Idaho Matters

(George Prentice / Boise State Public Radio) With New Year's Eve just around the corner, it’s about time to break out the champagne. But with bottles ranging from $5-$500, how do you choose how to celebrate the start of 2020? Is bubbly even necessary? Join Boise State Public Radio's George Prentice in a wine tasting and conversation with the Boise Co-Op’s wine buyer Barry DeVine about the best bev...

Jordan Allred is a Boise tattoo artist who is known for her black and grey floral designs. Not long ago, she was contacted by producers of the hit TV reality show “Ink Master: Turf War” where top tattoo artists from around the country compete for a $100,000 prize. She’s back in town after filming the 13th season of the show which premieres Jan. 7. Before she joined Idaho Matters in studio, we drop...

(Anonymously Single / Boise Weekly) She’s single... and now one of Boise Weekly’s most provocative columnists.  Since “ Anonymously Single ” started writing this summer, her column has covered first dates, breakups, and everything in between. In an exclusive interview with Idaho Matters , A.S. talks more about dating in Boise and what it takes to stay anonymous to her readers.  Have a question or...

(Toby Talbot / AP Images) Right before Christmas, the Idaho Public Utilities Commission rejected a proposed settlement agreement that would have changed how folks with solar panels are paid for the excess power generated at their homes. The rejection means residents with solar panels will continue to receive the same amount for power that's put back into the grid. We talk with Idaho Power CEO Darr...

(OWYHEEINITIATIVE.ORG) As we reflect on 2019, we're looking back at some of our best interviews, through challenging conversations and illuminating storytelling.  This segment originally aired March 11, 2019. Thanks for being a part of Idaho Matters this year! Have a question or story idea for 2020? Email us:  idahomatters@boisestate.edu .  Original post: The  Owyhee Initiative  is a compact agree...

(James Dawson / Boise State Public Radio) As we reflect on 2019, we're looking back at some of our best interviews, through challenging conversations and illuminating storytelling.  This segment originally aired August 20, 2019. Thanks for being a part of Idaho Matters this year! Have a question or story idea for 2020? Email us:  idahomatters@boisestate.edu .  Original post: When Idaho’s State Boa...

(James Dawson / Boise State Public Radio) As we reflect on 2019, we're looking back at some of our best interviews, through challenging conversations and illuminating storytelling.  This segment originally aired August 15, 2019.  Thanks for being a part of Idaho Matters this year! Have a question or story idea for 2020? Email us:  idahomatters@boisestate.edu .  Original post: Idaho Matters  sits d...

As we reflect on 2019, we're looking back at some of our best interviews, through challenging conversations and illuminating storytelling.  This segment originally aired July 16, 2019. Thanks for being a part of Idaho Matters this year! Have a question or story idea for 2020? Email us:  idahomatters@boisestate.edu .  Original post: Last week, a group of 28 state lawmakers in Idaho sent Boise State...

(Hannah Gordoski / Boise State Public Radio) As we reflect on 2019, we're looking back at some of our best interviews, through challenging conversations and illuminating storytelling.  This segment originally aired September 17, 2019. Thanks for being a part of Idaho Matters this year! Have a question or story idea for 2020? Email us:  idahomatters@boisestate.edu .  Original post: Each summer in B...

(Ethan Webber / Boise State Public Radio) As we reflect on 2019, we're looking back at some of our best interviews, through challenging conversations and illuminating storytelling.  This segment originally aired on October 2, 2019. Thanks for being a part of Idaho Matters this year! Have a question or story idea for 2020? Email us:  idahomatters@boisestate.edu .  Original post: Dan Ansotegui was r...

(Frankie Barnhill / Boise State Public Radio) As we reflect on 2019, we're looking back at some of our best interviews, through challenging conversations and illuminating storytelling.  This segment originally aired July 23, 2019.  Thanks for being a part of Idaho Matters this year! Have a question or story idea for 2020? Email us:  idahomatters@boisestate.edu .  Original post: In 1992, a young gi...

(ALEX BRANDON / AP Images) As we reflect on 2019, we're looking back at some of our favorite interviews, through challenging conversations and illuminating storytelling. This segment originally aired October 10, 2019.  Thanks for being a part of Idaho Matters this year! Have a question or story idea for 2020? Email us: idahomatters@boisestate.edu.      Original post: While attending a panel on wom...

