By Christina Lords | Editor-in-Chief
“More Americans are turning to unions as a bulwark against the rising cost of living, and more public sector workers turned towards unions last year in the wake of some federal actions and federal headwinds.” - State of the Unions study coauthor Frank Manzo IV, an economist at the left-leaning Illinois Economic Policy Institute
Members of Virginia Professional Firefighters association hold signs during their biannual convention in May to protest Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s veto of collective bargaining legislation. New research found a significant spike in labor union membership, but growth is highly dependent upon state politics. (Photo by Charlotte Rene Woods/Virginia Mercury)
GROWTH + AFFORDABILITY
Labor unions are growing, but where depends on state politics
By Kevin Hardy
Last year, the nation added more than 411,000 union members — the largest annual growth since 2008, according to a study published just ahead of the Labor Day holiday by the Illinois Economic Policy Institute and the Project for Middle Class Renewal at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
At the end of last year, more than 14.6 million American workers belonged to a union — about 10% of the workforce, the study said.
An explosion of data center facilities, including the one pictured here in northeast Oregon, have been built along the Columbia River Gorge during the last few years. (Photo by Jordan Gale/Oregon Capital Chronicle)
INDIGENOUS AFFAIRS
Developers eye Native nations, tribal communities for new data center projects
By Madyson Fitzgerald
Data center developments are continuing to spread throughout the country as the demand for digital processing power grows — especially as artificial intelligence systems become more prevalent. But in addition to concerned residents, some federal, state and local officials are worried about how data centers could drive up utility bills, strain water resources and hurt the environment.
And now, tribal communities are grappling with the fact that more developers are eyeing their land for future data center projects.
Wildland firefighters perform backfiring operations in July 2026 on the Tartar Fire near Weiser, Idaho. (Photo courtesy of the National Interagency Fire Center)
COMMENTARY
Idaho’s wildfires: The risk doesn’t end where insurance does for our small businesses
By Dustin Carlson
Business owners often have catastrophic losses that traditional insurers either limit from coverage or exclude altogether, writes guest columnist Dustin Carlson.
MORE REGIONAL AND NATIONAL NEWS FROM US
ICYMI
Shining a light on other Idaho politics reporting
Note: Some links may lead to stories behind a news organization's paywall
Idaho State Journal: US Rep. Mike Simpson tours ISU facilities during recent visit
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