The Exchange

With the governor signaling support for offshore wind energy, we talk with environmental reporter Annie Ropeik. We also discuss new limits on PFAS chemicals and arsenic in drinking water. The state rolled-out the new program of "doorways" to addiction treatment services in a series of meetings around the state. And potential 2020 presidential primary candidate, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, will be the keynote speaker for a N.H. Democratic party event in February. Lauren Chooljian, NHPR Political

Thousands of federal employees in the Granite State are furloughed, some working without pay. At the same time, certain government programs and private contracts aren't being fulfilled, with effects on the private sector and the general public.

In 2019, we make a tentative forecast of the economic trends to watch in the new year. From continued affordable housing challenges in New Hampshire, to tariffs and stock market fluctuations internationally, we look at what indicators you should keep an eye on.

Taylor Caswell, Commissioner of the Department of Business and Economic Affairs joins us. The state's economy is looking robust with unemployment the lowest in the region. But there's also a labor shortage, workforce development challenges, and high energy costs for businesses. We get Caswell's take on these issues -- and on what senate Democrats are proposing: freezing business tax cuts.

With the new year upon us, resolutions abound -- including, for many of us, promises to eat healthier and exercise more regularly, perhaps even to lose weight and build muscle tone. In attempting to do so, however, it can be confusing making sense of the research and health headlines. We'll talk with experts in these departments -- nutrition, fitness, exercise -- and get their advice on how to achieve our goals, while separating fad from fact.

Governor Chris Sununu begins his second term, calling for cooperation as he faces Democratic control of the House, Senate, and Executive Council following midterm elections. House lawmakers vote to ban guns inside Representatives Hall -- a rule that has been reversed over the years, depending upon which party is in charge. And, after the N.H. House votes overwhelmingly to require its members to attend sexual harassment education training, hundreds of representatives show up for a scheduled

More people are bringing their animals with them -- into stores, onto planes. Some are service animals, highly trained, assisting with such tasks as pulling a wheelchair or retrieving medicine. They also assist people who are blind or experiencing seizures. These animals are covered under the Americans With Disabilities Act and allowed in most public places. Emotional support animals are sometimes prescribed to a person with a disabling mental illness but they do not have the same legal

For months now, speculation has been growing about who will run in the Democratic and Republican Presidential primaries, fueled by politicians' visits to such states as New Hampshire and Iowa. The list of potential Democratic contenders appears long and includes Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey, Former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Julián Castro, and Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachussetts. Only a few Republicans who have made names for themselves as critics of President Trump

With pleasant weather comes a busy hiking season in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. A misread map, a sudden storm, a forgotten headlamp - and suddenly a hike could turn into a matter of survival. We look at a new book, " Critical Hours, " that offers a history and a celebration of the search and rescue workers and volunteers who save lives in the White Mountains. The growth of inexpensive but sophisticated navigation devices and mobile phones have become part of the experience for both

Barns have an important historical significance in New Hampshire, and are a major part of our landscape. But as these barns age, how can we preserve and restore them for new uses today? This rebroadcast will air Monday, December 31 at 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.