Idaho Matters is a wonderful way to stay up to date, meet people and understand there's much more to this great state. Hosted by Gemma Gaudette on Boise State Public Radio News, it features arts and politics, growth and education, and the interesting stories that make Idaho unique. Send us your questions, comments or story ideas by emailing idahomatters@boisestate.edu or sending us a voicemail using the "Talk To Us" feature on the free Boise State Public Radio app.
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The campaign rhetoric, struggles for political power and results of the 2022 election converge in the 68th meeting of the Montana Legislature. Join us Monday mornings for The Session — a breakdown of the latest action we’re watching in the statehouse, produced by Montana Public Radio, Yellowstone Public Radio and Montana Free Press.
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Informed and creative public radio for the New West. Listen for news and views, music discovery, cultural commentary and enlightening conversation.
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Idaho Matters Doctors Roundtable: August 21, 2024
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( nayara_msc) As a new, more dangerous strain of the Mpox virus continues to spread, the disease has now been detected in individuals in both Sweden and Thailand. Dr. David Pate, former CEO of St. Luke's Health System, joined Idaho Matters to talk more about what we need to know about this v…
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The Boise Comic Arts Festival returns for its 12th year
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( City of Boise) This Saturday, the Boise Comic Arts Festival is returning for a weekend full of cosplay, workshops and creativity. And with more than 30 guest creators joining the fun, it's sure to be one of the festival's best years yet! Event organizer Josh Shapel and Muriel Fahrion, whom you may know as the original designer of the Strawberry S…
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'When Knowing Comes:' An author interview with Kelly Green
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( Safe Passage Press LLC) In her newest book, "When Knowing Comes," author Kelly Green tackles a disturbing, but necessary topic, that of child sexual abuse. Green joined Idaho Matters to talk more about this legal drama.By Gemma Gaudette
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University of Idaho to dedicate new healing garden
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Vandal Healing Garden outside the Physical Education Building.(Garrett Britton / University of Idaho Visual Productions) As students head back to school for the fall semester, the University of Idaho is preparing for a special ceremony. After nearly two years of work, the Vandal Healing Garden and Memorial is finished. The project began shortly aft…
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St. Michael's celebrates 160 years of community building
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St Michael's Episcopal Cathedral( St Michael's Episcopal Cathedral Facebook) In 1864, Reverend Saint Michael Fackler arrived in Boise, performing the first episcopal service in the region. Now, more than a century later, St. Michael's Episcopal Cathedral has become an important part of the community, helping to shape the city we know and love today…
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How the railroad popularized Yellowstone National Park
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(Darren Youden / Flickr) In the late 19th century, Yellowstone became the first national park in America. Visitation started out slow, but the railroad soon changed that, making travel and therefore the park more accessible. Years later, Yellowstone would become one of the most popular destinati…
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'Four Weekends and a Funeral:' An author interview with Ellie Palmer
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( G.P. Putnam's Sons) If you're looking for a smart emotional love story that packs a big punch, then grab a copy of "Four Weekends and a Funeral" by Ellie Palmer. The author joined Idaho Matters to talk more about her latest release.By Gemma Gaudette
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Using less of the Colorado River takes a willing farmer and $45 million in federal funds
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Leslie Hagenstein indicates where the New Fork River flows through her property on Mar. 27, 2024. She signed up for a program that pays her to pause irrigation on her land in order to save Colorado River water. Some experts say the System Conservation Pilot Program, or SCPP, is costly and may not be the most effective way to save Colorado River wat…
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Idaho Matters Reporter Roundtable: August 16, 2024
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The Idaho Supreme Court building.(Rebecca Boone / AP) A new initiative could give Idahoans the chance to reinstate access to abortion care, the lawsuit over ITD's campus has been dismissed, some big deals are being made by Gem State companies and the Idahoans for Open Primaries ballot initiative moves forward. It’s Friday, which means it's time for…
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A breakdown of the challenges facing Idaho healthcare workers
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(Canva ) Idaho healthcare providers are facing critical challenges, from threats to Medicaid to workforce shortages to cyberattacks. So what does that mean for your healthcare? These issues will be discussed during a City Club of Boise forum on August 22. Dr. Patrice Burgess, the Chief Medical Officer with Saint Alphonsus, and Toni Lawson, Vice Pre…
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Empowering underserved communities through yoga
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(Helen Saarinen / Flickr) One Idaho nonprofit is using the power of yoga and movement to help those in marginalized communities improve crucial aspects of their health and wellbeing. Kaelyn Rogers is the executive director and program developer of Upward Inertia and she joined Idaho Matters…
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( Idaho's Jewish Festival Facebook) It's been seven years since the last "Deli Days" in Boise, where people got together to promote awareness and celebrate Jewish culture. Well, the beloved event is back with a new name, "Idaho's Jewish Festival," and will take place this year on Sunday, Sept. 1. Oliver Thompson, the director of Idaho's Jewish Fest…
