Idaho Matters

(Boise State Public Radio)   Organizers with the group Reclaim Idaho had to abandon their ballot initiative to increase education funding as the coronavirus began to spread in Idaho. But they're not done organizing.  Now, they're trying to get more people to sign up for Medicaid – as Idaho  bucks the trend  of opening up its state-run health care exchange.    Reclaim Idaho’s Luke Mayville joins Id...

(Elaine Thompson / AP Images)   The coronavirus has stopped many things that happen each year: birthdays, weddings and holidays just to name a few. But one thing that doesn’t stop because of a virus is wildfires. Social distancing is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Unfortunately, wildland firefighters must work in teams to douse out flames, which could leave them vulnerable...

(BES Photo / Flickr Creative Commons)   School districts across our state are dealing with unique challenges since school buildings have been closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Some districts were ready to teach kids online, while others were not.  Idaho Business for Education is launching a statewide initiative called the Community Activation Project , which hopes to help students continue t...

(Adam Cotterell / Boise State Public Radio)   This week is the “Week of the Young Child,” an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. The goal is to raise awareness about the needs of young children and their families. Each year in Idaho this event is recognized with activities and events. But with the coronavirus pandemic, this week is looking...

(US Navy / Flickr Creative Commons)   It's been nearly a month since coronavirus was first confirmed in Idaho.  In that time, the pandemic has impacted every aspect of life in Idaho. Joining Idaho Matters for this week’s Reporter Roundtable to talk about hospitals, domestic abuse, local businesses and testing are:    James Dawson, Boise State Public Radio News Rachel Cohen, Boise State Public Radi...

(Darin Oswald / Idaho Statesman )   With the state under a “stay at home” order, there are fewer cars on the road. In the Treasure Valley, public transportation is an essential service and remains an important mode of transportation for many people working essential jobs.  Boise State Public Radio’s Morning Edition host George Prentice talked with Mark Carnopis of Valley Regional Transit to learn...

(Elaine Thompson / AP Images)   The rate of testing for COVID-19 in Idaho has rapidly accelerated in recent weeks. But there still aren’t nearly enough kits to test everyone who might have symptoms of the coronavirus. After one man fell ill and died in early March, his family wonders if he was the state's first COVID-19  victim.  As Boise State Public Radio’s James Dawson reports, their story refl...

(Tony Webster / Flickr Creative Commons)   Idaho businesses are coming together to crush the curve of coronavirus in the state.  Dr. Tommy Ahlquist — former Idaho gubernatorial candidate and a developer is is the CEO of BVA development and a medical doctor himself, announced the initiative called CrushTheCurveIdaho.com .  It’s a coordinated effort by Idaho businesses to reduce the spread of COVID-...

(Evan Vucci / AP Images)   Eighty percent of Idaho’s economy consists of small businesses, and the coronavirus pandemic is having a huge impact on these companies. Many small business owners are struggling to make sense of the new federal stimulus bill, and the legal implications of the coronavirus.  That's why business law firm Smith and Malek is offering a new free resource for small business ow...

(Vanessa Fry) Overnight, the coronavirus turned us parents into teachers, responsible for facilitating our kids’ education while also working from home ourselves. This has not been easy. But, there are moments of joy in the challenges.  Over the past couple of weeks, we’ve asked you, the listeners, to send us audio of how your family is dealing with being cooped up at home. We want to share some o...

(New Jersey National Guard / Flickr Creative Commons)   We’re back again this week to answer more of your COVID-19 questions.  Every Wednesday during at least the month of April , we will bring on a panel of doctors and health professionals to get us updated and to answer your questions.  Joining Idaho Matters to share their expertise are: Dr. David Pate, part of the governor’s Coronavirus Task Fo...

(Mark Plummer / Flickr Creative Commons)      Since 1932, the Natural Resources Conservation Service has collected and published updates about snowpack, precipitation, reservoirs and streamflow in Idaho. This data in part helps the agriculture industry prepare for the coming months.  The April ‘ Water Supply Outlook Report ’ for Idaho was just released, and joining Idaho Matters  to help us unders...

(West Valley Medical Center)   West Valley Medical Center just launched an online COVID-19 screening tool for the public, which assesses a person’s risk of the virus through a series of questions. Based on the person’s answers the screening will recommend the best next steps for care.  Tracee Hendershott is the Chief Nursing Officer at West Valley Medical Center and joins Idaho Matters to talk abo...

