Commentary
As smolt-to-adult returns continue to dwindle, salmon can teach us a lesson at Idaho’s Sunbeam Dam
This is a story from one lifetime ago in the highest salmon grounds on earth, Idaho’s upper Salmon River. It bears on a judgment many Northwest residents and elected leaders are now making: whether restoring free-flowing conditions in the lower Snake River, by removing its dams, can restore a new version of salmon abundance in […]
Yellowstone, known for thermal features and wildlife, has a secret: fossils rivaling other parks
The thermal features and “charismatic megafauna” of Yellowstone are more than enough to draw crowds from all over the world, with the park seeing over 4 million visitors in 2021. But Yellowstone has a secret that very few visitors are even aware of: Yellowstone has fossils. Enough to rival other national parks that are renowned […]
Idaho’s Sen. Crapo, Congressman Fulcher say ‘no’ to Ukraine federal aid
During their 13 years serving together in Washington, you probably can count on one hand the number of times that Sens. Mike Crapo and Jim Risch canceled out one another with votes – and not use all five fingers. The exceptions, says Crapo – Idaho’s senior senator – is when there is justification for voting […]
Idaho’s founders put a high priority on gun safety and responsibility
Growing up in Idaho in the 1950s, it was an article of faith that every youngster was going to get the gun responsibility lecture before being turned loose with a firearm – always assume the piece is loaded, never point a gun at anyone, be aware and respectful of everyone around you and so on. […]
We can pay respect to our fallen military personnel by being better Americans
Memorial Day is a time set aside for Americans to honor and mourn U.S. military personnel who died in service to their country. There have been many. America suffered 623,468 deaths in its major conflicts since the beginning of World War I. We owe these dedicated men and women our lasting gratitude for putting their […]
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 […]