Idaho Matters

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A look back at 'Idaho's Nuclear Navy' Nov 30, 2023

Show notes

In the 1950s, the U.S. was trying to develop a nuclear-powered engine that the Navy could use for submarines and aircraft carriers, and much of that work was done in the Idaho desert near Idaho Falls, at what would become the Naval Reactor Facility.
Three prototypes were built at the facility, including one that powered the USS Nautilus, the first nuclear-powered submarine that hit the water in 1955.

Idaho Public Television’s award-winning program Idaho Experience has a new documentary on "Idaho's Nuclear Navy," which will premiere Sunday night. Aaron Kunz, the producer and production manager of the program, joined Idaho Matters to talk more.

A golden retriever lying on its back in the grass on a sunny day. — **Tips for protecting your dog from mystery respiratory illness** Nov 30, 2023
Show notes

(James Dawson / Boise State Public Radio)
A new mystery illness has been making dogs sick from the East Coast to Oregon, and Idaho may have the disease as well.
It looks like Kennel Cough, but it’s resistant to antibiotics and can, in some cases, lead to a deadly pneumonia that can strike pups in 24 hours.
Despite a year-long investigation by the New Hampshire Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, very little is known about this respiratory syndrome. To find out more, we asked Idaho Humane Society Director of Shelter Medicine, Dr. Adrian Dannis, to join Idaho Matters.

A poster for the "Special Stars" Drummer Boy Christmas program. — **Christmas play celebrates children of all abilities** Nov 30, 2023
Show notes

( Nitza Salazar)
During this time of year, there are all kinds of Christmas pageants and nativity plays where kids get a chance to go on stage and play the parts of Mary, Joseph, and the three wise men. But some kids with special needs and abilities don’t always get a chance to take part in these activities.
One woman has been working to change that. She’s putting together a “Special Stars” performance of the Little Drummer Boy, calling it a chance to let “disabilities shine on stage” and celebrating each child’s unique talents.
Nitza Salzar, the founder of Special Stars, joined Idaho Matters to talk more.

Idaho State Museum explores Bob Hope's life and legacy Nov 30, 2023

Show notes

Bob Hope was a movie star legend, starring in hit after hit for decades, and he used his star power and his comedic wit to bring joy and laughter to U.S. troops far away from home for fifty years.
Hope took part in his first USO show in 1941 and went on to provide morale-boosting programs around the globe throughout World War II.

But he didn’t stop when the war was over; he was still on stage with other stars, cracking jokes and crooning through the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Lebanon Civil War, the Iran-Iraq War and the Persian Gulf War.

A new exhibit at the Idaho State Museum called "So Ready for Laughter: The Legacy of Bob Hope" explores Hope’s tours during WWII.

Nicole Inghilterra, Curator of Collections and Exhibitions with the Idaho State Museum, joined Idaho Matters to talk more.