The 208: Recent Episodes
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Our mission on ‘The 208’ is to be smart, honest and (sometimes) funny. We also want to give your news a little more context and perspective. The 208 team promises to hold themselves to that standard each day we come into the KTVB newsroom.
With new guidelines from the CDC, plenty of people had questions about what it all means. The 208 asked some of your COVID-19 questions and comments with the experts. After the new guidelines, how are Idaho's entertainment venues are responding? ZZ Top was one of the biggest rock bands of the 1980s. Now one Boise guitar maker mourns the death of one of the members.
The COVID-19 pandemic has put a lot of things on pause over the last year and a half. Just as we were beginning to move forward, we are moving back to recommending masks be worn indoors.
Despite the availability of a COVID-19 vaccine, hospitalizations continue to increase, specifically among those who have not had a shot. We hear a desperate plea from an ICU physician at Saint Alphonsus.
Idaho's pandemic strategy has been touted as being very independent, which is kind of the Idaho way, right? How how is that meshing with national medical experts.
Private employers have already started requiring their employees to get the COVID-19 vaccine, and now government agencies are doing the same. It's happening in Idaho, but not by Idaho.
They certainly weren't the first pioneers of Boise, but they did provide the city with it's first ribbon of jewels along the river. We're looking back on how Julia Davis Park got its name.
On Thursday morning, Idaho's top health experts warned that the Gem State is on the edge of a fourth wave of the coronavirus. With the new school year about a month away, school districts are still working out plans for face masks and vaccine guidelines for students. The state's budget surplus reached more than $900 million, and Idaho Education Association wants to see some of that money go towards education.
A second ethics investigation into an Idaho lawmaker is set to start next month. The representative at the heart of it says the Idaho Speaker of the House is playing "dirty politics." However, Rep. Scott Bedke said the timeline of events in her accusation doesn't add up. With the delta COVID-19 variant spreading across the country, Idaho is trying to track the dangerous variant.
On July 19, 1989, the Gem State sold its first lottery ticket, to a billionaire of all people. In this 208 Redial, meet the woman who designs some of the Idaho Lottery's scratch tickets. With dozens of murals, Mountain Home is quickly becoming a hidden art gem in Idaho.
Going too far or well within rights? We continue to listen to the debate about the decision some local medical providers announced to their employees: get vaccinated or lose your job. After hearing from Idaho Republicans this week, today we turn to the Democrats.
After a year of delays and uncertainties, we're just one week out from the start of the 2020 Olympic Games. While we count down the hours, we're taking a look inside Boise's big kickoff party.
We're also bringing back one of our favorites: Feel Good Friday.
After three healthcare systems announced employees are now required to be vaccinated against COVID-19, Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin held a press conference about it and spoke to The 208's Joe Parris about her thoughts on the matter. The Treasure Valley is once again being choked with wildfire smoke. One air quality expert told KTVB that it might be around all through the summer and into the fall.
COVID-19 vaccine requirements are now mandatory for some employees, and Idaho's lieutenant governor thinks the state government should step in. Many believe, however, that request is an overreach. To feed or not to feed? A simple question for McCall's city council that got completely complicated by state code. So is there a new no-feeding ordinance in McCall?
Happy birthday to us! Idaho's first television station turns 68 today. While those numbers keep getting bigger, everything else around us keeps getting smaller.
The day after Idaho's major medical providers put a covid vaccine mandate in place, you can expect some fallout from a drop like that, we're hearing from st luke's about what they're hearing. What we're hearing, there's still a lot of misinformation and concern when it comes to the vaccine. Here are some numbers to help straighten it out. And how did a city in the middle of a dry-high desert get the nickname 'The City of Trees'? You can thank some French Fur traders for that and a tree farm that helps keep the namesake alive.
An affordable housing crisis was thrown on top of a pandemic, a combination that led to a federal moratorium on evictions that will end at the end of this month. Now, Idaho's most populous county is testing a new way to solve potential evictions. Looking for a way to gain an edge in this competitive housing market? Have you looked at writing a letter to the buyer? Well, if you're looking at moving west across the border into Oregon, don't expect it to work. It's the day we've had marked on our calendars since last week. could we break the consecutive days streak of highs 100 degrees or hotter? Today's that day.
There's a new sheriff in town for Ada County but many residents may remember him. ON Friday, Ada County Commissioners selected Matt Clifford, the police chief for the Eagle Police Department, to be the county's next sheriff. On Thursday night, Ammon Bundy was convicted of trespassing at the Idaho statehouse. July 2 is World UFO Day and one Idaho man explains why the Gem State has so many sightings.
After a sudden retirement left Ada County searching for a new sheriff, hear from two of the three candidates. While Ada County Commissioners decide the future of the sheriff's office, they're also weighing in on what to do with EXPO Idaho, the home of the Western Idaho Fair. Senate Bill 1110 may have passed the Idaho statehouse and was signed into law, but the Idaho Supreme Court will decide if the law is actually constitutional.
With drought conditions worsening across the Northwest, fire season has become a year-long battle. Two of the top doctors in Idaho who dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic first-hand are writing a book together, which will be published by John Hopkins University, the gold standard in scientific literature. Viewers of The 208 share some of their photos and videos of Tuesday's massive dust storm, which even made a porta-potty move around in a construction zone.
Extreme and exceptional are not how you want to have your drought described. With more than half of the west in those conditions- something we haven't seen in more than 30 years- we are poised for a potent fire season.
While drought can be bad for fires, it has a more immediate effect on agriculture. This year, it's had a sudden impact on certain southern farmers by shortening their growing season.
It's almost the season for fireworks, but not if you live in a certain mountain community. The city of Hailey issued a ban on fireworks for the upcoming Independence Day.
The Ada County clerk explains why some homeowners in the county will see some relief on their property taxes this year. The 208 spoke with farmers in the Magic Valley about how they're handling the severe drought. It took him five decades for his service to be recognized with one of the highest honors in the county, the Purple Heart. Over the weekend, one Vietnam veteran was presented the award.
On Tuesday, the Boise City Council voted for a plan that would get the City of Trees 100% carbon neutral by 2050. What does carbon neutral actually mean and how does the city plan to reach that lofty goal? For one Boise barbershop, it's all about family. The 208 was there when the fifth generation of the Kezar got their first haircut at the family-owned business.
With sky-rocketing housing prices in Ada County, the county accessor explains why some homeowners may be sticker shocked by their property tax assessments. With float season on the Boise River officially open, The 208 takes a look back on float seasons from the 1990s to now. After the ISBA president-elect resigned from Lt. Gov. McGeachin's education task force, she appointed a motivational speaker to the 15-member board.
White water recreation is a summer staple in Idaho. But in one of the Gem State's most scenic stretches of river, outfitters say there's a problem with the water this season and how much of it they are getting to use.
In a search for "indoctrination", the co-chair of the Lt. Governor's task force has asked to see curriculum plans from one Idaho school district. However, the requested papers will come with a pretty hefty price tag.
It could have been the script from a Cohen brother's movie: prohibition-era bumbling bank robbers borrow the then-Lt. Governor's car to pull off a heist. Only this was a kidnapping that didn't quite work out according to plan.
One of the only education leaders on Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin's "indoctrination" task force resigned after it felt "political" and other members trying to avoid transparency. The Treasure Valley Community College in eastern Oregon is bucking the trend of other Oregon colleges and universities requiring students to be vaccinated and is following Idaho colleges' path.
A militia group endorsed Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin for Idaho governor. But the 3%ers of Idaho founder said the group isn't rightwing but rather an advocacy group. One that happens to do "convoy security training" with guns in the desert. With more ransomware attacks happening, how is Idaho handling its cybersecurity?
Getting statewide initiatives on the ballot will be much more difficult in the future, which is why an advocacy group is hoping the Idaho Supreme Court will step in. After a woman's dog was killed by a coyote in the Boise Foothills, why are the animals territorial?
Just as the summer grilling season gets underway, a bump in the road may prevent barbeque enthusiasts from kicking things off. Treasure Valley suppliers and customers are struggling to not only find meat but to find it at an affordable price. Ada County Sheriff Steve Bartlett abruptly announced his retirement from the sheriff's office on Monday. So what happens next?
For those sent to work from home last year because of the pandemic, pets became companions and coworkers. As more offices begin to reopen and employees return to work, how are pets coping with the change?
In honor of Memorial Day 2021, a United States Army veteran volunteered to stand guard at the Eagle Field of honor, watching as thousands stop by to pay their respects.
He fought in one of the bloodiest battles in American military history and survived. 75 years later, he returned to the South Pacific to pay his respects to those who didn't.
It's the final resting place for thousands of Idaho veterans and their families. Their headstones offer a small glimpse into who they were during their time on earth.
The last 24 hours at the statehouse have been filled with "petty politics" after Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin issued an executive order while Gov. Brad Little was out of state. On Friday, the governor repealed McGeachin's executive order and blast her for doing so. Even if the order wasn't repealed, it faced likely legal challenges and the deputy attorney general explained that it also likely over stepped the governor's powers.
One year after the murder of George Floyd, a new organization is trying to combat inequality in the Gem State. With more Idahoans getting vaccinated, are residents ready to finally buck face masks?
After asking one customer to wear a face mask in their Garden City bistro, one business owner was threatened with a bad review over their mask policy. So does it violate HIPAA when a business asks guests if they're vaccinated? Here's what HIPAA does and doesn't cover. Twenty years ago, the City of Boise passed a $10 million land levy to protect the Boise Foothills. Now, more than 12,400 acres of public land in Boise's back yard are proetcted.
After Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin announced that she'll challenge incumbent Gov. Brad Little for Idaho governor in 2022, the chairman of the Idaho GOP says it'll be a "very dynamic" primary next May. Five people died following the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 and on Wednesday night, only 35 House Republicans voted in favor of a commission to investigate what happened. Idaho Rep. Mike Simpson was one of the 35. Payette County is in the bottom five of Idaho counties' vaccination rates. Locals explain to KTVB why that may be the case.
Idaho has been the resettled home for thousands of refugees since 1975. This year, however, we're about to see refugee numbers triple thanks to an increase in the admissions cap. This could be a sudden and significant impact on those tasked with helping families resettle, but two Idaho resettlement programs say they are ready and excited for that task.
Lawmakers have been out of the Idaho Statehouse for nearly a week, but that doesn't mean legislative business has stopped. Gov. Brad Little signed several "Building Idaho's Future" bills this week, but will they build Idaho's future in terms of education?
