Commentary
As affordability crisis worsens, let’s make sure women are included in housing solutions
The choice of staying in a home that isn’t safe or braving the streets is one that no one should have to make, but it is one that women in our community face daily. This is one reason I believe that we need to encourage the diversity of housing and increase the number of homes […]
Idaho legislator who identified Jane Doe should be held accountable by military peers
When I was 21, I became a Jane Doe. As an Army recruit, I was subjected to harassment and sexual assault by men who were my superiors. My personal experiences with trauma rose to the surface again during the recent Idaho House Ethics Committee hearing about another Jane Doe, this one a 19-year-old legislative intern […]
Teachers transformed education during pandemic. Let’s use what we’ve learned to heal, grow.
In “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho, Santiago is a shepherd boy who travels in search of extravagant treasures. He journeys to the markets of Tangiers and across the Egyptian desert. The story teaches us about listening to our hearts and learning to read the omens strewn along life’s path. With each passing obstacle and hurdle […]
Little, McGeachin show two sides of teacher ‘appreciation’ in Idaho
As the nation celebrated “Teacher Appreciation Week” earlier this month, Gov. Brad Little offered some encouraging words in expressing his gratitude for the fine work that Idaho teachers do. “We all should signal to our educators that we value them, and we want to keep them in the profession,” the governor wrote. Lt. Gov. Janice […]
How the Idaho Legislature handled sex assault case sends wrong message to victims, survivors
In my years as a licensed clinical professional counselor working with people who have experienced sexual trauma, I have noticed a few things. First, there is a real lack of public education on what sexual trauma looks like and what survivors need in the aftermath to ensure they are not further harmed once they find […]
Preventing homelessness must remain priority for Idaho
As we all know, the Treasure Valley is experiencing a serious housing crisis right now. A focus on prevention will be key to keeping homelessness from happening to our neighbors and the state of Idaho. Even before the pandemic, Idaho was facing a housing crisis in which many longtime residents were being priced out of […]
That’s not who we are, Idaho, might be exactly who we are — for now
That’s not who we are, Idaho. It’s a phrase that over the last year, I’ve spent a lot of time sitting with, weighing its true meaning in my mind. It’s a phrase I used to accept instantly at face value. I trusted it, believed in it to my core, because I was raised to believe […]
2021 grads face an uncertain future. Next Steps Idaho connects high school seniors with resources to help.
Some 22,000 students will graduate from Idaho high schools in the next eight weeks, as did a similar number a year ago. Some have plans. Many don’t. The unusual, semi-virtual school year, rising college costs, lingering effects of the pandemic, and other factors create confusion and uncertainty for recent grads and young adults trying to […]
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 […]