Idaho Matters

(via Facebook / Treasure Valley Refugee Restaurant Week) Refugee Restaurant Week is an annual event in the Treasure Valley. It pairs refugee chefs with restaurants in Boise, Caldwell and Eagle, bringing the flavors of Ethiopia, Syria, Iraq and Somalia to tables across the valley. We talk with the Idaho Office for Refugees about the event, which runs through October 13.   Have a question or comment...

(David Zalubowski / AP Images) In September, a new study in the Journal Science documented a 29% decrease of bird populations since 1970. The number was shocking, but not surprising for people who follow these trends. Wildlife advocates say one of the best ways to stop this movement is with an act of Congress .   Have a question or comment for the show? Tweet  @KBSX915  using #IdahoMatters.

(Henry Griffin / AP Images) The annual Frank Church Conference is set for Oct. 14 at Boise State University. The day-long event will focus on international topics covering Russia, China and populism. Boise State Public Radio's George Prentice talks with organizers of the conference to learn more.  Have a question or comment for the show? Tweet  @KBSX915  using #IdahoMatters.

(Alex Brandon / AP Images) While attending a panel on women in business in Nampa on Wednesday, Republican Sen. Jim Risch refused to answer questions regarding President Donald Trump.  Idaho Matters  talks to Boise State Public Radio reporter Heath Druzin about his attempt to pose questions to the senator, who is the Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee.   Have a question or comment for the...

(via Facebook ) Thirteen films will be on display this Friday at the Egyptian Theater as part of the Telluride Film Festival, showcasing adventure and outdoor documentaries. Put on by the Selway-Bitterroot Frank Church Foundation, revenue from the night will support a wilderness ranger intern program. A coordinator of the events join Idaho Matters to preview the film fest.  Have a question or comm...

To celebrate 100 years since women got the vote, the Idaho State Museum in Boise is building a new exhibit focused on trailblazing women. They plan to open the exhibit in summer 2020, and are looking for artifacts from the community in the next several months.  Idaho Matters talks to a museum official about how everyday Idahoans can contribute to this exhibit.     Have a question or comment for th...

(Lily Colson / IDAHO POWER) This segment originally aired August 7, 2019. Ten-year-old Lily Colson likes penguins and polar bears and she wanted to protect them from the effects of climate change. This Boise 4th grader somehow went from protecting penguins to coming up with a new way to use  solar power  ... without having to build more infrastructure. She calls the idea “Solar Lines.” Have a ques...

(Lacey Daley / Boise State Public Radio) Short-term rentals have become a popular alternative to hotels and have created side hustle income for homeowners, in some cases helping folks cover their mortgage. But some critics say these kind of rentals are compounding affordable housing problems. The City of Boise is looking at creating rules on short-term rentals. The group Boise Regional Realtors is...

(Interfaith Sanctuary Housing Services) When Boise-based photographer Matthew Wordell heard about four deaths in one week this summer within the city's homeless population, he felt compelled to do something. He connected with homelessness advocates at Interfaith Sanctuary to find out what would be helpful. In partnership with the shelter, he worked to photograph and interview folks who live in the...

(Montana Fish Wildlife And Parks / AP Images) The caribou are now officially an endangered species and they have all been removed from the continental U.S. The last caribou was recently airlifted from the Selkirk Mountain Range to British Columbia where a restoration project is underway.   Idaho Matters explains the restoration project and the likelihood of seeing the animals in the country again....

(RENEE WELLS / AP Images) In 2016 the Idaho Land Board passed a policy allowing reinvestment in private timberland and agricultural properties. Seth Grigg with the Idaho Association of Counties says this policy can have a side effect of property taxes, especially in counties with lots of this kind of land.   Have a question or comment for the show? Tweet  @KBSX915  using #IdahoMatters.

(Samantha Wright / Boise State Public Radio)  Seven people are running for the City of Boise’s top job. The crowded field of mayoral candidates means there's a chance no one will get a majority of votes November 5. If that happens, a historic runoff election will be prompted. We talk with a political pundit from the College of Idaho about the chances for a runoff, and why it should matter to voter...

(CAXTON PRESS) This segment originally aired May 21, 2019. Working the Wilderness: Early Leaders for Wild Land  relates the stories of five U.S. Forest Service workers who literally wrote the book on working and living in the wilderness.  Idaho Matters  talks with author John McCarthy about these early pioneers of wilderness protection. Have a question or comment for the show? Tweet  @KBSX915  usi...