It's definitely wise to avoid the comment section of anything, but we can't. However, we found a question regarding the upcoming hot-car summer that we felt needed to be answered: does Idaho have a "good samaritan" law?
Over a dozen local municipalities and counties across the Gem State have become "Second Amendment Sanctuaries." In Oregon, we're about to see if city law can stand up to state constitution. After an Idaho lawmaker quit the legislature following rape accusations, community leaders held a healing vigil for sexual assault survivors at the Idaho statehouse steps. Sure, Boise's Freak Alley may be the city's public love poem to art, but other Idaho artists are making waves on digital publications.
One year ago, Blaine County, Idaho was one of the biggest hot spots of COVID-19 in the United States. Now, the county is leading the state in vaccination percentage. How did the rural county turn it around? Face masks are no longer needed by the fully vaccinated, the CDC announced. But proving it isn't required by the state. However, one city council member in North Idaho is more than thumbing his nose at the notion. A Boise woman's TikTok went viral after she captured her dogs' reaction to finding out her real name.
On Tuesday, Idaho Governor Brad Little announced that he was ending the state's participation in the extra $300 unemployment benefits provided by the federal government. Cutting back employment may not be enough to address Idaho's worker shortage, as one human resources manager at a Boise company explains that it's about providing the right benefits and work environment to bring in new employees. After a fiery crash on Interstate 84 hospitalized three, the Idaho State Police reminds people that illegal to drive and take photos of an accident.
In April, a backyard airstrip stirred up a lot of controversy in Custer County. The county's planning and zoning commission approved it and the property owner spoke out for the first time with The 208. Bullying is often bad enough for many middle schoolers. But one mom in the Twin Falls School District said the bullying against her daughter is laced with antisemitism. New unemployment numbers show a stark fall in the number of new jobs, coupled with an uptick in those without a job, could extra unemployment benefits be to blame?
After being closed down for eight months, one popular bar and restaurant in downtown Boise is reopening, the owners hope for good. The Gem State might be a landlocked state but the fifth vessel to ever bear its name, the USS IDAHO, is under construction and is the Navy's most advanced nuclear attack submarine.
The Idaho legislature finishes up with its 115th day in session, lawmakers are still working through a whirlwind of bills and budgets. As lawmakers near the longest session ever, Idaho taxpayers will be the ones paying for their extended stays in the capital. It may be Cinco de Mayo but the Mexican holiday has transformed a lot since more than 125 years since the battle the holiday honored, in thanks in part to FDR and beer companies.
As Idaho lawmakers scramble to end the 2021 legislative session, while cramming in as many bills as possible, the House clerk is left to do a lot of reading. Like enough to make three trilogies. Before vaccines are likely to be approved for more children, how many Idaho parents will vaccinate their children?
Just as Idaho’s House wraps up one ethics investigation, they are being asked to launch another. And, yes, it has to do with how Representative Priscilla Giddings handled the von Ehlinger investigation. That potential probe could add even more days to what is already on track for the longest legislative session in state history. There are still hundreds of bills and budgets still on the table. Going home in nine days is gonna be a big ask.
As Idaho lawmakers prepare for the upcoming ethics hearing of Rep. Aaron von Ehlinger, who is accused of raping a 19-year-old Statehouse staffer, The 208 is taking a deeper look into the allegations against the first-term lawmaker and what they mean going forward. TW: Sexual abuse
Students at an Eastern Idaho high school were photographed posing with blackface as well as a small baby doll that was painted black and hanging from a stick. The photos are just now resurfacing on social media, with reactions ranging from outrage to defending the students.
Madelynn Lee Taylor, a United States Navy veteran, passed away this month. She sued for the right to be buried with her wife at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery but was denied due to Idaho's same-sex marriage ban. Now that she has passed, has the state changed its mind?
Idaho lawmakers pass a flurry of bills and budgets when they returned to the statehouse on Monday. However, with several more major issues to tackle, the legislature will likely be in the longest-ever session this year. The U.S. Census released some of its 2020 numbers, and Idaho was the second-fastest growing state in the nation, but a neighbor took the top ranking.
After vetoing two bills that would curtail the governor's powers during an emergency, Idaho Gov. Brad Little signed into a law that would tighten the requirements to get an initiative on the ballot. He also did so after thousands of Idahoans contacted his office and urged him to veto it.
About this time last year, the coronavirus pandemic was just settling in and the City of Boise called for artists to capture the mood and feeling of the pandemic. One 14-year-old was able to express the lingering doom and constant boredom that quarantining at home brought.
Idaho lawmakers failed to override Gov. Little's veto of a bill that would trim the governor's powers. However, Little did sign a bill that would increase the requirements needed to get initiatives on the ballot. A Boise company is printing of hats and stickers that are quickly tapping into locals' nostalgia.
Idaho's legislature successfully agreed to yank some emergency powers from the executive branch. Gov. Brad Little, however, isn't ready to give up on this constitutional tug-of-war.
There's a good chance you've seen it, and probably just as good a chance you've snapped a view or two from it. The red-tiled roof and tower make it one of the most recognizable landmarks in the entire state. Today, we're learning more about the iconic Boise Train Depot.
Branch Rickey's time in baseball was eventful and Hall of Fame-worthy. His time in Boise? Not so much. The state says there's plenty of COVID-19 vaccines to go around but demand isn't quite keeping up as anticipated. So are younger Idahoans getting vaccinated?
On Tuesday, the CDC recommended a "pause" on the Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 one-dose vaccine after six women reported blood clots after receiving it. What does that mean for Idaho? Idaho House Republicans once again voted down a K-12 budget bill over concerns of social justice ideology. The Middleton school board met on Monday night and voted to lift the district's face mask mandate.
Idaho Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin announces a new task force focused on the " scourage" of socialism and critical race theory. The NCAA laid out the groundwork on its response to the state's anti-transgender athlete bills. The founder of the Greater Idaho plan met with Gem State lawmakers about his plan to expand Idaho's borders.
The City of Boise faces a growing number of homeless families, many driven out of their homes due to domestic violence, but Mayor Lauren McLean and a partnership of about 30 agencies is working on creating projects that will eliminate some of the massive waitlist. Idaho House Republicans are accusing the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare of overstepping its legal authority. The department director said it's well within its power to do so and welcomes the opinion of the Idaho Attorney General, who they say they've worked with on the matter.
Before President Joe Biden issued an executive order declaring gun violence a "public health epidemic," Middleton police posted on Facebook that officers won't take anyone's guns away. Reclaim Idaho, the group that got Medicaid expansion on the ballot in 2018 is starting a new ballot initiative to address a bill in the statehouse that would make them harder to get on the ballot. Everyone can find a place to stay in McCall, but finding a place to live there is a whole different story.
On Wednesday, Idaho Governor Brad Little issued an executive order banning so-called "vaccine passports." With the Powerball going away in Idaho in August, some businesses are already fretting about the loss of business that it may bring. In this 208 Redial, four officers from the Boise Police Department start a rock band to be more approachable to kids.
The 208 spoke with COVID-19 long-haulers about their experience after getting the coronavirus vaccine. After a two-week recess due to COVID-19 cases within the Idaho statehouse, lawmakers are back and first item on the docket is funding all-day kindergarten.
Last month, a bill that would accept $6 million in federal grants for pre-k education was voted down. But lawmakers now have a second chance to accept the money. The legislature will also debate a bill to fund all-day kindergarten classes. Boise's biggest sports fan, Jon Anderson, will now go to the NCAA men's basketball championship after Treasure Valley sports reporters teamed up to get him and his mom tickets.
The battle over an airstrip in front of the Sawtooth Mountains in Custer County will have to wait another month after Thursday's planning and zoning meeting. How did Ada County get its name? To find out, The 208 had to go back over a 100 years to find out why. Plus, the Treasure Valley NCAAP president wanted to build a memorial for Martin Luther King, Jr. five years ago. Now, his personal project has turned into a one-ton monument to the civil rights leader.
After one year of remote learning, the older students of West Ada and Boise School District are finally returning to the classroom full-time. While the students and staff are happy to be back, they know they must maintain safety procedures for the rest of the year.
Some of Idaho's highways cover some pretty historic ground (No, not the Oregon Trail). One roadside marker, however, goes back further than that, and now its main men are missing again.
Millions and millions and millions of miles away, the Gem State is leaving its mark on Mars. We're introducing you to another connection to the Mars Rover Perseverance Project.
Before the Idaho legislature voted to take a two-week pause due to a COVID-19 outbreak in the statehouse, some lawmakers tried to squeeze in a bill that would prohibit schools from teaching students about sexist and racist topics, something difficult to do when talking about Idaho's and the United States' history. Once they are back in session, Idaho Democrats hope to focus on education issues before they sine die.
The COVID-19 vaccine seems to be abundant right now. More doses available and lower demand from those eligible means more open appointments. That could all change in a couple of weeks as Idaho opens it up to everyone. We're wondering how the state's pharmacies will handle the likely influx of vaccination requests.
For a month last year, we were all asked to stay home to help "flatten the curve." We remember that phrase fondly. A year ago, we had a lot of questions about what businesses would be affected by the statewide stay-at-home order. We eventually worked out a few answers.
The Idaho Legislature is in a bit of an intermission after a COVID-19 outbreak at the Statehouse sent everyone home. So while they take a break, we're taking a look at what's still left on the table when they come back.
We've been through the COVID-Easter benchmark before. But this time, it's about the availability of vaccines, open to all Idahoans by the day after the holiday. This comes after a significant bump in the state's vaccine timeline. But will supply be able to meet demand?
The goal of getting the vaccine is, of course, to avoid getting the virus. But can you catch COVID-19 after being vaccinated? We're hearing of isolated cases in Idaho. But just how common is it?
It's a name that dates back to the early days of Idaho. We're learning about the man who built Boise's Spanish Village, and why it's important to the city's history.
COVID-19 variant cases are rising throughout the country, while Idaho's numbers appear to still be relatively low. But those numbers can be misleading.
Turning lemons into lemonade. That was the mentality of a lot of businesses squeezed during the pandemic - and how plans for a preschool pivoted into a pod school.
Idaho lawmakers have something to say about President Biden's 30 by 30 plan. And they aren't fans of the executive order set to protect more public land.
In exactly one year, nearly 2,000 Idahoans died due to coronavirus-related illnesses. Tonight, we introduce you to just a few of those who lost their lives, as their families continue to mourn.