(Bruce Tuten / Flickr Creative Commons)   April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. But due to the coronavirus, all the associated events in Idaho have been cancelled. But there are still things going on that we can all participate in virtually, and ways to remain hyper-vigilant about child abuse.  Joining Idaho Matters live remotely are Taryn Yates with the Idaho Children’s Trust Fund, Abby Greenfie...

(WCA Boise)   Quarantine is stressful for everyone, but for some, being cooped up alone with no school or work as an escape is dangerous. And that is the reality for some Idahoans: those currently quarantined with an abusive partner or parent.  Joining Idaho Matters live by Skype is Bea Black, the executive director of the Women's and Children’s Alliance.    Trained client advocates answer the 24-...

(Steve Helber / AP Images)   You don’t have to be sick or even know someone who is to feel the effects of the coronavirus. This virus has gone viral in other ways: scary news about chaotic financial markets, suspended sports events, closed schools and new infection numbers dominate the radio, TV and our conversations. Panic. Stress. Fear. Our kids are being exposed to all of it. So what do we say...

(Boise Rock School)   The Boise Rock School has been teaching music and band-making principles since 2008. Now, the coronavirus has moved nearly 400 students online. That’s significant when their programs are set up to feel like band practice, which is the way the school has found their students learn best.  To talk about this transition is Ryan Peck, a cofounder, instructor, and managing director...

  As the economy grinds to a halt during the coronavirus epidemic, renters and homeowners alike are facing hardship. The scary fact is: many people who have never faced foreclosure or eviction may face it now. But there are programs to help some folks get through this challenging time.    The federal government is trying to help people with Federal Housing Administration loans through Fannie Mae o...

(John Minchillo / AP Images)   The coronavirus pandemic is disrupting every facet of our lives. With a recession on the horizon and unemployment through the roof, the survival of entire sectors of the economy are now at risk. Arts organizations and other creative businesses like restaurants and tech startups are facing challenges similar to the 2008 Great Recession.   Boisean John Michael Schert s...

(Bureau of Land Management)   COVID-19 is taking most of our attention now, but in the midst of it all, another crisis is on the horizon: it’s almost wildfire season in Idaho.  Cheatgrass is a pesky invasive weed that thrives in the soil after a wildfire. It’s also extremely flammable, causing a dangerous cycle. Cheatgrass has been studied here and there across the country, but it wasn’t until a r...

(Navy Medicine / Flickr Creative Commons) This week was packed (there was that earthquake , changes to how the May 19 primary will be run, and getting homeless Idahoans tested for COVID-19).  Joining Idaho Matters to break it all down are Boise State Public Radio’s Madelyn Beck , KIVI’s Mike Sharp , and the Idaho Statesman’s Scott McIntosh .    As COVID-19 cases spread through the U.S. and Idaho,...

(Eneko Bidegain / Flickr Creative Commons)   Every year, the “Idaho Gives Day” showcases dozens of Idaho non-profits and encourages people to donate to keep them alive. This year, the one-day event has been expanded to two weeks to try to help nonprofits during the coronavirus pandemic.  Boise State Public Radio’s George Prentice sat down with Amy Little, the president and CEO of the Idaho Nonprof...

(Heath Druzin / Boise State Public Radio)   To battle the coronavirus pandemic, many state governments are ordering residents to shelter in place. But that’s creating a rift in some anti-government circles.  Some militia leaders are vowing to openly fight these orders. Other say obey for now, but watch for overreach. They do agree on one thing, though: don’t touch our guns.    Guns and America’s H...

(Boise Parks and Recreation / Facebook)   While stress is a part of life, long term stress can cause negative health outcomes, such as digestive and sleep disorders, headaches, and anxiety, depression and other mental illness.    And with widespread isolation, as well as fear and uncertainty, the coronavirus pandemic is causing long-term stress in many individuals.  Joining Idaho Matters live remo...

(Brad Flickinger / Flickr Creative Commons) So many Idaho famliies are trying to adapt to a new normal during the coronavirus outbreak. Staying healthy and maintaining social distancing standards are essential. But what about the added pressures for families who now are juggling work, school and family life all under one roof?  Dr. GG Weisenfeld is an assistant research professor at the National I...