Introducing “Bear Brook: A Private Matter”

Climate change has made the Wild River Fire, a wildfire that has been burning for nearly two weeks in the White Mountains, more intense and difficult to contain. Ongoing drought provided plenty of fuel for the blaze, and unusually warm days and nights gave the fire more energy to burn, experts say. NHPR reporter Kate Dario tells us what she learned from climatologists and foresters. Other stories this week: Wednesday marked the start of the rifle deer hunting season, and the pastime seems to have found renewed popularity in New Hampshire. And, former attendees reflect on the potential sale of a Girl Scout camp on Lake Winnipesaukee. Guests: Concord Monitor Reporter David Brooks NHPR Senior Youth and Education Reporter Annmarie Timmins

Today, we're sharing the season three premiere of Bear Brook, the critically acclaimed true crime podcast from New Hampshire Public Radio's Pulitzer Prize-nominated Document team. Bear Brook returns with A Private Matter, hosted by award-winning journalist Jason Moon. This season, Jason investigates the disappearance of Jay Hickey, a beloved Christmas tree farmer with dementia who vanishes from his small New Hampshire town. His wife Patty never reports him missing. And it turns out, that's not necessarily a crime in New Hampshire. What follows is a story about family estrangement, the growing dementia crisis, and the legal gaps that leave vulnerable people behind.

New Hampshire voters turned out to the polls in droves Tuesday and ushered Democrats into offices around the state. In the days since the election some surprising results, including the breakdown of the Executive Council and down ballot state races have taken shape. On the New Hampshire News Recap, NHPR Senior Politics Reporter Josh Rogers brings us a deeper look at the election results and what happens next. Other stories this week: NHPR Senior Youth and Education Reporter Annmarie Timmins talks us through the complicated tax cap ballot question. The measure passed in about half of New Hampshire towns, but there are still some misconceptions about how it will be applied. And, a historic wildfire has been raging in the White Mountain National Forest this week, at one point spanning about 1,000 acres. Crews are working the blaze with special reinforcements and equipment and hope to have it in control next week. Guests: NHPR Senior Politics Reporter Josh Rogers NHPR Senior Youth and Education Reporter Annmarie Timmins

With the midterm election just days away, candidate's positions on key issues have solidified. The time has come to brush up on the races and what you need to know before you head to the polls Tuesday. Data centers and artificial intelligence have emerged as top issues for voters and candidates this year. This week on the New Hampshire News Recap, NHPR reporter Kate Dario gives us a rundown on where the candidates for major races stand on these issues. As voters start to turn their attention from learning about candidates to casting their ballots, election security is taking center stage. NHPR Senior Reporter Todd Bookman spoke with election officials about what they expect to see Tuesday and he brings us the overview. NHPR Senior Political Reporter Josh Rogers talks us through major political races and where things stand heading into the week of the election. Guests: NHPR Reporter Kate Dario NHPR Senior Reporter Todd Bookman NHPR Senior Political Reporter Josh Rogers

A new rule requiring people who receive Medicaid through the state's Granite Advantage program to prove that they spend at least 80 hours a month working, volunteering or in school could leave thousands in New Hampshire without insurance coverage. On the New Hampshire News Recap, NHPR Health and Equity Reporter Olivia Richardson breaks down the changes based on a new report from the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute. Healthcare providers say that the rules may have a big impact on patients. Other stories this week: Medicare Advantage options are expected to be limited, but available, in Coos and Carroll counties next year. The exact details of what insurance options people 65 and older may have are not yet clear, though the window to enroll for Medicare for next year is open. And, NHPR Senior Reporter and Document team Producer Jason Moon joins us to talk about the latest season of his podcast, Bear Brook. The first two episodes of the show's newest season, called A Private Matter, launched Wednesday. For this season, Moon looked into the disappearance of an Epsom Christmas tree farmer with dementia whose wife never reported him missing. Guests: NHPR Health and Equity Reporter Olivia Richardson NHPR Senior Reporter and Producer Jason Moon

Just over two weeks out from the midterm election, more news on statewide races and candidates is rushing in every day. On the New Hampshire News Recap, NHPR Senior Political Reporter Josh Rogers breaks down the news we need to know in the final push toward Election Day. Other stories this week: A state law updating the controversial education freedom account program has gone into effect, requiring school districts to admit EFA students into classes and extracurricular activities without charging tuition. And, a little music from Concord-based rock band, Lee and Dr. G. The group recently stopped by to perform Live in Studio D. Guests: NHPR reporter Josh Rogers New Hampshire Bulletin reporter Ethan DeWitt.

The federal government is considering rolling back a 2001-era conservation rule that prohibits road construction and timber harvesting in over 200,000 acres of the White Mountain National Forest and national forests across the country. On the New Hampshire News Recap, a rundown of what the Roadless Area Conservation Rule is, how people are feeling about it, and what happens next with the New Hampshire Bulletin's Molly Rains. Other stories this week: Oil prices continue to soar as winter approaches and organizations that provide heating assistance are concerned. The state and Medicaid recipients have settled a class-action lawsuit over New Hampshire's in-home care program after five years. A committee that was revived to review how the state responds to domestic violence incidents has released its first report, including recommendations for reform. And, have some fun and maybe even be rewarded for your civic engagement this year with the NHPR Election Explorer Challenge. Guests: New Hampshire Bulletin reporter Molly Rains New Hampshire Bulletin reporter William Skipworth

Voters will decide whether to cap school budgets in November elections and levels of outstanding debt for New Hampshire consumers are reaching notable heights.

New Hampshire saw another record-hot summer, and permits for new housing are up in southern NH.

State Supreme Court Chief Justice Gordon McDonald abruptly resigns, and what the data reveals about how local law enforcement is working with ICE in the Granite State.