Idaho Matters

(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 committed to responsible and sustainable mining practices but conservationists are wary. Idaho Matters looks at new efforts to harvest minerals at the Stibnite Mining District.

(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 children should learn about it from a young age.

(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 B2B connections and how social media changed the networking game.

(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 Annual Xtreme Holiday Xtravaganza with Idaho Matters.

(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.