The Argonaut | Oct. 30, 2025

UI enrollment grows

email interview with The Argonaut.

The Washington Post reported U.S. colleges or universities were closing at a rate of one per week in 2024 due to declines in enrollment. So far, 25 colleges have closed or merged in 2025.

The University of Idaho’s total fall 2025 enrollment was reported to be 12,383 students, up by 0.8% compared to fall 2024, and had the second largest freshman class in the school’s history at 1,980 students. UI released enrollment numbers in an Oct. 17 press release.

Undergraduate enrollment is up 3% to 7,978 students, from 7,747 in 2024, leading to UI’s largest undergraduate population. First to second year retention increased to 77.3% in 2025 from 75.6% in 2024.

“I think that we are in a very competitive environment where enrollment is critical to our university,” said Dean Kahler, the vice provost for strategic enrollment management, in an

Food

Nationwide, college enrollment peaked in 2010 and has been declining since. UI’s highest enrollment was 12,416 students in 2012.

“We are bucking a national trend and navigating some very challenging enrollment times. Many other university administrators across the nation would love to be enjoying the success we have realized,” Kahler said.

International enrollment declined from 820 students

in 2024 to 709 students in 2025. The Trump administration halted all visa interviews on May 27 for 46 weeks and required a more in-depth review to be performed on international students.

According to Kahler, UI has employed recruitment strategies aimed at enrolling local high school students.

Idaho resident undergraduate student enrollment increased by 5% from 2024 and Western Undergraduate Exchange enrollment increased by 6%. The WUE program provides a tuition discount to students outside Idaho to all states and regions in the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

“We remain committed to recruiting outstanding Idaho students, and our

growing retention rates show that our support systems are working,”

UI President Scott Green wrote in a letter on Oct. 24, 2025.

Total enrollment numbers include dualcredit high school students enrolled in college courses, which number 1,989 students. When excluded, enrollment is up 2.6% with 10,849 students.

Total graduate student enrollment is 2,021, up 0.5% from 2,010 students in fall 2024. Of that, 1,382 students are enrolled in master’s degree programs.

Notably, the College of Law grew by 9.8% with 502 students, up from 457 in 2024, which marks the largest first-year class for the law school.

The University of Idaho will need to lay off 28 “essential” full-time faculty and staff to meet new budget requirements in Fiscal Year 2027, according to budget documents published by the Idaho Division of Financial Management on Oct. 17.

To meet the ongoing reduction of 3% from the state budget in FY2027, UI plans to reach a total $3.4 million reduction. Of that, $3,147,500 will be personnel costs. UI has calculated that number to be equal to 28.17 full-time positions.

However, the Idaho legislature still has to approve the 3% proposed cut, and it’s unclear at this time what the reduction amount will be and how UI will enact these future cuts, according to Brian Foisy, the vice president for the Division of Finance and Administration at UI.

Faculty reductions will “directly [harm] our students by negatively impacting student learning outcomes, retention rates and graduation timelines. Our students will face increased financial pressures and be less prepared to join Idaho’s workforce,” UI wrote in the attached narrative.

Fewer faculty will result in larger class sizes and reduced research activities, according to UI, and fewer staff members will negatively impact student success and decrease educational quality.

“Reductions in information technology staff weaken cybersecurity safeguards, putting the institution at heightened financial and reputational risks. Reductions in financial shared services reduces our ability to identify and implement university-wide training and efficiencies,” UI wrote.

“The example of 28

positions was used to illustrate the scale of potential personnel cost reductions based on average salary and fringe in OIT and financial shared services; however, no specific positions have been identified, and no decisions have been made,” Foisy wrote in an email to The Argonaut.

“The number of positions needed to be eliminated was calculated based on our average salary and related fringe: on average it would take the elimination of 28 positions in order to reach the needed personnel cost reduction,” Foisy said. “OIT and financial shared services were used as examples; however, there are still unknowns related to the reductions.”

In the attached budget sheets, UI listed the current year’s, FY2026, budgeted personnel costs at $163,835,885. In FY2027, those appropriations will decrease to $159,427,300.

Also on the list of reductions is $148,000 of operating expenses and $104,700 of capital outlay, or funds allocated toward long-term physical assets like buildings or land.

Reduced spending in these areas “will impact professional development, hindering our ability to adapt to evolving student needs and technological advancements” and lead to “delayed replacement of equipment, increasing the risk of failure and emergency replacement,” according to the narrative.

The upcoming FY2027 reductions will go into effect on July 1, 2026, at the beginning of the fiscal year. However, although the governor’s office ordered the reduction for FY2026 and said cuts would continue into FY2027, the Idaho legislature will make the final decision.

“As a result, we do not yet know the final reduction amount and may not know it until midspring. Decisions will be made and announced as soon as possible once final reduction amounts are known,” Foisy said.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will be delayed for the month of November as a result of the federal government shutdown and funding lapse, according to the Idaho Department of

Health and Welfare. This does not include WIC, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. SNAP helps low-income individuals or families cover essential food-related expenses and has benefited more than 41.7 million Americans, or about 12.3% of the total population in the U.S. In Idaho, 6.5% of the population received SNAP benefits in 2024.

In Latah County, 1,836 people, or 4.65% of the county’s population, received SNAP benefits.

The U.S. government has been shut down for four weeks due to lawmakers in Congress failing to reach an agreement on funding legislation. General funding will not be available until the government resumes operations.

President Donald Trump has decided not to use backup funds for SNAP

benefits.

Attorney generals for 22 states, including Washington state, the District of Colombia and three state governors, have sued the Trump administration for “illegally suspending SNAP benefits.”

The USDA said contingency funds are not “legally available” due to congressional Democrats’

John Keegan | Argonaut

UI wide receiver Nolan McWilliams attempts to make an over-the-shoulder catch against Portland State safety Carsten Mamaril

ASUI passes previously introduced senate bills and legislation

the meeting, and Senator Preston Hardcatsle spoke during discussion, “The party was really fun, and we have to pay her back now.”

During ASUI’s weekly meeting on Oct. 29, long sitting legislation finally passed after one hour of deliberation.

During the last meeting, ASUI introduced bill F25-B05 to reimburse Senator Andrea Leal, for setting up the senate’s Halloween party. This party occurred before

To bring the spooky spirit, the senators of ASUI dressed in their Halloween costumes to this meeting, which is a large contrast to their traditional business wear. Leal was dressed as the Lorax, Senator Charlie Peacock was dressed as Mia Thermopolis from the Princess Diaries and Senator Leika Devi was dressed as Kim Possible.

Almost all senators were dressed up, and bill F25-B05 passed unanimously, giving Leal $300 to recoup costs from hosting the event. Excess funding will return to the

ASUI budget.

The Argonaut previously reported on senate bill F25-B03, the first club funding bill to be proposed after the new club funding system was placed. The intention of the bill is to support the National Association for Music Education and partially reimburse members registration costs.

There was more debate on this bill during this session, after Director of Finance Lance Butikofer’s recommendation. During the open forum, he said, “We need to consider the financial precedent that it might set for ASUI to fund or partially reimburse membership fees for all student clubs and organizations.” He recommended reduc-

ing funding to $250, since he does support NAfME’s mission. Other discussions occurred between senators Logan Romans, Gunner Cavender and Hardcastle on topics such as the timing, ruining the original intent of the bill and on the impacts of decreasing the funds.

After these discussions, the bill was still passed as originally written.

Senate resolution F25-R04 was introduced requesting $200 in funding for the UI Japan Club to help pay for food and other expenses.

“The $200 will help UI Japan Club create events that promote cross cultural understanding, inclusion and community involvement among students,” said Senator Zoha Aqeel, sponsor of F25-R04.

After Cavender’s request for further clarification on how the money will be used in the previous meeting, the bill was passed.

Resolution F25-R09 was introduced to thank the UI International Programs office, the UI Department of Student Involvement, organizers and volunteers that worked on the Oct. 16 Pumpkin Carving Party.

Senator Binod Khadka spoke positively of the event. He said, “No matter where we come from, we all share the same joy, celebrating, and making memories together.” This bill was passed. Resolution F25-R08 was introduced last meeting to support students, staff and faculty in voting in the upcoming Moscow city general elections on Nov. 4. After being submitted to the policy and resolutions committee, it has passed.

Other legislation was introduced during this session, including two club funding bills, one for $500 to Pre-Law Club, titled F25-08, and resolution F25-B09 for funding UI Pre-Veterinary club, for $300.

There was also mention of the Nov. 8 unveiling of the ASUI Vandal Statue, which was previously reported by The Argonaut. ASUI will continue to meet every Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the Clearwater-Whitewater room in the ISUB. Meetings are open to the public.

rejection of a “clean continuing resolu

tion” over the GOP funding bill. Instead, contingency funds will be used toward the Disaster SNAP program, which supplies food benefits for individuals in natural disasters.

Hurricane Melissa has the potential to reach Florida, so the USDA has decided to keep funds readily available for the Disaster SNAP program instead of the SNAP program.

The USDA said pulling funding from other programs, such as WIC, would take away school lunches and formula for children.

The Trump administration announced it would use about $8 billion in Pentagon research and development funds to cover the Oct. 15 payrolls of 2 million active-duty and reserve military members. There will not be enough money for the next distribution at the end of the month, according to CNN In the interim, SNAP recipients are advised to visit food pantries and soup kitchens.

Those looking to donate food or time can visit the Idaho Foodbank at https://idahofoodbank.org/.

Faculty Senate reviews budget cuts and website concerns

rence said new budget requests for 2026-27 are due from universities in Idaho, but no actual cuts will be determined until the finalization of the budget in spring 2026.

The senate voted unanimously on a resolution calling for more faculty control over website content, resource support requests and access to website subdomains. After the launch of the new UI website, the loss and combination of many webpages reduced faculty control over profiles and content.

Concerns were raised to Torrey Lawrence, provost and executive vice president, about media reports of 28 positions being cut from the University of Idaho at the faculty senate meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 28.

Lawrence said that the 28 positions were specifically identified.

“We had to submit to the state where those cuts might come from, of course. The final decision will be when we do the actual budgets,” said Lawrence.

A 3% budget cut on Idaho’s state agencies was announced by Gov. Brad Little on Aug. 15. Because of the cuts occurring in the middle of the current fiscal year, Law-

Blaine Eckles, vice provost for student affairs and dean of students, provided updates on health services. He said that because Rite Aid is out of business, there is currently no provider for flu shots for UI faculty and staff. Flu shots remain available for students at the Vandal Health Clinic. Faculty and staff were encouraged to use local providers and pharmacies for flu and COVID vaccinations.

The senate discussed faculty involvement in politics and public commentary regarding the city election. Eckles said faculty may participate in politics on personal time

as long as there is no affiliation with UI such as using a university email.

A proposed catalog change regarding commencement eligibility was presented to the senate to address the rare situation of restraining orders between students or staff. The change alters the wording from “entitled” to “eligible” for graduation attendance. Senators advocated for the safety of students, staff and faculty attending commencement, but the motion was tabled until more specific language can be considered. Idaho’s four-year colleges were prompted by the State Board of Education to write or suggest revisions to the faculty code of conduct, but no major concerns were raised during the meeting.

