Idaho Matters

(Alexodus / Flickr) Host Gemma Gaudette leads a round table discussion of the week's headlines with the region's top journalists. This week  Idaho Matters  speaks with Bill Manny and Seth Ogilvie from  Idaho Public Television  and Kevin Richert of  Idaho Education News .

(Frankie Barnhill / Boise State Public Radio) The American Civil Liberties Union national political director is in Boise to celebrate the  25th anniversary  of the state's chapter.  Faiz Shakir  and Policy Director for the ACLU of Idaho Kathy Griesmyer join Gemma Gaudette to discuss legislative activity in the Gem State and beyond.  

(Idaho State Archives (ISHS 78-25.1B)) A new historic district on the fringe of downtown Boise goes into effect and it could save some historic homes. Host Gemma Gaudette talks to Dan Everhart, Outreach Historian at the State Historic Preservation Office and Paula Benson with Preservation Idaho.      

(ADOPTION.ORG) This interview was originally broadcast November 8, 2018. Idaho Matters  examines the process with a St. Luke's program director and a parent who has adopted a child.

(Tom Michael / Boise State Public Radio) Although the Wood River Valley is known for its low unemployment and booming tourist economy, many residents suffer from food insecurity. Housing costs are high, employment is seasonal and groceries are expensive. On Thursday's  Idaho Matters,  we look at regional economies that are bucking national trends.

(LANCE PEKUS/FACEBOOK) This interview was originally broadcast  October 1, 2018. Salmon native Lance Pekus attacks the American Ninja Warrior courses with the fury and style of a true Idahoan; in blue jeans and a cowboy hat. Pekus, the "Cowboy Ninja," joins Idaho Matters to talk about representing the Gem State in one of the most difficult physical competitions in the world.

(WCVE/STOCK) This interview was originally broadcast  October 1, 2018. Idaho Matters examines changing sexual norms, the definition of "consent" and how the role of body positivity in interpersonal relationships is evolving.

(M-Vac) The Idaho Falls Police Department recently acquired a DNA collection device that vastly improves evidence gathering.  Idaho Matters  talks with the machine's inventor and the IFPD about how this is a game-changer for crime scene investigators.

(WILLIS HALL/FACEBOOK) This interview was originally broadcast  September 5, 2018. You hear our theme music on Boise State Public Radio several times a day. It's been stuck in our heads since April. We meet Will Hall, the man who composed the  Idaho Matters  theme.

(MIDAS GOLD) This interview was originally broadcast  October 29, 2018. The Stibnite Mining District is loaded with gold, silver, tungsten and antimony. The region had been heavily mined for decades and just as heavily polluted. Operations stopped in 1997 and 12 years later, Midas Gold acquired the site and began to look at ways to  resume mining operations  in the area. The mining firm says it is...

(Boise State University) Boise State clinical assistant professor Samantha Davis recently received the  2018 National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) Gary A. Smith Educational Award for Innovation in Education Achievement  for her development of a  3D printed heart  that aids students in studying heart defects. Davis joins  Idaho Matters  to talk about her heart.

(Boise Parks and Recreation) Kathryn Albertson Park  will turn 30 in 2019 and the space has been reconditioned and upgraded. We'll visit the park named for the wife of Idaho's supermarket magnate.

(Boise State Public Radio) This interview was originally broadcast  10/8/18. Meridian Police Officer Ray Ellis and West Ada School District Resource Officer Shannon Garza have put together a program to help teach students the importance of establishing physical boundaries and respecting body autonomy. They will join  Idaho Matters  to talk about why this is an important topic today and why childre...

(DIANA DEJESUS/FACEBOOK) This interview was originally broadcast  9/24/18. Diana DeJesus moved to Boise from West Palm Beach to recruit for the University of Idaho's law school but she found a passion in connecting people and businesses in her off time. Her Instagram account,  Boise Bucket List , has accumulated nearly 30,000 followers and DeJesus joins  Idaho Matters  to talk about making those B...

(kristentracy.com/) Idaho native  Kristen Tracy  uses poetry to chronicle her experience growing up Mormon and her later exodus from the church.

(Vivian Maier) Host Gemma Gaudette leads a round table discussion of the week's headlines with the region's top journalists. This week  Idaho Matters  speaks with Scott McIntosh of the  Idaho Press  and Kevin Richert of  Idaho Education News .

(Senator Jim Risch) The nation honored the life and service of President George H. W. Bush this week as he was laid to rest in Texas.  Idaho Senator Jim Risch  served as the Idaho chairman of Bush's presidential election campaign and he joins  Idaho Matters  on Friday to share memories of his friend and impressions of the funeral.

(akabelle.org) Interfaith Sanctuary 's Xtreme Holiday Xtravaganza has become a Boise tradition and the 13th Annual performances are scheduled for December 16 and 17 at The Egyptian Theatre. The event showcases area talent while raising money to help the Treasure Valley's homeless population. Jodi Peterson, executive director of Interfaith Sanctuaries and musician Bill Coffey talk about the 13th An...

(Heath Druzin / Boise State Public Radio) Laws that allow people to use deadly force when threatened — without requiring them to first retreat — have been sweeping across the nation for over a decade. Today, depending on your definition,  “stand your ground” is law in well over half of American states.  We speak with Guns and America reporter Heath Druzin about this new law .

(Lambert/Getty Images) The Federal Communications Commission is re-aligning over-the-air TV signals to make room for more broadband services. Idaho Matters discusses this with an FCC official.

( WARNER BROS / ANNAPURNA PICTURES, LLC. / FOX SEARCHLIGHT / Allstar-Dreamworks ) The 2019 Golden Globe Awards nominees were released today and Boise Weekly film critic George Prentice goes through the list.

(rarehistoricalphotos.com) The Volstead Act was repealed 85 years ago, allowing Americans from Seattle to Key West to imbibe legally.  Idaho Matters  looks at the impact of Prohibition in the Gem State and the revelry that followed its repeal.

The Consulate of Mexico in Boise and the Idaho Hispanic Chamber of Commerce are sponsoring the  Original Mexican Chocolate and Coffee Fair  to demonstrate the role of these products in Mexican culture and economy.  Idaho Matters  speaks with the Chamber about the event and why we can't live without coffee and chocolate.

(St. Luke's) 380,000 babies are born prematurely in the United States, according to the March of Dimes . We speak with two St. Luke's doctors about why this rate is so high and what can be done to lower the chances of a premature birth.

(wikimedia commons) As we approach the Hanukah halftime,  Idaho Matters  looks at the history of Jews in Idaho with Rabbi Daniel Fink of  Congregation Ahavath Beth Israel .