Attacks on Asian-Americans throughout the country have been escalating since the beginning of the pandemic. Now vigils and protests speaking out against the violence are taking place all over the country, including in Idaho.
He's touted as one of the best NBA players of all time. And he got his start at the College of Idaho in Caldwell. One final goodbye to the best to ever play for the Yotes.
One COVID-19 case at the Idaho Statehouse turned into three, then quickly into six, all within a week. Now, lawmakers' duties are on pause until they can get the outbreak under control.
An Ada County commissioner is under scrutiny - and maybe an investigation - for his role in Ammon Bundy's court date debacle this week.
Near 70 degrees one day, 50 degrees and stormy the next. Spring in Idaho usually means all of the seasons in one and this year is no different.
This time last year, Boise Mayor Lauren McLean was barely three months into her first term. Then, she was faced with leading Idaho's most populous city during a worldwide pandemic. In a new interview with KTVB, McLean reflects on the tumultuous last year.
Eastern Idaho was the first region in the state to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Now, it's number one again. But this time it's for being the country's newest COVID-19 hot spot. Health officials in Idaho Falls are putting out another warning as hospitals near their tipping point again.
A Garden City doctor's presentation to Idaho lawmakers drew criticism on social media and from colleagues. Now, he's clarifying some of those comments, and insisting he's not an anti-vaxxer.
A Boise couple is now homeless after all of their belongings were ruined after their truck went off the Malad Gorge Bridge, hanging there for over an hour. Idaho lawmakers are working on a tax cut and rebate bill that would slash the state's coffers.
As Idaho's COVID-19 cases begin to climb again, the state announced the next steps in its COVID-19 vaccine rollout. One of St. Luke's top doctors also fact-checks claims that another doctor told state lawmakers last week.
Despite the ongoing pandemic, Canyon County is expected to let its COVID-19 emergency declaration expire. But, some community leaders are asking, at what cost?
If you collected unemployment money last year, you may be getting a tax break on it - from the feds, not from Idaho. The Gem State is still stockpiling that surplus.
Some Idaho lawmakers are trying to make mask mandates nearly impossible - no matter what public health emergency we might be facing.
From bare shelves at the grocery store to the abrupt cancellation of sports tournaments (and pretty much everything else) to our very first confirmed case of COVID-19; it was an unprecedented, worrisome week this time last year.
With three vaccines now in production and making their way through the Gem State, Idahoans are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. After 12 months of living in "the new normal," what do Idaho's chief health experts believe the future holds?
From Sacagawea to Kristin Armstrong, women have shaped the cultural, political, and social landscapes of Idaho's history. To commemorate these trailblazing women, the Idaho State Museum's latest interactive exhibition honors dozens of women credited with creating and defining the history of the Gem State.
It's been a roller coaster ride for kids when it comes to being back in the classroom during the pandemic. Some are still not yet back full-time in person. And some parents say they have paid the price when it comes to trying to teach their kids at home. Now Idaho lawmakers want to actually pay them money for their kids not being in the classroom.
Remember when Boise State was just gonna try out this whole remote learning thing for just one day? One day turned into weeks and months. We take a look back at what the school was doing pre-COVID-19 and what they've done since.
The key to getting out of this pandemic is herd immunity. And that comes quicker with inoculations. We find out what it takes to get shots in arms, even in Idaho's backcountry.
Vaccinations are up, but unfortunately, so is a spike in COVID-19 variants in Boise's wastewater. Does that mean we could be headed for another surge in coronavirus cases?
The aftermath of the 2020 presidential election was full of false claims about widespread voter fraud. None of it was proven. But just to be on the safe side, Idaho is doubling down on voter security. Why nearly 18,000 people in Ada County will have to re-register if they want to vote in the next election.
Congress has now passed a $1.9 trillion COVID relief bill. It covers a wide scope, but one part of it is laser-focused on getting more money in families' bank accounts. We look at how it aims to help get 17,000 Idaho kids out of poverty.
The COVID-19 pandemic is nearing a full year in Idaho and for some patients, their roads to recovery will likely be much longer. KTVB spoke with some coronavirus long haulers about what life is like with the effects of the virus. As more people get vaccinated than there are people who had it in Idaho, what are the chances of a "vaccine passport?" An Idaho state epidemiologist said it is highly unlikely that the state would need to create separate guidelines for people who have been vaccinated and those who aren't.
It wasn't that long ago that Idaho was dealing with a high demand and a limited supply of the COVID-19 vaccine. Now, however, it seems to have flipped: at least that's what one major hospital is saying.
Idaho lawmakers turned down millions of dollars to fund preschool programs this week, and the reasons why ran the gamut. We asked two early childhood educators to address those issues.
A sign that Spring is surely on the way: flocks of waterfowl working their way North and pit-stopping in Parma, of all places. But not for much longer.
The Idaho Senate passed legislation that would amend the state's constitution and allow the legislature to call itself into a special session. March 4 is Idaho Day, but with Idaho's state anniversary on July 3, why is today Idaho Day?
A proposed bill in the Idaho House is getting a lot of attention as lawmakers debate whether to accept $6 million in federal funds to increase the availability and accessibility of kindergarten in the Gem State. On Wednesday, a Republican lawmaker apologized for his remarks a day earlier suggesting that he would vote against "any bill that makes it easier or more convenient for mothers to come out of the home and let others raise their child." This comes as a Democrat attempted to use House rules to his advantage by voting against the bill as a way to save it.
Also - Idaho Gov. Brad Little weighs in on the lawmakers' efforts to limit his emergency powers, and why he thinks President Biden's promise to deliver enough vaccines for everyone by May just doesn't add up.
For the first time since Idaho began receiving doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, we're getting a detailed look at who has received it, who is next in line to receive their shot, and where you can get in that line.
It's been nearly one year since Idaho kids were sent home from school and asked to learn remotely. That's one year away from friends and the familiar school routine, and one year spent at home. We hear from a parent and a pediatrician about how this may affect children.
Remember that episode of The Office where Michael Scott comes to Idaho? Well, it was this day more than two decades ago- long before his regional manager days- that he arrived. While we didn't know about Michael Scott, we did know about Elvis.
It's been a trend at the Idaho statehouse: Bills deemed questionable when it comes to their legality seem to make their way into law anyway. Now former Idaho attorneys general are banding together in an effort to protect the state's constitutions and taxpayer pocketbooks.
On this day 100 years ago, Idaho lawmakers passed a bill that, today, would be viewed as morally reprehensible, as well as unconstitutional. It doubled down on an existing law banning interracial marriage and stayed on the books for another 38 years.
They wanted nothing more than to keep their creative juices flowing. How a group of kids in McCall found a way to piece together an unprecedented performance during a pandemic.
As Idaho continues to vaccinate its seniors and healthcare workers, people with high-risk medical conditions are left waiting and worrying when they'll get their shots. Capitol Police confirmed on Friday that they are not investigating Idaho Rep. Russ Fulcher for a possible hostile interaction with an officer. It's Idaho, so seeing dozens of high schoolers drive their tractors to school is all part of the experience of National FAA Week.
Idaho lawmakers are working on two bills that both face fierce opposition. One bill would make getting ballot initiatives to polls much more difficult. Another would drastically affect cities' budgets and over a dozen mayors from around Idaho spoke out in opposition to it on Thursday.
Halfway through Idaho's 2021 legislative session and lawmakers have a serious disagreement over their accomplishments so far. While Democrats say their Republican colleagues are engaging in a "power grab," the GOP claims they are fulfilling promises to voters.
Idaho is speeding up its vaccine distribution, but there is still a lot of frustration in finding an appointment. Is there a leftover waiting list, and how does one go about getting on that list?
More than two decades ago, Idaho's first Black church became Idaho's Black History Museum. But before it could open its doors, it needed some help. In today's 208 Redial, we're taking a look back at the effort to repair the stained-glass windows in the historic building.
Idaho lawmakers are working on a flurry of bills that would take away some powers from local governments, including rent control and deciding what's considered a misdemeanor.
They're also working on property taxes, the mere mention of which makes many people either angry or flat-out bored. But they are a big deal, and one plan to reduce taxes is meeting resistance from local leaders.
And, we take a look back at the 1968 Western Idaho Fair when Captain Kirk himself - William Shatner - stopped by the KTVB booth for a visit.
COVID-19 cramped operations at restaurants across the world - From fine dining to fast food, it left the industry that fills their freezers with an uneasy outlook. But while they didn't hit pay dirt, the pandemic didn't provide too much of a blow to the bottom line for farmers.
From the panhandle to the pacific. Or Coos Bay to Bear Lake. A group of conservatives continues their push to leave Oregon behind in search of a Greater Idaho.
Some things just fall flat: Babies trying to walk, childhood dreams, or a new 3-D feature on Google Maps. Stick around a scenic tour of some Gem State landmarks that are leaving a lot of detail to be desired.
Harass, intimidate, annoy - Idaho lawmakers hear more testimony and debate about the language of a bill aimed at stopping protests at private homes.
Texas is just now pulling itself out of the deep freeze of a powerful winter storm. Tens of thousands are still without power for the fourth day. What caused it to happen and is it possible that it could happen here in Idaho?
What's something you probably never thought you'd send through the mail, but found yourself doing just that during the pandemic? Flour? Toilet paper? Those items are still not as odd as what was being sent more than a century ago. Meet Idaho's famous mailed moppet.
An Idaho lawmaker wants to stop people from protesting at public officials' private homes. Those opposed to the bill showed their opposition by showing up at said lawmaker's home - a pretty good illustration of why he wants it to stop and why law enforcement leaders agree. The Canyon County sheriff tells us why this is the wrong way to express First Amendment rights.
Also, another rover has successfully landed on Mars. Why they are celebrating at the Idaho National Laboratory.
It's tax season, and while you may be cursing your payments, Idaho lawmakers at the Statehouse are hoping to cut taxes across the board.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the governor and state lawmakers have been in a power struggle. The pandemic emergency declaration could be setting the example for future states of emergency.
Fleetwood Mac has been in Idaho a number of times. The first time, however, they weren't exactly who they said they were. And Idaho's attorney general was not a fan of the fake Fleetwood.
We get questions about gas prices all the time. Why are they so high in Idaho? The same question was asked by the state's attorney general at the beginning of the pandemic. Now the AG is questioning the purpose of a price-gouging bill that would limit the ability to police it.
Legislation is not the only thing making its way through the Statehouse. We're hearing about more confirmed COVID-19 cases - this time in the Senate.