Tim Murphy, chair of the Faculty Senate said that he anticipated significant policy reviews in the coming weeks and encouraged senators to review proposals in advance. Lawrence also included reminders about the faculty gathering Nov. 6, hosted by the College of Art and Architecture, in his provost report.

Colton Moore | Argonaut

speaks at this week’s ASUI Senate Meeting, sitting next to Senator Preston Hardcastle

UI ranked 43rd of 257 colleges for free speech

UI’s “D” in free speech survey still in top 50 nationwide

The University of Idaho ranked 43 out of 257 colleges and universities for supporting free speech, according to a nationwide survey of students by a free speech advocacy group.

The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression released its 2026 rankings for free speech on college campuses on Sept. 19. Despite a comparatively high ranking and score of 65, UI still received a “D” grade.

The highest ranked college, Claremont McKenna College, scored a “B-.” The bottom-ranked school, Barnard College, received a score of 41, putting it and over 150 other schools in the “F” category. The survey was fielded by College Pulse, a nonprofit data organization; 157 UI students responded.

From the responses collected, 25% of UI students believe that violence can be an acceptable method to stop someone from speaking “at least in rare cases,” while 59% more broadly believe it is acceptable to prevent or stop certain voices from speaking.

Across the entire survey, 34% said it was acceptable to use violence to stop someone from speaking, at least in rare cases. Other results include 72% saying shouting down a speaker is acceptable, at least in rare cases; 24% of students said they self-censor with other students; 28% said they self-censor in class discussions, and 27% said they think it was not likely their universities would defend a speaker’s rights.

“The statistic doesn’t mean that a third of students would use violence themselves. It does reflect a level of intellectual support for some students using it,” said Sean Stevens, Chief Research Advisor for FIRE.

According to Stevens, this statistic represents the bottom of the pyramid of

radicalization: the people who would never commit a violent act themselves but would rationalize it. The top of the pyramid, the people who would actually commit a form of violence, only makes up 1-2%.

UI’s D rating is an average of six components: comfort expressing ideas (D+), self-censorship (D-), disruptive conduct (B), admin support (D-), openness (D+) and political tolerance (F).

About 39% of UI students reported that they self-censor at least one a once a month.

Brandon Brackett, UI’s director of Student Involvement, said he was not surprised with the results but was intrigued that UI ranked in the top 20% of colleges nationwide for free speech despite the D rating.

FIRE reported that there were no incidents of silencing or violence against speakers in 2025.

“I don’t know the legitimacy of the number or what the data skews as, but it seems weird…that being said, I don’t disagree with

anything FIRE is advocating for, and neither does the university,” Brackett said.

Brackett also said that neither he nor the university was contacted by an employee from FIRE.

UI’s score rose 5.1 points, from 59.7 in 2024 to 64.8 in 2025, and raised the university’s score from a D- to a D. UI’s national ranking rose 20 places, from 63 out of 256 in 2025 to 43 in 2026. Openness, which measures how many controversial topics students feel they can openly discuss on campus, was the only one to decrease compared to 2025.

FIRE determined a ratio of 1.11 liberal-identifying student for every one conservative on the UI Moscow campus.

The survey data was collected from Jan. 3 to June 5, 2025. The sample includes 68,510 undergraduates enrolled full-time in four-year degree programs from 257 colleges and universities in the United States.

The survey will be conducted again in spring 2026 and will beavailable through the College Pulse app.

Vandal Health survey finds political discrimination at UI

Survey shows 11.3% of sudents feel political discrimination

Mackenzie Davidson ARGONAUT

According to a survey of students conducted by Vandal Health, Education, Recreation and Wellbeing in 2024, 11.3% of respondents on the University of Idaho campus feel discriminated against for their political beliefs.

The survey was fielded during the fall 2024 semester and coincided with the November presidential election. Over 1,000 responses were collected from UI students. This was the first time the office conducted this survey made by the American College Health Association to evaluate 14 dimensions of wellbeing, according to their report.

“We’re seeing a lot of research and anecdotal feedback on campus about

concerns like belonging, connectedness, loneliness and lack of engagement. There’s a lot of research coming out post-COVID about those factors. And so, we wanted to learn more about what that meant for our students,” said Emily Tuschhoff, associate director of programs and wellbeing initiatives.

One of the 14 dimensions involved levels of discrimination, including gender identity and sexual orientation, which saw 6.8% and 6% of students, respectively, feeling discriminated against. The survey found that 4.5% of students felt discriminated against for their racial or ethnic background, 6% for religious affiliation, 4.3% for socioeconomic status and 4.8% for disability.

Tuschhoff said, in response to the percentage of students who felt discriminated against, “There were definitely some things throughout this assessment where we were like, ‘huh,

is there something going on with students?’”

“I’m really glad that we did this in fall of ‘24 to have some baseline data before our equity and diversity unit was closed. And so, we hope to do this again next fall...So we can see if we notice any effects on wellbeing due to those policy changes,” Tuschhoff said.

Diversity, equity and inclusion offices were shut down on Dec. 18, 2024, after UI made the move to close these offices preemptively, based on a pending state Board of Education decision at the time to close DEI offices statewide.

Another survey, conducted by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression in spring 2025, found that 25% of students on the UI campus felt that some amount of violence was acceptable to silence speakers “at least in rare cases.”

“I think it’s all related... Our current landscape in our country is leading to stress,

Joshua Reisenfeld ARGONAUT

UI and Google partner to offer

free

AI and career training

The University of Idaho announced on Oct. 23 a partnership with Google to give students free access to the company’s AI tools and training.

“Partnering with Google brings our new strategic plan to life,” UI President Scott Green said in a press release. “AI is woven into each of our goals for the rest of the decade— from how we teach and learn to how we conduct research and serve Idaho.”

Available opportunities include Google Career Certificates, industry-recognized credentials for in-demand fields including cybersecurity, data analytics, IT support and more; AI training, including how to use AI tools for academic and career-related tasks, such as creating study guides, building resumes and practicing for interviews; and Gemini and NotebookLM, AI-powered tools that can be used to create and organize information.

The Grow with Google program began in 2017 and has helped more than 12 million Americans though 9,000 partner organizations to develop new skills.

Six Idaho educators given Vandal Outstanding Educator Award

The 2025 Vandal Outstanding Educator Award winners were announced Oct. 22 and recognized at the halftime ceremony during the Vandal football game on Oct. 25.

The honorees are Rebecca Sager from the Moscow School District; Monique Jensen from the Parma School District; Doug Richards from Potlatch Junior-Senior High School; Christopher Johnson from Post Falls High School; Chance Wilson from Lowell Scott Middle School in Boise; and Jeanette Humphreys who works with the VandalQUEST Program in Moscow.

These K-12 educators were honored for their impact on the personal and academic growth of students.

ITC honors UI President Green and UI affiliates

The Idaho Technology Council awarded University of Idaho President Scott Green with the Mt. Borah Visionary Leader Award at the Hall of Fame Idaho Tech and Idavation Awards on Oct. 16.

“I’m honored and humbled to accept this award, which I view as a tribute to the innovation driven by our amazing faculty, staff and students at the University of Idaho,” Green said.

Green’s selection for the award by ITC recognizes UI’s recent designation as a Carnegie R1 research university. Also at the event, UI professor Carolyn Bohach won the inaugural Star Garnet Women Leading Tech Award. Bohach leads a biomedical research program that offers opportunities to students from all Idaho colleges and universities.

UI alumni Brandi Milliron, ’97, received the Sawtooth STEM Educator Award and Nick Stoppello, ’13, was a finalist for the Peregrine Innovative Technology Award.

The Idaho Technology Council is a membership organization committed to increasing awareness of a thriving technology ecosystem statewide.

Eat Smart Idaho program generates over 10 times return

wellbeing issues, connection, belonging. I mean, people are for sure afraid to speak up,” Tuschhoff said.

The FIRE survey also reported that 39% of UI students have self-censored themselves on campus.

An anonymous student from the UI class of 2028 reported to FIRE, “There are many times where I have to hide not only my beliefs, but also who I am as a person because I know for a fact that I am not safe around many of my classmates.”

The 2024 survey is now being used to inform the Student Affairs Strategic Plan, which includes a pillar focused solely on student wellbeing. The university has also adopted a focus on student wellbeing in its university-wide strategic plan.

“We might not be doing everything right, but we are trying to put the pieces in place to make change,” said Tuschhoff.

University of Idaho Extension has operated Eat Smart Idaho to prevent chronic diseases by teaching participants about nutrition education and was announced to result in $11.62 of economic benefits for every dollar invested through the avoidance of chronic disease medical costs and lost earnings.

UI has been involved in federally funded nutrition education since the early 1970s. The current eat smart program has been in its current form 2012 to prevent chronic diseases by teaching participants about diet quality, physical activity, food safety and food resource management practices.

Eat Smart Idaho has an annual budget of $1.2 million funded by Department of Agriculture grants. Federal funding was recently eliminated for the program. The state is allowing the program to spend its unused balance on continuing Eat Smart Idaho throughout the coming year.

Eat Smart Idaho’s federal grants fund 20 full- and part-time program staff. The study was published Sept. 27 in Nutrients Journal, authored by six UI faculty and two professors from other U.S. universities.

Reagan Jones | Argonaut

Celena Chandler holds a sign at a protest on the UI campus in November 2024

Emily Morales ARGONAUT

University of Idaho drops in rankings

2026 Best College rankings place UI lower in most categories

Dakota Steffen ARGONAUT

The University of Idaho dropped in nearly all categories in the 2026 U.S. News and World Report College Rankings.

Most notably, UI had previously ranked no. 1 Best Value Public University in the West for five consecutive years, while this year it is ranked no. 3. The West region includes the states west of Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Oklahoma and Texas.

“Rankings are a great way to measure one school against another — but also come with inherent challenges such as evolving criteria or changing methods for evaluating data,” Jodi Walker, UI executive director of communications, wrote in an email to The Argonaut. “We are evaluating the ranking criteria and finding ways to best show what our University of Idaho continues to do for our students and our state.”

U.S. News’ Best Value category is calculated based on academic quality, based on its 2026 U.S. News Best Colleges ranking, in relation to the average cost of attendance for an out-of-state student in the 2024-25 school year. “The higher the quality of the program and the lower the cost, the better the deal,” the website says.

UI was ranked no. 9 out of 110 for the Best Value Public Universities nationwide, in the top 9%, down from no. 2 in 2024. It is no. 62 for overall Best Value Universities, in the top 30%, down from no. 23.

“We are proud that U of I continues to rank as a Top Value Public University in the Nation! This is a key selling point for students looking for a great education, tremendous outcomes and little to no debt,” Walker wrote.

UI placed 183rd out of 436 for national university rankings, down four places from 179 in 2024, putting it in the top 42% of universities nationwide. The university was ranked no. 100 out of 225 for public university rankings.

The two categories UI improved in were economics programs, from no. 214 to no. 191 out of 254, and undergraduate computer science programs, from no. 162 to no. 136 out of 601.

“We enjoyed the second largest freshman class in our history this fall and saw our retention numbers continue to climb. These are both excellent measurements of our students and their families seeing the value in a Vandal education,” Walker wrote.

