Commentary
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 […]
Reporting live from Native America and the Republican National Convention
MILWAUKEE — I’m in Milwaukee with a team of Native American journalists at the Republican National Convention to understand more about the relationship between the federal government and the colonized people that will continue to exist within the United States project — whichever man becomes president again in 2025. Wherever the U.S. goes after Nov. […]
Gov. Brad Little issues executive order to resolve Idaho water fight – for now
The challenging waters of Idaho’s irrigation needs became even more turbulent in recent weeks, with water users working through disagreements over the proper management of this precious resource. Mountain States Policy Center wrote about the eastern Idaho curtailment issues last year here and here. But even after this past year was filled with many discussions on the […]
Idaho Envirothon seeks more student participants in fun, science-based educational event
The Idaho Envirothon is a unique, hands-on educational competition held once a year at the Living Waters Ranch in Challis. It’s such a great event that students and organizers are hoping more Idaho teams get involved. “We want as many teams from across Idaho to come enjoy the setting and participate in this program, and […]
New Extremely American podcast tackles Christian nationalism through story of an Idaho town
In Moscow, Idaho, there is a pitched battle for the soul of the community – and it’s all wrapped up in a battle for the souls of the community. It pits residents who like the quiet college town’s all-are-welcome vibe – with its visible pride flags and Black Lives Matters signs – with a church […]
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. […]
A major change is coming to health care access for Idaho children. Here’s what to know.
Welcome, summer! As families across Idaho gear up for outdoor adventures and quality time together, I’m compelled to address a significant legislative change that will impact pediatric health care access starting July 1. Senate Bill 1329, recently passed into law, introduces critical adjustments that warrant our attention and concern. This new law primarily focuses on […]
I’m staying in Idaho to practice medicine after the U.S. Supreme Court’s EMTALA decision
Earlier this year, I described how and why I made the difficult decision to stay and practice medicine in Idaho given the increasing threats to reproductive health care that I witnessed firsthand as a medical trainee. As I’m writing this now, the U.S. Supreme Court just issued a decision in the landmark abortion case Idaho […]
Idaho is awash in the corrupting sludge of political money
Idaho – like the rest of the country – is drowning in political money. The corrupting influence of all that cash, most of it untraceable as to its origin, is hiding in plan sight. By general agreement at least $1.5 million in “dark money” – the money of millionaires and billionaires who are trying to […]
Craters of the Moon is among most unique land in National Wilderness Preservation System
Editor’s note: This is the third in a series of six guest opinions commemorating the Craters of the Moon National Monument Centennial. The first, about its ‘weird and scenic landscape,’ can be found here, while the second, about the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes’ Connection to Craters of the Moon, can be found at this link. On the […]
Idaho Dept. of Health and Welfare’s decision to part ways with data exchange is shortsighted
For Idahoans, it’s unfortunate and shortsighted that the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare decided to terminate its contract with the Idaho Health Data Exchange. This decision disadvantages a state agency struggling to adapt to a modern technology framework for managing health care services for Idaho’s most vulnerable populations. The department’s explanations for terminating the […]
There were 806 fewer earthquakes in the Yellowstone region in 2023 than prior year, report says
Every year since 2017, the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory has summarized yearly geological activity — earthquakes, ground deformation, geyser eruptions, and so forth — and research efforts and findings in a series of annual reports. In these products you can find information about the numbers of seismic swarms in a given year, or the progress made […]