12, 2021

  It’s been a busy week in New Hampshire news, as the state crosses into its second year of the coronavirus pandemic. We’ll talk about the latest vaccine news, about controversy at the Statehouse over bigoted remarks from lawmakers during virtual sessions, and much more.

This show is hosted by NHPR's Annie Ropeik, who covers climate, energy, the environment, and the Seacoast.

Air date: Friday, March 5, 2021.

During a two-day session held in a sprawling indoor sports complex with chairs arranged to allow for social distance, the Republican-led New Hampshire House passed bills expanding the state's Stand Your Ground law, banning some abortions, and allowing patients licensed for therapeutic cannabis to grow their own plants. The House also voted to refund fines issued to businesses that violated COVID-19 orders, prompting a rebuke from some Democrats and from Governor Sununu who suggested in a statement that the bill could "incentivize law-breaking and reward those who do not follow the rules." At times, debate became rancorous, with some Democrats walking out in protest. Party leaders tried to set a somewhat conciliatory tone at the start of the second day.  

Air date: Feb. 26, 2021

  How the N.H. Legislature will conduct its business continues to be a point of contention for lawmakers, after Democrats filed a lawsuit to allow legislators with serious health issues to attend next week’s house session remotely. We also discuss how the “covid effect” is impacting school budget funding, and the latest spike in cases on university campuses across the state.

Air date: Friday, February 19, 2021. 

We discuss Governor Sununu's 2021 Budget Address. We also explore how the COVID-19 vaccine rollout is going in New Hampshire, including the state's new method for scheduling appointments for second doses. And, we chat with Granite Stater Chris Viaud about competing on Top Chef. 

Air date: Friday, Feb. 12, 2021. 

Gov. Chris Sununu is vowing to jettison a problematic sign-up website for scheduling for second dose COVID-19 vaccination appointments. The state reports that 110,000 N.H. residents have gotten the first vaccine shot, but many are struggling with a federal website to register for the second vaccination. Sununu says the state is working to create their own registration system. House Bill 20 aims to set-up a school choice program that some are calling the most sweeping such legislation in the country. We talk to the newest member of the State Board of Education. The state of Nevada takes steps to challenge New Hampshire’s first in the nation primary status. And we consider whether we should root for or against Tom Brady in the Superbowl. 

State officials say vaccination efforts so far are helping to move COVID-19 numbers in the right direction, though some have found the sign-up process frustrating. Republicans in Concord revive “Right to Work” legislation that Democrats say would hurt unions. And NPR’s Ron Elving joins us for analysis of the first week of the Biden Administration.

For help with coronavirus vaccine questions, visit NHPR's guide. You can also fill out NHPR's survey on your experience with COVID-19 and the vaccine. 

Air date: Jan. 29, 2021

Joe Biden is sworn in as the 46th president amid unprecedented security measures in Washington D.C. and at state capitols. State lawmakers in New Hampshire, still adjusting to pandemic logistics, hear public testimony on bills addressing voting issues and public access to police records and disciplinary hearings. And significant community spread of the coronavirus continues in New Hampshire and across the country as the Biden Administration works to ramp up vaccinations and expand testing.

Air date: Friday, Jan. 22, 2021

House lawmakers indict President Trump a week before he leaves office for inciting a deadly riot with false claims of a stolen election. It was the first time in history a president has been impeached twice. How will this play out in the Senate, which is likely to take up the debate once Trump is no longer president? Meanwhile, the Capitol is gearing up, and bracing for, the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden amid nationwide threats of armed protests, including at state captitols across the country. Biden this week meanwhile released a $1.9 trillion spending plan that includes a national vaccine program and reflects the idea that defeating the pandemic and reviving the economy are intertwined.

Air date: Friday, Jan. 15, 2021. 

This week saw yet another grim milestone: more than 3000 COVID-19 deaths in a single day. Cases are rising here in New Hampshire - what’s the state doing about it? Also, remembering Dick Hinch, New Hampshire Speaker of the House, former Republican majority leader, who died this week of COVID-19. We remember his life and look at what this sudden vacancy means for the upcoming session. And the ACLU of New Hampshire argues that Granite State School Districts should adopt transgender student policies.

Airdate: December 11, 2020

COVID-19 rates are rising in New Hampshire. When the vaccine comes, who’s going to get it? And who is keeping track of a two-dose-required system? Lawmakers kicked off their work for the new session and they did so outdoors to stay as safe as possible. And a Granite Stater gets drafted to Team Biden.

Air date: Friday, Dec. 4, 2020. 

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GUESTS:

Earlier this month, the mayors of the state’s thirteen cities appealed to the governor for help addressing homelessness. We speak with Mayor Joyce Craig of Manchester about what’s needed. Coos County is now seeing the highest rate of community transmission of COVID-19 in the state, with over 400 new cases per 100,000 residents. We hear from Berlin Mayor Paul Grenier. Plus, who is supposed to pay for PFAS cleanup costs around the former Pease Air Force Base? And we remember the Mount Washington Observatory’s famous cat, Marty.  Air date: Friday, Nov. 13, 2020.  

As positive COVID cases are on the rise in New Hampshire, we discuss why that is and how to protect ourselves as we head into the colder winter months. Also, NHPR's reporters will update us on local voting issues and our recent live debates. We also chat about how COVID will impact Halloween festivities this year. Plus, our latest installment in our series Down Ballot. 

Air date: Friday, Oct. 16, 2020. 

Senator Maggie Hassan joins us to discuss voting issues and the upcoming committee hearings on the Supreme Court nominee, as the coronavirus spreads through the White House and reaches several Republican senators. The president calls for supporters to "watch the polls" so we find out what is allowed at N.H. voting places, and field your questions about mail-in voting. N.H. schools transition to hybrid models, but there’s some pushback from parents. And what’s going on with races for county sheriff in N.H.?

Air date: Friday, Oct. 9, 2020.

With a month to go before Election Day, we check in on the dos and don'ts of absentee ballot voting. We’ll also hear about the state of the race for Governor and US Senate in New Hampshire, plus a look at what’s happening in Maine politics. And we begin a series on down-ballot races, exploring what role county attorneys play in New Hampshire.

Air date: Friday, Oct. 2, 2020

Smoke from West Coast wildfires has dimmed our sunshine - could we see extensive fire damage here, and what’s the link to climate change? The New Hampshire Supreme Court heard oral arguments this week in a case that will decide if a list containing the names of more than 250 law enforcement officers with credibility issues should be disclosed to the public. We also find out about inconsistencies in psychological evaluations used in the hiring process at N.H. police departments. We find out about a demonstration at Cathedral Ledge in the Mt. Washington valley. And what will leaf-peeping be like this this fall?

Air date: Friday, Sept. 18, 2020.