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The cost of criminalizing maternal health care in Idaho
As more women delay having families for a variety of reasons, there are more risks for the mother. The reasons for delaying the start of a family are usually personal, although more women say attending college, dealing with student loan debt and delaying marriage are the top reasons found by a Pew Charitable Trust study. […]
Idaho deserves better public education
There is one overarching benefit to education: It improves lives. Whether it be for a job, to further a career or for better pay, to learn more about cultural issues such as art or music, or simply for the enjoyment of learning, public education is important to everyone’s life. It provides knowledge, critical thinking skills, […]
The potential boondoggle of Greater Idaho
It is unique: Some parts of Oregon are seeking a divorce from the state because the residents do not feel represented in the state Legislature. In recent elections, 11 Oregon counties voted to change states, from Oregon to Idaho. Greater Idaho, the nonprofit group promoting the move, said four Washington Counties (Asotin, Columbia, Walla Walla […]
Happy National Sunshine Week. We can all call for more transparency in government.
Happy birthday, James Madison. Happy Sunshine Week/Freedom of Information Day to all the rest. March 16, Madison’s birthday, is celebrated as National Freedom of Information Day, honoring the man who wrote the First Amendment. The week of March 16 is celebrated as National Sunshine Week (this year March 10-16), calling for more transparency in government actions. Each […]
Idaho legislators should think about the unintended consequences of killing diversity programs
Although proponents of Senate Bill 1357 claim the measure will save the state more than $3 million by killing university diversity programs, the unintended consequences could cost the state a lot more. The measure, by Sen. Brian Lenney, R-Nampa; Sen. Scott Herndon, R-Sagle; and Rep. Elaine Price, R-Coeur d’Alene, would prohibit any Idaho college or […]
As Idaho lawmakers craft policy, we should remember stopping and listening is important for all
I’ve been a birder for quite a while, but recently local birds have been my primary entertainment. Watching them means I have slowed down enough to be appreciative. It wasn’t a voluntary slowdown; knee surgery has sidelined me for a bit. Yes, TV could have been my viewing of more choice, but for the first few days I couldn’t stay […]
November’s Native American Heritage Month is a complex issue for many Indigenous people
November is Native American Heritage Month, an interesting if not complex time to celebrate Indigenous people. Many Indigenous people complain about November being selected for the celebration. After all, the month holds Thanksgiving. To many Native people, Thanksgiving is a reminder of the attempted genocide of many tribes by the settlers they helped, not to […]
Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Celebrating 1,000 cultures within the United States
Monday, Oct. 9, is Indigenous Peoples’ Day, replacing Columbus Day in many places. In 2019, Gov. Brad Little issued a proclamation celebrating the day in Idaho. But what is it and why should anyone care? Indigenous Peoples’ Day began as a movement in 1992 to honor the more than 1,000 Indigenous cultures within the United […]
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. […]
As Moscow braces itself, Kohberger trial will bring media circus to Idaho
Enjoy the lull, Idaho; the circus is returning to Moscow soon. Next month for a hearing and just after the fall semester starts, international and national journalists will set up shop here getting ready for the Bryan Kohberger trial. And along with bona fide journalists will be a score of internet sleuths/freelance “reporters.” As a […]
Despite U.S. Supreme Court decision, student loan forgiveness is still needed
Once upon a time in America, college was expensive, but student loan repayment was usually affordable. However, inflation and other rising costs have now placed a college degree in a precarious position: Many people cannot afford it without incurring a massive debt load. And therein lies the issue with the June 30 Supreme Court ruling […]
Celebrating the U.S. Supreme Court’s Indian Child Welfare Act ruling
The ruling was completely unexpected. By a 7-2 vote on June 15, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the Indian Child Welfare Act. It is a major victory for Indigenous tribes and their right to remain sovereign nations, their people controlling their own destiny and their children to stay in their own culture. Many people simply […]