(Stephanie Land - Twitter - @stepville) Is it possible to support your family as a single parent while working minimum wage jobs? Author Stephanie Land wrote about her experiences in her book New York Times Bestselling book "MAID." She'll give a talk at Boise State University Oct. 11. To get tickets to this free event, call 208-426-5600.   Have a question or comment for the show? Tweet  @KBSX915  ...

Idaho is one of the fastest growing states in the country, with much of that growth occuring within the Treasure Valley. But how is the growth affecting those already settled in the area?  Ada County Commissioner Diana Lachiondo is looking to explore public sentiment on the issue at a Thursday Oct. 16 event at Expo Idaho . She joins Idaho Matters to explain what she's hoping to accomplish during t...

(Death Rattle Writers Festival - Facebook) Death Rattle Writer's Festival is kicking off their 6th event in as many years, taking over many Nampa, venues. The festival looks to support under-represented groups and inspire all with the literature and poetry shared at the event. Death Rattle founders join Idaho Matters to talk about this year's event. Have a question or comment for the show? Tweet ...

(NASA / JPL) Cornell Professor Dr. Ray Jayawardhana studies exoplanets, planets that orbit a celestial body outside of Earth's solar system, with the school's astronomy department. He is visiting Boise State University Friday for the  Physics Department's First Friday Astronomy Event .  Idaho Matters talks to Dr. Jayawardhana about his research and the importance of space exploration. Have a quest...

(Ethan Webber / Boise State Public Radio) On the Reporter Roundtable, Scott McIntosh of the Idaho Statesman, Rebecca Boone with the Associated Press, Heath Druzin of Boise State Public Radio and Guns & America talk about vaccination controversies, presidential candidate’s gun policies , and more. Be sure to listen in as Melissa Davlin hosts this week’s edition of the Reporter Roundtable. Have...

(alleyrep.org) Alley Repertory Theater is preparing to enter their 12th season of productions with performances of "Bernhardt/Hamlet," "La Cage Aux Folles" and "A Funny Thing Happened."  Idaho Matters speaks to the director and lead actress of "Bernhardt/Hamlet" about the upcoming performances. Have a question or comment for the show? Tweet  @KBSX915  using #IdahoMatters.

(boisestate.edu) Boise State University's Blue Sky Institute is holding its annual Diversity and Inclusion Summit on October 8. This year's summit will take place after Idaho lawmakers sent a letter criticizing diversity initiatives to newly minted university President Marlene Tromp took office. We talk with the organizers of the summit -- which is in its 5th year -- about what they hope this year...

(Ethan Webber / Boise State Public Radio) In three weeks, Boise Police Chief Bill Bones will retire from his position after 27 years with the department. Idaho Matters talks to Chief Bones for an "exit interview" about his time with the BPD, his thoughts on changes in the department over the years, what he's looking forward to in retirement and the class of police coming up behind him. Have a ques...

(Otto Kitsinger / AP Images) There are two initiatives up for a vote in November in the City of Boise. One is in regards to a new stadium, while the other deals with a possible new main library in downtown Boise. The group Boise Working Together is behind these grassroots initiatives, arguing there should be more citizen oversight and direction before costly civic endeavors are begun. Idaho Matter...

(Musadeq Sadeq / AP Images) Traumatic events often lead to a psychological problems, particularly in young children. However, the human brain has adapted to deal with these events over time. Idaho Matters  discusses an upcoming Idaho Public Television documentary highlighting these issues. Have a question or comment for the show? Tweet  @KBSX915  using #IdahoMatters.

(Ethan Webber / Boise State Public Radio) Dan Ansotegui was raised around Basque music, food and dance. He's been playing the button accordian in different musical groups for decades and was recently awarded the National Heritage Award from the National Endowment for the Arts. He joins Idaho Matters to discuss his cultural heritage and the thrill of winning his award. Have a question or comment fo...

(Seth Wenig / AP Images) The World Health Organization gave the U.S. Measles elimination status in 2000, but the country is now on the brink of losing it. Idaho Matters talks to people representing different viewpoints on this issue, with Dr. Peter Hotez of Baylor College of Medicine, Dr. Christine Hahn of Idaho Department Health and Welfare, Dr. Alicia Lachiondo of St. Luke's and Leslie Manokian...