Commentary
Idaho’s closed primaries prevent independent veterans from fully participating in our elections
According to the VA, there are nearly 128,000 military veterans in Idaho. We represent 9% of Idaho’s adult population, which is one of the highest rates in the U.S. Some Idaho vets come from families that have been here for generations, and some settled in Idaho after their service. We are as diverse and independent […]
Idahoans deserve truth, transparency in taxation. Utah has a model that could help.
Like many homeowners I recently received my property tax assessment. It showed a huge increase in my home’s value. My reaction was that of excitement thinking about the growth of my home equity. For others, this type of news could lead to deep fear believing a massive property tax bill will soon follow. For reasons […]
Idaho physicians must have greater discretion over when abortion exceptions are warranted
I have always considered myself pro-choice on the issue of abortion for all circumstances, but I never had to think about what that really meant until my husband and I were faced with that choice for me and our family last November. Up until that point, it was a theoretical right, and one I so […]
Idaho elk hunting is on the rebound, and tags are selling out quickly for 2023 season
If you’re a procrastinator and a hunter, and you’re planning on buying an elk or deer tag on the opening day of big game season, you might think twice about waiting that long to buy a tag. Sales of big game hunting tags, especially elk tags in “capped” elk zones, where the Idaho Department of […]
Which is more hazardous to Yellowstone National Park visitors: wildlife or hot springs?
Yellowstone National Park is home to an array of “charismatic megafauna” — for instance, elk, bears, bison, wolves and other large mammals. And as the term “wildlife” implies, these animals are, well, wild. Yellowstone National Park requires all visitors to stay at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves, and at least 25 yards […]
Idaho’s mission field politics: People we disagree with are not our enemies.
A few years ago, I did an experiment. I had 10 people review different policies about key issues facing our state. There was one condition — they couldn’t see who the legislation was written by. Interestingly, most people preferred the same bills. Once completed, I shared which legislator wrote them. Participants were surprised they voted […]
Major upgrades are coming to these 15 public libraries in Idaho to address community needs
This fall, the Cascade Public Library will add 1,000 square feet of interior space and 1,500 square feet of usable exterior space. The library will add a dedicated media/telehealth room, kitchen space and two ADA-accessible restrooms. There will also be a separate children’s area. Bear Lake County Library District in Montpelier will create safe, usable […]
Through Digital Economy Program, U of I Extension empowers rural residents to stay in communities
According to the Idaho Transportation Department, more than 64,000 people moved to Idaho in 2021, but did you know that more than 57,000 people also moved out of Idaho? Losing residents can erode the unique identity and culture of small towns and tribal communities. It may also lead to declining participation in local events and […]
As the U.S. reels from disasters, here’s how Idahoans can prepare for an emergency
As September marks the beginning of National Preparedness Month, it is a great time to remind communities in Idaho what emergency preparedness means and what steps every household can take to ensure they are ready for a disaster or emergency. To do that, it is important to recognize common risks in Idaho, identify national initiatives […]
Haiti has been abandoned in time of crisis, terror. Here’s how you can help.
This column first appeared in the Idaho Press on Aug. 20, 2023. As a journalist I’ve interviewed hundreds of people — and none more impressive than a man who has devoted his life to helping the poorest of the poor. Fr. Rick Frechette spent his early years as a Catholic priest in Baltimore, Mexico and […]
Idaho sheep operations in danger of extinction from low prices, foreign imports and monopolies
Imagine going to see the Trailing of the Sheep Festival in main street Ketchum, and there’s no sheep. It’s frequently been voted as one of the Top 10 fall festivals in the United States with about 25,000 attendees. Sheep ranchers John and Diane Peavey started the festival from scratch in the mid-1990s so new residents […]
Kansas newspaper raid draws plenty of attention, but journalists defy threats across U.S.
After Kansas Reflector reported on the ignominious and unconstitutional raid of the Marion County Record on Aug. 11, news outlets and commentators from across Kansas and the nation followed suit throughout the weekend. The voices of those who value a free press and free expression were overwhelming in their force and intensity. Eight days later, […]