Commentary
Idaho’s sexual assault victims must be protected when they come forward
As a former federal and state prosecutor, I’m no stranger to the scourge of sexual assault on our communities. I’ve seen first hand the lives destroyed by rape and sexual assault and the lasting impact that it can have on not only victims but their families as well. Further, the damage caused by sexual assault […]
As pandemic strains resources, here’s what you can do to support crime victims
It’s no secret that the last year has been a time of great challenge for crime victims and their families. The pandemic has resulted in more social isolation, economic uncertainty, and anxiety that experts say has triggered an increase in domestic violence, sexual assault and child and elder abuse. This pandemic-driven increase has strained resources and […]
‘Reclaim Idaho’ may dominate 2021’s documentary awards race. Film debuts at Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
Idaho’s Medicaid expansion fight may be next year’s award darling for best documentary. New Yorkers and first-time filmmakers Laura-Wing Kamoosi and Jim Kamoosi, the married team behind “Reclaim Idaho,” entered the documentary into the prestigious Santa Barbara International Film Festival, and so far the reception has been resoundingly positive. “Reclaim Idaho” tells the story of […]
Idaho families are still — and will always be — suffering because of COVID. Mine is one.
Editor’s note: Karen Kay died Sunday, April 11, 2021. She was 61. My Aunt Karen Kay has a sneaky smile with crooked teeth, a rebellious stubborn streak and a purse collection that rivals even Cardi B’s. She loves cold Cokes, black “kiki” cats and dozens and dozens of photo albums full of family. And as […]
Lt. Gov. McGeachin, state lawmakers continue steady march to the right
This year may not be a banner year for Gov. Brad Little or the Idaho Legislature, which just came back from its COVID-19 recess on Tuesday. But it has been a nice session for Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin as far as raising her political profile and conservatives in general. Since the start of this year’s […]
Supreme Court will maintain COVID-19 precautions to keep courts open
My fellow Idahoans, Every day, members of our communities visit our local courthouses. Some are there to make or defend a legal claim or perhaps to pay a ticket. Others come to serve as witnesses or jurors. In addition, I cannot overlook the dedicated employees who work in these buildings as courthouse staff and judges. […]
Idaho’s resistance to fund full-day kindergarten goes back decades
Before his retirement 10 years ago, Greg Culet served for more than 30 years as a magistrate and district court judge in Idaho’s 3rd Judicial District, a sprawling six-county swath of southwestern Idaho. From family law cases to felonies, Culet observed thousands of defendants from behind the bench. Over time he observed one immutable reality. […]
Ken Burns: Idaho house was both ‘wonderful place,’ ‘final prison’ for Hemingway
Award-winning filmmaker Ken Burns’ latest documentary series for PBS features one of America’s most famous authors, Ernest Hemingway. The film ‘Hemingway” is divided into three chapters and covers Hemingway’s early days as a boy in Michigan, to young adulthood carving out a journalism career before becoming America’s most famous and world-traveled, modern 20th century author. […]
Closed primaries one reason for decreasing civility in Idaho politics
Notice the rising temperature in Idaho politics? Don’t just blame trends on increased national political polarization. One reason Idaho’s democracy has become less civil in recent years can be traced to our state moving to a closed primary voting system. A closed primary system means that only people who are registered members of a political […]
Idaho failed disabled community in vaccination prioritization
I put my life on hold. Projects, personal milestones, planned events and goals were all halted. This is our reality — mine and those in the disabled community. Many of us have been homebound for a year. We went into lockdown two weeks before the state of Idaho officially did. The governor’s stay-at-home order lasted […]
Why Idahoans miss the mark by blaming Californians for our housing crisis
I remember the sign on a forested highway near my parents’ home. The thing was massive – probably 25 feet wide — with a message sloppily spray-painted on plywood: “Go home California m**********ers.” That was in Western Washington, three decades ago. Maybe some wealthy Californians moved in, threatening our woodsy values. As the sign was […]
Welcome to the Idaho Capital Sun — the Gem State’s newest nonprofit journalism outlet
I’ve spent the majority of the last year working from home on a tiny wooden kitchen table, peering out at my view of the looming Boise Foothills, thinking about Idaho. Thinking about how our public officials have responded — and, in many ways, refused to respond — to keeping Idahoans safe during COVID-19 pandemic. About […]