The Exchange

Rather than focusing on just this week, we look back at the biggest stories of the year. NHPR's reporters join us to unpack the news of 2020, their favorite stories they covered, and what topics they'll be following in the new year. Air date: Friday, Dec. 18, 2020.

Energy efficiency upgrades can save money and cut back on carbon footprints. but how should much should we invest, especially during a pandemic? It’s been a big debate for N.H. utility regulators in recent weeks. As part of NHPR’s By Degrees climate reporting project, we unpack this issues and examine the pros and cons of greater efficiency. Should businesses and residents have to deal with up-front costs to create savings down the road? And what does this debate say about the state’s energy

With the first recently-approved vaccine for Covid-19 arriving this week in New Hampshire, we talk with epidemiologists about plans for the vaccine within New Hampshire, and answer your questions about vaccine logistics and access, the latest information about the virus, and how the state is managing the rise in cases. Air date: Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020.

We talk about end-of-life rituals and how Granite Staters have been celebrating those who died this year, even when it's unsafe to gather together. Have you attended a Zoom funeral recently, or created a new way to honor the lives of your loved ones? Air date: Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020.

Holiday shopping probably looks a little different this year, for shoppers and retailers. How are you supporting local businesses in your gifting this year? And what are your go-to local shopping spots? Sellers, makers, and small businesses, tell us how you've adapted to the pandemic, and what gifts are hits this year. Scroll down to listen to the conversation and to find links to the local businesses and makers mentioned on the show! Air date: Monday, December 14, 2020.

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

We discuss the COVID-19 vaccines. With three now awaiting authorization in the U.S., we explore which populations might be vaccinated first, when that might occur, and how vaccines will be distributed. Air date: Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020.

The winter solstice on December 21 brings us our shortest day and longest night of the year, marking the official start of winter. With the pandemic making gyms and team sports difficult, many people took up walking, running or biking to stay active. But now it’s cold and dark outside, we talk with outdoor enthusiasts about how to continue exercising safely in winter, and maybe even pick up a new sport. And we visit the "home of the world's worst weather," the Mt. Washington Observatory, to find

We review two major reports focusing on child protective services in New Hampshire. In its annual report, the Office of the Child Advocate, formed in 2018 to help reform the Division for Children, Youth and Families, notes some gradual improvements, including a shift “from the appearance of a punitive to a family supportive agency.” Still, according to OCA Director Moira O'Neill, the state has been too slow to adopt a community-based system of care for children that can help prevent problems

Maria Hinojosa joins us to discuss her new memoir Once I Was You: A Memoir of Love and Hate in a Torn America. She is the host of Latino USA , founder of Futuro Media Group , and an award-winning journalist. In her book, she explores her family's personal experience immigrating to America and dissects her own identity. Air date: Monday, Dec. 7, 2020.