Commentary
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, […]
Idaho primary election ballot initiative will allow independent voters to finally have a say
Jerry: I hear some folks are doing a ballot initiative asking voters if Idaho should change to an “open primary.” Carrie: Yes. Their ballot initiative will end Idaho’s closed Republican primary and create a non-partisan primary open to all voters whether they are affiliated with a party or not. Jerry: So that means the 270,000 Idahoans who are […]
Idaho should stay the course on its value-based Medicaid program
When it comes to public policy, we all want what’s best for Idaho. How can we do something better and faster, that saves taxpayers’ money? We pride ourselves in taking the best part of programs that work well in other states and then create our own unique model. In 2020, the Idaho Legislature passed a […]
Supplemental history materials for Idaho students are a good idea
American history is complicated, and now Idaho history teachers have access to a new supplemental curriculum called “The Story of America” to help explain it. Gov. Brad Little and Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield said the optional material is both fair and factual, that it does not shy away from the realities of history. […]
Drop-camp trips with Idaho horseback outfitters gain popularity with baby boomers
In the 1970s, backpacking was all the rage in the West. As a student at the University of Montana in Missoula, I was among thousands of Americans who absolutely loved the freedom of exploring our national forests and parks to see new country, visit a high mountain lake, go fishing for trout, maybe climb a […]
Chasing dreams: Idaho rancher loves her life as a professional stock dog trainer
Robin and Rocky Brown live in their own slice of paradise in Indian Valley, Idaho, where they raise and train border collies for ranchers across the nation. The Broken Circle Ranch is surrounded by majestic mountains. The Little Weiser River flows by their home pasture in a sinewy grove of cottonwood trees. With over 35 […]
Dam breaching and saving salmon: An Idaho debate without an end
When I came to the Idaho Statesman as opinion page editor in 1999, it was suggested that I read a special section that the editorial department did on dam breaching. It was a gold-standard argument for saving salmon – the kind of effort that gets a Pulitzer Prize. As the Statesman saw it, breaching the […]
New research sheds light on Yellowstone’s Steamboat Geyser eruptions, past and present
The behemoth of Norris Geyser Basin, Steamboat Geyser, has drawn the attention of scientists and park visitors alike since it began an active phase in March 2018. At its peak in 2019–2020, major eruptions were occurring almost weekly. The prolonged activity gave researchers an opportunity to understand what influences eruption timing, map the plumbing system with the help […]