Idaho Matters

(MARY ALTAFFER / AP IMAGES)   Idaho is approaching the one-year anniversary of the first confirmed COVID-19 case in the state. The state has been vaccinating eligible residents since December, and according to the Kaiser Family Foundation , Idaho is in the top 10 states when it comes to distributing and administering vaccines. [Related:  How Has Your Life Changed Since The Pandemic Began In Idaho?...

(Tess Goodwin / Boise State Public Radio)   In May 2020, many countries that had an outbreak of the coronavirus started reporting an inflammatory syndrome in some children. This is now called multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children, or MIS-C for short. Though this syndrome is rare, kids in Idaho have experienced what can be a serious medical condition. Idaho Matters learns more about MIS-C...

Hallie Maxwell is a sculptor and mixed media artist from Meridian. Her art examines the human condition of love and suffering. One of her passions is Japanse American art, and she uses that style to explore her own heritage. In her latest art installation in collaboration with Surel's Place in Garden City, she asks the community to participate in her work. Maxwell spoke with Idaho Matters about th...

(James Dawson / Boise State Public Radio) The Idaho Legislature is ramping up as bills begin getting approved by both chambers. Higher education budgets are on the docket next week at the statehouse, a discussion over vouchers for private schools continues and a Republican lawmaker is pushing for driver privledges for undocumented immigrants. Idaho Matters gets the rundown on these topics and more...

(DARIN OSWALD / Idaho Statesman) How do tacos sound for dinner? If you’re looking for a new taco truck or taqueria suggestion to shake up your pandemic routine this weekend, we have some ideas for you. Idaho Statesman reporter Nicole Foy gives Idaho Matters the lowdown on where to find the most authentic tacos in the Boise metro. Have a question or comment for the show? Tweet  @KBSX915  using #Ida...

(Andrew Harnik / AP Photo)   Many renters in Idaho are facing a challenging financial future, after a devastating year . While businesses shed jobs and cut hours as the government struggled to get safety net systems in place, these folks faced tough questions. Questions like “what’s more important to spend my limited money on: my rent, my utility bill or groceries?”  But now, there’s financial hel...

(Opera Idaho)   You may know Cecilia Violetta López as a celebrated soprano, as well as being named one of opera’s 25 rising stars by Opera News. Or you’ve seen her perform in Opera Idaho Productions for the last six plus years. Now, she’s taking on a new role: as Opera Idaho’s first Artistic Advisor. Idaho Matters spoke with Violetta López about this new role means for her, and the opera communit...

  For the past year, we have talked so much about science and biology. And for good reason: as a pandemic has rocked the planet. So, can you imagine what it's like to take a biology class in 2021, in the shadow of this biological crisis?  Boise State Public Radio Morning Edition Host George Prentice found out by visiting (via Zoom) Alison Ward's classroom. She's an AP environmental teacher at Bois...

(Darin Oswald / Idaho Statesman) The State of Idaho announced a proof of residency requirement for folks who are eligible for the vaccine, more than 500,000 Americans have died from COVID-19, variants first identified in South Africa and the U.K. have now been confirmed in Idaho, and the FDA is preparing to authorize the single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine. We cover all these topics — and an...

(Idaho State Historic Preservation Office) Idaho has a dark history of white supremacy , a history that tragically still shows up in our story today. But just as importantly, the state is also home to a resilient and proud community of Black and African American Idahoans. For some, their history in this majority white state goes back generations. As we envision an anti-racist future in Idaho, it’s...

(Katherine Jones / Idaho Statesman)   Idaho’s growing Latino population has a rich culture of arts and history. In honor of that culture, the Idaho State Museum is hosting a series of virtual events — all in Spanish. The series — called “Nuestras Voces” (our voices in English) began during the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to connect Spanish-speaking Idahoans with their history in our state.  Thursda...

(Emilie Ritter Saunders / Boise State Public Radio) Another week in Idaho politics and news means there's plenty to cover on the Idaho Matters Reporter Roundtable. From legislative fights to explosive  growth , housing and development in the Treasure Valley, plus education and COVID-19, there's plenty to cover.  Our journalist panel today:  Melissa Davlin of Idaho Reports on Idaho Public Televisio...

