FEATURES
Where Is Bernard DeVoto When We Need Him?
Tuesday, September 15 2026
Struck by the breathtaking speed of change in American life since World War II, Clay is writing a series of essays about what has transpired within a single humanities scholar’s lifetime. This week he writes about how our media channels shape our sense of history, current events, and national outlook.
- Published in Features
A Lament for the Snail-Mail Letter — A Great Technological Casualty?
Tuesday, August 25 2026
During my lifetime, I have witnessed the death of the letter. Future historians will have to sift through an infinite number of mostly inane cellphone texts, with little real revelation of the individuals and the periods they are studying.
- Published in Features
Weakening Generational Commitments That Protect Wetlands Is Bad for Farmers, Wildlife, and Future Generations
Thursday, August 20 2026
Prairie pothole wetlands are shallow, freshwater marshes scattered across the Great Plains of North America. Formed by retreating glaciers 10,000 years ago, this immense number of small, pocket-like water bodies fill with spring snowmelt and rain, creating a “duck factory” ecosystem.
- Published in Features
In My Life: The Beatles and Global Connectivity
Tuesday, August 18 2026
I tuned in, along with over 300 million others from around the globe, on that landmark day when popular music connected with the space age and changed the world forever.
- Published in Features
The Grim and Goofy Anthropology of Garage Sales
Tuesday, August 11 2026
There are between 6 and 9 million garage sales per year in the United States, approximately 165,000 per week, with total sales of $220 million annually. Such affairs seem especially popular here in North Dakota.
- Published in Features
A Review of Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey
Monday, July 27 2026
I rushed from Missoula, Montana, to Billings the other day to see Christopher Nolan’s Odyssey at a modified limited IMAX theater. This was the same theater where I first saw Nolan’s Oppenheimer three years ago. Quick take: I liked Oppenheimer better, but read on ...
- Published in Features
A Plea for the Public Lands
Tuesday, July 21 2026
On July 13, 2026, President Trump issued orders reducing Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments for a second time. Grand Staircase-Escalante was reduced by approximately 1.69 million acres, representing a 90% reduction of the monument's land area, shrinking its total size from roughly 1.87 million acres to 181,541 acres. Bears Ears National Monument was reduced from 1.36 million acres to 121,100 acres.
- Published in Features
Is There an Answer to American Decline?
Monday, July 13 2026
Recently, I wrote about what is great about America at 250. This week, I reflect on what I see as palpable American decline. I do not enjoy criticizing America, but if we don’t, on our 250th birthday, step back to reflect on what we have achieved, how we got here, what remains unresolved, and where we seem to be headed, when will we do so?
- Published in Features
Happy 250th Birthday, America
Tuesday, June 30 2026
As much as the United States confronts monumental challenges, there is much to celebrate as the nation turns 250.
- Published in Features
History in Context: Thomas Jefferson on War
Monday, June 22 2026
Thomas Jefferson’s view of war was shaped by a deep study of history and hope for a new path for a young American nation.
- Published in Features