(Frankie Barnhill / Boise State Public Radio) For people experiencing a health crisis, this time of year isn't necessarily a joyful one. Boise State Public Radio's George Prentice visits St. Luke's Hospital in Boise to find out how staff and families bring the holiday spirit to hospital rooms.  Have a question or comment for the show? Tweet  @KBSX915  using #IdahoMatters

(Gillian Flaccus / AP Images) If you've had trouble finding an evergreen to brighten your living room this holiday season, you aren't alone. Turns out there's a Christmas tree shortage as Oregon producers have begun growing a different crop: hazelnuts. Idaho Matters takes a look at how an increased appetite for Nutella in China is changing the tinsel economy.  Have a question or comment for the sh...

2020 is bound to be a memorable year in news. Boise State Public Radio's news team is thinking about some big and small stories, and how they may unfold in Idaho and beyond. Have a question or comment for the show? Tweet  @KBSX915  using #IdahoMatters

(Frankie Barnhill / Boise State Public Radio) From an iconic country star to a freshman Idaho lawmaker, Boise State Public Radio's news team has an eclectic bunch of picks for 2019 person of the year. Who's your choice for the title?  Have a question or comment for the show? Tweet  @KBSX915  using #IdahoMatters

(Matthew Wordell / Treefort Music Fest)   Treefort Music Fest is preparing for their March 2020 festival . The multi-day event has announced their second round of bands and musicians to perform this coming year, with one more announcement coming in the new year. By the time March rolls around hundreds of bands will be set to play dozens of venues in downtown Boise.    Have a question or comment fo...

(Robert F. Bukaty / AP Photo)   These days there it seems you can go to school for just about anything, even Santa school. In school it’s not all about makeup, reindeer and practicing your jolly laugh. We talk with one Santa school graduate about the rigors of the curriculum.     Have a question or comment for the show? Tweet  @KBSX915  using #IdahoMatters  

(Casey Serin / Flickr)   Since 2011, the Home Partnership Foundation has held the Avenues for Hope Campaign every December, raising more than $2 million for housing and homelessness nonprofits across Idaho. Idaho Matters talks with campaign organizers to learn how this philanthropy works in action.   Have a question or comment for the show? Tweet  @KBSX915  using #IdahoMatters

(Charles Knowles / Flickr Creative Commons)   There was a time earlier this decade when getting on a list with a national magazine or online publication was a big deal for Boise and Idaho. But as the city's population continues to grow -- perhaps in part because of the exposure from these lists -- public opinion about these accolades seems to be shifting. We check in with local journalist Don Day...

(Janet Pritchard) Most people today will walk around with a smartphone in their pocket, giving people access to worldwide communication, internet access, and computing power that was unfathomable even 20 years ago. However, smartphones have also given access to high quality cameras to everyone. Mountain West News Bureau reporter Madelyn Beck investigates the impact of this technological improvemen...

(Darin Oswald / Idaho Statesman) During the "season of cheer," many people suffer from seasonal depression. Feelings of being overwhelmed or sad can be reduced by something many of experience during the holidays: gratitude. Brain science supports the benefits of this emotion.  Idaho Matters learns about this from a Boise doctor with Optum Health. Have a question or comment for the show? Tweet  @KB...

(via Facebook ) Idaho Parents Unlimited provides many services to folks with disabilities. One of their programs, called "Work of Art" allows corporations to decorate their offices with art from people in the program. Idaho Matters  talks with program coordinators about this unique oppportunity.  Have a question or comment for the show? Tweet  @KBSX915  using #IdahoMatters

(CAROLYN KASTER / AP Images) The Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve has received the highest possible ranking by the International Dark Sky Association. It's the only dark sky reserve in the U.S . However, dark sky advocate and astro tourism expert Michael Marlin is worried the reserve might lose its status as cities like Boise and Twin Falls continue to grow.  Idaho Matters explores the dark sky site...

(Elaine Thompson / AP Images) Rural communities across America struggle to find adequate dental care nearby, which means oral health can be neglected until it manifests into an urgent medical issue. Some doctors gear their practices and pro-bono work to helping underprivledged and speical needs patients. We talk with one dentist based in Jerome and another in rural Adams County to get a sense for...