|
|
|
|
 Preshow Return to index of stories... |
Next on New Hampshire Outlook. Where did that new school computer come from? Most likely from inside State prison walls. We'll show you how inmates are re-building computers and their own lives. And a small town chronicles a year in its life. |
| Headlines Return to index of stories... |
Good Evening. I'm Allison McNair. Welcome to New Hampshire Outlook. |
| High-Tech Initiative Return to index of stories... |
The North Country may be one step closer to reaping the benefits of the high tech economy. Today, Governor Jeanne Shaheen annouced a new initiative to expand high tech services in Coos, Graftom and Carroll Counties. The North Country Connect initiative will work to build high tech infrastructure, including high speed internet access, broadband and advanced telecommunications services. |
| Computer Hacker Return to index of stories... |
The 18-year-old computer hacker who went by the name of "Coolio" will serve nine months to year in jail under a plea agreement. Dennis Moran of Wolfeboro pleaded guilty today to three misdemeanor charges. Moran broke into a Web site operated by an Internet security company. He also illegally entered "dare-dot-com," an anti-drug site. |
| Duggan Return to index of stories... |
It's official - tonight there's a new justice on the bench of the state Supreme Court. 58 year old James Duggan was sworn in this afternoon by Governor Jeanne Shaheen. He replaces Justice Sherman Horton, who retired in November. |
| Alciere Return to index of stories... |
Tomorrow New Hampshire's legislators go back to work. But one of the newest members of the house is being asked to resign. Even the Governor says she is stunned and dismayed about remarks made by Tom Alciere. The Nashua republican has publicly advocated killing police officers and mocked the very people who voted him into office. State Republican party chair Steve Duprey is calling on Alciere to resign. Alciere refuses. In any case, legislators say Alciere will get a chilly reception. |
| Fire warning Return to index of stories... |
Candles may create atmosphere, but if they're not used properly - they can be the cause fires. That's what happened in Laconia this morning - when a cat apprently knocked over an unattended candle. Fortunately - neighbors in the apartment building were able to douse the flames. But others have not been so fortunate. Safety officials say unattended candles have grown to be a major fire hazard across the country. Here with some information prevention information is.State Fire Marshal Don Bliss. |
| Snowmobile safety Return to index of stories... |
Snowmobilers - use caution, stay on trails and watch out for thin ice. That's the message from the Maine's Warden Service - after one person was killed and another injured in snowmobile accidents over the weekend. Lyman Maine police say a local man was killed Saturday night when his snowmobile collided with a plow. And a New Hampshire snowmobiler suffered facial lacerations after his snowmobile collided with a truck. |
| Intro Weather Return to index of stories... |
For many - today was the start of the work week. And the sun was shining on the trip in to work for most. What can we expect weatherwise overnight and tomorrow? I spoke to Brian Post, weather observor at the Mount Washington Observatory a short time ago. OUT: |
| Mt. Washington Return to index of stories... |
Tonight North Partly Cloudy Chance of snow flurries lows 0 to 5 South Clear skies early Partly Cloudy later lows 5-10 Tomorrow North Mostly cloudy with chance of a.m. flurries highs near 20 South Mostly cloudy through early afternoon Then partly sunny Lows upper 20's |
| Toss JClayton Return to index of stories... |
How often have you really taken the time to note your surroundings - what it's like in the place where you live? Well, that became a year long project for the town of Walpole. Union Leader columinist and Crossroads host John Clayton joins me with a look at small-town New Hampshire life. |
| Walpole Bumper Return to index of stories... |
To see some of the winning photographs in a photo contest held in conjunction with the Millennium project www.walpolebank.com/pr.htm |
| Business Outlook Return to index of stories... |
Here's a look at some of the stories making headlines in New Hampshire business tonight. |
| STOCKS Return to index of stories... |
Investors are worried about profits and an economic slowdown. That's what analysts are saying after today's dismal showing on wall street's first day of trading in the New Year. The Dow fell more than 140 points and the Nasdaq Composite index lost more than 178 points. Here's a look at some stocks of interest to New England. Sanmina Corp. fell almost 8 points. General electric was down 4. Tyco was down 2 and a half. and Bottomline Tech was also down 2 3/16. New Hampshire Stocks change close Sanmina Corp down 7 15/16 68 11/16 General Electric down 4 3/16 43 3/4 State Street Corp down 3 13/50 120 19/20 Tyco down 2 1/2 53 Bottomline Tech down 2 3/15 23 1/2 source: Tucker Anthony |