The Vandal Health Clinic is excited to be able to offer flu vaccinations to students starting October 1st!

Schedule your appointment by:

• Patient Portal

• Calling the Clinic

• Walk-ins*

*Please note, due to limited space, scheduled appointments are preferred*

• Ask during your appointment with our medical providers

Amazon to bring same day delivery to the Palouse

New 28,000 square-foot facility creates hundreds of job opportunities

Joshua Reisenfeld ARGONAUT

Amazon opened a new delivery station in Pullman Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, aiming to bring same-day delivery to the Palouse region. Station operations will ramp up though the holiday season. Two-day delivery is currently available. Same-day delivery will be available by the end of the year.

Groceries, household goods and personal care products such paper towels, diapers and pet food will be available for same-day delivery, according to Amazon Reginal Public Relations Specialist Farah Jad.

“The Pullman location will significantly improve access to everyday essentials throughout the area, where many communities are located far from major retail centers,” wrote Jad in an email interview with The Argonaut.

The 28,000-square-foot facility is part of Amazon’s $4 billion investment to

enhance delivery speed in rural America. It is located at the intersection of Pullman Airport Road and Washington State Route 270 near the Idaho-Washington state line in Whitman County. Since 2010, Amazon has invested $349.6 billion in the Evergreen State through infrastructure development and employee compensation, according to Jad.

The Pullman location adds to Amazon’s growing presence in Washington state, which includes more than 92,000 employees. According to Jad, there are hundreds of positions for the Palouse region. Full-time and part-time warehouse and delivery driver job applications are available online.

“Beyond direct employment, the last-mile facility will strengthen Pullman’s position as a logistics and delivery hub for the Palouse region, helping local small businesses reach more customers through Amazon’s marketplace,” wrote Jad.

Customers can see what items are available for same-day delivery by visiting amazon.com/samedaystore.

Colton Moore | Argonaut

The new Amazon facility stands at the state line

Colton Moore | Argonaut Front door to the Amazon delivery station

KUOI turned 80 years old Oct. 29

Birthday celebration Saturday at 6 p.m.

Miriam Moore

ARGONAUT

From between the Delta Zeta and Kappa Alpha Theta houses on old Greek row, passersby can see a neon sign from the third floor of the Pitman Center that advertises KUOI in glowing red and blue lettering, bringing good tidings of great music.

This is where the campus radio station lives. The Pitman Center’s third floor houses all the University of Idaho’s student media: Blot magazine, The Argonaut newspaper and the radio station KUOI 89.3 FM Moscow.

KUOI turned 80 years old on Wednesday, Oct. 29. To celebrate this feat, KUOI’s 80th birthday party will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1 on the third floor of the Pitman Center.

KUOI began in an attic in 1945 when UI students ran transmitting electrical wire through steam tunnels to broadcast two hours a day of music and Shakespearean drama.

Class attendance was mandatory, so there was no one to listen to nor run the station during the daytime, and freshmen had to be home by 6:30 p.m.

During the first years, the station only played two hours a day on weekdays. This was before weekend broadcasting.

With time, the station used World War II surplus equipment and a deal with Big Tobacco to gain a teletype machine.

In the 1970s, the Black Student Union executed a takeover of KUOI to read a list of demands concerning the university’s foot-dragging on affirmative action.

KUOI did not put up resistance to the BSU. KUOI switched to full stereo and 24-hour broadcast in 1975.

You can listen to KUOI at 89.3 FM or through the web stream on kuoi.org.

The DJ booth boasts two turntables, two CD players, a soundboard, a broken cassette player and a computer that houses “The Robot.”

“The Robot” is the automation program the station uses to play music when a live DJ is not in the booth.

The walls of the booth are plastered haphazardly with colorful posters for local shows, band stickers, stickynote doodles and a calendar for upcoming shows.

A shelf under a “Neutral Milk Hotel” poster and a wooden 4x6 inexplicably inscribed in Sharpie, “Hail Satin! It’s so soft!” features CDs sent to the station by current artists.

Behind the DJ booth are three rooms filled ceiling to floor with shelves full of music that leave just enough room for a fold-out metal chair between them to reach the top shelf.

The music has all been sent to the station as promotion over decades, said Student Media Manager Jim Niedbalski.

KUOI holds one of the largest university music libraries in the Northwest with an approximated 70,000 CDs and vinyl records, accumulated over the last 80 years, particuarly in the 1960s through the 1990s.

The modern world presents unique challenges to the radio. Streaming platforms like Spotify give users the ability to listen to any song ever at the touch of a button.

Freshman DJ Garrett Grube acknowledges the benefits of Spotify for music one is already familiar with, but says radio presents people with the opportunity of discovery.

“I believe art is about discovery, and the radio is one of the best ways to discover all kinds of new music,” Grube said.

KUOI production assistant Delaney Drummond echoed this sentiment. “Being able to tune into a live DJ and hearing them talk about why they love the music pushes me to listen to more music outside my dome of listening.”

Student station manager Mackenzie Davidson spoke of the community that comes with listening to other students, “real people,” she stressed, play music over a corporation’s algorithm.

“It’s a voice for students,” Davidson said. “We fight the man.” When asked why people should listen to KUOI over a streaming platform like Spotify, she brought up Spotify’s policy of artist cuts: Spotify pays artists a paltry average of $0.004 per stream.

“No artists were harmed in the making of KUOI,” she added with a smile.

KUOI also serves the UI campus and Moscow community through airing public service announcements for non-profit organizations and playing daily from 8:30-9:30 a.m. “Democracy Now.”

As production assistant, Drummond

curates and records the PSAs that go on air. “I try to make them as curated to Moscow and UI as possible so the listeners can use the information for themselves.”

Drummond is a DJ, as well. She says she plays all sorts of genres. “I think having a variety of music is what expands people’s love for [KUOI].”

Grube says he DJs at the station because he loves showing people music and because he was told he has a voice for radio.

“I have a deep love for art and those who create it, and I believe they deserve to be highlighted.”

You can listen to his show “The Little Man” on Thursday nights from 11 p.m.-1 a.m. for music.

He plays “niche, obscure, or whatever [he] dang well [pleases]” music, per the introduction to his show.

He can do this because of KUOI’s free format policy. Originally adopted in the 1980s, free format means DJs can play anything they “dang well please.”

At KUOI, “total creative freedom is policy” and DJs are not constrained to any genre or Top 40 chart.

With KUOI’s current 32 DJs, the station lives up to its slogan “Where diversity reigns.” Listeners tuning in on Fridays from 5-7 p.m. will hear “Jazz Freak” with EvanJames Mulroy.

Just a few hours later, on Fridays from 10 p.m.-12:30 a.m., Gus Trudell-Richardson hosts “Something Vicious for Tomorrow” which plays “heavy doses of classic rock, post-punk/new wave, new up-andcomers, and a little bit of 1990s indie.”

UI Theatre Department to stage “Pippin”

Director Jess Hirsh gives a look into production and rehearsals

Reese Garcia ARGONAUT

This week, the University of Idaho Theatre Arts Department is debuting its production of “Pippin,” opening on Thursday, Oct. 30.

In an interview with The Argonaut, director Jess Hirsh said the story of “Pippin” is “a group of players putting on the story of Pippin, his life and times, which is the story of a young man trying to figure out what to do with his life.”

As Pippin goes on this journey of life, he discovers that true happiness comes from everyday experiences, not living an overthe-top life.

Picking “Pippin” as one of this year’s fall productions was something that the department was very excited about.

“It’s a title from the ‘70s, and we haven’t done something from that far back in a few years,” said Hirsh.

For the students, working on a production like this is a perfect learning opportunity for those in the program who are working on stage and in the design element.

Rehearsals are no joke for the cast and

crew. With rehearsals Monday through Thursday and Saturday, it is clear that those involved are highly dedicated to their art.

“The students have just shown up to rehearsals eager to learn and eager to receive notes and cheer each other on,” said Hirsh.

As the cast is now in tech week, they are preparing for their first audiences. Hirsh praised her students by saying, “This cast has been absolutely incredible.” She continued, “We are walking into tech week ready, which is exactly where we want to be.”

As tech week is in favor of the technicians of the show, the students are prepared to run the show so the technical aspects can be added efficiently.

As audiences leave the world of “Pippin,” Hirsh hopes that audiences “have conversations about the pressures that they’ve experienced in their own lives and the pressures that they’ve put upon other people and examine if it

was worth it.”

She said, “And if it was worth it, how did it make you the person you are today?”

With opening night rapidly approaching, this show is one you will want to see. This is a perfect show for any college student.

This show is for the people that “[if you] have ever once felt in your life that you are being forced to make a life decision super

early and you’re not ready.”

You can see UI’s production of “Pippin” at the Hartung Theatre starting on Oct. 30. Additional performances will be at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 31, Nov. 1, Nov. 7-8 and matinees at 2:00 p.m. on Nov. 2 and 9.

Tickets are free for UI students, $6 for 18 and under and $26 for general admission. They can be bought at uitickets.com.

John Keegan | Argonaut

Delaney Drummond DJs for KUOI during her show “This Must Be the Place” on Tuesdays from 7-9 p.m.

John Keegan | Argonaut

The shelves of music and records in KUOI’s studio

Aubrey Sharp Argonaut

Cale Wilponen plays Pippin during a dress rehearsal on Wednesday,

America250 committee to give $10,000 to student projects

The funding is meant to encourage students to interact creatively with the American story

Cal Torres ARGONAUT

The 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence–“America250”, or the semiquincentennial–is on July 4, 2026.

To recognize the occasion, the University of Idaho’s America250 committee will be giving $10,000 of funding to student projects centered around American history.

Projects can take a variety of forms, from movie screenings to field trips.

“I think that really cool projects might involve hands-on experiences,” said Dulce Kersting-Lark, head of the UI Library’s Special Collections and Archives and co-chair of the UI America250 committee.

“Maybe it is an opportunity to engage in the way that something was produced in the past, like hand-sewing [or] a handicraft, and engaging with how that might have changed over time.”

The funding also isn’t limited by field of study or expertise. Rebecca Scofield, chair of the UI History Department and the other co-chair of the UI America250 committee, said, “We’re really hoping that students in a range of disciplines, like documentary filmmakers and musi-

cians and scientists can think about how this anniversary has shaped their lives and then pursue a project that really speaks to that for them on a personal level.”

Anniversaries of this nature have been influential in the past. The legacy of the bicentennial in 1976 is still obvious to the layperson through the availability of commemorative merchandise in secondhand shops and antique markets and through its perseverance in collective memory.

To historians, though, these anniversaries have great potential for the expansion of historical initiatives and for involving the public more with their history.

“I think what was so great about the bicentennial in 1976 was that in a lot of ways it helped create public history as we know it…Genealogy and reenactment and craft-based historical thinking really got popular,” said Scofield.

Kersting-Lark highlighted the expansion of the National Register of Historic Places, a list of sites considered to have historical value in the United States, during 1976.

She also noted an effort to get the UI campus listed as a historic district around the time of the semiquincentennial; this would make it the third historic district in Moscow, after the Fort Russell Neighborhood and the downtown.

