Idaho Matters

(st. alphonsus)A new law took effect on January 1 that requires hospitals to provide pricing guidelines for consumers online. We learn about the motivation behind this ACA code and how St. Luke's will be implementing it.

(idahogovernorscup.org)One of former Governor Butch Otter's legacies is the Governor's Cup, an annual tournament that includes golf and skeet shooting. It was established to raise funds for scholarships, but questions are being asked about the cost of the tournament and whether it serves as anything more than a political networking event. The Cup has provided educational funds for some 250 Idahoans, but at what cost?

(marsyslaw.us)Marsy's Law passed in California in 2008 to provide legal protections and access to information for victims of abuse. Eight other states have passed the law but in the last session, the bill fell short of passage in the Idaho legislature. Idaho Matters talks with victims' advocates about efforts to re-introduce the law.

(IDAHO PUBLIC TELEVISION / IDAHO STATESMAN)In his first State of the State speech, Governor Brad Little proposed minimum salaries for teachers and increases in education spending. We speak with the Idaho Education Association about the proposals and how much these initiatives could move the needle insofar as improving education in the Gem State.

(amazon)Sadie the dog's best friend Penny received an e-tablet as a gift and as soon as she logged on to the internet, their friendship began to suffer. "Sadie Sees Trouble" looks at the balance of screen time and real life in the context of a children's book. Idaho Matters speaks to the book's author, Linda Jarkey, about turning a didactic message into entertaining children's literature.

(VISITSUNVALLEY.COM)Telescopes make great holiday gifts and Idaho is one of the best places on the planet to gaze into the heavens. However, stargazing can be daunting for beginners staring into fifteen billion years of expanding universe with new optical equipment. This Friday, the Boise Astronomical Society is helping amateur astronomers learn to use their telescopes at Anser Charter School. We'll learn about the program and what kind of telescopes are best for stargazing.

(Idaho Public Television / Idaho Statesman)It’s a new year and a new governor. Brad Little unveiled his vision for the 2019 Idaho Legislature and detailed his agenda in his first State of the State Speech. Idaho Matters breaks it down with Boise State Public Radio reporter James Dawson.

(Sun Valley Center for the arts)Sun Valley Center for the Arts has a new arts education program. Classroom Enrichment is impacting the process students go through to learn core curriculum (math, science, humanities, language arts) by integrating the arts into lessons. Idaho Matters talks with the Center about the importance of arts education.

(st. luke's)Targeting specific populations for wraparound support has been referred to in the health care community as “hotspotting.” Transportation, housing, even access to food can impact a patient’s health and health care. St. Luke’s is working on a new hotspotting program.

(stock)“Big Fat Lie,” a new documentary, looks at low fat diets and how they may not be working the way you think.

(Matt Guilhem / Boise State Public Radio)Medicaid expansion, a new Governor, prison overcrowding and the budget. Those are just some of the topics we take on during our 2019 Idaho Legislative Preview. Host Gemma Gaudette talks with Dr. Jasper LiCalzi, professor at the College of Idaho and Jaclyn Kettler from Boise State University about the upcoming session.

(Nicholas D. / Flickr)Conservation is always a big issue in Idaho and 2018 was no exception. We look back and forward to 2019 when it comes to wildlife conservation, access to public lands and preserving our forests. Brad Brooks, the Public Lands Director for the Wilderness Society and Brian Brooks, the Executive Director of the Idaho Wildlife Federation talk to host Gemma Gaudette.

(Olivia Weitz / Boise State Public Radio)What do batik and cowboy boots have in common? Both are works of art and both are featured today on our Expressive Idaho program. We take a trip to a boot shop near Mackay and an art studio in Boise with reporter Olivia Weitz.

Gemma Gaudette sits down with Betsy Russell from the Idaho Press, Bill Manny with Idaho Public Television and Kevin Richert with Idaho Education News to discuss the big news of the day: Governor Otter leaving office, Governor-Elect Little taking office and why Idaho's tax revenues are falling short by millions of dollars.

(quitwithnancy.com)We introduce you to Boise nurse Nancy Caspersen. She's been helping people in Idaho quit using nicotine products for more than 20 years. Gemma Gaudette talks with her about her unique approach and why it works so well.

(Brent Moore / Flickr Creative Commons)Gemma Gaudette chats with Allen Reed, CEO of Reed's Dairy. This family-owned and operated dairy opened in 1955 when Allen's dad and two brothers started the operation. Today the dairy serves people from Eastern and Western Idaho. Saveur magazine even featured the dairy and its ice cream in the foodie publication, calling the ice cream "creamy and dreamy."

(idahochildrenstrustfund.org)We take the hour to look at the causes, impacts and treatments of childhood trauma and the lifelong effects they cause. Local schools are using exercises in "mindfulness" to teach students how to center themselves and learn effective tools for conflict resolution. We talk with area educators and counselors about how schools are re-evaluating the way they address youth trauma.

(Association of State Correctional Administrators)In late November, Josh Tewalt was appointed by the Idaho Board of Correction to lead IDOC. He replaced Henry Atencio, who directed the department for 28 years. Tewalt joins Idaho Matters to discuss recent allegations about conditions in a Texas prison where Idaho inmates are serving time, the proposed $500 million prison expansion and the future of corrections in a state with a rapidly growing population.

(amazon)David Moskowitz is a biologist, photographer and certified wildlife tracker. His work focuses on the fauna of the interior of the Pacific Northwest and his latest book, Caribou Rainforest, follows the migration of a shrinking herd through the Selkirk Range. Moskowitz joins Idaho Matters to describe the shrinking herds of mountain caribou.

(Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Idaho)Big Brothers Big Sisters has been matching volunteers with youths in need of role models and guidance. We meet volunteers from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Idaho and learn about how they help shape the futures of today's youth.