The Big Sky Conference Preseason Coaches' and Media Polls have been released, with the Idaho State Bengals tabbed for 7th place headed into the 2025 football season.

Late last night, the House passed the Senate-amended Rescissions Act, which revokes $1.1 billion in critical funding for public media that had already been approved. As a result, KISU-FM has lost an unprecedented 25% of our annual budget. For a small, rural station like KISU—with limited discretionary spending—these cuts strike especially hard.

This episode of The Nature of Idaho features hosts Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett in conversation with Lance Davisson, Executive Director of the Treasure Valley Canopy Network, and Hannah Sanger, Environmental Administrator for the city of Pocatello, discussing the crucial role of urban trees in Idaho’s arid cities. They explore why cities must intentionally plant and care for trees to provide shade, reduce energy use, clean water, and create livable urban environments, emphasizing the challenges posed by Idaho’s climate and soil conditions. Both guests highlight the importance of tree diversity to prevent disease vulnerability and support wildlife, as well as the collaboration between nonprofits and cities to fund, plan, and maintain urban forests. The conversation also touches on practical tree selection guidance tailored to local conditions and the broader theme of community engagement for sustaining healthy urban canopies in Idaho's unique environment.

Our very first Double XX Spotlight special features the one and only Arwen Baxter. A truly talented local singer songwriter, Arwen has been releasing music since 2022. During this episode, Arwen and Elle discuss the inspiration behind her music, as well as what she is going to get up to next in the world of songwriting. Giving us some lovely folk music about trees and longing for home, this music is perfect for easy listening.

On today’s episode, Madison talks with Liz Alexander, president and full-time volunteer of the Nampa Rotary Club, about Rotary District 5400 and their Youth Eco Film Contest. To find out how the Southern Idaho Rotary group is transforming communities and making a difference, visit their website at Rotary District 5400. You can also check out their Facebook page at Rotary District 5400 and the Rotary District 5400 Environmental Sustainability Action Team YouTube Channel to view some of the contest winners.

The best weekend of the summer is almost here--Shady Grove--and this week's Alternative School is giving you a sneak peek of what's coming to FMC Park in Pocatello on July 18th & 19th. Tune in as CJ breaks format (a little bit) to share local and regional bands like Strumbucket, Roseburg, The Painted Roses, and Snoozy Moon. All the event details and an artist playlist are at shadygrovemusiccamp.com!

Roy Ayers was a visionary composer, musician, bandleader, vibraphonist, and vocalist. He forged a powerful and unique blend of jazz, funk, R&B, rap, and soul that was all his own. His music was brilliant, sounded amazing, and grooved like crazy. He died at the age of 84 in March of 2025.

Idaho State University Rugby is celebrating its 30th Anniversary with happenings over Labor Day weekend in Pocatello. Coach Ram Eddings talks with McKenzie about events, inviting players to participate, and we learn some about the sport. 30 years of ISU Rugby on August 30. Tickets and more information at alumni.isu.edu/events

It’s July in Pocatello, and that means it’s Shady Grove season! Our hometown music festival is organized by an incredible brain trust of wonderful folks, bringing us music, community, and the best vibes of the year at FMC park.

Idaho State University Athletic Director, Pauline Thiros, announced that Head Men’s Tennis Coach Oliver Good has signed a new three-year contract extension, solidifying his place with the Bengals through June 2028.

Double XX has reached the 30 episode mark! Three cheers for that! To celebrate, we are taking hits from the 1950's all the way up to the 2000's to showcase how music has evolved over the years. This episode features greats such as Billie Holiday, Tina Turner, and Leslie Gore. So buckle up and get ready to time travel as we listen to some of the classics!