| Record Visitors Return to index of stories... |
More drivers than ever began the New Year travelling New Hampshire Roadways. The state Transportation Department says more than 214-thousand vehicles passed through toll booths yesterday - topping the New Year's Day all time high in 1996 of 190 thousand. |
| Plane Sense Return to index of stories... |
You've probably heard of time share condiminiums - but how about purchasing a time share for a plane? Alpha Flying of Manchester is selling time shares of small planes to corporations that need the flexibility of owning their own air transportation, but don't have the time or money to do so. The company's Plane Sense program allows businesses to buy shares - such as an eighth or a quarter - of turbo prop planes, which are operated and maintained by the company at the Manchester Airport. |
| Intro computers Return to index of stories... |
With the education funding battle certain to continue, some New Hampshire schools will need help in furnishing the classrooms with the latest technology. For the past three years, there's been an unusual source for school computers. cg Diana LeBlanc - Mascenic School District David Curtis - Inmate Jeff Ray - Inmate Governor Jeanne Shaheen Bill Covatis - Manager, Information Technology Dept. |
| PRISON Computers Return to index of stories... |
shots of computers being moved narration In schools throughout New Hampshire, this is a welcomed sight -- computers where there were once none. teacher clip "We have a small computer lab and not enough machines. Not all students have a chance to work on them." narration So on this day, Greenville Elementary School will receive ten additional computer systems. And, it won't break the budget. In fact, these computers are free. narration Welcome to the State Prison for Men in Concord. Behind these walls and razor wire is a lab where computers and some inmates find a new life. inmate clip "Specifically, we take old computers that have been donated and we upgrade them to be used in schools." narration It's called the Governor's Computers in the Schools Program and this is how it works. Outdated computer systems are donated by individuals, businesses and state agencies. They are sent to the prison where inmates rebuild and upgrade them for use in schools. Tyco International covers the costs of the upgrades. inmate clip "I had no computer skills when I came here. I worked as a machinist. So, this has been a complete turn around for me." narration David Curtis is an inmate and the program co-ordinator. Like the others who work with him, David is self-taught. inmate clip "I started at the bottom and studied a lot of books. I put myself through the courses -- it was entirely self-taught." inmate 2 clip "When I first came here, I knew nothing about computers. I was as green as could be." narration Inmate Jeff Ray has been with the program for a couple of years. inmate 2 clip "To realize that these computers end up helping kids is a great feeling. Not only are we learning new skills that we can use after leaving here, but students are learning computer skills as well." governor clip "Technology is a very important industry in NH. Students need to learn about the technology. Some school districts are having troubles with budgetting for computers so this has double value. Students receive the computers and the inmates acquire skills the can use after they get out." inmate clip "It has great value to me. I grow and learn to work as a team and trust again. Then when I am released, I will be able to get a job and contribute to the community." Corrections official clip Ally - "What about those people who say that these guys are getting a good education for free? My job is to make sure that these guys don't end up back here once they are released. By learning this trade, they can get jobs and in the end, save tax payers a lot of money." narration Since 1998, inmates have upgraded nearly 1,500 computers. By the time many of these men leave here, they will be Microsoft certified technicians. Never returning to prison will be their decisions to make. Thanks to the efforts of the Department of Corrections, the community and the inmates themselves, their chances of success are much greater. |
| website Return to index of stories... |
For information on tonight's program, and links to our guests and interviews, visit our web site at nhptv.o-r-g. You can see and hear streaming video of our broadcasts and participate in our daily poll. We also want your feedback. If you have a story idea or comment on the program, give us a call at 800-639-2721 |
| Tomorrow Return to index of stories... |
Tomorrow on New Hampshire Outlook - The state legislature heads back to work. We'll show you the new face of New Hampshire's lawmakers and leadership as we look ahead to the 2001 legislative season. |
