- The negative health effects of loneliness.
- How to talk to kids about school shootings.
- Little houses that also help seniors.
- Efforts to preserve Idaho's birds of prey.
- Health experts are now finding deleterius correlations between loneliness and human health. With advances in the virtual world, Americans are finding themselves increasingly isolated, creating cocoons of insularity. Studies link loneliness to increased levels of stress and inflammation - the kind that leads to diabetes and heart disease. Idaho Matters will discuss the physical and psychological impacts of loneliness with child psychologist Rodger Olson.
- In the wake of yet another school shooting, parents around the country are wondering how to discuss this topic with their children. Mass shootings have become a way of life, but the discussions are brand new. We'll look at ways of discussing this topic without cultivating terrified youth.
- Homebuyers are looking for something more practical than the 'McMansions' of the 2000s and tiny houses seem to be a viable solution to urban/suburban housing crunches. Small on the outside, roomy on the inside, affordable with a minimal carbon footprint, these houses are becoming the preferred option in growing communities like Boise's. We'll look at this trend and talk about a group of high school students who built a tiny house for a good cause with Matt Jones of Metro Community Services.
- The Birds of Prey NCA Partnership is committed to "support the management and conservation of the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds Of Prey National Conservation Area through science, education, outreach, and partnerships." On Thursday's Idaho Matters, we'll discuss efforts to preserve eagles, hawks, falcons and other native birds of prey.