A piece of Idaho is days away from setting down on the Red Planet. The aptly-named Perseverance Rover will feel the power of Idaho's National Laboratory as it takes a tour of Mars.
They were an easy target for protestors in recent months, but a sore spot for those at which they were aimed. Now, two Idaho lawmakers want to put an end to picketing at public officials' private homes.
A grove of trees near Wendell is getting a lot of attention, thanks to its patriotic inhabitants: dozens of bald eagles.
It fell hard and fast over the weekend - the most measurable snowfall since that winter we'd all like to forget. So you can forgive those who misplaced their measuring tapes but found something familiar within reach to gauge the gobs of snow.
One of Idaho's Senators who is supposed to be an impartial juror in former President Trump's impeachment doesn't seem to be an engaged juror when he was seen on the phone during the trial. In this 208 Redial, The 208 goes back nearly two decades to find the true story of one of Idaho's strange love laws.
"But you know what, voting shouldn't be easy."
Well, that's what one Republican Idaho lawmaker thinks. But after a swift backlash from both sides of the aisle, the bill is going back for revisions.
And - new strains of COVID-19 are putting a strain on our psyches and leaving a lot of us to wonder how many are here in Idaho and how will the vaccine handle those variants? We put those questions to the experts and try to put your anxiety at ease.
"Ballot harvesting" has become a partisan talking point across the country. Now, a law making its way through the Statehouse would make the practice illegal in Idaho. But what does that mean for you and your ballot?
Idaho lawmakers have made it clear they don't want cities changing the historical names of places without their approval. Idaho's attorney general says it's not that easy. And what about all the rather rude and offensive names peppered across the Gem State? Shouldn't we change those?
Students in the West Ada School District are headed back to class for full-time in-person learning. Why the school board decided it was time to come back.
We're getting better, and at 91%, Idaho is getting a low "A" grade on its vaccine distribution. What is it going to take to get that to a solid A?
Also, what is it like for a Black girl to grow up in Idaho? Well, for one, there aren't a lot of others like you around. A high school senior tells us what it's been like for her and how she's learned to accept it - but not quietly.
Plus, at one point, Idaho had the most specialty license plates per capita in the country. We're going back to that time with a little help from a John Miller 208 Redial.
We're more than halfway through the school year, but being back in the classroom full-time is already being considered by the state's largest school district, West Ada. Thanks to COVID-19 numbers dropping and vaccine rates rising, it may be a reality soon, but one teacher is wondering if it may be too soon.
Cannabis is the formal name of the plant that produces marijuana. While there's a push to make marijuana permanently illegal in Idaho, what about the plant and what it can do for those who are sick? There could be a bipartisan answer for that.
Bringing Idaho's salmon population back from the brink would take a breach of what's been the norm for generations. Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson is hoping to breach several dams to do so. But it could come at the cost of the town who count on them.
Idaho lawmakers have been warned about the pace that they're spending hundreds of millions in aid. But who's to blame for the budget bog down? Depends on who you ask. Developing a COVID-19 vaccine may have been a marathon, but distributing it is a numbers game for a public health district in Eastern Idaho.
They wanted to decide how the state spends money in an emergency. But for weeks $900 million in federal funding has been waiting to be divvied out - a delay that doesn't necessarily bode well in a state of emergency. We're asking: Why the hold-up?
Hundreds of thousands of Idahoans are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. But we're only getting about 21,000 doses a week into the state. It's a case of supply and demand - and patience. One is outweighing the other two.
And, what happens when a popular phone number is just one digit different from another? Lots of unwanted phone calls - from angry constituents - to an unsuspecting Meridian business.
We're moving up by moving back into Stage 3 of Idaho's reopening plan. There's a whole lot of wordplay involved, and some massaging of the benchmarks to help make that happen. We'll look at how Idaho earned an upgrade.
There were a lot of people upset about the possibility of a homeless shelter moving into their neighborhood. The shelter's executive director tells us why these cries of "not in my backyard" should be put on the back burner.
Idaho schools want more money and Gov. little wants to give it to them. After a year like this one, you could argue Idaho educators have earned it. So why are some lawmakers questioning some teachers' dedication?
Abraham Lincoln has always been held in high regard in Idaho - but not so much for some in our community who vandalized a statue of the revered president at Julia Davis Park. The vulgar defacement came on the first day of this year's Black History Month.
Sixty-five years of marriage is supposed to be marked by the blue sapphire. But one Boise couple commemorated the milestone with something a little more valuable these days - the COVID-19 vaccine. A celebration for them, sure. But even getting set up for a shot has been anything but a party for so many others today.
Another decades-long celebration put on pause because of the pandemic. So instead of braving the cold and crowds this year, sit back as we check out some of the best McCall Winter Carnival snow sculptures in recent memory.
Have there ever been this many bills addressing virtually the same topic in previous legislative sessions in Idaho? There are a lot of them out there about what lawmakers are trying to do with the governor's power during a statewide emergency. Idaho's Republicans are trying to clear up the confusion.
For the people, by the people... right? It seems the people wanted something else than what some Ada County commissioners gave them when it came to the Central District Health board. At least that's what the emails show.
Idaho has always felt like two parts of the same puzzle piece: the Southern section and the panhandle part. They were apparently kept intact because of an institution of higher learning.
In the wide-open world of Facebook Marketplace, we found a peculiar posting, proof that people will purchase anything.
One Eastern Idaho legislature is trying to get his articles of impeachment against Republican Gov. Brad Little in the House, but a committee chairman isn't budging on not giving it a hearing. 2021 has been full of surprises but GameStop's wild ride on the socket market that few could have even imagined. The Ada County Sheriff's Office is now asking the public's help identifying a man who broke into a Boise golf course while wearing an "I (heart) hot moms" t-shirt.
He secured enough votes to get on the Central District Health board. Today, we're getting a clearer picture of why some county commissioners voted for Raul Labrador. In short, apparently, there was a worse option. Also, "political games" and "jockeying." That's how Idaho's legislators have been accused of playing - first by the governor, and now by two other well-known politicians. And, big ol' metal boxes, made to tell a story of the surrounding community. The story behind Boise's unique traffic boxes.
Former Republican Idaho Congressman Raul Labrador's appointment to Central District Health and nine of the 12 members voted in favor of putting the lobbyist, lawyer, private citizen but former chair of Idaho's republican party in that position. Limits on social gathering sizes may soon change after Idaho lawmakers moved to remove the restrictions.
The presidential transition is complete. But what actually happened behind the scenes during the change of administrations? And at the risk of sounding like a Nic Cage movie, is there really a "Book of Secrets?"
He made Idaho a state and then visited said state - a short trip that left a long-lasting impression and the name of an iconic tree-lined street in Boise.
While we've never had a president from Idaho, we've certainly had our share of Idahoans welcoming one into office - from the Red Hot Mamas to the cold horns of the Fruitland High School band.
There were other candidates to fill the vacant seat on the Central District Health Board, including a couple of doctors. But Ada County commissioners have decided to stick with their first choice - someone who hasn't exactly had a favorable relationship with healthcare.
Just a week into the Idaho Legislature's 2021 session and there is already a case of COVID-19 at the Statehouse. Now, it's bringing legislative safety protocols further into focus.
If we've learned anything during this pandemic it's that rarely do things follow the timeline we lay out. The latest example: a delay in a new website to help Idahoans navigate the process for getting a COVID-19 vaccination.
How far has Idaho come in terms of race relations? Brian Holmes sat down for a candid conversation with Philip Thompson, the executive director of Idaho's Black History Museum.
Idaho lawmakers said it was a priority, and on the sixth day of the 2021 session, a bill to allow an unlimited amount of people at group gatherings takes a big step closer to approval. But what about the warning from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Idaho Gov. Brad Little?
Shortly after K-12 teachers were given to go-ahead to receive their COVID-19 vaccine, a Boise kindergarten teacher walks us through her experience of getting the vaccine and the lessons she will take back to the classroom with her.
That big shipment of new COVID-19 vaccines Idaho was looking forward to? It might be in jeopardy after the Federal government dropped the ball. The Idaho GOP has made it clear that there won't be any COVID-19 accommodations inside the Capitol, which is disappointing lawmakers with serious health concerns.
More than 100,000 does of the COVID-19 vaccine have made it to Idaho, but only 40,000 have made it to the arms of Idahoans. So what's the holdup? A new proposed bill in the Idaho legislature would loosen the definitions of child neglect under Idaho law.
President Trump may have been impeached for a second time, a first in U.S. history, but that may not be enough to ensure accountability. A University of Idaho law professor explains how the 14th Amendment could be used against him. New murals in downtown Boise send an important message during uncertain times.
What a first year in office for Boise Mayor Lauren Mclean. We sat down with McLean to find out what she's been able to keep in play since taking office, despite all the curveballs thrown at her. Also, it was the one big topic of the three-day special session last summer. Now on just the second day of the 2021 session, the Idaho Legislature is looking to end the state of emergency and limit the powers of the governor. Plus, a familiar name in Idaho politics is back, this time serving on the board of Central District Health. Does it solve the problem of having unelected officials in powerful positions?
COVID-19, the budget surplus, and the powers of the legislature: that's what members of Idaho's legislative body want to discuss in this year's session. But is the governor on the same page?
One thing at the top of Gov. Brad Little's priorities for the upcoming year is transportation, how he hopes to keep Idahoans in Idaho before they decide to leave the Gem State.
From England's castles to Idaho's Capitol, we're sharing our appreciation for columns and throwing it back to the time John Miller introduced us to two guys who know their stuff about restoring historical buildings.
What happened this week in Washington D.C. was quite familiar to what Idahoans saw this summer at the Capital building. In preparation for the upcoming legislative session, what are Idaho State Police planning to keep our lawmakers and public safe?
As law enforcement work to keep our lawmakers safe, two Idaho representatives say they are not being protected during the COVID-19 pandemic. We speak with them about why they hope a lawsuit will change that before Monday.
Good news for some Idahoans, half a million of whom are in our most vulnerable categories when it comes to COVID-19. Now, they may not have to wait as long to receive the vaccine.
KTVB speaks with a former Senate staffer about the attempted insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday and how it was unlike any protest they've seen in D.C. With some lawmakers called for the use of the 25th Amendment, a law professor at the University of Idaho explains how it works and what it would look like. They may help care for the most vulnerable populations but many healthcare workers and long-term care workers across the country are declining the COVID-19 vaccine, including in Idaho.
