Idaho Matters

(Lenny Ignelzi / AP)   Over the last decade, scientists have noticed a trend. Out in the field they were seeing more and more dead birds, shot illegally. But previous research had shown this wasn’t really a big conservation issue. Since then, scientists started compiling data and found that birds illegally shot are a much bigger problem than we originally thought . Joining Idaho Matters to talk ab...

(Dan Dzurisin / Flickr Creative Commons) A couple of weeks ago, we shared an episode of a new podcast produced in partnership with Boise State Public Radio. “ Grouse ” looks at the prehistoric and controversial bird known as the sage grouse.  Idaho is one of eleven western states home to this creature, a creature that is the center of just about every controversy in the west. “Grouse” has just wra...

(Frankie Barnhill / Boise State Public Radio) This year, trick-or-treating has been listed as a high risk activity by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That’s broken the hearts of candy-hungry ghouls and goblins across the country. But some people in Idaho have found a way to celebrate this haunted holiday — safely. Boise State Public Radio News contributor Tess Goodwin tells us how...

(Darin Oswald / Idaho Statesman) Idaho once again hit new records yesterday for hospitalizations and ICU usage as our state added over 800 new COVID-19 cases and five deaths. And even with a rollback to Gov. Brad Little's stage three re-opening plan, Idaho isn't looking good.  Joining Idaho Matters to give us the latest in coronavirus news, updates and research are:  Dr. David Pate, former CEO of...

(Tom Michael / Boise State Public Radio) The 2020 general election is anything but normal. From record numbers of voters registering to vote and a surge in mail-in ballots, to protecting voters and poll workers from COVID-19, plus concerns over voter intimidation and suppression — there’s a lot to unpack. So how are Idaho election officials handling a particularly unusual and consequential electio...

(Robert F. Bukaty / AP Images) The Idaho Walk Bike Alliance is hosting a virtual Transportation Conference on October 28-29 to educate transportation agencies, city staff, biking/walking advocates, elected officials, and residents on transportation issues in Idaho. Delivering the keynote is Angie Schmitt, whose recent book "Right of Way: Race, Class, and the Silent Epidemic of Pedestrian Deaths in...

(Rachel Cohen / Boise State Public Radio)   There's no question that people are suffering from the financial toll of the COVID-19 in Idaho. Now, Twin Falls-based Yogurt producing giant Chobani has granted $200,000 to nonprofits in partnership with the Idaho Community Foundation. Leaders from the company and the nonprofit say the money will be used to support community wellness. Karen Bilowith of t...

( AP Images) On today's Reporter Roundtable, Boise State Public Radio's Rachel Cohen and Jimmy Dawson , KIVI's Mike Sharp , and the Idaho Press's Betsy Russell join Idaho Matters to break down the last week in news. From hospitals filling from COVID-19 to the final stretch of elections, there's a lot to cover. As COVID-19 cases spread through the U.S. and Idaho, we’re committed to keeping you upda...

(Marshall Simmonds) As the days get cold and temperatures dip below freezing, some people may be putting away their bikes for the winter. But before that, Boise State Public Radio's Wanna Know Idaho podcast wants to take you back to those summer bike rides, which are sometimes punctuated quite literally by a pesky foe known as the goathead. Here's the question from listener Marshall Simmonds: “ Wh...

(Boise State Public Radio) This interview originally aired on Aug. 20, 2020. In the middle of election season, it’s interesting to think about all the factors that affect a candidate’s electability. Yes, the presidential election is on everyone’s minds, especially during these weeks of the two party’s national conventions. But what about those local elections for members of congress?  Boise State...

(The Latino Card)   This interview originally aired June 30, 2020.   Journalism, broadcasting and podcasting in Idaho has a big problem. The overwhelming majority of reporters, hosts and producers speak from one perspective: whiteness.  Our guests today are doing their part to fix this problem. “ The Latino Card ” is an award-winning podcast hosted by Rebecca De Leon and J.J. Saldaña. They join  I...

(ORIGINAL ART BY DEIRDRE BARRETT)   This interview originally aired June 30, 2020. Your eyes close, and you’re asleep. Suddenly you’re out in public without a mask on. Or, you’re wearing a mask, but no one around you is and they’re getting way too close to you.  These are a couple of common dreams that Harvard Medical School Psychology professor Deirdre Barrett says many people experienced in the...

