The Exchange

The past year has been a living civics lesson for our country: two impeachments, a tense election, a split U.S. Senate, and an insurrection at the Capitol. We talk with two New Hampshire educators about how they’re bringing these realities into their classrooms, and how students are tapping into this moment. Looking for lesson plans, activities, and podcast episodes for students? Check out Civics 101. Air date: Monday, February 1, 2021.

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

The Challenger disaster occurred 35 years ago, and while we mourn the entire crew, in New Hampshire the anniversary is especially poignant as we mourn the loss of Concord teacher Christa McAuliffe. We consider how her legacy has inspired a new generation of educators and a new era in space exploration. We shine a light on projects at the state’s universities and colleges that are helping NASA and expanding our knowledge of space. Airdate: Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021

The performance of inaugural poet Amanda Gorman during last week's swearing in ceremony of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris was a call for unity - for, as Gorman put it, "bridges" not "blades." We talk with a panel of poets about that moment, about why certain poems stay with us, about why the art of poetry matters - and how it is evolving. Air date: Jan. 27, 2021

What's it like to come of age during a time of extreme political division and a global pandemic? We talk with young Granite Staters about how the past year has shaped and impacted them, and what they're thinking about the future. Air date: Tuesday, January 26, 2021.

While efficiency upgrades can save money and cut back on your carbon footprint, how much should we invest, especially during a pandemic? It’s been a big debate for N.H. utility regulators. The Public Utilities Commission delayed their decision on this issue in December 2020 and is expected to make a ruling by mid-February 2021. As part of NHPR’s By Degrees climate reporting project, we examined the pros and cons of greater efficiency, and whether businesses and residents should have to deal with

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

We talk about the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on Wednesday, Jan. 20, including Biden's inaugural speech, the biggest challenges he'll face, and the new administration. We really want to hear from you. What does this moment mean to you personally? What are your biggest concerns as Biden takes office? Air date: Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021.

We talk about the new, more contagious variant of COVID-19, and what that means for both personal and public health, and we learn more about how the vaccine protects you and others, and have to behave safely before and after vaccination. Air date: Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021.

COVID-19 vaccine distribution continues, with national and state logistical challenges. We talk about the hurdles involved, how the state is managing the distribution process, and the latest information on how and when people will get their shots in New Hampshire. Air date: Tuesday, January 19, 2021