Back in the 1950s, senior citizens were first in line to receive the Polio vaccine. Decades later, some are asking what's taking so long for them to get the COVID-19 vaccine? Who decides who gets what, and when?
In Idaho, there is a priority list for who will receive the COVID-19 vaccine first. If you're not a senior citizen, a healthcare worker or an essential employee, you're considered part of the general public, meaning you will be last in line to get the shot.
Part of our job as journalists is to hold people accountable, including our elected officials. We ask questions and work to get answers. But what if those working for you in Washington, D.C. aren't willing to answer them?
It's been a while since an election day lasted weeks - months it seemed - and into a new year. But no matter what happens this week in Congress, who will be the next president has already been settled. Also, new year, new rules for Congress. And one lawmaker from Idaho isn't shy about voicing his displeasure with the changes. Plus, stress, anxiety, fear - all things we felt in 2020. So how did Idahoans cope? Turns out, liquor helped.
The pandemic has lasted longer than a lot of people expected. Now the money meant to help Idahoans get through it will also extend into the next year. How Congress's $900 million budget is now in limbo after President Trump's push for $2,000 checks. Nimble fingers once propelled Frank Morris to the top of the speedcubing world. The Boise man is no longer in the game but his skill with the six-sided puzzle is still pretty sharp.
During the upcoming legislative session in Idaho, COVID-19 protocols will be in place and will change based on the situation in the state. Majority leaders explain their plans to keep the Statehouse safe for everyone.
Some of Idaho's elected leaders are planning on the pandemic being behind us shortly after the end of the 2021 legislative session. We discuss what that would take, and why it seems like a stretch.
All of the normal holiday-type information we would give you in a year condensed into a COVID-19 style information blast? What more could you ask for just days before the Christmas holiday?
Three weeks after the Thanksgiving holiday, Idaho medical experts are seeing better than expected COVID-19 numbers. This good news, however, does not mean big gatherings and traveling over the Christmas holiday can be done freely.
Monday is Sun Valley Ski Lodge's 84th birthday. To commemorate one of the most iconic ski resorts in the Gem State, we're revisiting how the resort came to be and looking back on the recent renovations.
Jupiter and Saturn got very close to each other, something nobody has seen for centuries. While this phenomenon is called the "Christmas Star", it doesn't have much to do with the first Christmas.
Idaho has not yet had to transition to crisis standards of care due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but one of the state's leading medical expert has already experienced it. Dr. David Pate, the retired CEO of St. Luke's Health Systems, worked in crisis standards for days in 2001, after Tropical Storm Allison ravaged the city of Houston, Texas.
Thousands of COVID-19 tests are being administered every day in the Treasure Valley. We asked one pathologist how his lab is keeping up with the demand. Short answer: by spending a lot of money on equipment and very little time sleeping.
The snow is falling on Idaho's mountains. If you're planning on heading up to enjoy the fresh powder this weekend, you not only have to remember your skiing etiquette, but also your COVID-19 protocols.
The 65th Idaho legislative session ended under a cloud of COVID last March. And that cloud has yet to lift like we hoped it would. That's why some lawmakers want to delay the start of the 2021 session in an effort to set a good example for the public and to help slow the spread of the virus. Also, that list of things you were going to do before making it to grandmother's house for Christmas dinner may or may not include getting a COVID-19 test. Why the sense of security around a negative test is false and shouldn't be your ticket to a traditional holiday. Plus, John Miller shows us why you may not really know all the names of Santa's reindeer. Go ahead, sing it out loud, and test yourself.
Sometimes a tie equals a loss. That was the situation on Tuesday when an expanded Central District Health order failed due to a divided board. Also, hundreds of Idahoans - more than 200 just this month - have died from COVID-19. A Boise woman continues to document every single one. Plus, saying goodbye to a loved one. How the coronavirus has changed one of the most intimate and heartbreaking moments of life - and death.
More than a month after Election Day, Idaho's election results are official - as are the rest of the nation's. So does that mean we have an official president-elect? Also, just three days after it was approved by the FDA, Idaho healthcare workers became the first Idahoans to get the COVID-19 vaccine. And trumping hate with kindness - that's what folks are doing this week to show what's truly at the heart of our community.
Before the Supreme Court dismissed the case, Idaho's Congressional delegation and other state lawmakers supported Texas' lawsuit to overturn the election. Central District Health approves of the CDC's new recommendations on how long to quarantine after getting COVID-19. Plus, one family spent endless hours building a gingerbread White House.
It's been a month since the last time Gov. Brad Little was in front of the Idaho news media. A lot has changed on the COVID-19 front since then. But the governor's approach hasn't changed, and we all wanted to know why. Also, Idaho's doctors have made it clear that our hospitals are nearing the tipping point. So how close are they to crossing into crisis standards of care criteria? That final push could be just days away. And on the lighter side of things, get your menorahs and dreidels ready. We're celebrating the first night of Hanukkah with a John Miller festival of lights classic.
An angry, vocal contingent has certainly made itself heard at local Idaho health districts during the pandemic. On Tuesday, the other side made itself heard and seen - by posting hundreds of signs in support of the board on the lawn of the Central District Health building. Also, COVID-19 has always been about more than just numbers. We hear from the family of another victim of the coronavirus. Plus, NNU in Nampa will finish the fall semester just as they started it - in person. We found out how they were able to reopen when many other Idaho universities are still doing virtual learning.
Central District Health's latest proposed health order across four southern Idaho counties will get another look on Tuesday night. This new order, however, is not as strict as the one currently in place. The board of health decided to make changes to the original draft, sliding back on restrictions. But will it be enough to ease the burden on Idaho hospitals?
There didn't seem to be much adherence to the public health order at a recent event in the city of Eagle. The annual tree lighting ceremony took place last weekend, despite the size limit on public gatherings. We hear what Eagle's Chamber of Commerce had to say about the city's decision to hold the ceremony.
A surprise military strike left 2,400 Americans dead 79 years ago today at Pearl Harbor. In 2001, John Miller tagged along as a group of high school students got a firsthand history lesson of that day and the war we fought because of it.
When a suggestion becomes an order. we're about to see if that happens in the four counties of the central district health district. it will have an effect on just about everything from businesses to bars to long term care facilities and sports and a lot of people are calling foul on that. With a vaccine on the horizon – it seems we seeing some sort of light at the end of this pandemic tunnel. Does that mean we will be able to ditch the mask, once we start injecting the inoculation? Not likely. Local health experts say Idahoans will determine when we emerge from that tunnel. How we attack the holiday shopping season is changing quite a bit this year – but there is one old-school shopping technique that still applies in 2020. Sitting and waiting. We're going back to when we used to do that - in public.
The first shipment of COVID-19 vaccines is in sight and could be available to the first selected group in the coming weeks. So what's Idaho's plan for a rollout? We get the answer from the person in charge of distribution.
A diary kept by a student at the University of Idaho more than a century ago is helping current students navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.
It wasn't long ago Idaho was debating the question of living in fear. The last major crisis to threaten this country brought some of the same sentiments we are seeing today, 19 years later.
As many people become numb to the daily onslaught of coronavirus statistics, a Boise woman has found an eye-opening way to visualize the heavy toll the virus has taken here at home. She created a makeshift memorial to honor the nearly 1,000 Idahoans who have died from COVID-19. Also, Central District Health says their public health advisory isn't enough. In an effort to keep hospitals from hitting capacity, could recommendations soon become requirements? Plus, A downtown Boise business owner has had enough of protesters causing problems in local businesses. The new sign on his front door is getting a lot of attention.
One day after setting an all-time ICU record, are Idaho's hospitals running out of room for patients? Yes, but there's some important context behind that answer that you should be aware of. Also, making something sweet out of a sour situation - literally. That's what a Boise teen is doing after he and his family were hit hard by the coronavirus. Plus, it's a single-stoplight town with a name that - when said out loud - could get you a quick doubletake. So how did Athol, Idaho get its name?
Small protests on Small Business Saturday - as a group of people refused to wear masks inside some downtown Boise stores. One manager said it was "unsettling and scary." Also, two celebrities are showing Idaho some love. We'll tell you about Jimmy Kimmel and Tracy Morgan's connection to the 208. And how do you plan to decorate for Christmas this year? We want to see what you've got!
Within 24 hours of opening, Boise's hotline to report violations of the city's new COVID-19 restrictions was flooded with robocalls. Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin spoke on Facebook live about her plan for the state's COVID-19 response, and it doesn't involve face masks. On Tuesday, the outcome of the lawsuit of whether West Ada teachers could strike with their "sick out" was announced.
A line of cars and an unprecedented demand this Thanksgiving season as more Idahoans struggle to put food on their tables. How one local nonprofit is helping out. Also, we look at the significant contributions from Idaho's native peoples, starting with Joseph R. Garry of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe. Plus, the great debate: Is it too early to put up Christmas decorations? Joe Parris and Gov. Little don't think so. And in today's 208 Redial, we take you back 17 years for a Thanksgiving lesson that began almost 400 years ago.
KTVB's Joe Parris explains how spikes in COVID-19 cases follow holidays or holiday events and Brian Holmes shares the story of how a mom's visit on Halloween led to a family of five all contracting the coronavirus. In today's 208 Redial, Brian goes back five years to a snowy day at the Boise Towne Square Mall where KTVB asked people what they were thankful for this holiday season. Some of the answers your about to hear don't apply to 2020, like for some "softball" or for others, "a job." Idaho's Taysom Hill will start this Sunday under center for the New Orleans Saints after franchise quarterback Drew Brews suffered multiple fractured ribs. Thanks to the Saints' creative use of Hill in their offense, he will be listed as a quarterback and a tight end in ESPN fantasy football leagues. Here's what fantasy general managers should know about the Idaho native.
The city of Boise now has a health order with some bite. New COVID-controlling mandates issued by the mayor include enforcement for the first time and will affect some city services through next summer. And, next summer is when we're supposed to have this coronavirus all under control - thanks to the release of a vaccine. At least that's according to U.S. Sen. Jim Risch of Idaho. Joe Parris sat down with him today to get his take on the worsening crisis. He also asked the senator about the presidential election. Plus, talk about a transfer of power. It was a century-and-a-half ago that Idaho's state capitol was "transferred" from Lewiston to Boise. But this week, it was moved again - kind of.
