Idaho Matters

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**Idaho Matters**

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.

Latest Episodes:

**Saving sagebrush and its ecosystems** Aug 01, 2022
Show notes

(Randall Russell / Flickr)
Across the West, sagebrush is a keystone species, a habitat that is essential for wildlife, ranching and other native plants.
It's in danger though. Over the years sagebrush populations have shrunk dramatically, in large part due to climate change. Researchers at Boise State University are working to change this. Becoming the first to sequence the genome of the sagebrush, considering its size and complexity, is no easy feat.
Boise State University Assistant Professor Sven Buerki joined Idaho Matters to talk more about this milestone and what it will mean for local ecosystems.

**How to stay safe in Idaho's heat** Aug 01, 2022
Show notes

(photonut-mi / Flickr)
This weekend the National Weather Service issued a heat advisory as temperatures neared 107 and though it looks like we'll get a break from the triple digits for the rest of the week, it's still going to be hot.
This means people will need to take extra care while out in the sun, especially when working outdoors. High temperatures can put you at risk of certain illnesses and injuries, which can be fatal, so it's important to know how to take care of yourself.
David Kearns, the Area Director of the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration in Idaho, joined Idaho Matters to give us some tips on what to watch out for and how to stay safe in the hot weather.

**Idaho Matters Reporter Roundtable: July 29, 2022** Jul 29, 2022
Show notes

Gas prices are displayed at a station in Burbank, Calif., on April 27. Gas prices have surged along with other consumer goods, hurting pocketbooks across the country.(Mario Tama / Getty Images)
The latest on COVID-19, Dr. Ryan Cole defends his medical license, Idaho's newest lawsuit over abortion laws, white nationalism in the Gem State, Von Ehlinger's sentencing delay, gas retailers are making record-breaking profits, a look at how Reclaim Idaho's initiative will affect this year's tax cuts and the U.S. just saw the first case of polio in a decade.
it’s Friday - which means it's time for our Reporter Roundtable when Idaho Matters gets you up-to-date on all the news that made headlines this past week.
Our journalist panel today:
Margaret Carmel, Senior Reporter with BoiseDev.com
Melissa Davlin, host of Idaho Reports on Idaho Public Television
Nicole Blanchard Outdoors Reporter with the Idaho Statesman
Audrey Dutton, Senior Investigative Reporter with the Idaho Capital Sun

**'An Honest Living' author talks with Idaho Matters** Jul 29, 2022
Show notes

(berny-s / Flickr)
The Editor-in-Chief of CrimeReads, Dwyer Murphy, is debuting his new novel - a gripping crime fiction titled, An Honest Living. Dwyer joined Idaho Matters to talk more about his book.

**Aaron von Ehlinger pardoned of previous convictions by State of Idaho** Jul 28, 2022
Show notes

Former Idaho State Rep. Aaron von Ehlinger testifies on his own behalf during day three of his rape trial at the Ada County Courthouse, Thursday, April 28, 2022. (Brian Myrick / Idaho Press)
Former State Legislator Aaron Von Ehlinger will not be sentenced this week as originally scheduled.
Monday a judge granted his request to delay sentencing until a motion to either re-try or to acquit him of the charges plays out. Prosecutors called the request to push sentencing, 'delaying for delay's sake.'
Von Ehlinger's rape conviction is not the first time the former Idaho House Member broke the law. Between 1996 and 2013, he was charged with 15 offenses on eight occasions and pleaded guilty five times. Von Ehlinger was pardoned by the state of Idaho for those previous convictions, just 56 days before he would be accused and eventually convicted of the rape of a legislative intern.
Morning Edition Host George Prentice joined Idaho Matters to talk about the pardon.

**BIPOC Playwrights Festival returns for a second year** Jul 28, 2022
Show notes

The BIPOC Playwrights Festival is August 1st-6th in Boise.( Boise Contemporary Theater)
The BIPOC Playwrights Festival is returning for its second year with Boise Contemporary Theater.
Over the course of six days, playwrights, directors and actors will workshop and perform two new plays, Being Black Outside and Fear and Wonder, ending with a special performance of Hold These Truths on the final night.
Playwrights Vinecia Coleman and Jason Tseng, along with Producing Artistic Director Ben Burdick joined Idaho Matters to talk more about the upcoming festival.

**Author of the 'Dead Romantics' joins Idaho Matters** Jul 28, 2022
Show notes

(Scott Denny / Flickr)
Many people may recognize Ashley Poston's name from her popular young adult novels, which have been feature in Teen Vogue and Entertainment Weekly. This summer though the author decided to switch things up, writing her first adult novel, with a bit of a supernatural twist.
Poston joined Idaho Matters to talk more about her book, imposters syndrome and love.

**13-year-old cyclist races to victory** Jul 28, 2022
Show notes

(Boise Twilight Criterium )
For more than 20 years the Boise Young Rider Development Squad has worked with kids, here in the Treasure Valley, who are interested in cycling. They've provided support for those new to the sport as well as an opportunity for competition.
This summer there's been one member of the program, in particular, who has been no stranger to competition, 13-year-old Tessa Beebe. In the last two months she has won five national titles and just a few weeks ago placed third in Boise's 35th Annual Twilight Criterium.
Tessa, along with her coach Douglas Tobin, joined Idaho Matters to talk more about her love for cycling and the BYRDS program.

Could Yellowstone National Park erupt soon? Jul 27, 2022

Show notes

When our summer intern Jack Bevan heard rumors that Yellowstone National Park could explode soon and start a new ice age, he had to find out if there was any truth to it.

First, he set out to find if Yellowstone or any other volcanic formations in the northwest, like Mount St. Helens, were likely to blow up soon and he found himself learning all about volcanoes and geysers from a Boise State University graduate student and researcher.

Maggie Holahan has been listening to the sounds made by the Steamboat Geyser in Yellowstone National Park to learn more about it. She Joined Idaho Matters to discuss Yellowstone, volcanoes, and the possibility of an eruption.

Intern Jack Bevan helped produce this segment.