The 208

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.