Planning for America250 has been ongoing for the past decade on local,

state and federal levels, although recently local organizations in Idaho have seen their grants pulled ahead of the event.

Because UI was not represented in the Idaho planning committee, the UI America250 committee was especially careful to focus on local opportunities for engagement.

“People have put a lot of energy and time into thinking about how to pull in that same sort of fascination with America’s history that we saw during the bicentennial and during the centennial in the 19th century,” said Scofield.

“I think what Dulce and I really want people to take away is that American history is not in the past. It is this kind of living, breathing thing all around us, and the more we understand our nation’s past, the better we can map a future together.”

This year’s Common Read–“The Small and the Mighty” by Sharon McMahon–and its programming were selected to go along with the upcoming anniversary.

America250 events at UI, including the student projects receiving funding, are expected to mostly center around the Spring 2026 semester, although some are likely to wrap up in the fall.

The application for funding will remain open until Nov. 1. Further information, including requirements for potential projects, can be found under the “About” section of the UI Library Special Collections & Archives page.

What’s in store for you this month?

Dakota Steffen ARGONAUT

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

This month, prioritize stability and care. Remind yourself that you deserve rest, too. You might be holding onto something that you may need to let go of.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

Your heart might have felt out of sync lately. There may be a disconnection with someone in your life. Take advantage of new opportunities and spontaneity in November and let go of any worries.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

This month presents an opportunity to take a break, relax and view your situation with fresh eyes. You may finally be ready to heal from something or let someone back into your life.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

You have been putting in a lot of hard work and consistency recently. This month, you might face a hard truth that you need to walk away from something you’ve been settling for. Don’t be afraid to look for something that feels truer to you.

Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22)

You’ve planted the seeds of success, but now you have to wait. Progress might be slow but remember it is happening. Ask yourself, are there any relationships in your life that aren’t as perfect as they seem?

Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22)

Something in your life might be misaligned. Is there anything internal you’re dealing with that might impact your relationships? While you’re at it, also examine your relationship with yourself.

Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)

The leaves on the trees are turning various shades of red, orange and yellow.

As they fall and cover the ground with their warm hues, it’s clear that fall is truly here.

The cold chill from the wind calls for cozy days inside, and what better way to relax than with a warm drink and freshly baked cookies?

This recipe is perfect for a sweet fall-themed treat that anyone who loves pumpkin can enjoy.

Ingredients:

½ c. white sugar

½ c. brown sugar

½ c. butter (1 stick)

1 c. pumpkin puree

1 egg

1 tsp. vanilla extract

2 c. all-purpose flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1 ½ tsp. pumpkin pie spice*

½ tsp. cinnamon

¼ tsp. salt

1 c. chocolate chips (or personal preference)

Directions:

This month, make sure to ask yourself what success means to you. Are you getting the credit you deserve? Your heart may be pulled in multiple directions. Slow down and figure out which one is right for you.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)

Recently, you may have been in a transition period, leaving something behind. Remember that smoother seas lay ahead. Take a moment to breathe if you need to.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21)

You may have been struggling to commit to something. This month, however, may change that. Stop waiting for the “perfect” option. Find what your heart actually needs.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)

This month brings new possibilities for success. Use your creativity to its fullest potential. Make sure you zoom in on your goals and align your route with your intentions.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18)

Mix well until fully combined. Add the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, salt and chocolate chips.

Mix well until fully combined. You should have a semi-sticky dough. If it feels too sticky, add a bit more flour and mix

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Put the white sugar, brown sugar, butter, pumpkin puree, egg and vanilla extract into a bowl.

again. Take a spoon or scooper and scoop little balls of the dough. Place onto a baking pan with parchment paper.

Bake for 16 minutes and let cool.

Enjoy!

Chef Notes:

*If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, you can do equal parts cloves, nutmeg, ginger and cinnamon (1 ½ tsp. of each).

You are a vital part of your team. You and your peers complement each other in a way that allows for even more growth. Together, you can come up with new ideas and solutions.

Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20)

November may bring some major changes to your life. With this upheaval can come an internal transformation — make sure to accept it. Don’t ignore what may be keeping you stuck. No matter how attached you are, if it’s toxic, you need to let it go.

Halloween costume trends reflect on nostalgia

Characters from childhood cartoons, pop culture and new trending shows will fill the streets this Halloween

Reese Garcia ARGONAUT

As Halloween is approaching, the question is, “What will be this year’s most popular costume?”

It is no doubt that a popular theme this year will be childhood and nostalgic characters.

After searching “2025 Halloween costumes,” on TikTok, the feed is full of characters from “Wicked,” the birds from “Rio,” characters from “Bratz” and “Monster High,” and this year’s Netflix hit film, “KPop Demon Hunters.”

University of Idaho freshman Cloey Plumlee said this year she will be dressing up as Mal from Disney’s “Descendants.”

Plumlee said, “I love her character. It’s one of my favorite movies, and Dove Cameron is the best.”

The 2015 film was a hit for many people of Gen Z, making it the perfect costume for a night of fun nostalgia.

Playing into childhood, another UI freshman, Cadence Johnson, is excited to be dressing up as the tooth fairy on Halloween.

Costumes like these are just an insight of what people can expect to see on Oct. 31.

It is also predicted that there will be a large amount of costumes that reference pop culture.

With references to the recently released album, “The Life of a Showgirl” by Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, “Hamilton,” and the Katseye Gap ad.

With the highly anticipated release of “Wicked: For Good” coming up on Nov. 21, it is certain that both trick-or-treaters and TikTok consumers will see many Ozinspired costumes.

(2025), it is speculated that Superman will be a popular costume amongst people.

Classic characters like Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tinman and the Cowardly Lion are all expected to be roaming the streets this year, including Elphaba and Glinda.

Since the release of “Superman”

In the same “super-human” realm, the Joker is always a classic that never goes out of style.

Other classic costumes include Men in Black, Patrick Bateman from “American Psycho” and Indiana Jones. Whether this year’s costumes reflect

childhood classics or up-and-coming pop culture, the day will be something no one will forget.

Glitter, wigs and face paint are just some of the things that make a Halloween costume truly memorable.

School of music to present packed month of events

Student and faculty recitals, ensembles, concerts and more to be held in November

Shelby Sandford ARGONAUT

Join the University of Idaho’s Lionel Hampton School of Music in November as they bring a packed schedule of events for the month.

From small to large ensembles, student and faculty recitals to an Auditorium Chamber Music Series concert, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Student Recital — Jesse Winchester (Tuesday, Nov. 4)

Join a University of Idaho student performing on oboe from 6-7 p.m. in the Haddock Performance Hall at the LHSOM building. This event is free to attend.

Faculty Recital — Giselle Hillyer and Roger McVey (Tuesday, Nov. 4)

From 7:30-9:30 p.m., attendees can enjoy a UI faculty recital, held in the Haddock Performance Hall in the LHSOM building. Attendance is free for this event.

Convocation 3 (Thursday, Nov. 6)

Watch select music students perform for convocation from 2:30-3:30 p.m. in the Haddock Performance Hall. This event is free to attend.

Double Reed Ensemble (Thursday, Nov. 6)

From 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m., come enjoy a night of music from the double reed ensemble in the Haddock Performance Hall, with free admission

Student Recital — Sawyer Hamm and “Moe” Nicholas Conner (Saturday, Nov. 8)

Enjoy an afternoon concert from noon-1 p.m. with students Sawyer Hamm on trumpet and Nicholas Conner on horn. This event will be held in the Haddock Performance Hall and is free to attend.

Choirs Concert (Monday, Nov. 10)

Join LHSOM students as they present their choirs concert from 7:30-9:30 p.m. in the Haddock Performance Hall. Student tickets are $10 and general are $12. Tickets can be bought online at uitickets.evenue.net/events/LHSOM or at the door with card only.

Guitar Ensemble (Wednesday, Nov.

12)

From 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m., enjoy an evening performance from the guitar ensemble in the Haddock Performance Hall. Attendance is free for this event.

Orchestra Concert (Thursday, Nov. 13)

Join the LHSOM’s Symphony Orchestra for an evening performance from 7:30-9:30 p.m. in the Administration Building Auditorium. Student tickets are $10 and general are $12. Tickets can be bought online or at the door with card only.

Student Recital — Ramie Anderson (Saturday, Nov. 15)

Enjoy an afternoon of music from student violinist Ramie Anderson from noon-1 p.m. in the Haddock Performance Hall. Admission for this event is free.

Student Recital — Stella Rieth (Saturday, Nov. 15)

From 4-5 p.m., join student Stella Rieth for a violin performance in the Haddock Performance Hall. This event is free to attend.

Student Recital — Alex Crisp (Tuesday, Nov. 18)

Join Alex Crisp for a student recital in the Haddock Performance Hall from 6-7 p.m. Admission is free for this event.

Early Music Ensemble (Tuesday, Nov. 18)

From 7:30-9:30 p.m., enjoy an evening performance from UI’s early music ensemble in the Haddock Performance Hall. This event is free to attend.

Wind Ensemble & Concert Band (Wednesday, Nov. 19)

From 7:30-9:30 p.m., join the LHSOM Wind Ensemble and Concert Band for an evening performance held in the Administration Building Auditorium. Student tickets are $10 and general are $12. Tickets can be bought online or at the door with card only.

Student Recital — Bailey Maya (Thursday, Nov. 20)

Join saxophone student Bailey Maya from 6-7 p.m. for a student recital in the Haddock Performance Hall. This event is free to attend.

Jeremy Denk and Richard O’Neill (Thursday, Nov. 20)

From 7:30-9:30 p.m., join the LHSOM for their second ACMS

performance of the season, featuring acclaimed pianist Jeremy Denk and violist Richard O’Neill as they perform chamber music. This event will be held in the Administration Building Auditorium. Student tickets are $10 and general are $25.

Jonbo says: Periodically get out of your comfort zone.

Jonbo has a radio show on KUOI FM 89.3 and www.kuoi.org.

7:00-9:00 PM Fridays.

Ashley Kramer | Argonaut

Various masks for Halloween costumes at Spirit Halloween at the Palouse Mall in Moscow

Ashley Kramer | Argonaut

Students performed for Idaho Bach Week on Oct. 22 in the Haddock Performance Hall in the LHSOM Building

Sisters”

Big inits. in

Brooklynn Jolley | Argonaut

spooky scarecrow towers over

Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity’s front lawn

Ashley Kramer | Argonaut

Masks available at Spirit Halloween at the Palouse Mall in Moscow

Brooklynn Jolley | Argonaut Pumpkins carved by UI students and friends in front of an apartment

Xander Hundal Courtesy

“Night of the Living Dead” by Dakota Steffen

Moscow 2025 Election

Two candidates vie for Moscow mayor

Joshua Reisenfeld ARGONAUT

Hailey Lewis

Hailey Lewis is one of two candidates running for Moscow Mayor in the 2025 election. Lewis is a born-and-raised Moscow local and was elected to the Moscow City Council in November of 2021. She was elected in 2023 to serve as a District Two representative on the Association of Idaho Cities board.

“The role of mayor is to advocate for the city and make sure the city works well, and partner with other decision makers,” Lewis said in an interview with The Argonaut.

