Idaho Matters

(AAA)This week is National Teen Driving Safety Week and we look at efforts to build the groundwork for safe driving from an early age.

(q commons)Q Commons is a "two-hour live event that will educate Christians on how they can bring hope and leadership to their communities in a critical moment for America." Idaho Matters talks with the organizers of the event.

(fourthjudicialcourt.idaho.gov)It is Pro Bono Week and we speak with the Concordia University School of Law and the Idaho State Bar about this public service.

(stock)Host Gemma Gaudette leads a round table discussion of the week's headlines with the region's top journalists. This week we are joined by Scott McIntosh of the Idaho Press and Melissa Davlin and Seth Ogilvie of Idaho Public Television's Idaho Reports.

(legislature.idaho.gov)A legislative committee has been meeting to address Idaho's lax campaign finance laws. On Friday's Idaho Matters, we look at efforts to bring more clarity to the state's campaign codes.

(lcsc.edu)The State Board of Education is calling for changes in the funding formula for Idaho's public colleges and universities. The new approach would be outcome-based, focusing on the graduation rates rather than credit-hour rates. Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News breaks down the how and why of the new funding structure proposal.

(Idaho Public Television/Idaho Statesman)Regardless of the outcome of the election, Idaho history will be made when either Democrat Kristin Collum or Republican Janice McGeachin is elected to be the first woman to serve as the state's lieutenant governor. They met Wednesday evening and Associated Press-Idaho reporter Rebecca Boone joins us to re-cap the candidates' debate.

(St. Luke's)October is stillbirth/miscarriage awareness month and we look at efforts to help families cope with loss.

(Make Boise Better)The Make Boise Better survey seeks to bridge the divides between members of the community and public administration. Survey creator Cameron Crow seeks to use an "affordable, sophisticated research platform" to engage the majority of the population that feels detatched from serious community engagement. Crow joins Idaho Matters to describe the survey and how its results could be applied to affect change.

(stock)Approval of the Proposition 2 ballot measure would result in an expansion of the state's Medicaid eligibility. Those opposed to expansion argue Medicaid expansion would cost Idahoans more out of pocket and limit medical choices. We will hear from those opposed to Prop 2.

(boise state university)Boise State Uniting for Inclusion and Leadership in Diversity is the university's cultural diversity certification program for faculty and staff. On Wednesday's Idaho Matters, we discuss the evolving definitions and expectations of cultural tolerance on the campus.

(Hologic/NPR)Idaho Matters looks at St. Luke's Mountain States Tumor Institute's research into 3D mammography and efforts to make these examinations more accessible.

(BSPR)October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and we look at the state of detection and treatment with Jackie Babb, the Women's and Children's Service Line Director at St. Alphonsus Health System and Howard Schaff, a radiologist with Gem State Radiology.

(AARON KUNZ / IDAHO PUBLIC TELEVISION)Idaho guberantorial candidates Brad Little (R) and Paulette Jordan (D) met to debate Monday night, televised by Idaho Public Television. Idaho Matters looks at the candidates' performances and the impacts they may have on the upcoming election with Betsy Russell of the Idaho Press.

(College of Western Idaho)The College of Western Idaho would like to develop a new health sciences building to accomodate the Treasure Valley's growth and CWI is looking to a property tax levy as a funding mechanism. We'll talk about the growing community's need for health services and how this project could facilitate a larger healthcare force for Southern Idaho.

(THE FRANK CHURCH INSTITUTE/Boise State University)Idaho Matters looks at the role of the Frank Church Institute in teaching public policy at Boise State University.

(Allen/Flickr)David Habben is a taphophile - a lover of cemeteries. The self-described "Tombstone Tourist" studies and documents the final resting places of Idahoans throughout history and he is presenting 'Who Lies Beneath?: The Treasure Valley' this evening at Jack's Urban Meeting Place. Habben joins Idaho Matters to talk about the dead buried beneath our feet.

(Idaho Public Television)Idaho Public Television aired this weekend's political debates; State Superintendent of Public Education on Friday night and the 2nd Congressional District on Sunday. Idaho Matters breaks down the candidates' responses and how the performances will play out on Election Day.

(Emilie Ritter Saunders/KBSX)Beth Oppenheimer of the Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children joins Idaho Matters to discuss efforts to create affordable, high quality pre-school opportunities for Idahoans.

(BSPR)Opera Idaho opened their 2018-19 season in September with a 100th anniversary tribute to Leonard Bernstein. They continue the season with standards including The Mikado, Aida and Don Giovanni as well as some modern works. We speak with Opera Idaho about this season's program and what's on the horizon for the 47-year-old company.