Commentary
How to enjoy ‘parkitecture’ in Yellowstone National Park that has survived earthquakes, wildfire
Visitors to many national parks in the U.S. notice and enjoy the iconic buildings made with local materials. These structures are so unique that the style of architecture has its own nickname — “Parkitecture.” But where did this style come from, and how has it persevered over the last century in Yellowstone National Park? The […]
After 30 years of endangered listing for Chinook, it’s time to bring back the Kings of Idaho
Idaho’s wild salmon and steelhead are in trouble — and have been for quite some time. Just last month, iconic Snake River spring and summer Chinook salmon passed a grim milestone – 30 years on the endangered species list. Their 1992 listing came after more than a century of habitat degradation, overharvest and dam construction […]
May ushers in new season of geoscience field work in Yellowstone National Park
May is an exciting time for geologists when it comes to Yellowstone — by that month, enough snow has usually melted to allow for the start of field work. And the field season typically lasts until October or November. Last week, Yellowstone Volcano Observatory scientists kicked off the field season with several projects. Geophysicists installed […]
As Minidoka lands on most endangered historic places list, we must continue to tell its story
The late Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta arrived at the Heart Mountain, Wyoming, barracks where he and his family were incarcerated during World War II and had his baseball bat confiscated. Baseball for Mineta, like many young Japanese-Americans unconstitutionally incarcerated during the war, was a lifeline. On the dusty, makeshift ball fields of the camps, Mineta […]
Some Idahoans can now vote in Spanish, Native languages: Who’s covered and what it means
In Tuesday’s primary election, several Idaho counties must provide voting assistance in non-English languages. For most, this will be their first time doing so. Since its initial passage, the Voting Rights Act has sought to increase participation in elections by historically excluded groups. A 1975 amendment to the act, known as Section 203, extends protections […]
Short drive between Yellowstone’s Tower, Canyon junctions showcases millions of years of history
The road over Dunraven Pass between Tower and Canyon junctions in the northeast part of Yellowstone National Park exposes an outstanding sequence of geological history, much of which significantly predates recent Yellowstone volcanism. Construction work closed the road during the summers of 2020 and 2021, but the route is scheduled to open to park visitors […]
I’m an Idaho employer. Here’s why I’m covering out-of-state abortion care for our employees.
The leaked U.S. Supreme Court opinion was a gut punch to me. Knowing the makeup of the Supreme Court and watching abortion rights erode locally and nationally, I wasn’t surprised. My home state of Idaho has a trigger law which would make all abortions illegal upon the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade. When my […]
Idahoans should not be discouraged from exercising their lawful voting rights
We often hear of folks who take advantage of tax breaks that some would view as unfair, but they can’t be faulted if the law specifically provides for the break. Or, say a government program provides a monetary grant or forgivable loan for pandemic relief. It is not dishonest to take the money if you […]
2,773 earthquakes were recorded in the Yellowstone National Park area in 2021, annual report says
How many earthquakes occurred in the Yellowstone region in 2021? How many times did Steamboat Geyser erupt? What geological mapping was completed during the year? Good questions. And now, the answers to these questions, and more, are all compiled in one easy-to-navigate source — the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory 2021 Annual Report, which can be accessed […]
Education, prevention about opioid misuse is critical in stopping devastating endemic in Idaho
In 1978, Vicodin was first introduced in the United States to help patients manage pain from injuries, surgeries, cancer or other ailments. Opioids, such as Vicodin, serve a very important role in pain management, yet what we thought was a wonder drug to help with pain management has a sinister side: a high risk of […]
Keeping the state on firm legal ground isn’t headline-grabbing, but it’s essential to Idaho
The six of us served as Idaho attorney general from 1971 to 2003, a total of 32 years. It is an important state office, but Idahoans are often in the dark as to what the attorney general is supposed to do. Although the AG runs on a partisan ticket, voters may not know that his […]
Laying siege to Idaho education isn’t a home-grown war. It’s imported by conflict entrepreneurs.
We have all witnessed the dysfunction, vitriol, and attacks on education in the Legislature, at local school board meetings, and even at one of our community colleges which has landed it on probation and left it without a functioning board of trustees. We have even seen three attempts in the last four years to privatize […]