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'Mettlework:' An author interview with Jessica E. Johnson
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( Acre Books) In a new memoir, award-winning author Jessica E. Johnson is delving into her past as she experiences one of life's biggest transitions, becoming a parent. Johnson joined Idaho Matters to talk more about her latest novel, "Mettlework: A Mining Daughter on Making Home."By Gemma Gaudette
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Idaho Matters Doctors Roundtable: August 14, 2024
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An electron microscope image of Listeria monocytogenes bacterium. Health officials have announced a recall of liverwurst and deli meat products in connection with a national listeria outbreak.(Elizabeth White/AP / Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Africa has declared a public health emergency as a new strain of the Mpox virus hits the con…
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A new podcast tackles the challenges of parenting
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(Canva ) Parenting is one of the hardest jobs there is, and the stress can feel overwhelming, so where can parents turn to get advice? Idaho Children's Trust Fund has partnered with long-time radio personality Ken Bass and his wife Michelle, a licensed clinical social worker, to create a podcast that dives into these issues. Ken and Michelle, along…
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Mayor McLean makes her pick for Boise's next Chief of Police
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( City of Boise) After a months-long search, Mayor Lauren McLean has selected Chris Dennison as the next chief of police for the Boise Police Department. Our Morning Edition host, George Prentice, sat down with the mayor to talk more about this decision and what made Dennison the right choice for our city.…
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How wildfire smoke can impact your health
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A wildfire burning in Utah in 2021. (Madelyn Beck / Mountain West News Bureau) According to the National Interagency Fire Center, 77 large active wildfires are burning in the United States today. A fact that is very apparent due to the amount of smoke in the air. And this smoke can have a big impact on our health. Which is why St. Luke's is holding…
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The importance of green spaces in urban cities
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Stewart Gulch Park in Boise recently finished a series of improvements, including accessible pathways, seating, turf and more. ( Boise Parks and Recreation) As our cities continue to grow, so too does our need for green spaces. Areas like public parks play an important role in our communities, providing both urban and environmental benefits. These …
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'Stop The Tall Man, Save The Tiger:' An author interview with Peter Young
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(Self Publishing) In 1997, everything was falling into place for Peter Young. He'd landed his dream broadcasting job, married his wife and started a family. From the outside, life was picture perfect, but behind closed doors, things couldn't be farther from the truth. In his new memoir, "Stop The Tall Man, Save The Tiger," Young chronicles his expe…
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'The Weight of Nature:' An author interview with Clayton Page Aldern
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The book cover of "The Weight of Nature" by Clayton Page Aldern.( Dutton) This episode of Idaho Matters originally aired on April 16, 2024. The Earth's changing climate, from hotter days to more dangerous weather events, could be impacting our brains in ways we are only just learning about. Clayton Page Aldern, a journalist who also holds a master'…
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Idaho Matters Reporter Roundtable: August 9, 2024
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Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz wave as they board Air Force Two.(Julia Nikhinson / AP) There's been a surge of interest in the presidential election, more than 200 sexual assault nurses are being trained by the state, Idaho may be in need of new bedbug regulations, a tempora…
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How a school uniform is changing the lives of girls in Africa
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Esmeralda, a student part of the SHE nonprofit, wears the uniform that grows.( Style Her Empowered) Back in 2017, Payton McGriff, a college student at the University of Idaho, started a project that would change her life and, ultimately, the lives of hundreds of other girls. Born out of a class assignment, the Idaho native came up with a nonprofit …
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'Jackpot Summer:' An author interview with Elyssa Friedland
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( Berkley) Acclaimed novelist Elyssa Friedland is back with another smart summertime read! And this one offers up a fun family drama you won't want to miss. Friedland joins Idaho Matters to talk more about her latest novel, "Jackpot Summer."By Gemma Gaudette
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What to Watch: Television shows you won't want to miss
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(Sue Thompson / Flickr) With all the smoke in the air, many people are hunkering down at home for the weekend, so what better time to check out a new TV show? Resident movie critic and Morning Edition host George Prentice joined Idaho Matters to give us some recommendations on What to Watch on th…
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Idaho Matters Doctors Roundtable: August 7, 2024
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(Alex Proimos / Flickr) COVID-19 cases are continuing to rise all across the United States, with experts saying it's being driven largely by the emergence of a new dominate strain. Dr. David Pate, former CEO of St. Luke's Health System, joined Idaho Matters to talk more about what this means for Idaho.…
