An orange sky descended on Stanley on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024, as the Wapiti Fire burns west of town.(James Dawson / Boise State Public Radio )

A look at the fire near Stanley and how it's affecting the small mountain town, AG Raúl Labrador is being investigated by the Idaho State Bar, a possible black market hunting scheme has been uncovered in Twin Falls and an update on the Thomas Creech case.

It’s Friday, which means it's time for our Reporter Roundtable when Idaho Matters gets you up to date on all the news that made headlines this past week.

Our journalist panel today:

Clark Corbin with the Idaho Capital Sun

Ian Max Stevenson with the Idaho Statesman

Saalt Menstrual Cup & Saalt Period Underwear(Ampersand Studios / Saalt )

When it comes to period products, tampons are one of the most popular, being used by up to 80% of women here in the United States. Which should mean their safe, right? Following a recent study, the answer may be no.

According to researchers, toxic metals, including lead and arsenic, have been found in 14 major brands of tampons.

As a result, many women are making the switch to menstrual cups, a shift that Saalt, a local business specializing in reusable period products, has seen firsthand.

Cherie Hoeger, CEO of Saalt, and Bridget Laye, the director of customer experience, joined Idaho Matters to talk more about this issue.

Storm clouds build above a corn field.(Charlie Riedel / AP)

This October, the annual Idaho Women's Charitable Foundation Symposium will be taking a look at Idaho's environment and its impacts on our everyday lives.

Dr. Jonathan Foley will join the event as a keynote speaker, and he sat down with Idaho Matters for a preview..

( Connection is the Cure)

When it comes to our well-being, maintaining good mental health is crucial.

Across the nation though millions of people are struggling with this very thing, which can put them at greater risk of depression, anxiety, substance abuse and even suicide.

That's why one nonprofit is working to make a difference through impactful connections, not just to helpful resources but to one another.

September Frogley, founder of Connection is the Cure, and event director, Jennifer Butikofer, joined Idaho Matters to talk more about the group.

( Osher Lifelong Learning Institute)

When it comes to learning, there is no age limit. Which is why the programs designed by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute are so important.

Intended for adults 50 years and older, Osher offers courses that look at everything from the Union Pacific Railroad to the growth of urban parks, inviting students to stay curious at every stage of life.

Dana Thorp Patterson, the director of the Osher Institute, joined Idaho Matters to talk more about the program.

 

This 1997 image provided by the CDC during an investigation into an outbreak of monkeypox, which took place in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), formerly Zaire, depicts the dorsal surfaces of the hands of a monkeypox case patient. (AP / CDC)

Earlier this month, the World Health Organization declared Mpox a public health emergency of international concern.
 
Now, WHO has a six-month plan to try and contain the outbreak.

Dr. David Pate, former CEO of St. Luke's Health System, joined Idaho Matters to talk more about what we need to know about this virus.

People watch the Boise Baroque Orchestra at the Château des Fleurs.(Jonathan Collins / Boise Baroque Orchestra)

This weekend the Boise Baroque Orchestra will be performing their last concert of the summer.

Wrapping up their four-week festival with an evening of music you won't want to miss.

Robert Franz, artistic director of the orchestra, joined Idaho Matters to talk more about the upcoming event.

( Berkley)

Love can find you in the most unexpected of places, even in the afterlife, wearing embarrassing pajamas after joking on a very questionable burger.

It may not be the meet-cute every girl dreams of, but, hey, who said romance was easy?

Certainly not Kirsty Greenwood, author of July's GMA book club pick, "The Love of My Afterlife." She joined Idaho Matters to talk more about her newest release.

The Boise State Adaptive Athletics Tennis team: Steve Baxter, Kevin Falk, Randy Corbett and Tommy Schroeder( Steve Baxter / Boise State University)

Globally, more than one billion people live with a disability, which can create barriers in everyday life. A fact that coach Steve Baxter is very aware of.

That's why he's heading up an adaptive sports program at Boise State University, giving athletes with physical disabilities the chance to compete in the sports they love.

Baxter joined Idaho Matters to talk more about this effort.

(Boise State University )

Inspiration can come from the most unlikely of places, but when you're working from the Idaho mountains, there's sure to be an abundance. Which is why an upcoming retreat will be taking writers into nature for three days to help hone their craft and spark imagination.

Morning Edition host George Prentice sat down with Boise State University professor Edward "Mac" Test to talk more about the Sawtooth Writing Retreat and the unique opportunities it provides.

The deadline to apply for the retreat is on Friday, Sept. 6 and the retreat is Thursday, Sept. 19-22. Featured authors at the retreat are Kim Cross and Paul Bogard.