We've been advised. Then again haven't we been before? Amidst record COVID-19 numbers, Central District Health has some recommendations for us to keep us from pushing this pandemic out of reach. despite the dire situation in hospitals right now, area nurses keep showing up. We're hearing from one in Twin Falls, who is feeling the pressure from long days and a lack of faith from her community. idaho's next legislative session is right around the corner. Today, we are reaching across the aisle to find out what Democratic lawmakers have put on their agenda for January.
Giving oxygen to the toxic minority and conspiracy theorists. That's what a chief medical officer says a Treasure Valley health district is doing while doing nothing else to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the community. And, health districts aren't the only ones grappling with mandates and executive orders. After already passing three bills addressing those issues during a special summer session, Idaho's legislature may be looking to wrestle more control from the governor's office. Also, with more than 19,000 miles of trails to explore statewide, it's no wonder we have a national holiday insisting you take a hike. But how did trails like Table Rock, Elephant Rock or even Hippie Shake get their names?
Some encouraging news on the COVID-19 vaccine: Moderna's trial vaccine has proved to be nearly 95% effective. Idaho medical experts predict it could be available to the general public as soon as April 2021. In more COVID-19 news, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee issued a statement encouraging Idaho leaders to ramp up the fight against the virus. Kootenai County, the Idaho county closest to Idaho, has begun transferring patients to Spokane hospitals as a result of the spike in cases. And, did you know that hay is now only for horses?
On Friday, Gov. Brad Little announced that Idaho would move back into Stage 2 of his reopening plan. So what does that change for Idahoans? Well, not all that much. One Idaho state representative from Twin Falls is urging the GOP to point to concrete cases of voter fraud before crying foul. It's Friday The 13th so in this 208 Redial, Brian goes back to 2013 when he set out to learn why the US Bank Building in downtown Boise doesn't have a 13th floor.
It was borne out of necessity but turned into a career and eventually became a place for other veterans to go for a fresh cut and conversation that can only be shared between brothers in arms. Celebrating the legacy and service of Idaho’s women on the front lines. What the state is now doing to honor the sacrifices of our home-grown heroes. Five years ago, we went for a flight with several of Idaho’s oldest veterans. For one of them, it meant he would add even more unique moments to his memoirs.
One of Idaho's biggest cities, in one of the hardest-hit counties when it comes to COVID-19, thought about making masks mandatory. Their plan to stop the spread, well, was stopped in its tracks. A week after Election Day, some of Idaho's votes are now certified. So much of a record-breaking year was it? After 25 years, a time capsule at West Boise YMCA is opened. So what goodies from the 1990s were stored away?
The 2020 election was definitely one of the most historic in recent history, and while we can move past the day itself, some are wondering what happens to the ballots in Idaho. We talk to an Idaho election expert about the process of retaining election ballots. Next, we discuss the new COVID-19 restrictions in our neighboring states Utah and Oregon. How do these restrictions differ from the Gem State? Finally, were you ready for the snow? Some of Idaho's fur babies were, so we put together an adorable video of them soaking in the snow!
The 2020 election has caused concerns of voter fraud to come into the spotlight, but how possible is committing voter fraud in Idaho? We ask an election expert about precautions the Gem State takes to ensure all elections are free of fraudulent activity. Steering away from the stress of 2020, we revisit a group of local artists who are commemorating social justice activists with their talent. Inspiration Alley in downtown Boise serves as a mural for those who have impacted the world. We're also bringing back Feel Good Friday after a long, stressful week!
Idaho Gov. Brad Little recently announced that the state was moving back to Stage 3 of the reopening plan. That means no large events, including at sports venues in Ada County. So why are officials allowing Boise State to welcome more than a thousand fans for Friday night's game against BYU? Central District Health explains the decision-making process. Also, social media sites have had their hands full, tagging and flagging false claims when it comes to the Nov. 3 election. So we decided to help out a bit, and take a closer look at an Idaho legislator's questionable post. And, adding insult to an already-long election season, campaign signs are still out on our roadways, reminding us that at least one election is far from over. But they won't be around for long - at least they're not supposed to be.
While we await results in the hotly-contested presidential race, it's another story entirely in Idaho, where almost all races have been called. But there were some close ones, including a race in Ada County that came down to just two votes. That raises questions about the recount procedures, and what happens next. So what about the Idaho Statehouse? We break down the changes coming to Idaho's Capitol. And, a New Plymouth family voted together for the first time, but it wasn't just because it was easier to all jump in the same car.
Leaving their home states for Idaho, some new residents say they are searching for not only a better way of life, but to live somewhere that aligns with their political views. We're taking a look at the trend known as "political migration." Also, technology isn't always an accurate science. So how can you double-check that your absentee ballot has been counted? Plus, no matter the year, it's the same message: get out and vote. Today's 208 Redial takes us back to 1998 when John Miller hit the polls.
Idaho medical leaders say we are in the midst of a critical situation when it comes to hospital capacity and that crisis care standards could soon become a reality as COVID-19 cases continue to surge throughout the state. We spoke with frontline health care workers - including a St. Luke's respiratory therapist - to find out what is really happening inside the hospital. Also, the departure of a coffee shop from the Boise State campus turned into a dramatic controversy this week. And it culminated with hundreds of people gathering outside Big City Coffee's downtown Boise location on Friday.
With just days until the Nov. 3 election, some Idaho voters still have questions, particularly about what to expect at the polls on election day. Ada County Clerk, and Idaho election expert, Phil McGrane sat down to answer last-minute viewer questions. Plus, a group of Boise teens has created a "Babe Vote" initiative to help register thousands of young voters. And, we dive into the controversy surrounding Big City Coffee's exit from the Boise State campus.
Another day in the red on Wall Street. A financial advisor in Boise explains what an economic slowdown could mean for Idahoans and Tuesday's presidential election. Ada County schools are also in the "red," but the return to in-class education continues for the state's largest school district. Plus, it was one of the biggest natural disasters in Idaho history, one that took the lives of two young children. 37 years ago today the Borah earthquake shook the Gem State.
As COVID-19 cases continue to surge and hospital beds become more scarce throughout Idaho, healthcare leaders are talking about the tough reality that the state faces going forward. They said during a call on Tuesday that we are now at a critical moment and Idahoans need to take action now. Also, with just a week until the election, a tweet from President Trump suggests that voters can change their votes after they've already submitted their ballots. We looked into Idaho's rules regarding vote-changing.
After weeks of steady increases in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, Idaho Gov. Brad Little announced Idaho will move back to Stage 3 of Idaho Rebounds, the state's reopening plan. Though the state is taking one step back, modifications have been made to the restrictions placed on businesses and individuals. Today also brought the first court hearing in a case against West Ada School District parents and teachers from the West Ada Education Association. Parents claim the "sick-out" that took place last week was actually a strike, making it illegal under Idaho law. Plus, we'll take a look at early voter turnout from 2020 compared to 2016. With only eight days until the election, how many Idahoans have already cast their ballot?
A University of Idaho model projected Idaho's third wave and now the mathematician says the Gem State is at the tipping point between a downward trend in cases on the horizon or a continued spike going into the Winter season. A Ketchum woman is a new type of long hauler after dealing with the lingering health effects of COVID-19 for the last seven months.
Seven months after coronavirus hit Idaho, a Magic Valley lawmaker is now urging everyone to follow the advice of medical professionals. We asked her why she changed her tune. Also, the State Board of Education releases new COVID-19 guidelines. So does "red" now mean remote learning? The board's president explains. Plus, prepping for Boise State's home-opener; While there won't be fans in the stands, there will be cardboard stand-ins. How you can show your team spirit in absentia.
Carefully crafted or illegally organized? Is West Ada's teacher "sick-out" a strike - and therefore against the law, according to Idaho statute? That's the question a judge may soon decide. Also, there are less than two weeks to go until the November general election. But we likely won't know all of the winning candidates on that day. So how far will the pandemic push back results in Idaho? And in today's 208 Redial, welcome to Pete's Tavern in Nampa - home of pints, pool tables and the paranormal.
Remote-learning relief. Idaho is dishing out cash to families in order to offset the costs of learning from the living room. But what about what's happening in the schools? Teachers now have an anonymous way to voice their concerns about safety protocol violations - and they've already had a lot. Also, COVID-19 numbers are surging in several parts of the state, including southern Idaho. To help slow the spread, healthcare leaders are pushing for all Idahoans to take personal responsibility.
Paving a path for education during the pandemic. Why medical experts are preaching personal responsibility as a major step in the return to normalcy. Also, with no football scheduled in the Kibbie Dome, the Idaho Vandals marching band is drumming up a solution. Why the band is bagging the brass and woodwinds for the upcoming season. Plus, it used to be a mecca for teachers in southern Idaho. Now it sits empty, but some say spirits continue to roam the halls. We dial back the clock and dig into the possibly paranormal patrons of Albion Normal School.
As Trump supporters organize a rally in Boise for Saturday, Oct. 16, city leaders are asking counter-protesters to not engage with any taunting or fighting. The West Ada School District is battling multiple fires at once, teaching during a global pandemic, Ada County going down to the red category of COVID-19 transmission, and a network that hasn't been through enough stress tests to go fully remote. After teachers forced the district to cancel all classes on Monday in response to a planned "sick-out" day, parents in the district are growing upset and frustrated with the board not sticking with its original playbook for being in the red category and so much more.
Hundreds of West Ada teachers are planning a mass sick-out on Monday after the district's board of trustees voted to continue with plans for a hybrid schedule, including in-person classes, despite the district being moved back into the red category, which indicates significant community spread of COVID-19. The president of the district's teachers union exlains why they're taking this drastic step. Also, Ada County has a new tool to help process a record number of ballots coming into the elections office. Why the $500,000 machine, nicknamed "Bessie," will save election workers a lot of time and effort. Plus, today's 208 Redial looks back at a story about a 102-year-old man who still plays golf every week.
The chairman of the state's largest school district - West Ada - abruptly resigned his leadership position at the end of Tuesday night's four-hour-long meeting. He said in a letter on Wednesday that he resigned due to the "unhealthy" level of distrust between the district and the board. But he wasn't the only local school board member to call it quits as the pandemic puts increasing pressure on decision-makers. Also, some Boise schools will close down and move students to virtual learning on election day, a move that election officials say will make in-person voting safer for everyone. Plus, an eastern Idaho doctor has penned a strongly-worded op-ed as his county - Madison - continues to be a hot spot for COVID-19.
