The Exchange

We discuss what this summer will look like for New Hampshire's state parks amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. While record numbers of Granite Staters are heading to the parks to seek out local recreation, new social distancing guidelines and other protocols mean that the experience will be different this year. We chat with the state parks director about how he and his staff are preparing. Air date: Thursday, June 18, 2020.

From tactics and training to issues of oversight and transparency, police conduct has come under national scrutiny in the aftermath of George Floyd's death at the hands of a former Minnesota police officer. Calls for racial justice and police reforms have resonated in the Granite State, as well, and on Tuesday, Governor Sununu announced a new commission charged with examining police accountability and transparency and issuing recommendations within 45 days. Also on Tuesday, the state senate

Now that the school year has largely concluded for New Hampshire districts across the state, we turn our attention to what education might look like this fall. We reflect on how remote learning went, review what we've learned, and discuss what options are available for the upcoming academic year, whether that is more remote learning, a transition back to in-person learning, or a hybrid model of both methods.

We check in with leaders from three New Hampshire cities: Keene, Nashua, and Manchester. We'll find out how the coronavirus pandemic has affected their communities - and their budgets. We'll also ask what conversations are underway right now about local policing – and racial justice. Air date: June 15, 2020.

We look at how protests of racial injustice and debates over transparency on police procedures are playing out in New Hampshire. For the second time in history, the New Hampshire House meets somewhere other than the State House. The Executive Council nixes Governor Sununu's nomination for the state Board of Education. And the Secretary of State's Select Committee on 2020 Emergency Election Support outlines recommendations for voting this year.

We discuss the 2020 census, with all its implications for political districts, federal funding, and community services. Even with the coronavirus pandemic, the census is still taking place, although some information will be gathered differently this year. We chat about how the census will be conducted and its impact on our nation. Air date: Thursday, June 11, 2020.

We look at the research, at times evolving, behind the safeguards promoted to help prevent COVID-19. As much as scientists have learned about this coronavirus, questions remain - from the six-feet-apart rule to the most effective way to wear a mask. If you have questions about COVID-19 -- including on where, how, and when to get tested -- visit this NH DHHS site . You can register for a test here . Air date: Wednesday, June 10, 2020.

As protests against racism and police brutality continue across the country and New Hampshire, we compare what we’re seeing now to earlier movements – more than a century of demonstrations for civil rights and against systemic racism. Air date: Tuesday, June 9, 2020.

New Hampshire restaurants have been hard hit during the coronavirus pandemic, changing their business model to curbside pickup and delivery, then pivoting to limited outdoor dining and soon, anticipating returning to limited indoor dining. We talk with restaurant owners from across the state about how they have responded to the challenge and how long they can sustain this way of doing business. We also discuss how they plan to keep customers, servers and kitchen staff safe as they return.

Black Lives Matter holds protests against racial injustice and vigils across the state in memory of those who lost their lives. After more than two months of roped off parking and patrolled sand, New Hampshire’s beaches reopen with some caveats. We discuss Nashua's emergency public health ordinance requiring masks. And he state has begun the process to allow Granite Staters to register by mail to vote in this fall’s elections and making it easier to vote absentee.