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Former Meridian mayor shares the harrowing story of her daughters false imprisonment
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(fiatlux / Flickr) Imagine sending your child off on an adventure to a foreign country and waiting to hear from them, letting you know they've arrived safely, but that call never comes. Former Meridian Mayor Tammy de Weerd and her husband Jan know that sinking feeling well because they experience…
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Boise implements free breakfast program for all students
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OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA(Austin Kirk / Flickr) It can be hard to focus on an empty stomach, which is why, starting in the fall, the Boise School District will be offering free breakfast to its students. This new initiative comes after the approval of a $2.1 million budget for the upcoming year, and …
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How pay-to-play fees may impact Caldwell students
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Seniors play basketball. (Hans Kolster/Muscateer Photography / Flickr) Last month, the Caldwell School Board approved a $100 pay-to-play athletic fee. And this isn't a new issue. The West Ada School District also has a pay-to-play policy, as do numerous school districts around the country. But does this policy price certain students out of being ab…
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This Idaho sports scholar says the Olympics aren’t all fun and games
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Dr. Bill Smith is a clinical professor and director of the Martin Institute at the University of Idaho. (University of Idaho, 123rf) Much like a couple billion people across the planet, Dr. Bill Smith is glued to the Summer Olympic Games In Paris. But it’s a big part of his scholarship. He’s a clinical professor at the University of Idaho whose cou…
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Idaho feds to-do list: Target elder abuse and cripple the state's most infamous gang
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Successful prosecutions will lead to some key sentencings in the coming months. ( U.S. Department of Justice, 123rf) The effort to cripple one of the most notorious gangs in Idaho history is heading where law enforcement had hoped: a federal courtroom. And the man in charge at the U.S. Attorney’s office in Idaho know the case all-to-well. “I was th…
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Idaho Matters Reporter Roundtable: August 2, 2024
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United States' Alyssa Mendoza hits Brazil's Jucielen Cerqueira in their women's 57 kg preliminary boxing match at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, Aug. 2, 2024, in Paris, France.(Ariana Cubillos / AP) There’s a possible conflict of interest between the AG’s office and the Secretary of State’s office, school choice is once again a topic of debate, …
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What Blaine County is doing to address climate change
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(andy jalakas / Flickr) Blaine County has officially completed its first climate action plan, with county officials calling it a monumental endeavor. The plan is designed to enhance climate change mitigation and adaptation outcomes on a regional level, with the goal of setting a course for su…
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Tips to prepare your kids for the first day of school
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(Barnaby Wasson / Flickr ) As summer winds down, many families are settling back into a routine as they gear up for a new school year. However, for parents sending their kids off to school for the first time, it can be hard to know how to prepare them for that transition. Amber Jayne, an early childhood education specialist, joined Idaho Matters to…
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Idaho prepares to celebrate 250 years of independence
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(Veterans can / Flickr) As the country gets closer to celebrating 250 years of independence, many across the nation are making special preparations for the anniversary. Here in Idaho, those preparations include a unique look at our state's history. Janet Gallimore, the executive director of…
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The Yellow Pine Harmonica Festival returns for its 33rd year
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( Yellow Pine Harmonica Festival Facebook) Over the next few days, the road to one of Idaho's smallest towns will be busy as people make their way to the annual Yellow Pine Harmonica Festival. The event, which kicks off today, is an important one for the tight-knit community. Longtime supporters of the fest, Brent Palmatier, TeJay Rogers and Jason …
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Idaho Matters Doctors Roundtable: July 31, 2024
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(Fusion Medical Animation / Unsplash) Cases of COVID-19 are on the rise once again. In California, cases are rising so quickly that the state is set to meet or surpass the number of cases seen in the summer of 2022, according to the California Health Department. Here in Idaho, we're also seeing more COVID cases. So what's going on, and how will thi…
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An economic outlook: Here's how Idaho is doing so far
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(401(K) 2012 / Flickr) Idaho’s fiscal year started on July 1. The state government is already ramping up for next year’s Idaho legislative session, and state agencies have just a few weeks left to send their budget proposals to legislators, who will spend our tax dollars. Jason Norris keeps …
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How a new coalition is working to restore access to abortion care
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Hundreds of pro-abortion rights advocates rallied in front of the Idaho Capitol Saturday May 14, 2022. They were protesting a leaked opinion from the U.S. Supreme Court that's poised to overturn Roe v. Wade, which guaranteed a constitutional right to the procedure.(James Dawson / Boise State Public Radio) In the two years following Idaho's near-tot…
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Why are people in Idaho hesitant to buy electric vehicles?