Back to red - Ada County's spiking COVID19 cases have sent its schools back a step. Red usually means stop, as in, stop what you're doing, but not so much this time. full-time...part-time...or no-time? No school district has had the public protests about their decisions quite like West Ada has and that hasn't changed, with this not-much-of-a-change designation. What does that mean for school sports? We've heard it a lot, COVID-19 doesn't seem to have much of an effect on young people. Well, that theory took a big hit today with an Idaho teenager sent to Utah in need of a heart transplant.
Doctors are concerned about short-lived immunity when it comes to the coronavirus. A Twin Falls woman is currently hospitalized with her second bout of COVID-19. This time, she says, the symptoms are worse. Also, Day 1 of hearings for the vacant U.S. Supreme Court justice seat. But is the Senate moving too fast? We take a look at the history books. And, kicking butt and taking names. That's what one particular contraption does - sort of. We're revisiting an Idaho Life segment on National Kick Butt Day.
Earlier this week, The 208 reported on a mailer to residents in District 15 in Boise. On Friday, The 208 addresses how a simple mistake prevented us from telling the whole story and we make those corrections. In this 208 Redial, John Miller gets lost in a Canyon County corn maze all the way back in 2001. Friday is the deadline to register to vote online in Idaho, but voters can register at their polling location on Election Day and during early voting,
What does election security look like in the modern world? Well, there's some pretty advanced technology being installed so you can see exactly where you ballot is going, and who is handling it. Also, One More Day. That's what one local man is hoping to give veterans who are struggling to find themselves after returning home. Plus, the greatest gift you can lay at the feet of a guitar god - adulation by way of imitation. Hall of Famer Eddie Van Halen has now been honored by a Parma Middle School student.
As the November 3 general election nears, more and more political signs are popping up in yards throughout Idaho. But a new state law means you won't have to get approval from your HOA before showing your political support. Also, as coronavirus cases continue to surge throughout Idaho, a Magic Valley hospital is seeing record numbers of hospitalizations. A doctor at St. Luke's Magic Valley explains the uptick in people seeking treatment. Plus, Johns Hopkins University has released a report showing Idaho has the second-highest coronavirus positivity rate in the nation. But state health officials say the number is actually much lower. We looked into the discrepancy.
Four weeks from today, Americans will head to the polls for the November general election. With a huge amount of interest in this election, a lot of people are wondering what polling places will look like, especially since President Trump has encouraged supporters to show up at the polls to monitor for possible fraudulent activity. We looked into Idaho's rules for poll watchers and found out not just anyone can show up at a polling to place to observe the process. Also, a political mailer targeting state Sen. Fred Martin makes some salacious claims about the incumbent lawmaker. Martin's attorney says the claims on the mailer are defamatory and untrue.
We now have a clearer picture of how many polling places will be available in Canyon County for the Nov. 3 general election. But is it enough? We check in with the county's election officials to get their take. And, a historic theater in the town of Burley could soon become another victim of the COVID-19 pandemic. Plus, Idahoans tend to be pretty friendly folks; So friendly, in fact, that an eastern Idaho town makes it illegal to be anything but. We look into why Pocatello is considered the "Smile Capital of the U.S."
After the Trump administration recommended a new record-low cap on new refugees allowed into the country, the International Rescue Committee weighs in on the impact the decision will have on southern Idaho. And, Idaho will, once again, remain in Stage 4 of the state's reopening plan. While Idaho continues to struggle with new cases of the coronavirus, Gov. Little announced that the Department of Health and Welfare will start up a new vaccine advisory committee to help prioritize vaccine distribution in the state if and when one becomes available. But with Idaho having one of the lowest vaccination rates in the country, how effective would a COVID-19 vaccine be here? The governor addressed that question at his news conference on Thursday.
If you're voting absentee this November, you've probably heard the concerns about making your vote count. What could cause ballots to be bounced? We found out what trips up some voters in the process. Also, It's being called the worst presidential debate in the nation's history - and the national champion debaters should know. We talk with the Talking Broncos about Tuesday's presidential fiasco. Plus - spikes and waves. What's the difference when it comes to COVID-19? For the answer to that question, an Idaho historian provides context from the 1918 flu pandemic.
It's about to be one of the fastest Supreme Court confirmations in recent history - at least that's the plan. The process begins with one of Idaho's senators. We ask Sen. Mike Crapo about the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett. Also, all eyes are focused on the upcoming general election and who will be our next president. But there's another item on your ballot that could mean more - who will represent you in the Idaho Statehouse. And, as the countdown continues to Nov. 3, we answer more of your election questions - like how much it could cost you to vote, how to track your vote and where you might cast your vote.
As more students in Idaho's largest school district - West Ada - head back to the classroom, we're looking into a question from a viewer who is concerned about social distancing in schools. The district says they have a plan that includes putting students into so-called "pods." And, as the coronavirus pandemic continues, many high school students are deferring their post-secondary education plans. Plus, a local artist pays tribute to late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg - with a large, handmade chalk drawing outside of the Idaho Supreme Court.
Idaho is one of only three states to have a "crimes against nature" law that is still enforced. Now, one man is challenging the law after he was convicted of violating it - with his wife. And, college football will be back on the Blue this fall. Yes, it's a shortened season and that's about all that is for sure right now. Plus, back alleys usually carry a different connotation, but a Boise man is trying to turn his into a destination of inspiration.
With an open seat on the US Supreme Court, many questions are being raised about the future of landmark decisions from years past. With Republicans keen on confirming a conservative justice, cases like Roe v Wade could be overturned. If that were to happen, Idaho already has a road map in place. And, it's all Greek to me. As hurricane season picks up steam - and a new alphabet - we take a trip back in time to 2005 when that summer's brutal hurricanes caused headaches for Idaho drivers. Plus, before you dig into that next bag of Lays potato chips, take a closer look, because the man plastered on some bags is the founder of an Idaho nonprofit.
On National Voter Registration Day, we look at why you should take it more seriously than other "national days" - like National Ice Cream Cone Day, which also happens to be today. And, it's a riddle Idahoans have been trying to solve for more than 100 years: Why are some cities not located in the counties that bear their names? Plus, 14 years ago today, a tiny town in southwestern Idaho made national headlines for its proposal to crack down on crime. So, is every homeowner in Greenleaf required to own a firearm today?
Are masks really better than a vaccine to prevent getting COVID-19? KTVB spoke with an Idaho health expert about what the latest science says. Shutdowns were the biggest violation of rights since slavery? In this 208 Redial, we revisit an interview with a man who was born inside a Japanese internment camp during War Wold II.
More than six months after Idaho confirmed its first cases of COVID-19, there is hope that a vaccine is right around the corner. However, a member of Idaho's Coronavirus Task Force says the vaccine will not make life return to normal. We also take a look at Idaho Fish and Game's new mentoring program. The Maiden's Hunt teaches young Idahoans how to hunt and hunting safety. Also, would it be an episode of The 208 if we didn't discuss Ada County's high housing prices? We look at the average cost of living in the county and consider how minimum wage workers make ends meet.
As summer comes to an end, Idahoans are heading out to the Gem State's recreation sites to soak up the final days. However, campers visiting Grimes Creek in Boise County have been leaving their sites covered in debris, leaving local residents to clean up after them. We also speak with Rep. Melissa Wintrow about the special legislative session held by Idaho lawmakers last month. She discusses how much money was spent on security during those three days. And, of course, we answer your election questions with less than two months before the presidential election.
Northwest Nazarene University announced Saturday that a series of saliva-based COVID-19 screenings have begun. These tests will allow students, staff and other faculty on campus to be screened regularly. We also discuss the Electoral College with Idaho's Chief Deputy Secretary of State. With Election Day less than two weeks away, how do Idaho's electoral processes differ from other states? A man by the name "Dugout Dick" made quite a name for himself in 1999, so we look back at a story done by former Idaho Life reporter John Miller.
Parents and Republican lawmakers are urging the West Ada School District to reopen schools for in-person learning. Gov. Brad Little announces that he directing some federal COVID-19 funding towards the state's education budget. Plus, in this special 208 Redial, we go back to Sept. 14, 2001 when the Kuna Kavemen took the field for their first game after the 9/11 attacks.
You've got questions about the November election, and we've got answers -- from viewer concerns about the security of mail-in ballots to the deadlines for sending ballots back to the county clerk. And, the state's largest school district - West Ada - continues to experience technology-related issues as student attempt to learn from home. Plus, one of Idaho's last remaining mom-and-pop camera shops has closed its doors for good. So today's 208 Redial takes us back to 2004 for a look at when Idaho Camera was honored with one of the most prestigious awards in its class.
Eagle is now the second city in Idaho to be designated a "Second Amendment sanctuary city" after a unanimous vote by the City Council Tuesday night. But does the resolution actually have any teeth? Or perhaps a better question, is it even necessary in Idaho of all states? And, after Gov. Brad Little touted the state's much-higher-than-expected tax revenue in August, the Idaho Education Association is asking for a reversal of a mandated 5% budget cut to the state's education system. Plus, if you're planning to vote in person on Nov. 3, you may be wondering about how safe it will be, given the ongoing pandemic. We looked into the protocols to see how elections officials plan to keep voters and poll workers safe on election day.
In the wake of the horrific abuse-related death of a 9-year-old Meridian boy a lot of people are asking, how could something like this happen? Jean Fisher, CEO of Faces of Hope Victim Center, says the new reality of the world - complete with months of working from home and quarantines has made finding cases of child abuse difficult. And, we break down what the change in color-coded categories for Ada County schools means for students at the state's two largest districts. Plus, today's 208 Redial takes a look back at the 30th anniversary of daredevil Evel Knievel's attempt to jump the Snake River canyon.
Labor Day. A day to celebrate the American worker but this Labor Day could make or break reopening plans for many schools, even bars in the area. A train heist. A shoot out and martial law. Sounds like the making of an old western movie. But it's also what happened when Idaho experienced its most violent labor struggles. Brian Holms takes us back to that era of Idaho history. Some Idaho Legislators argue all of Idaho should be in the same time zone. They've even tried to make it law. So how did our great state end up in two different times?
We know it's a holiday weekend, but let's not get crazy. You saw what happened after Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. What health officials say we need to do to keep COVID case numbers from spiking again. This year's special session wasn't just weird, it was kind of costly. So who foots the bill for all that law enforcement overtime? Peanut butter and jelly, avocado and toast… bars and public schools? Yep, some Boise bar owners are now at the mercy of minors about when they can resume serving booze. 2020 is weird.