(A While Ago In Idaho) This interview originally aired on Sept. 10, 2020. Idaho’s history is full of weird, surprising, or quirky stories. But many of them are stuck in the archives — until now.  Artist Kelly Knopp and Idaho State Historical Society's Amber Beierle have teamed up on a   new children's book called “A Little While Ago in Idaho .” The two authors join  Idaho Matters  to talk about th...

(Heath Druzin / Boise State Public Radio) Idaho is experiencing the largest spike in new coronavirus cases since our first case was reported in mid-March. But this time, we're headed into colder months where safer outdoor interactions will be less possible, all while flu season is beginning. What could the next few weeks bring, and is the state ready for a surge in hospitals?  Joining Idaho Matter...

(Rocky Barker / Idaho Statesman)   William Perry Pendley came to Idaho last week. While he was visiting the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, he told reporters that he has never been the Acting Director of the Bureau of Land Management. He said his title has always been Deputy Director of Policy and Programs.  Well that benign statement is still controversial because Pendley has been wide...

(HOLLYHARRY / SHUTTERSTOCK) 2020 has been a tumultuous year for the U.S. As the country grapples with a global pandemic and an unsteady economic outlook, some people have turned to conspiracy theories for answers. But theories like QAnon can be dangerous, and have split up families and friends who have gotten involved with the cult-like conspiracy. How can you talk with a loved one believes these...

(Melani McAlister/ Flickr Creative Commons) With the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting the educational system, many teachers, parents and school administrators are grappling with how to best educate students and keep them safe from COVID-19. RISE, the Treasure Valley’s education partnership, will hold a symposium Friday that will focus on the impact the pandemic is having on public education and what w...

(MS507, Young Women’s Christian Association records / Idaho State Archives) This originally aired on Sept. 1, 2020. We’re excited to share a  recent episode  of Boise State Public Radio's  Wanna Know Idaho  podcast. The podcast explores the curious elements of life in Idaho… with you, our listeners! This month, we answer listener Debra Smith's question: “Did Idaho have any housing discrimination l...

(Frankie Barnhill / Boise State Public Radio)   We're two weeks out from the November 3 election while the state continues to see coronavirus cases rise, so there's a lot to cover. Today our Idaho Matters Reporter Roundtable panel includes Don Day , the founder and editor of BoiseDev, Nicole Foy , investigative reporter with the Idaho Statesman and Rebecca Boone , the supervisory correspondent of...

(Michael Lycklama / Idaho Statesman)   The West Ada School Board, which covers Meridian, ran into some turmoil this week. Four things happened: Central District Health put Ada County schools in the high risk category for COVID-19, the head of the board suddenly resigned, the board decided not to switch to online learning and Meridian teachers decided to hold a sick-out on Monday.  Idaho Matters ta...

(Ashley Ahearn)   The sage grouse represents some of the biggest controversies in the Mountain West. From armed standoffs on public land in Nevada and Oregon, to explosive growth, wildfires, wild horses, big oil and fracking, every issue is connected to the sage grouse. This strange prehistoric bird is a hot button political issue.  But former public radio reporter Ashley Ahearn didn’t know much a...

(John Kelly / Boise State University)   When the pandemic hit in March, businesses suffered. And all those people who were going to start new jobs or internships were suddenly left hanging. But Boise State’s College of Business and Economics saw an opportunity. They’re matching students with local nonprofits and small businesses for internships supported by some generous grant funding.  Now, stude...

(Idaho Fish & Game / Flickr Creative Commons) This interview originally aired on Sept. 3, 2020. When white settlers took land from what is now known as the Coeur d’Alene Tribe in North Idaho, the oral history of the land and its people was put in danger. Now, there’s a new effort to connect tribal youth with their elders through language and storytelling, incorporating indigenous knowledge of...

(Cheryl Gerber, Johnson & Johnson / AP Photo) Idaho is continuing to  move in the wrong direction when it comes to new COVID-19 cases. At the same time, folks are headed indoors as the colder weather sets in and flu season gets underway. What does Idaho need to do to stay diligent eight months into the pandemic, and why is the indoors so dangerous when it comes to virus transmission?  In this...

(Rick Bowmer / AP Photo) A lot happened in Idaho news this week. Between our most recent spike in COVID-19 cases (including a report on Idaho schools from the White House) some new research on the health concerns facing Latina farmworkers in the Treasure Valley, the beginning of debate season in the Gem State plus a new effort to keep people in their homes and stave off evictions in Canyon County,...