| Goodnight Return to index of stories... |
That's it for this edition of New Hampshire Outlook. For all of us here at New Hampshire Public Television, thanks for joining us. Stay tuned for Keeping up Appearances. We'll be back tomorrow at 7:30. Good night. |
| founders Return to index of stories... |
Thanks to our founding sponsors who have provided major funding for the production of New Hampshire Outlook: New Hampshire Charitable Foundadtion Public Service of New Hampshire Alice J. Reen Charitable Trust Putnam Foundation Stratford Foundation |
| PROMO Return to index of stories... |
Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook. It's back to work for New Hampshire's four hundred and twenty-four legislators. We'll show you highlights of opening day , hear from the new leadership and preview the session ahead. Join us tonight at 7:30 only on New Hampshire Outlook. |
| Access to Mortgages Return to index of stories... |
Getting a mortgage may be easier than ever - whether you're a first time buyer or a buyer of a big house with larger loans. Two changes take effect this month. First, it will be cheaper to get a government-insured loan backed by the Federal Housing Administration.Second, many of you will be able to get a larger mortgage at normal interest rates, rather than pay the higher rates that are usually charged for "jumbo" loans. Here's the story: When you take an FHA loan, you pay a premium up front to cover the cost of insurance. The insurance repays the private lender if you default. It's thanks to this coverage that FHA loans carry such low down payments. The FHA has been charging most borrowers a premium of 2.25 percent. That cost is being cut. For loans closed in 2001, all borrowers will pay just 1.5 percent up front. You don't need cash. Typically, people borrow the cost of the premium and add it to their mortgage loan. You'll get a partial refund of your mortgage premium if you pay off or refinance the loan within the first five years. FHA lenders will also be able to make larger loans. The maximum you can borrow varies from county to county. The new maximum ranges from $132,000 in low-cost markets to $239,250 in high-cost markets. That's 8.8 percent more than you could borrow last year. Now, on to the new possibilities for people buying or refinancing expensive homes. Mortgages come in two sizes, "conventional" and "jumbo." Most loans are conventional - meaning that they don't exceed a certain amount. Almost every year, that amount goes up, reflecting the average home-sale price for the previous year. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac buy conventional loans from banks and resell them to investors. So the banks get their money back, and can lend again. Jumbos are larger mortgage loans. Fannie and Freddie don't buy them, which raises the lender's risk. So they carry a slightly higher interest rate. Currently, the average 30-year jumbo costs 7.9 percent interest, compared with 7.5 percent for conventional loans. In 2001, the size loan considered "conventional" is taking a big jump - the largest since 1989, says Joe Rogers, executive vice president of Wells Fargo Home Mortgage in Des Moines. Many borrowers who used to need jumbos now qualify for the cheaper conventional loans. Loans closing this year can be as large as $275,000 on a single-family home and still get conventional rates. That ceiling, too, is 9 percent higher than it was in 2000. Loan limits are increasing for second mortgages, too: up to $137,500 for the lower 48 states and $206,250 for Alaska and Hawaii. If you currently have a jumbo and your loan falls within these new limits, call your lender about refinancing. Doug Perry, first vice president at the mortgage lender Countrywide, says that someone with a $275,000 loan could save around $200 a month on payments. For those seeking much lower payments, some 25 lenders are promoting a new "shared appreciation mortgage," or SAM. You get a lower interest rate in return for giving the lender a piece of your profits when you repay the loan. How much profit you give up depends on how low you want the interest rate to be. A 5.75 percent mortgage might cost you 60 percent of your appreciation. Participating lenders are touting SAMs to people who don't expect their homes to rise much in value, want to lower their payments to get more cash to spend or invest, or want more expensive houses than they could otherwise afford. To find a lender, call 228-7660. But ask yourself: Would lenders offer this deal if they thought they were going to lose? On average, borrowers will pay the equivalent of the conventional interest rate, or more. There are prepayment penalties and tax complexities. Your own home improvements will raise the property's value, which you may have to share with the bank. Read all about these and other risks at www.hsh.com. SAMs were tried in the early 1980s, and failed. I doubt they'll stir much more interest now. |