Her experience with the effects of state legislation on small towns during her time on the Association of Idaho Cities board has directed focus somewhat outward, but Lewis says that does not mean she is uninterested in solving problems at the local level.

Lewis graduated from the University of Idaho in 2016 with degrees in international studies and Spanish and has worked for Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories since 2012, first as an intern. Lewis’s roles have included human resources, international operations, sales and customer service, government affairs and marketing.

Lewis also served 10 years as secretary for Moscow’s music and arts festival, Rendezvous in the Park, is the liaison for the Parks and Recreation Commission, and previously served on the Palouse Basin Aquifer Committee.

One issue Lewis hopes to pursue as mayor, that the city has yet to address, is improving interagency coordination between taxing districts. “There’s a lot of cooks in the kitchen, and I think it’s really important that we all know order of operations,” Lewis said.

Through her time on city council, Lewis has become aware of Moscow’s current issues such as the depleting aquifer and lack

of officers for the Moscow Police Department and priority initiatives, such as lights for the Moscow School District community playfields. With commission and city planners already working on these initiatives, as mayor, Lewis would make sure the goals are feasible and in line with longer range plans.

The city is currently paying off a police bond that constructed a new police services facility, but when that is over in three years, Lewis does not want to see a frenzy of competing agencies.

“We are all working with shoestring budgets, especially in Latah County, but I think it’s really important that we are not in a situation where someone is racing to put a bond on a ballot just to beat another entity,” Lewis said.

For many of the issues Lewis wishes to tackle, city council member was not the right role, leading to her decision to run for mayor. “I also believe in Moscow, and I love Moscow a lot, like, a lot, a lot and I view it as an opportunity for public service,” Lewis said.

To read more about Lewis’s campaign, visit haileylewis.com.

Election Voter Guide

Dakota Steffen ARGONAUT

The 2025 Elections are coming up soon. Here’s a helpful guide for Moscow voters with frequently asked questions and election information.

What offices are up for election in Moscow?

In the city of Moscow, one mayoral seat and three council seats are up for election, each for a term of four years. Hailey Lewis and Alex Simon are the two candidates for mayor.

There are eight candidates for the city council: Sage McCetich, Evan Holmes, Scott Sumner, Stephen Bonnar, John Slagboom, Gina Taruscio, Gary Schoolland and Ben Stellmon.

There are three candidates for two seats on the Moscow School District Board of Trustees. Kenneth Faunce is running unopposed for Zone 2. Brian Kennedy and Kenan Lauder are running for Zone 5.

Moscow Cemetery District has two open commissioner seats. William Twigg and Cheyenne Stooks are running for Subdistrict 2. Cindy Tubb and Bethanne Broux are running for Subdistrict 1.

The Moscow Rural Fire District has one open commissioner seat for Subdistrict 3, for which Devon McKinney is running unopposed.

Where do I vote?

The city of Moscow encompasses voter precincts 1-18.

Precincts 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14 and 15 will vote at the Latah County Fairgrounds at 1021 Harold Ave., Moscow. Precincts 2, 3, 4 and 17 will vote at the Hamilton Indoor Recreation Center at 1724 East F St., Moscow. Precincts 1, 8, 13, 16 and 18 will vote at the P1FCU Kibbie Dome’s South Entrance at 875 Perimeter Dr., Moscow. Visit https://elections.sos.idaho.gov/ElectionLink/ElectionLink/ViewPollingLocation.aspx to find where to vote.

When do I vote?

Regular voting hours will take place from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 4.

Alex

Simon

Alex Simon is one of two candidates running for Moscow Mayor in the 2025 election. Simon graduated from the University of Idaho in 1988 and returned to Moscow last year.

Simon worked as a mechanical engineer in aerospace manufacturing at Boeing for 36 years and was part of the team that brought the Boeing 777 to market.

He has also served as a judge at the University of Idaho Engineering Expo since 2016.

Even though he is retired, Simon said that he was not done working quite yet.

He found himself mediating charged political conversations with communication skills he developed in his professional career.

“I had to learn how to separate drama from data and then get people talking, ask the right questions, and discern answers…I think a lot of those characteristics are exactly what the mayor’s office is called upon to do,” Simon said in an interview with The Argonaut.

“I think the most of a person until they show me differently.”

Simon said he has been learning about Moscow’s issues by attending city council meetings and talking to the community.

At the top of his list are housing availability and affordability, the depleting aquifer and lighting the Moscow School District community playfields.

“I’ve got two ears and one mouth, so I’ll listen a lot more than I talk,” he said.

For his first 30 days in office, Simon said he would work to familiarize himself with all aspects of city government to create a foundation of knowledge about city workings and establish relationships.

“The teams below, they know pretty much what to go do, and they’ve got hurdles

How do I register to vote?

You can register to vote when you vote in person at early voting or on Election Day. To register to vote in person, you will need a current photo ID and proof of residence.

Photo IDs can be: an Idaho driver’s license, Idaho identification card, passport or federal ID, tribal ID card or a concealed weapons license issued by a county sheriff in Idaho.

Proof of residence can be: a photo ID with the correct address; proof of insurance; mortgage, lease or rental agreement; property tax assessment or bill; utility bill; bank or credit card statement with address; paystub or paycheck; intake document to a care facility; enrollment letter from an Idaho high school or university; or a letter from a social service agency.

Check your voter registration status at https://elections.sos.idaho.gov/ElectionLink/ ElectionLink/VoterSearch.aspx.

How do I know what’s on my ballot?

Find your sample ballot at https://elections.sos.idaho.gov/ElectionLink/ElectionLink/VoterSearch.aspx.

When will we know the results of the election?

Statewide election results will be available at voteidaho.gov/election-results as they are reported to the Idaho Secretary of State from the counties after polls close.

to clear, and they’re not empowered to clear them, [but] when you’re the mayor, you are,” Simon said.

Transparency is another element of importance to Simon, especially when it comes to issues that affect the greater community and city spending which are paid for by tax dollars.

Simon stands behind his campaign slogan “govern better, spend smarter,” and said he would work to make governance optimal when it makes sense, and the best fit otherwise.

Simon said he wants to be seen as a mayor who cleared the way for expedited community development through elimination of unneeded or punitive regulations.

“I am enchanted with the Palouse,” Simon said. “This city has a unique and charming character nurtured by the distinct communities within its boundaries; the colleges, the businesses, the restaurants and theatres. ” To read more about Simon’s campaign, visit alexsimonformayor.com

Idaho counties count all ballots and report all results on election night. Election results are unofficial until they undergo a certification canvas following the election. Are there any other ballot measures?

Moscow has no other measures on the ballot.

The alternative measures on ballots in Latah County are:

• Pcts. 21, 23 (Genesee, Juliaetta): Genesee Joint School District Supplemental Levy

• Pcts. 23-25 (Juliaetta, Kendrick): Kendrick Joint School District Supplemental Levy Pcts. 29, 39 (Troy): Troy School District Supplemental Levy

Daniel V. Ramirez | Argonaut Voters fill out their ballots

Candidates run for three open city council seats

Steve Bonnar

Scarlet Herway ARGONAUT

Steve Bonnar, a Moscow resident for 25 years and a University of Idaho alum, is running for the Moscow City Council to support first responders, create affordable housing options and maintain city financial accountability.

Evan Holmes

Scarlet Herway ARGONAUT

Evan Holmes, a Moscow resident of 35 years, is running for the Moscow City Council to create affordable housing options, equitable taxes and reliable city services for the community.

Holmes has been an active member of the Moscow community for decades.

“I have gone to at least 250 city council meetings and public hearings…You can see that I’ve been kind of fascinated with local sociology for a long time,” Holmes said in an interview with The Argonaut.

He has served on the Moscow Food Co-op board and has been a member of the Palouse Clearwater Environmental Institute for 35 years.

Holmes said that civic engagement and a sense of community is an important responsibility of Moscow City Council.

“We want to support them—emergency, medical, fire—no matter what background you come from or what philosophy guides your life, you still need streets and water, fire protection and snow plowed. That’s

Sage McCetich

Scarlet Herway ARGONAUT

Sage McCetich, born and raised in Moscow, is campaigning for the Moscow City Council with an emphasis on affordable housing and fair property tax to keep essential services for the community.

After graduating from the University of Idaho in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in marketing, McCetich started a career in real estate sales and property management and has been doing so since 2016.

“A house is made of brick and stone, and a home is made of love, nurturing and empathy. And to me, Moscow is my home, and I would like to see it stay that way,” Bonnar said to The Argonaut.

Bonnar has experience addressing housing and poverty issues in Moscow. He served as treasurer for the Moscow Affordable Housing Trust from 2012-2020 and represented the region on the Idaho Homelessness Coordinating Committee from 2006-2021.

In 2010, Bonnar co-created the Poverty on the Palouse Forum, a collaborative effort focused on reducing local poverty.

Bonnar served as director of the Palouse Regional Crisis Line, which provides confidential care and support for those in crisis, for five years.

Bonnar addressed three main areas of discussion if elected: the city’s water supply and long-term concerns regarding the underground aquifer; affordable housing options amid population growth; and financial support for first responders to ensure the safety of the community.

To read more about Bonnar’s campaign, visit steve4moscow.com.

80% of making sure that we tax fairly and spend wisely right now,” Holmes said.

Holmes discussed an affordable housing proposal he would bring to city council. It would be a catalog of five to seven home designs with preapproved plans, square footage, elevations and structural engineering already finished.

To read more about Holmes’s campaign, visit evanholmes4moscow.com

the last three years.

“I particularly have always been invested in what makes Moscow a really special place,” McCetich told The Argonaut.

He has been the broker and owner of Blue Sky Real Estate for the last five years and Green Grass Real Estate in Pullman for

Gary Schoolland

Joshua Reisenfeld ARGONAUT

Gary Schoolland is running for Moscow City Council and aims to address city fiscal responsibility and water resource management, according to his campaign Facebook page.

Schoolland worked for 20 years in the dairy industry where he said he learned to manage budgets, workers and cows. Schoolland worked for 23 years with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife at a salmon hatchery until 2019.

“I am retired now, very capable and eager to be involved with the governing of this great city of Moscow, Idaho,” Schoolland wrote on his Facebook page.

He listed other issues of importance to him including transportation, safety, housing, supplemental water source, park and recreation and street repairs.

John Slagboom

Josie Adjanohoun ARGONAUT

John Slagboom is running for Moscow City Council, and aims to improve upon previous initiatives to increase housing in the city and support local families.

Slagboom was born in Ventura County, California, and attended the Channel Islands campus of California State University, receiving a Bachelor of Science in environmental science and resource management. He received a master’s degree in business administration from Washington State University.

“A lot of southern Californian people are super arrogant about the rest of the nation, but Moscow is the best place in all of America, and we never want to leave,” said Slagboom in an interview with The Argonaut.

Slagboom lived in Spokane until October 2023, when he moved to Moscow.

“The reason why housing is the number one thing is because I am still a renter. We want to be able to provide jobs, but you can’t provide jobs if you don’t have a place for those people to live,” Slagboom said.

Slagboom intends to advocate for

Ben Stellmon

Josie Adjanohoun ARGONAUT

Ben Stellmon has lived in Moscow for 20 years and is a nurse supervisor at Pullman Regional Hospital. He received his nursing degree from LewisClark State College and completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Idaho.

