Commentary
After foodborne illness outbreak in Idaho, we shouldn’t put raw milk regulations out to pasture
I farm, homeschool, garden, bake bread, raise chickens, and make my own yogurt. It seems I’m following the fad of the homesteading hobbies. However, I’m not fully converted. I balk at the principle of drinking raw milk. I have been known to give lectures to friends and random strangers asking me if my family drinks […]
National monument in Idaho unveils the scientific secrets of the Moon on Earth
Editor’s note: This is the fifth in a series of six guest opinions commemorating the Craters of the Moon National Monument centennial. Craters of the Moon is a unique and fascinating natural wonder that has captivated the imagination of visitors and scientists alike. Over the last 100-plus years, this vast ocean of lava flows, cinder cones, […]
Digging into the history of hydrothermal explosions at Yellowstone’s Biscuit Basin
Scientists are hard at work investigating the hydrothermal explosion on July 23, 2024, at Black Diamond Pool in Biscuit Basin. An important part of understanding the recent activity involves investigating past similar events. And there have been several at Biscuit Basin. At the turn of the 20th century, Biscuit Basin looked a little different than it does today. […]
Idaho State University’s PaCT Program is one way to help with teacher shortages, retention
Shell-shocked. That is how I felt after a long-term substitute teaching assignment in Idaho Falls more than 20 years ago. I taught sixth grade, which was an experience that a few colleagues called “The Crucible.” It was a firsthand experience of the many challenges that Idaho teachers deal with annually. Working as an educator for […]
The probability of hydrothermal explosions in Yellowstone National Park
The July 23, 2024, hydrothermal explosion at Biscuit Basin in Yellowstone National Park was dramatic and extremely hazardous. It was the first such explosion in the park to be captured clearly on video, and it highlighted what has often been underappreciated as a source of hazard. A hydrothermal explosion is triggered when liquid water flashes to steam in an […]
Recent explosion could teach us more about the birth and life of geysers in Yellowstone
Shortly before 10 a.m. on July 23, an explosion of hot water, mud and rock occurred from Black Diamond Pool in Biscuit Basin, Yellowstone National Park, only about 2 miles northwest of Old Faithful. No precursors to the event were detected by monitoring instruments. Dramatic videos posted to social media showed a plume of water […]
‘It is supercharged’: Harris gives Dems a needed wake-up call for 2024 presidential election
What a difference a single decision can make in a presidential election. In a span of a couple of weeks, Democrats have gone from the sleepiest to some of the most exciting moments since Barack Obama came onto the scene. And it appears that the convention will not have the look and feel of a […]
The truth about Idaho’s farms and water rights in eastern Idaho
There is a fight happening in southeastern Idaho right now, over the most important resource we have: water. Unfortunately, there is also a lot of misinformation being spread that is trying to pit farmer versus farmer, and even farmer versus Idaho, over what some are calling “an attack on farmland.” It’s time we cut through […]
These futuristic tools are essential for sustaining Idaho’s health care workforce
Idaho is facing a critical shortage of health care workers. When that happens, pressure mounts on universities to increase health care graduates. But, it’s not as simple as opening the floodgates and allowing more students to enroll. Faculty availability, limited special equipment, and even physical space present significant challenges. So what can we do? One […]
Strong demand for Power district’s no-till drill reflects growing interest in soil health statewide
This piece first appeared in the Idaho Soil and Water Conservation Commission’s monthly newsletter, Conservation the Idaho Way. The soil health movement appears to be gaining significant momentum among Idaho farmers and conservation districts statewide. Over 10 years after the Natural Resources Conservation Service launched its Soil Health Initiative in 2012, a growing number of […]
Volcanic wonderland awaits adventurers in southern Idaho at Craters of the Moon
Editor’s note: This is the fourth in a series of six guest opinions commemorating the Craters of the Moon National Monument Centennial. While southern Idaho’s vast Snake River Plain is lauded and renowned among geology aficionados for its fantastic volcanic landscapes, Craters of the Moon National Monument stands apart as its single exemplary feature. Boasting […]
Artificial intelligence can be our first line of defense in limiting the effects of wildfires
California, like many of the states in our region, has faced some of the most devastating wildfires in recent history. The “Golden State” is leading the charge in wildfire prevention by integrating cutting-edge technology into its fire management strategies. One of the most significant advancements in this area is the use of AI-trained cameras that monitor […]