Idaho is staying in Stage 4 - once again - for at least another two weeks. Gov. Brad Little made the announcement Thursday morning, saying that, for the seventh time, the state has failed to meet the criteria to move out of the final state of the reopening plan. He cited the high number of people hospitalized as the main reason. And, why are some Idahoans who received unemployment benefits being asked to pay some of the money back? The Idaho Department of Labor explains. Plus, it was called a "titanic structure" by the local paper - christened with a bottle of cider by the wife of the man it is named after. It was 93 years ago this week that the rim-to-rim bridge now known as the Perrine Bridge in Twin Falls first opened.
Gov. Brad Little has signed the second of two election-related bills passed during the Idaho Legislature's recent special session. With the new laws in place, the stage is set for the highly-anticipated upcoming general election in November. We take a look at what it will mean for Idaho voters. And, a Boise CPA explains President Trump's new payroll tax deferral program. While it will mean bigger paychecks over the next few months, there is a big catch. Plus, like so many events this summer, the annual Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic was canceled due to COVID-19. Our 208 Redial looks back at the event two years ago when reporter Joe Parris got to go on a memorable balloon ride high above Boise.
A big accusation from Idaho's western neighbors. Malheur County health officials claim Idaho's coronavirus policies are responsible for the eastern Oregon county's increase in coronavirus cases. And, we're taking a deep dive in the results of a recent West Ada School District parent survey. Plus, a new national park - in Idaho? Gov. Little has offered up the Gem State as a potential site to house a proposed monument to American heroes.
A new theory, triggered by data from the CDC, suggests that just 6% of deaths attributed to COVID-19 were actually caused by the virus. We talked with Dr. David Pate, a member of Idaho's coronavirus task force, about the new claims. And, hundreds of parents and students showed up at the West Ada School District offices Monday morning to protest plans to begin the school year online. But not all parents are in a hurry to send their kids back. Plus, the founder of Starlight Mountain Theater has died. We take a look at Ed Davis' impact on the Idaho arts community.
Boise City Councilwoman Lisa Sanchez received a hateful message from an anonymous Boise local on Thursday. Sanchez is speaking out about the hate she has been receiving, but this time, she's not alone. We've received questions from several viewers about how Idaho schools will provide children with the equipment they need for remote learning. Could the lottery be the answer? We're also looking back at how Boise State became known for the orange and blue Broncos.
The Idaho Legislature's special session came to an end after an eventful three days. While some lawmakers feel proud of what was accomplished during that time, others are wondering is the session was necessary at all. Last week, CDC updated its guidelines for who should seek a COVID-19 test. This sudden change prompted KTVB to explore why testing in Idaho has decreased over the last several weeks. We also hear from a concerned father with children enrolled in the West Ada School District, who is not happy with the school board's decision to begin the year remotely.
Day 3 of the Idaho legislature's special session and lawmakers are trying to secure your right to in-person voting. If passed, a pandemic will no longer prevent you from going to a polling place. And, can you sue someone if you catch COVID-19? It's the second leg of the three-tiered special session - liability immunity. Right now, lawmakers are leaning toward preventing coronavirus lawsuits. We found out what one local personal injury attorney thinks about it. Plus, on this International Dog Day, we take you to North Idaho's Camas Prairie where a wood-built beagle has earned international attention of its own.
It was the calm before the storm at the statehouse today. All business until one man was taken into custody during a committee hearing. The entire scene caught on cam. We're hearing from Idaho State Police after yesterday's protests at statehouse. What they have to say about how they handled yesterday's crowds. And an Add the Words protester, arrested nearly a dozen times at the statehouse. Why he is questioning the decision not to make any arrests this time around.
An active day at the statehouse during day one of the special session. From shattered glass doors to shouting matches, walkouts, and new bills, there's a lot of talk about. We're taking a different look of the statehouse, one John Miller was able to experience back in the year 2000. From the lake waters of Pend Oreille to the seas in the Pacific, Idaho has a rich history within the US Navy. Today, that history got a little deeper.
We've seen our share of rallies and protests across the treasure valley this summer. So where's the line when your first amendment right crosses the line into harassment -- and who makes that judgement call? A proposal to use federal cares act money to privately educate some students in Kuna has residents upset. What the mayor and council have to say. Another run on a grocery store staple, this time, in the freezer aisle. If you have kids at home, you may want to prepare them for this devastating news.
As the November general election fast approaches, we've been getting a lot of questions from viewers about how the election will work, given the ongoing pandemic. We took your questions to Ada County Clerk Phil McGrane who shed some light on plans for the big election, as well as an upcoming legislative special session that is expected to make county clerks' jobs easier. Plus, it was the largest-known wildfire ever in North America, scorching 3 million acres in Idaho and Montana. Find out how the "Big Burn" of 1910 helped shape the way wildfires are fought today.
It's official, the Idaho Legislature will hold a special session - for the first time in five years - starting on Monday. Gov. Brad Little announced that lawmakers will discuss two specific topics: the upcoming November election and civil liability during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. And, it's National Potato Day, but this year it's not all fun and games for Idaho potato farmers, many of whom are struggling due to the pandemic. Plus, a new children's book acts as a guide for some of Idaho's more unique and often unheard of tales. We talked to the author and illustrator of "A While Ago in Idaho."
As Idaho children head back to the classroom, concerns are being raised about how a COVID-19 outbreak in a school would be handled. Would parents be notified? The answer is not a simple one. Plus, the current order limiting gatherings to groups of 10 or less in Ada County. So how are some private schools reopening for in-person learning? Reporter Joe Parris looked into it. And, it's been 100 years to the day since women were granted the right to vote. We take a look at Idaho women's roles in securing the 19th Amendment.
When the Idaho Legislature passed two anti-transgender bills this past session, they were told the new laws were subject to constitutional scrutiny. And so far, that scrutiny has stopped both of them from being enforced. The ACLU on Monday announced that a federal court has blocked a law that prevents transgender women and girls from competing on sports teams that align with their gender identity. Plus, despite some earlier concerns, the Boise School District insists that it has enough devices for every student to do remote-learning. And, some Ada County bars are getting creative in an effort to reopen. That means serving food to qualify them as a restaurant.
It was taken down as quickly as it was put up. One billboard on the outskirts of downtown Boise is causing quite the controversy but hear from the people who paid for it. We jokingly call it snail mail but is the Postal Service in Idaho ready for the November election and the expected wave of mail-in voting?
With just days until students in the Boise School District head back to school - at least virtually - the district is working to get devices like iPads and Chromebooks out to those who still don't have them. Some parents are worried the devices won't arrive in time. And, after a Southwest District Health board member promoted the use of hydroxychloroquine at a meeting earlier this week, it has sparked a renewed debate over the efficacy of the anti-malaria drug in treating COVID-19. We talked with a local infectious disease expert to get his take. Plus, it's a video you just have to see, or rather, hear - a bison walking down a highway in Yellowstone National Park making an unusual noise. A Boise woman who sent us the video describes it as "screaming," but we'll let you decide.
It's a tale of two counties - and two health districts. As Ada County and neighboring Canyon County continue to be Idaho's daily hot spots for new COVID-19 cases, the health districts that oversee those two counties have taken drastically different approaches at slowing the spread of the virus. A board member for Central District Health has been pretty vocal about the lack of action across the county line. This, as weddings and other events have begun relocating to Canyon County. Plus, we ask the question: Why does Idaho continue to lose lawsuits over laws passed by the Idaho Legislature?
For the first time in 75 years, the Boise State Broncos won't be taking the field. Hear from fans about what losing the season means to them. Students of the Caldwell School District will be returning to school through online classes this month. KTVB spoke with parents and officials about the decision.
One Idaho program has about $13 million in unspent funds meant for Idahoans in need with their rent and utilities. Here's what you need to know. Sixteen years ago, Idaho's Kristen Armstrong made her Olympic debut in Athens, Greece. She finished eighth but how she got there and where she went next is worth revisiting in this 208 Redial.
The Cathedral of the Rockies took down its stained-glass portrait of Robert E. Lee. Hear from some of the leaders of Boise's Black community on what the action represents. Central Health District will not force gyms to close down because of an Ada County-wide public health order. Officials say the lack of evidence tying gyms to outbreaks wasn't enough to force them to close down as well.
It's deja vu all over again: Idaho has once again failed to meet the criteria to move out of Stage 4 - for the fourth time. During a news conference Thursday afternoon, Gov. Brad Little talked about what needs to happen before the state can advance out of Stage 4. He also discussed what state leaders are doing to help prepare students, parents and teachers to head back to school in the coming weeks. This all comes as the governor prepares to call a special session of the Idaho Legislature, one that makes some lawmakers a little uneasy, given the ongoing pandemic. Plus, as Central District Health prepares to consider a proposal to re-close all gyms in Ada County, some gym owners are speaking out. And, in today's "Get to Know Idaho," Kim Fields looks into the origins of the Boise's iconic North End locale - Hyde Park.
Idaho school districts have been releasing their plans for the start of the upcoming school year and no two plans are the same. Some have delayed the start of school, while others will start on time in an online-only format. After the state's two largest districts - Boise and West Ada - announced their plans on Tuesday, we're talking with school leaders and parents about their concerns as the fall semester approaches. Plus, We've seen what happens when people respond to hate with hate: Riots erupt, violence can happen, fear and anger dominate. But what happens when we respond to hate with love and compassion? We found out after the home of a Boise veteran was vandalized.
It's come to this: signing a liability waiver before sending students back to school during a pandemic. A private school in Nampa is asking parents to do just that. And, adapting to the COVID-19 business model. What the city of Boise is doing to help some downtown businesses lure customers back. Plus, what is the Charles Dickens and "Mary Poppins" connection to Boise? Well, it has to do with a hurt ankle and a heart attack. We explain in the latest edition of The 208.
A pair of new studies show kids may be more efficient at spreading COVID-19 than adults, meaning they might not get sick, but they're pretty good at passing the virus on to older people in their orbit. We spoke with the medical director for St. Luke's Children's about the new reports and what it could mean, especially with schools about to start back up. Also, an Idaho doctor is on a mission to get OSHA to enforce their own safety standards, especially when it comes to personal protective equipment in medical facilities. Plus, we answer a viewer's question about why the state of Idaho counts "probable" coronavirus cases in addition to "confirmed" cases.
On Thursday, the Nampa School District announced that the school year will be delayed by a week and will be online. During the meeting with board members, a Nampa teacher gave a powerful, emotional plea. Idaho Gov. Brad Little is asking the public for help with getting all Idaho students a computer and internet connection so they can do online classes this year.