Stellmon wants to serve the community and be a voice for people.

measures to increase the supply of housing while also keeping Moscow’s “small-town charm” intact.

Slagboom saw the opportunity to give back to the city his family calls home and decided to run for city council.

“The more I got into it and the more I read, it was like, this is the real deal. I better give this 1,000%,” Slagboom said.

To read more about Slagboom’s campaign, visit johnslagboom.com.

Stellmon said.

Stellmon attributed his nurse management position to his leadership experience—listening, prioritizing needs and problem-solving—that can also be applied to becoming a city councilman.

“I can’t really pick one thing that bothers me about Moscow, so my hope is to listen to the people who live here and see if I can fix things that bother them,”

Scott Sumner

“To me, it’s the overall support systems that we have here.”

McCetich said he prioritizes fair and affordable housing, accessible and clean water, affordable and accessible public transportation, environmental conservation and municipal resources.

“It’s cool to be part of a group of engaged, caring citizens that really want to bring more housing opportunities,” McCetich said.

To read more about McCetich’s campaign, visit sageforcitycouncil.com.

Schoolland declined an interview.

To read more about Schoolland’s campaign, visit facebook.com/p/GarySchoolland-for-Moscow-City-Council-61581270033067/.

Josie Adjanohoun ARGONAUT

Scott Sumner, a Moscow native, is running for Moscow City Council to work on housing issues and find cost-effective solutions for the people of Moscow.

Sumner is the owner of SynTier Engineering, where he works as a civil engineer. He also served on the City of Moscow Transportation Commission.

Sumner said his positions require him to develop creative solutions, collaborate with city staff and build partnerships in public and private sectors.

After graduating from the University of Idaho, Sumner and his wife moved to Vancouver, Washington, but Sumner said they knew they would always return.

“A lot of our problems, like housing, we aren’t going to solve tomorrow, but we need to keep incrementally getting better, so in five years, 10 years, we are in a much better place than where we are [now],” Sumner said.

Gina Taruscio

Josie Adjanohoun ARGONAUT

Stellmon also said he has been enjoying a handson approach to campaigning, meeting and talking to the residents of Moscow.

“I see them on the street and I recognize them and we wave. It has been super cool getting to know more people,” Stellmon said.

“Nurses for the most part are selfsufficient, but I get to help, which is why I got into nursing,” Stellmon said.

To read more about Stellmon’s campaign, visit stellmonformoscow.com.

He also wants to shift the conversation from making housing affordable to what he calls achievable housing.

“Affordable comes down to a price, and achievable comes down to reimagining what an entry-level home looks like,” Sumner said.

To read more about Sumner’s campaign, visit sumner4moscow.com

Gina Taruscio has been a part of Moscow City Council for eight years and is running for her third term in 2025. According to her campaign Facebook page, Taruscio aims to secure a sustainable water supply and support housing growth.

Taruscio has been in Moscow since 1994 and works in the Office of General Counsel at the University of Idaho as an executive assistant.

Taruscio graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1994 with a degree in environmental design and received a master’s degree in public administration at UI in 2003.

Taruscio was appointed in June 2016 by Mayor Bill Lambert to fill the vacancy left by Dan Carscallen. She was elected to a four-year term in November 2017 and re-elected to a four-year term in November 2021.

Taruscio was not available to interview.

To read more about Taruscio’s campaign, visit facebook.com/ginatforcouncil.

Candidate Steve Bonnar and his dog, Moose

Candidate Evan Holmes

Candidate John Slagboom

Candidate Ben Stellmon

Candidate Scott Sumner

Candidate Sage McCetich

Candidate Gary Schoolland

Candidate Gina Taruscio

Moscow Schools Trustee Zone 5

Brian Kennedy

Arg: Tell us about yourself.

Kennedy: I am a parent of two children who went through the Moscow public schools and have graduated in recent years (2021 and 2024). I am a professor of ecology at the University of Idaho. My teaching and research in the Fish and Wildlife Department focuses on aquatic and fish ecology. When I am in the field with students, I can combine some of my favorite things about hiking, the natural world, discovery and learning.

Arg: What inspired you to run for this office?

Kennedy: Seven years ago, I volunteered to replace the Zone 5 trustee whose child had just accepted a teaching position in the district. I stepped in because of the incredible experience that my children were having in a school district that I saw as nurturing student learning, appreciating the diverse community that our college town brings together, and supporting the teachers who genuinely care for their students.

Since then, I have become more aware of the critical role that a board serves in our district and the importance of a functioning and collaborative 5-member board. I am currently inspired by a hope that we can 1) improve learning in our district with new buildings, 2)

provide improved opportunities for Career Technical Education and 3) continue to hold the state legislature’s feet to the fire to support a “general, uniform and thorough system of public, free common schools” that maintain a clear distinction between church and state.

Arg: What would make you qualified for this role?

Kennedy: My experience on the board – Understanding the districts challenges and decisions around curriculum, budget and funding, legislation, board policies, and the safety of our children requires a commitment. I continue to learn essential elements that help me do this volunteer position more effectively. Secondly, any school board trustee should hold an unequivocal support for the system of public education that is being challenged in the state of Idaho under a bill that will direct tax revenue to private school choices. Third, having been in Moscow for 20+ years, my relationships with teachers, patrons and community members helps me to objectively listen and collaboratively navigate my responsibility to the taxpaying base in making decisions in the best interest of our both our public schools and our community. Lastly, I have spent a career in higher education in which I have advocated for 1) student learning outcomes, 2) the open exchange of ideas and 3) the right of teachers be treated well and compensated fairly.

Arg: What are three main goals for your time in office?

Kennedy: Continuing to think creatively about improving our district’s aging infrastructure. Supporting the post graduate goals of our diverse student body. Ensuring

the safety and well-being of our students. Maintaining fiscal responsibility in a state where per capita student funding is among the lowest.

Arg: What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Kennedy: I think traits of a good public official would include transparency, effective communication, empathy and a dedication to the oath of office. In the specific case of a school board trustee, I think a genuine adherence to relevant constitutional principles, such as Article IX for a public educational system, is an important principle that could either qualify or disqualify a candidate.

Arg: What responsibilities of this office do you personally consider the most important?

Kennedy: Our main responsibility is to oversee, assist and evaluate the work of the superintendent. They are our one employee. Making sure that the superintendent is empowered to make good decisions is among the most important responsibility.

Arg: Are there any littleknown powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

Kennedy: There are many amazing teachers in our district. While I don’t know them all personally, as a school board trustee, I do get to know some of the teachers and staff better than I would if I weren’t in this position, so that is like rubbing elbows with the superheroes of our district and perhaps a littleknow power.

Arg: What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign, if any?

Kennedy: Bryce Blankenship, UI Instructor of Philoso-

phy and Moscow City Council; Sandra Kelly, Moscow City Council; Hailey Lewis, Moscow City Council and candidate for Moscow Mayor; Tom Lamar, Latah County Commission; The Moscow Education Association; The UI chapter of the American Federation of Teachers

Arg: What do you see as the biggest challenges facing our community?

Kennedy: First, our community is not immune to the political divisions that impede effective progress at the national level. A functional school board operates above this political division because decisions are made thoughtfully as a single unit, without regard to politics, and with respect to what is in the best interests of students. Maintaining an allied school board is essential. On a second, related note, our board must convey to the voting public the gravity of our aging infrastructure and our need for new schools in a community. These appeals will be met with mixed feelings in the community about how we collectively feel about investing in our future students.

Read the rest of Kennedy’s questionnaire online at www. uiargonaut.com/2025/10/24/ candidate-questionnairesmoscow-school-district-trustee-2025/.

The Moscow School District has one open trustee seat in Zone 5. Brian Kennedy and Kenan Lauder are running for the Zone 5 seat. Each trustee will serve a four-year term. Kenan Lauder did not respond to The Argonaut.

Cemetery District Commissioner

Bill Twigg

Cheyenne Stooks

Arg: Tell us about yourself.

Twigg: My name is Bill Twigg. I am a UI grad and Moscow resident since graduating in 1975. Married for nearly 50 years, with three grown kids and five grandkids. Currently, semi retired.

Stooks: My name is Cheyenne Stooks. I am running for District Two Moscow Cemetery Commissioner. I am a University of Idaho Alumni. I enjoy training and teaching the community on lifesaving emergency preparedness and awareness, and volunteering for the Latah County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).

Arg: What would make you qualified for this position?

Twigg: I’m alive.

Stooks: The Commissioners conduct business to make decisions to manage and operate the Moscow Cemetery, which I have years of prior

experience with leading product operations and managing large quantities of class one explosives for a pyrotechnics company traveling the country. They are also authorized to follow rules and regulations to conduct legal cemetery business, which as a prior police officer I have experience and know the importance of having a clear and consistent structure for legal operations.

Arg: Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

Twigg: No, it is very straight forward. We oversee/govern the maintenance of the Moscow cemetery as well as a satellite cemetery.

Stooks: In communication, most people said they did not know the Moscow Cemetery District even existed. As for responsibilities, the Commissioners have the general power to conduct business and affairs to manage and operate the maintaining and preserving of the public cemetery grounds and facilities in Moscow. They have the power to decide how to fund the district operations and can authorize the adoption of rules and regulations for the conduct and use of the cemetery.

Submit your application or nomination to be an

Each selected Student Coach of the Game will:

• Receive an all-access on-the-field game pass

• Walk the sideline and watch the Vandals on field during the game

• Be recognized with an announcement during the game

• Enjoy a behind-the-scenes experience with Vandal Athletics

• Join the team for pre-game, half-time and post-game coach talks

• Represent the student body as an ambassador of Vandal spirit

Scan the QR code below and fill out and submit your application or nomination by 5:00 p.m. Wednesday the week of a home game. Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee comprised of students and staff. Individuals selected will be notified by Thursday evening (or sooner) before the home game.

Kenan Lauder

Vandals to travel for rare Friday night game

The Vandals face the top 25 ranked Northern Arizona

Liam Bradford ARGONAUT

For the first time since the San Jose State game, the Vandals (3-5, 1-3) are entering a game coming off a win. The team picked up its first conference win in a 45-6 victory over Portland State on Oct. 25 and have a quick turnaround before a Friday night road game against the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN2.

Joshua Wood and Elisha Cummings were as healthy in the Portland State game as they have been all season long, and the offense was operating at a high level.

“Getting Joshua Wood and Eli Cummings back healthy changes our team, and I think you saw that,” said head coach Thomas Ford Jr. “Having those guys back healthy was huge.”

Cummings was explosive as both a receiver and on the ground, and if he can maintain his health and continue to follow his blockers, that will open up a whole new dimension of the Idaho offense.

As for Wood, he had the best passing game of his career, throwing four touchdowns in the first half and finishing with 283 total yards. In his first game back after missing the two prior games with an injury, Wood showed that he could be a serious threat with his arm as well as his legs.

“Joshua really can make all the throws. I think he’s very good in the pocket,” Ford said. “Sometimes, everyone talks about his running ability, but they forget about the subtle, small movements within the pocket. I think that’s where he really excels, and he extends the play without having to actually move from the pocket.”

