By Christina Lords | Editor-in-Chief
“Cece Andrus was so many things to so many people in this state. He shaped so many things. Part of it was a style. Part of it was the way he exhibited leadership. Part of it was the fact that he hadn’t finished college. He was a working dude. He acted like a working dude, and he trusted people, and he ultimately trusted me, and we became very close.” - Retired executive director of the Idaho Conservation League Rick Johnson
Idaho Gov. Cecil Andrus (center) attends the 1974 Spokane World’s Fair, the first world’s fair to feature an environmentally conscious theme. Andrus, the longest-serving governor in Idaho history, cared deeply for the state’s open spaces and public lands. He went on to serve as U.S. secretary of the Interior during the Jimmy Carter administration. (Photo courtesy of the Cecil D. Andrus Papers, Special Collections and Archives at Boise State University)
GOVERNMENT + POLITICS
Share your ‘Cece story’: Boise State’s Andrus Center will host ‘History Harvest’ for book project
By Christina Lords
The book will feature chapters of narrative essays written by the vanguard of some Idaho’s most notable political insiders, including journalists who covered Cecil Andrus, staff who worked side-by-side with him, conservationists who helped shape his environmental policies and beliefs, and Idaho politicians who have followed in his footsteps.
But they have an unique plan to gather material for the yearlong writing project. And they need your help.
A pygmy rabbit, one of the world’s smallest rabbit species. (Photo by Morgan Heim)
ENVIRONMENT
Conservation groups sue over ESA protections for pygmy rabbit
By Micah Drew
Two conservation organizations filed suit in federal district court against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service over a delayed decision about whether the world’s smallest rabbit species qualifies for Endangered Species Act protections.
The interior of a modern data center. (Stock photo by Imaginima/Getty Images)
COMMENTARY
AI is about to collide with Idaho’s water crisis, and we’re not ready for the consequences
By Daniel Michno
Idaho needs state‑level artificial intelligence protections now, before new facilities lock in decades of water demand, writes guest columnist Daniel Michno.
MORE FROM US
2026 primary election voter guide: Dates to know, how-to instructions and candidate surveys for Idaho's top contested primaries.
ICYMI
Shining a light on other Idaho politics reporting
Note: Some links may lead to stories behind a news organization's paywall
Coeur d’Alene Press: Infrastructure work approved for the Coeur d’Alene Idaho Temple
Spokesman-Review: Woman sues Kootenai County Sheriff for forcible town hall removal
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