The Exchange

Even as the state moves forward with plans for meeting the mental health needs of Granite Staters, workers in this field, from psychiatrists to specially trained nurses, are scarce. The factors are many, ranging from inadequate salaries to licensing boards that make it difficult for job seekers to cross state lines.

After helicopter parenting and tiger moms, a new book tells American parents to back off! We talk with developmental psychologist Alison Gopnik about her book, The Gardener and The Carpenter. Gopnik draws on the science of the human brain and evolution to make the argument that children are hard-wired to learn on their own. We discuss the two possible ways of thinking about the role of parents suggested by the book's title and look at insights the new science offers into the relationship between

We take a moment, fewer than 30 days from the election, to evaluate the recent turn of events in the Presidential race. An 11-year old video, in which Republican nominee Donald Trump talked crudely about groping women, prompts N.H.'s Senator Kelly Ayotte to join a growing wave of Republican lawmakers unwilling to vote for the Republican nominee, or even calling for him to step down. We review the second presidential debate featuring questions from undecided voters as well as the two moderators.

The coyote is the stuff of legends, but author Dan Flores says those tales don't come close to capturing its incredible survival story. We talk with Flores, the author of the new book "Coyote America" and trace the history of the coyote. Flores calls it "a kind of Manifest Destiny in reverse" where, in the war between coyote and human, the coyote wins - hands down. This program was originally broadcast on 9/6/2016.

With just about a month to go before the election, the debate season is in full swing. We look at the recent U.S. Senate debate that included a comment by Senator Kelly Ayotte that went viral. Things get testy in the first televised gubernatorial debate between Chris Sununu and Colin van Ostern. The state's rainy day fund swells to $90 million, and, with no rainfall in the forecast, state officials warn drought conditions could worsen.

The Granite State is dangerously dry. New Hampshire has received about half of the normal rainfall this year; as the colder weather sets in, we talk to experts about the effects of water scarcity, and how the state is handling the drought.

The first case of the flu has already been reported in New Hampshire. We get the best estimate on this year's flu forecast, and the efficacy and duration of flu inoculations. Then we pivot to another harbinger of the colder temperatures ahead: New Hampshire's always-impressive fall foliage. We discuss the notion of "peak" foliage and how the season gives the Granite State it's sense of identity.

We discuss one of the mostly closely watched races of this election season, between Democratic Governor Maggie Hassan and incumbent Republican Kelly Ayotte, for U.S. Senate. We follow up on their debate Monday night, and go in-depth on some of the major national, and local issues, drawing attention in this race.

We check in on both presidential candidate visits to the Granite State, and discuss decisions on two major court cases, along with other news around the state this week.

It's not uncommon at this time of year to look up and see the familiar shape of geese migrating south, or the broad wings of raptors riding the wind currents. We discuss the different species of birds, including songbirds, who make an annual migration, and how they equip themselves for their journey. We also examine how humans have influenced the abundance of the species, and what we can do to help lessen our impact here on the ground in New Hampshire.