The energy throughout the locker room was contagious after the game, and the team’s cheers of victory could be heard from above in the postgame press conference. Ford says he is “very excited to get

back to the winning side of things.”

Ford emphasized that this was the most well-rounded game that this group has played in 2025. Despite Northern Arizona being a significant step up in competition from Portland State, the team’s morale has seen a significant boost since the skid was snapped.

Ford described the Lumberjacks as a competitive and well-rounded team that does not beat itself very often. The primary focus is beating NAU’s man coverage and overcoming their non-traditional defensive formations; they typically play an unusually large number of defenders on the line of scrimmage.

“Every preparation week is a little different, but I think that they do some things that are just a little bit outside the box that we’ve got to prepare for,” Ford said.

“It’s going to be a group that definitely provides some challenges for us both on the offensive and defensive side, and we’re very excited for that challenge. You got to prepare for a little bit of everything”

On the other side of the ball, the top priority is preventing NAU’s dual-threat quarterback, Ty Pennington, from hurting the Vandals with his scrambling capabilities.

“We got to try to make him a onedimensional player and not allow him to run the football as well as he’s running this season,” Ford said.

This is the only time this season that the Vandals will have to play a game on less than a week’s rest. Because of this, the team was forced to practice on Monday, which is typically their one day off in the week. The challenge with this is balancing rest and preparation for the upcoming game.

“The short turnaround definitely has an effect on the preparation,” Ford said. “You just can’t do quite as much because you don’t have as many practice reps.”

Trench warfare: An inside look at culture of Idaho football

The o-line and d-line is the heartbeat of the culture of Idaho Vandal football

Liam Bradford ARGONAUT

When one thinks of Idaho football, there is a recurring theme that signifies everything the program prides itself on: being the most physically dominant group of men in the Big Sky Conference. Ever since head coach Thomas Ford Jr. took the reins of the Idaho program, he has made it clear that he expects his team to thrive on physicality and make it a priority for the team to impose its will in the trenches.

“That’s, like, our number one thing in terms of who we want to be on the field,” Ford said. “It’s physical. Tonight was just a culmination where all three phases were physical.”

In that game, the Vandals claimed the momentum early in the first quarter, when offensive lineman Nate Azzopardi laid down a critical lead block on a screen to Elisha Cummings, allowing Cummings to find open space and go the distance for a 64-yard

score. Some of the biggest difference makers on his team are up front in the trenches.

“You really try to emphasize strain and effort, just giving everything you have, 100% every play,” Azzopardi said. “When you’re giving effort, good things will happen. It’s a mindset. You got to be willing to bite down and move people.”

Azzopardi is in his sixth season at Idaho and is now playing under his third head coach. He grew a lot as a lineman during Jason Eck’s tenure in Moscow, given that he was a former offensive lineman and a former offensive line coach. He said his former line coach, Cody Booth, was also a significant part of his development.

However, Azzopardi said that the new coaching staff, particularly offensive line coach Loren Endsley, has “done a great job of helping transform us into a real physical offense up front.”

He said that coming into this season, the offensive line wanted to play a bigger role in the offense’s success. Though the team’s offensive line has been decent the past few seasons, they wanted to take a step forward this year.

“The main thing is just mentality and

attitude,” Azzopardi said. “This year, we really made it a point to take our game to the next level…You got to work as a unit. One thing that Coach Endsley likes to say that we kind of live by in our room is ‘play as a nickel, not five pennies.’”

One of the offensive line’s best performances of the season was on the road against San Jose State University. They dominated time of possession, and their four touchdown drives took up a combined total of 32 minutes and nine seconds. Despite the loss, in terms of how the offensive line performed, Azzopardi looks back on this game fondly. He also had about 40 friends and family in attendance.

Azzopardi takes a lot of pride in being part of the team’s “tightly-knit o-line.” He explained how much work the linemen put in on a daily basis and how much they take care of one another.

“Our entire offensive line as a whole is extremely tight and close,” Azzopardi said. “I truly believe the game is won and lost in the trenches, and you’ve got to be tough. You’ve got to be gritty, and that’s just the type of guys that you want on the o-line next to you.”

Azzopardi’s roommate and fellow team captain, Zach Krotzer, is one of the most disruptive defensive linemen in the conference. Krotzer and Azzopardi were on the same official visit back when they were both in high school, and they have now been teammates for six seasons. Krotzer said that he has never been as confident and comfortable as he is this season, given his years of experience as a member of the defense.

He says there hasn’t been much of a culture change going from Eck to Ford, and that the team still wants to be an utterly physical group on the defensive side of the ball, which starts with having a talented front seven.

“It’s just smash mouth football, honestly, and it’s always it’s always been that way,” Krotzer said. “Our coaches always preach that. All of our coaches, every single year, have always preached that.”

In the first game under the new coaching staff, the signature Vandal defense was as present as ever, allowing only three rushing yards against Washington State.

“That was a big game. It shows if we

play how we should, we’re a crazy defense,” Krotzer said. “It always starts up front. Everyone kind of knows it too. If you have a good d-line and a good offensive line, you’re going to be a good football team. We like the responsibility that we have in it.”

As a team captain, Krotzer says the best way to lead his younger teammates is to practice what he preaches and maintain a steady routine when preparing for each week’s game.

“Communication is a very important part of the defense,” Krotzer said. “If we don’t get the communication, it could lead to one missed gap and one missed fill and that could lead to a big gain or touchdown. That one little minor communication could lead to a big play. That’s why football is so fun.”

Krotzer is not intimidated by the tediousness of being a defensive lineman, and he actually seems to embrace the responsibility of consistently providing pressure.

“We like to take pride in it. If we take a loss, it falls on us,” Krotzer said. “If we have a good game, it starts with us, too. We like to take both ends of it. It always starts with the trenches.”

For a team that struggled earlier in the season to find its identity in the secondary, bringing pressure is a crucial factor. If the quarterback has less time to throw, the secondary does not have to strain as hard.

“It just makes it so much easier for us when we get that pressure,” said defensive back Jhamell Blenman. “Without the front seven, it’s impossible to guard for more than four seconds…That’s the standard of our defense. That needs to be the standard each and every game.”

Having a team that can win a game in the trenches on both sides of the ball is a winning formula. Azzopardi talked about how valuable it is to be able to take reps against the defensive line because “iron sharpens iron”.

Talking about Krotzer, Azzopardi said, “He’s, if not the best, one of the best dtackles in all of the Big Sky. Getting to go against him every single day, he’s made me such a better player.” He also referenced the defensive line as a whole, saying, “They’re all gamers, man. Getting to go against them at practice has really taken us as a line to the next level.”

John Keegan | Argonaut Defensive back Jhamell Blenman and linebacker Cruz Hepburn combine on tackle

John Keegan | Argonaut

UI quarterback Joshua Wood steps up in the pocket and prepares to throw the ball downfield

Standout Vandal Spotlight:

Elisha Cummings does it all for the Vandals

Cummings is key to the Vandals offense

Taylan Hallum ARGONAUT

To start the game off right, in the first quarter of the Oct. 25 game against Portland State, redshirt senior running back Elisha Cummins caught a short pass from quarterback Joshua Wood where he broke multiple tackles and ran for 64 yards on the way

Vandal

Scoreboard

Jayden Barfuss ARGONAUT

Football

to the endzone. This play set the tone for the rest of the game as the Vandals beat Portland State 45-6. This win gave the Vandals their first win in the Big Sky Conference and Coach Thomas Ford Jr.’s first conference win. Cummings played a major role in the win against Portland State with his 165 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns. Cummings rushed eight times for 65 yards and a touchdown giving him an 8.1 average yards per carry, as

Watch the Vandals play Northern Arizona University on Friday, Oct. 31, at 7:30 p.m on ESPN 2.

Soccer

The Vandals will play their opening game of the Big Sky tourament against Portland State on Wedensday, Nov. 5 at 1 p.m.

Men’s Basketball

The men’s basketball team tips off their season against Washington State University at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 3.

Women’s Basketball

The women’s basketball team tips off their season against Washington State on Monday, Nov. 3. at 11 a.m.

Volleyball

The Vandals welcome Eastern Washington to Memorial Gym on Saturday, Nov. 1. at 6 p.m.

well as catching four passes for 100 yards.

Cummings is a power running back with underrated speed.

The 5’8”, 188 lb athlete out of Waco, Texas, has been a reliable player in the Vandals’ offense and has averaged five yards per carry in his career. Cummings has displayed this talent since high school, where he finished his senior season with 1,390 yards and 15 touchdowns on 135 carries. He scored a total of

21 touchdowns across offense, defense and special teams. His remarkable season led his team to the state championship game which, coming from Texas, is impressive.

“We were really making sure he could get the ball in every way possible,” Ford said after the game. “That kid can do it all…He’s absolutely what we’re looking for at tailback, and he really showed that with his versatility tonight.”

If you have been to any of the Vandals’ games this season, you know how good a player Cummings is, and this game was his opportunity to show it off. Cummings will be vital down the stretch as the Vandals come to the end of their season. His power running style and electricity he brings with every touch will be a forefront of the offense going forward this season.

STEVE BONNAR FOR MOSCOW CITY COUNCIL

proud University of Idaho alumnus: Bachelor of Science in Recreation, 1982 Master of Education in Rehabilitation Counseling, 1996 Education Specialist in Counseling and Human Services, 1997

an undergraduate, helped start Alpine Ski Team, Frisbee Club, and Summer Recreation Program

John Keegan | Argonaut

UI running back Elisha Cummings breaks into the open field to score his third touchdown of the game

John Keegan | Argonaut

Linebacker Isiah King tackling St. Thomas, running back

Halloween has begun to cross the line

The holiday’s rise in weapon-themed costumes blurs the line between playful scares and real-world aggression

AJ Pearman ARGONAUT

Once a night of harmless spooks, community gatherings and silly disguises, Halloween has, in recent years, morphed into a troubling display of costumes that use real weapons, simulated violence and insensitive tropes. What began as dressing up for fun has become an offense to common decency and social responsibility.

When costumes include knives, replica guns or other weapons, they walk on a fine line between playful and gratuitously provocative. A costume with a large plastic dagger might seem harmless, but in the wrong context it signals something darker: aggression, intimidation and a breakdown of boundaries that ought to separate fantasy from real-life threat. In an era when mass shootings, street violence and school lockdowns are grim facts of life, dressing up in a way that’s essentially glorifying weapons strikes many as tone-deaf at best and deeply offensive at worst.

Weapons in costumes also raise issues with responsibility. Halloween is a time when children and families come together. If a costumed person shows up with a fake gun or knife, one can’t help but worry how children perceive that accessory. Are they learning that violence is just another prop? Is that threatening appearance acceptable as long as it’s “just for fun?” In a world where real weapons do real damage, a culture of

weaponized dress-up feels irresponsible, even when the intention is comedic or theatrical.

Compounding the issue is the way certain costumes play into harmful stereotypes. Some Halloween outfits lean on caricatures: hyper-violent gang member, masked terrorist, “crazy” killer clown with a machete, all of which reinforce stigmas rather than dismantle them.