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(Richard Vogel / AP) Earlier this month, officials in Idaho announced where they want to build new electric vehicle charging stations in communities like Bliss, Fruitland, Pocatello and Jerome. This endeavor is part of a federal program to expand the nation’s charging infrastructure, which wants to offer public charging stations every 50 miles alon…
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Idaho Botanical Garden makes big plans for the future
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( Idaho Botanical Garden) This summer, the Idaho Botanical Garden celebrated a special anniversary honoring 40 years of community building and an appreciation of nature. Now, as more and more visitors find their way to this gathering space, the nonprofit is making big plans for its future. Erin Anderson, Executive Director of the Idaho Botanical Ga…
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How Idaho youth are working to reduce heat in urban areas
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( Idaho Conservation Corps) Earlier this month, weather sensors were placed throughout a Boise neighborhood to document how heat is impacting our urban areas. The project, which is being spearheaded by a youth-led research team with the Idaho Conservation Corps, aims to show how additional tree canopy could provide a possible solution to rising tem…
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Accessibility improvements begin on Hillside to Hollow Reserve
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(Frankie Barnhill / Boise State Public Radio ) Last week, work began in the foothills to make improvements to the popular Hillside to Hollow Reserve in order to establish a more accessible trail. Lisa Duplessie, foothills and open space superintendent with the Parks and Recreation Department, joined Idaho Matters to talk more about these improvemen…
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Why Bombay Beach is facing an uncertain future
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An hour north of the Mexico border and 30 miles from the Coachella valley lies Bombay Beach. The township is located on the shoreline of California’s largest lake – the Salton Sea. But the saline lake has faced similar challenges to Utah’s Great Salt Lake. Receding shorelines. Exposed lake beds. An uncertain future. KUER’s Saige Miller reports for …
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Idaho Matters Reporter Roundtable: July 26, 2024
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A hydrothermal event is seen in Biscuit Basin in Yellowstone National Park in 2009. Yellowstone officials say a similar explosion on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, sent tourists running for cover and destroyed a boardwalk. They say such events are relatively common. (AP / USGS) Lawmakers react to President Biden's decision to step down, an update on the r…
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(Picture provided by USACE) This week, levels at Lucky Peak began to lower in preparation of a new project that will help to restore the Turner Gulch Boat Ramp. Which means if you're looking to get out on the lake you may want to do so sooner rather than later. Christopher Silbernagel, operating project manager of Lucky Peak, joined Idaho Matters t…
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Breaking down Biden's withdrawal and the emergence of VP Harris
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President Joe Biden, left, and Vice President Kamala Harris stand on stage at the Democratic National Committee winter meeting, Feb. 3, 2023, in Philadelphia. (Patrick Semansky / AP) The presidential election was turned upside down when President Joe Biden announced Sunday he would not seek reelection. Dr. David Adler, President of the Alturas Inst…
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What to Watch: The role comedy plays in politics
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(Pol Turrents / Flickr) You may have noticed we've had a lot of presidential politics going on lately, and that can be depressing. So, we wanted to take a look at the role comedy plays in this kind of news cycle. Our resident movie critic and Morning Edition host George Prentice joined Idaho Mat…
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Idaho Matters Doctors Roundtable: July 24, 2024
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( Johns Hopkins University Press ) This episode of Idaho Matters originally aired on April 26, 2023. The Idaho Matters Doctors Roundtable grew out of the COVID-19 pandemic that started just over four years ago in Idaho. While we still struggle with cases of COVID-19 and its variants, many are looking back to figure out what we did right and what we…
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Has Biden's decision to step down engaged new voters?
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Vice President Kamala Harris, left, and President Joe Biden arrive for an event in the East Room of the White House, May 9, 2024, in Washington. (Evan Vucci / AP) On Sunday, President Joe Biden announced he was stepping out of the race and endorsed his vice president, Kamala Harris, to replace him as the nominee to run against former President Dona…
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How Mandela Washington fellows are making a difference
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The Mandela Washington Fellows on Boise State's campus.( Lainey Rehkemper) Last month, many of Africa's leaders arrived in Idaho to take part in the Mandela Washington Fellowship. Among them are activists, doctors, educators, and engineers,all looking to make a difference within their communities. Over the last five weeks, they’ve been finding more…
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