1. Idaho became the 43rd state in the United States on December 15, 1890. The statehood push was led by prominent Idahoans, including Governor George Shoup and Senator William McConnell, who advocated for statehood as a way to secure federal funding for public infrastructure and to gain greater political representation.

2. On December 15, 1935, the Sun Valley ski resort opened in Idaho. The resort was founded by W. Averell Harriman, chairman of the Union Pacific Railroad, and quickly became a favorite destination among Hollywood celebrities and wealthy skiers. Today, Sun Valley is one of the country's top ski resorts, attracting thousands of visitors each year.

3. In 1965, on December 15, the Boise River flood caused extensive damage and destruction in the city of Boise. Heavy snow and rain led to the river overflowing its banks, inundating homes, businesses, and public infrastructure. The flood caused millions of dollars in damages and prompted local officials to build new flood control systems along the river.

4. On December 15, 2006, astronaut John D. Olivas became the first Hispanic astronaut to perform a spacewalk. Olivas, a native of Los Angeles who holds a doctorate in mechanical engineering from the University of Colorado, conducted two spacewalks during his time aboard the International Space Station. He is currently a professor of astronautical engineering at the University of Texas at El Paso.

5. December 15 is also National Bill of Rights Day, which commemorates the adoption of the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution on December 15, 1791. The Bill of Rights guarantees important freedoms, including freedom of speech, religion, and the press, as well as the right to bear arms and have a fair trial. Idaho residents played a significant role in the ratification of the Bill of Rights, with the Territorial Legislature of Idaho officially endorsing the amendments in 1872.