(Limelight Hotel / via Facebook)   The journey of Rowan Jones is not unlike a lot of young Americans with an eye to the future. He had big plans for college at the beginning of 2020: the Virginia native was on his way to achieving some of his dreams of attending school in Shanghai. And then, the pandemic hit. But that’s where his journey is unlike anyone else’s. Our Morning Edition host George Pre...

(Andrew Harnik / AP Photo)   After decades of funding efforts to try and help Idaho sockeye salmon survive the trek through four dams in Washington, one Idaho congressman says it’s time to change the game altogether .  For Native American and Indigenous tribes in the Pacific Northwest, salmon are not just a source of nourishment but a soul-deep connection to the land taken from them by colonizers....

(Travis Brown / Idaho Department of Fish and Game via AP)   After Rep. Mike Simpson announced a proposal earlier this month to tear down four dams in Washington in an effort to save native salmon in the Pacific Northwest, responses have varied. Can the Republican congressman gain enough support from the public, and from his colleagues in D.C. to push this through Congress?  Idaho Matters spoke wit...

(Evan Agostini / AP Photo)   As Friday approaches, you may be wondering: "what should we watch at home this weekend?" While COVID-19 continues to make streaming services a safer and more convenient choice for many people, Idaho Matters checked in with our resident film critic and our Morning Edition host George Prentice. Have a question or comment for the show? Tweet  @KBSX915  using #IdahoMatters

(Office of the Governor) Governor Brad Little says nearly one-third of Idaho seniors have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine. But even as more vaccine has become available through retail pharmacies, demand is far outpacing supply. Today, our panel of medical experts share the best ways to get an appointment for the vaccine once eligible, and answer more of your health questions. Our pa...

(J. Scott Applewhite / AP Photo)   Over the weekend, the Senate voted to acquit former President Trump on the charge he incited an insurrection at the U.S. Capitol Building, capping a weeklong impeachment trial that was fueled by efforts to hold on to the White House after losing the election. Both Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch voted in favor of aquittal, joining the majority of their Re...

(via Facebook)   Boise’s Interfaith Sanctuary is looking for a new home for people experiencing homelessness. Shelter Executive Director Jodi Peterson Stigers believes they’ve found one: the former Salvation Army Thrift Store and food pantry in the 4300 block of West State Street. Idaho Matters spoke with Peterson Stigers last month; listen back to that interview here . But some people who live in...

(Darin Oswald / Idaho Statesman)   Child abuse, neglect and growing up in a seriously dysfunctional household are all adverse childhood experiences or ACES for short. And if these experiences are ignored, unresolved or left untreated these experiences can create childhood trauma and toxic stress that can create lifelong mental and physical health issues. Idaho Public Television is exploring how AC...

(James Dawson / Boise State Public Radio) On this week's Idaho Matters Reporter Roundtable: what vaccine data is available in the state — and what's missing, how lawmakers are trying to pass a guns-in-school bill , the latest on the Central District Health Department's new board members, and a look at the Oath Keepers militia born in the Mountain West.  Journalist panel today: Madelyn Beck, Mounta...

(Mary Altaffer / AP Photo)   Each year for the past six years, Boise State University has conducted a survey asking Idahoans what matters to them, and how they want state resources to be used.  This year's new survey dug into the topic that’s dominated our lives for the last 11 months: COVID-19. From questions about mask mandates to vaccines, the survey offers a glimpse of what folks in the Gem St...

(Tom Banse) We’ve heard it before: the U.S. power grid is vulnerable to cyberattacks. Could what happened with the recent SolarWinds hack happen to our power grid system? Idaho Matters spoke with the Jake Gentle from the Idaho National Laboratory and Jeff Pack from Power Engineers. INL is working with the company to develop technology that will reduce the chances of a hack on our power grid.   Hav...

(Paul Sancya / AP Photo) As a listener of Boise State Public Radio, you’ve probably heard David Folkenflik’s reporting on the press . As a news media journalist working for NPR, he’s covered dramatic shifts in the industry over the last 20 years, with the internet disrupting both commercial and non-profit news outlets among one of the most consistent themes.  He also literally wrote the book on Fo...

(Idaho National Guard / via Twitter)   Flags are at half-staff today after the deadly crash Tuesday night of an Idaho Army National Guard Blackhawk Helicopter south of Lucky Peak. All three pilots on board were killed. Boise State Public Radio reporter is following this developing news story and shares what he learned during a Wednesday morning press briefing held by the Idaho National Guard. Chec...