The Exchange

50 high-profile cases of college admissions fraud made public by the FBI last week have ignited a national conversation on college admission and wealth. The recent story is unique but the theme is not: wealthy parents can increase their child's likelihood of getting into elite schools through both legal, illegal and somewhat shady means. We discuss where money influences the merit-based system of college admissions and how schools act to even the playing field of economic advantage.

NPR's Ron Elving helps us sort through this very large field of Democrats, with Beto O'Rourke, former U.S. Representative from Texas, among the latest to jump in. We'll look at the issues the candidates are talking about and we'll explore their philosophical differences, as well as the narratives they're presenting to voters in New Hampshire.

The NH Senate votes unanimously to fund full-day kindergarten entirely from state funds, rather than using money generated by Keno. Instead Keno funds would go to school building aid. Eight Democratic presidential candidates (including two potential contenders) will be in N.H. this weekend. And, in honor of Sunshine Week, we'll revisit some stories that would not have been possible without reporters seeking information using state and federal open records laws.

General stores have been part of the fabric of life in N.H. towns for over 200 years. But many of the state's traditional general stores struggle or have closed in today's competitive retail economy amid big box stores. We look at how general stores become the heart of a community, and how they are innovating to stay relevant in the 21st century.

In the first legislative session after the midterm elections, New Hampshire, like other states, has introduced a number of measures to improve voting security, ballot access, and redistricting . What do voting-related bills in New Hampshire and nationwide say about the biggest concerns surrounding our election system?

New Hampshire's rental market remains tight, and shortages of affordable housing have widespread impacts on the state's economy. We discuss housing issues, and take a look at business-related legislation at the Statehouse, including business tax cuts and a capital gains tax. This show airs live at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, March 11, and again at 7 p.m.

Have you encountered a coyote in New Hampshire? Coyotes were absent from the state in the 1800s, and since their presence was noted in 1944, it has grown to include every county. Known as opportunistic omnivores, we learn more about current management practices of the coyote population, including the most recent proposed legislation in the N.H. House.

A hearing on proposed red-flag legislation gained national attention after several male lawmakers wore pearl necklaces during testimony on gun violence. The move drew widespread criticism. Rep. David Welch, one of the lawmakers wearing pearls, said they'd been handed out by members of the Women's Defense League of New Hampshire and he'd worn them in solidarity with their opposition to red-flag laws. In other news, town meeting season is in full swing, and public hearings on PFAs regulations for

New Hampshire's mountains attract visitors year-round, and avid hikers are the among the biggest ambassadors of Leave No Trace, a set of principles and best practices for sharing and conserving wilderness areas. But while most people agree on the broad strokes, sorting out the details can be an emotional and argumentative affair. The Outside/In podcast team joins us to discuss outdoor ethics and how we enjoy nature. GUESTS: Sam Evans-Brown: host of NHPR’s Outside/In podcast. Bob Holdsworth:

About twenty years ago, New Hampshire adopted a new option, known as SB2, for local government involving a two-part process: a deliberative session and ballot voting. We ask how this has affected town governance, in terms of citizen participation, the issues that come up, and how they're resolved.