These costumes exploit fear and present identities tied to violence or criminality as humorous or ironic. But the underlying message is still, “It’s funny to look like a threat.” That’s problematic because it normalizes associations between appearance and danger, between certain “look” and violence often at the expense of historically marginalized communities.

Moreover, Halloween’s transformation into a “scary costume battle” amplifies the offensiveness. Costumes featuring knives, axes, chainsaws or other violent implements often escalate each year; one-upmanship becomes the rule. What started with a ghost sheet becomes a zombie with a chainsaw, then a wounded cop with a gun, then some kind of masked executioner.

This arms-race mentality turns Halloween into a display of aggression, rather than imagination or whimsy. The experience for many children and guests becomes less about candy and laughter and more about shock value, fear and unease.

One must ask: where is the line between creative horror and inappropriate weaponization? It’s one thing to dress as a classic horror character for the sake of homage or theatrical fun. It’s entirely another thing to walk into a neighborhood with a decorative machete, mock blood and a threatening stance, especially when the environment includes children, unsuspecting neighbors and people of varied sensitivities. Some may view the costume as harmless, but others

Across the map column:

will feel exposed or unsafe. The harm lies less in the intention than in the impact.

It’s not just about the weapons themselves, but about what they signify. A plastic knife isn’t neutral when placed in a context of crime-drama impersonation or gang iconography. The symbolism of the weapon carries weight.

If a costume reinforces the idea that violence is okay, or that walking around looking like a thug with a blade is acceptable, then the costume crosses a line.

For many people, particularly victims of violence or communities impacted by it, such imagery is offensive, disrespectful and even traumatizing.

How the celebration of Halloween has developed across Scotland

The time-honored traditions that have lasted for centuries

Paige Wilton ARGONAUT

For all those eager to play dress-up with an excuse to celebrate, Halloween is one of the most anticipated days of the year. The origins of the holiday, however, are far from what has become of it today.

In Scotland, the history of Halloween runs deep. A holiday that originated roughly 2,000 years ago as a Celtic festival under the name of “Samhain,’” Halloween was celebrated very first by the nations of Ireland and Scotland.

The reason Oct. 31 was celebrated in the first place is due to the seasonal change that occurs as November arrives; winter is near. The Samhain festival was created as a way to celebrate the summer harvest while welcoming in the new season through rituals such as bonfires, storytelling and costumewearing.

However, as the Reformation swept through Europe in the 16th century,

Samhain was pushed to the wayside, as many people became wary of its pagan origins. That being said, the Scots are not ones to let go of time-honored traditions, so they began to slowly reinvent the holiday.

Nov. 1, the day winter is said to arrive, also happened to be All Saints Day, as declared by Pope Gregory III in the eighth century. Due to this, the last day of October

was widely known as All Hallows Eve which later became Halloween. Scottish in origin, the word Halloween stemmed from the word “evening,” being referred to as “even”, “e’en” or ‘een’ by Scots.

So, while the festival experienced a lull due to religious reasons, it was eventually brought back as a new holiday that paid homage to Samhain through similar celebra-

Another layer of concern is the setting. Halloween often includes public trick-ortreat routes, community events and shared spaces. At these gatherings, the presence of individuals in costumes with weapons or weapon-like props can complicate safety and threat of perceptions.

Neighbors may dread the whole idea of trick-or-treating when someone shows up in intimidating gear. What’s fun for one may feel like harassment to another. The neighborhoods’ trick-or-treating vibe should be about community, not about fear.

tory rituals. Irish and Scottish immigrants were the ones to eventually bring their traditions to the U.S., which has since exploded across the nation over the last 200 years.

Though today the holiday is celebrated for a variety of reasons, many of the historic Halloween traditions can be traced back to interesting beginnings.

The popular activity of pumpkin carving actually stems from turnip carving, when people used to sculpt and place them upon doorsteps. Another Halloween staple is that of the bat, one of the most commonly associated symbols with the holiday. When bonfires used to roar all night long at a Samhain festival, bugs and bats would fill the sky, quickly making them a well-known mark of the celebration.

Today, Halloween is still widely celebrated throughout Scotland and remains a day full of celebration, festivity and frights.

The Scottish often celebrate by attending a festival or parade, many of which are highly theatrical with impressive fire shows, going on a haunted ghost tour through a castle or wooded area and enjoying a pint at the pub.

A holiday with origins dating back 2,000 years, Halloween is a celebration that has persisted and is more alive than ever. With so much history and tradition tied to the holiday, it’s doubtful that it will come to an end any time soon.

Ashley Kramer | Argonaut Halloween weapon props displayed on racks at Spirit Halloween

Paige Wilton | Argonaut

Fall foliage in a valley of the Scottish Highlands

City council, mayoral and county races hold influence, but most

While presidential elections happen only every four years, local elections occur every year, whether the poll is for city officials, bond and levy measures or county officials. A general election for the city of Moscow, as well as almost every county in the state, is planned for Tuesday, Nov. 4, with candidates this year running for city council positions and the mayor of Moscow.

All of these smaller-scale positions— mayor, city council members, county commissioners—have a direct impact on the lives of the citizens of Moscow. The city’s mayor is in charge of budget oversight and community development, city council members create ordinances and rules that govern the city, and the county commissioners set the county’s property taxes, fund the public defender’s office and manage countyowned property.

Despite this, local election voter turnout is only around 20% of registered voters, according to the Center for Effective Government at the University of Chicago, while the total voter turnout for the 2024 presidential election was approximately 60%, according to The American Presidency Project. What is the discrepancy between these elections that leads to such a low turnout for the one that arguably has more impact on day-to-day life?

There seems to be an undercurrent of indifference in local elections, with the phrase, “My vote doesn’t matter,” or something similar, nonchalantly thrown out as a reason. This belief is strongest in young voters, with PBS News reporting that young people are far less likely to care about politics, with many claiming that voting has no value.

Research around local elections suggests that the lower turnout rates could be a result of lack of awareness of the candidates and a lack of understanding of what roles the elected officials play, according to the National Civic League.

However, voting in local elections and passing legislation that protects these governments “is vital to ensure Americans

have a representative local government that responds to their needs,” according to the League of Women Voters. The people voting into local government positions

“have a direct hand in dictating the operations of everyday life,” according to The Independent Florida Alligator.

“There is a common misconception that due to ‘so many’ people voting, a singular vote cannot change the course of an election. This too is false,” The Alligator wrote. With local elections having fewer voters overall than a presidential election, ballot gaps between candidates will be undeniably smaller, meaning that it would require a fewer number of votes to upset a race. This highlights the great importance of these elections.

“Participating in elections is one of the key freedoms of American life. It is the only way in a Representative Democracy to ensure each voter’s voice has meaning,” Joy Cowdery, a member of Living Democracy: Engaging Citizens, wrote in The Marietta

Times. “The need to reach youthful voters is vital. As the campaign season for the 2024 election gets into full swing, many young voters—meaning people under 30—say they’re disillusioned with politics and plan to sit out. This needs to change.”

Throughout history, Americans have seen the importance of voting displayed in various races with outcomes determined by only one or two votes. In 1800, Thomas Jefferson became president by one vote.

In 1876, Rutherford B. Hayes was elected president, winning by one vote. In 1920, it was one deciding vote, from a Tennessee legislator, that ratified the 19th Amendment and gave women the right to vote.

And now, voting is easier than ever.

There are states with more accessible early voting systems, and the option of mail-in ballots means voters don’t even need to leave their houses. Idaho is one of the states that allows early in-person voting and mail voting for all citizens, according to NPR.

This logically should lead to a higher voter turnout, but U.S. Census Bureau data still shows that America is experiencing an overall decreasing turnout since the early 1900s. In the face of declining numbers, Americans should continue to champion the deeper meaning of voting: being heard, being counted and being respected.

“You’re voting for yourself basically to have the dignity of having your issues being considered and whether you win or lose, people listen to your voice and they hear you,” Shirley Weber, California Secretary of State, told NPR.

Voting is what defines democracy; voting makes America, America. Our system of government that the founding fathers fought tooth and nail to obtain sits on the very foundation of electing officials, instead of the scepter simply being passed down. Should we abstain from participating in elections, on all levels, we are only allowing others to make decisions for us, leading to political consequences.

For decades, one of the most coveted positions to be earned as a student is that of an intern. Internships are often critical to gaining real work experience alongside professionals who can act as great connections in the future.

That being said, in today’s job market, students can no longer afford to undertake unpaid internships. With prices steadily rising for tuition, housing, groceries and other necessities, one’s time has become the most valuable form of money.

While working experience is often a requirement for post-grad upper division jobs, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for students to spend their precious time working unpaid.

According to a 2023 article published by StandOut CV, “Two in five (40%) internships in the U.S. are unpaid, meaning there will be up to 1.66 million unpaid interns in America in 2023.”

Though there are little statistics available on the amount of unpaid internships offered two decades ago compared to today, it’s undeniable that the student attitude has begun to shift gears.

Bella Blackstone, a senior University of Idaho student pursuing a degree in psychology and sociology, feels that as the economy has shifted, so have student expectations and needs.

“Most students today are not financially privileged enough to not be paid for work for an extended period of time, and former students from previous generations did not have many of the same concerns,” Blackstone said.

For students who support themselves financially, the time spent at an internship equates to a part-time or full-time job. When that responsibility is added onto a steady semester of coursework, when else is there time for a student to earn livable wages?

According to statistics provided by Indeed, the average hourly pay for internships that offer compensation is $20.23.

Although the majority of internships operate on a 12- to 18-week basis, this rate would equate to a $40,000 salary — $20,000 less than the average American salary, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in an article by StandOut CV.

Though financial compensation is what many students are seeking in exchange for their time, there are other opportunities for employers to help support their interns.

Blackstone notes that an internship can offer a variety of incentives outside of a fixed hourly rate to help ease the financial burden many students face.

“While the experience gained is important, people should be compensated for their work in one way or another,” Blackstone continued. “This could be in the form of minimum wage pay checks, stipends, provided housing or academic credit(s).”

An internship, regardless of pay, used to be an opportunity students would fight tooth and nail for. While they’re still a coveted opportunity for many, an increasing number of students no longer have the option to choose between unpaid experience and a full-time paid position.

Nick Harrison, the chief executive of U.K. based education and social mobility charity, Sutton Trust, sees the problem clearly.

“Internships are an increasingly critical route into the best jobs, and it’s shocking that in this day and age, many employers still pay interns below the minimum wage, or worse, nothing at all.

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Daniel V. Ramirez | Argonaut Voters fill out their ballots for the 2020 election in Moscow

GALLERY: Campus bustles under autumn leaves

John Keegan | Argonaut

The UI water tower overlooks the trees of the Academic Mall

Aubrey Sharp | Argonaut

A pair of students sit together on Admin Lawn surrounded by leaves before the start of class

Reagan Jones | Argonaut Trees wind their way up above Hello Walk

John Keegan | Argonaut

A biker rides towards the Admin building along a leaf covered path

John Keegan | Argonaut

Derek Berks and Matt Fehrenkamp hang Chrismas lights near the ISUB

John Keegan | Argonaut

A student climbs the stairs to Art and Architecture South surrounded by ivy