Idaho Matters
Hosted by Gemma Gaudette on Boise State Public Radio News, this weekday public affairs podcast serves as a gathering place where ideas are shared, stories are told and conversations thrive. Whether you’re curious about local government, inspired by the arts or invested in your community, Idaho Matters is where the voices of Idaho come together to inform, engage and celebrate the people and places that make the Gem State 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 Pu...
Kerri Maher on family, sobriety and the Summer of Love
A new work of fiction revisits a defining moment in history through three generations of women, revealing how the hopes and struggles of one era can shape the stories we carry with us.
As fire risk grows, one expert reflects on lessons from Yellowstone's 1988 fires
As forecasters warn of a dangerous wildfires season ahead, one expert reflects on the lessons of the historic 1988 Yellowstone fires and what they mean for this summer.
What makes a good neighbor? Idaho Public Television invites families to explore
Idaho Public Television's annual Be My Neighbor Day is bringing free family activities, Daniel Tiger characters and lessons of kindness to Gem State communities.
How zoning codes affect affordable housing in Idaho
A new report looks at how zoning codes in different regions of the state are impacting how much we pay for housing.
Making wildland firefighting more inclusive
After DEI programs end at public land agencies, some wildland firefighters band together to create more inclusion.
After the Claremont Fire burns parts of the Boise Foothills, what happens now?
Officials are thinking about cleanup, after the Claremont Fire burns large parts of the Boise Foothills.
Idaho Matters Reporter Roundtable: July 10, 2026
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.
Rachel Linden returns with a novel about fate, love and second chances
A birthday gift unlike any other gives one woman the change to glimpse her future and decide whether it's the life she truly wants.
Keeping families together: Inside Idaho's statewide Kinship Care Initiative
Idaho is creating a first-of-its-kind statewide kinship care plan to support the thousands of relatives and family friends raising children when parents can't.
From birthright citizenship to women's sports: Understanding the Supreme Court's latest landmark decisions
A legal expert breaks down the Supreme Court's latest decisions on birthright citizenship and transgender participation in school sports, explaining what the ruling means and what questions remain.
Idaho Matters Doctor Roundtable: July 8, 2026
A new report finds women living in poverty are significantly more likely to develop and die from cervical cancer, underscoring disparities in access to preventative care.
Celebrating the work of one Idaho physician
The Ada County Medical Society honored Dr. Patrice Burgess with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Take a trip down the Bethine Church River Trail in Boise
A new book takes a look at the natural history of one of Boise's favorite wildlife trails.
Are you suffering from workplace trauma?
What happens after a traumatic event happens at work? And how to you recover? We ask an expert to find out.
Idaho Matters Doctor Roundtable: July 1, 2026
A new federal pilot program could make weight loss drugs more affordable for millions of Medicare recipients, but questions remain about eligibility, cost and its long-term impact.
Bose State officially joins the Pac-12. What's next for the Broncos?
Boise State is officially a Pac-12 school. Athletic Director Jeramiah Dickey explains what the change means for the Bronco's future.
In the Arms of Mountains: Cole LeFavour reflects on home, identity and life in Idaho
In their new memoir, Cole LeFavour considers what it means to belong, to a place, to a community and to yourself.
Investigation finds that Bryan Kohberger case costs Idaho more than $8 million
The Bryan Kohberger murder case has cost the state of Idaho more than $8 million so far, including $5.5 million spent on his legal defense.
Amid immigration crackdowns, Nampa's 208 Night Market becomes a space for connection
The 208 Night Market in Nampa brings together thousands of people each summer for food and community, offering a space for connection even amid concerns about immigration enforcement.
Radio group builds emergency communication network across Idaho Mountain tops
The Voice of Idaho Amateur Radio Club has connected five mountaintop repeaters to create a statewide ham radio network designed to keep the states communities in contact during emergencies when other communication fail.
America 250: Short Histories of Boise - Barber Valley
Each Monday on Idaho Matters, we’ll bring you a snapshot of a small corner of our Capital City and its unique past and today we head to Barber Valley!
Micron's AI boom offers a window into the economy's next chapter
As Micron's AI-driven growth reaches record highs, an expert examines what it reveals about the broader economy, investing and the future of work.
What Idaho travelers need to know before a record-breaking fourth of July weekend
A record number of Americans are expected to travel over the Fourth of July holiday, AAA Idaho shares what Gem State travelers can expect and offers advice for a smoother trip.
Idaho Matters Reporter Roundtable: June 26, 2026
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.
New podcast revisits Angie Dodge Murder and the harrowing search for justice
Nearly 30 years after a shocking murder rocked Idaho, a new podcast explores how a family's determination helped unravel a devastating execution of justice.
Idaho Matters Doctor Roundtable: June 24, 2026
A COVID vaccine study initially withheld by the CDC has been published in a major medical journal, sparking debate and finding that the latest vaccine reduced the risk of hospitalization by more than 50%.
New data shows that Idaho's kids are falling behind in several key areas
A new Kids Count report has found that Idaho children are falling behind in key measures of well-being, with lower reading and math proficiency rates as well.
Some summers refuse to stay in the past: Darby Bozeman on 'Summers Never Over'
A return to her family summer camp unearths long kept secrets that some would do anything to keep buried.
Meet the Idaho dentist who's taking on American Ninja Warrior
Rupert dentist, farmer and father of seven, Devin Harr, discusses his unlikely journey from caring for patients and livestock to competing in the regional finals of American Ninja Warrior.
From fossils to bluebirds: Smithsonian celebrates Americas heritage in new exhibit
A new Smithsonian exhibition celebrating America's 250th anniversary is bringing together 600 rare specimens and artifacts from all 50 states to showcase the nation's heritage.
America 250: Short Histories of Boise - River Street Neighborhood
Each Monday on Idaho Matters, we’ll bring you a snapshot of a small corner of our Capital City and its unique past and today we head to the River Street Neighborhood!
Why one Idaho doctor is speaking out on women's healthcare
From patient care to public advocacy, one Idaho physician is making an impact far beyond the exam room.
What's at stake in the birthright Citizen case? An expert explains
A policy expert breaks down the Supreme Court case over birthright citizenship, explaining how a single sentence in the 14th Amendment has fueled a national debate over who gets to be a U.S. citizen.
A new, safer way to check for prostate cancer is now available locally
A new high-resolution MRI is offering a safer way to detect prostate cancer by helping doctors avoid risky biopsies that can lead to complications.
New trail connection coming to Boise's Table Rock Reserve
Boise hikers will soon have a new way to reach Table Rock as crews build a trail connector through the foothills.
Idaho Matters Doctor Roundtable: June 17, 2026
A new study suggests updated COVID vaccines may do more than prevent severe illness, they could also help protect against heart attacks, strokes and hospitalizations.
Who advocates for Idaho Doctors? Meet one of their leading voices
After nearly two decades of advocating for Idaho's physicians through some of the states biggest health policy challenges, Idaho Medical Association CEO Susie Keller is being recognized for her leadership and impact on medicine.
Celebrating 30 years of impact at the Wassmuth Center for Human Rights
This month the Wassmuth Center for Human Rights is celebrating 30 years of education and advocacy.
Boise State program bring cybersecurity support to rural Idaho
As cyber threats grow, a Boise State program is helping schools, company's and towns in rural Idaho improve their digital security.
From Christian Nationalism to Neo-Nazi networks: A preview of 'Extremely American's' new season
As Extremely American gears up for a new season, we're taking a look back at its reporting on extremist movements and what the podcast has planned for the future.