Connect with us

Idaho

Black Americans Told Idaho is Dull

Published

on

Black Americans Told Idaho is Dull


When I took a job in Idaho in late 2014, a friend from Washington, D.C., joked he would give me five dollars for every black person I met in my first month.  He grew up in one of the most ethnically diverse places in the country, worked for many years in an off-camera role at ABC News, and then moved to a state with demographics similar to his own.

I Could’ve Made a Few Bucks

I should’ve taken him up on the offer, because he would’ve been surprised to hear how diverse Idaho was, but then he had never been here.

People from coastal enclaves view flyover country through the prism of stereotypes they’ve heard.  I guess it makes them feel better about living in some of the cesspools they call home.

That’s what they’re missing. Credit Bill Colley.

Advertisement
That’s what they’re missing. Credit Bill Colley.

I thought about their uninformed views when I watched a video about the worst places for black Americans to live.  You can watch by clicking on this link.  Idaho’s star turn is halfway through the piece.

It appears he bases his recommendations on percentages when it comes to the overall state population.

Here’s What People Miss

Look, I realize there are some experiences I don’t share with some people from other ethnic backgrounds, but I’m reminded of a friend I worked with back in the late 1990s.  He had grown up in Washington, D.C., and then did a combined 21 years in the Air Force and Navy.  He switched to the latter after four years.  He said it was because someone told him the Navy had better parties.

We were in the same after-work volleyball league, and years later, when he retired and went home to look after his mom, we would get together for a Nationals game when I was in D.C.  We still text periodically. Furthermore, we’ve never run out of things to talk about.

Would he like Idaho?  I imagine he would take to horseback riding instantly, and he loves the pictures I share of mountains and canyons.

Advertisement

People can adapt.

Idaho’s Waterfall Roadtrip

Gallery Credit: Shannon Buccola





Source link

Idaho

Idaho politicians respond to Trump authorizing U.S military force in Iran

Published

on

Idaho politicians respond to Trump authorizing U.S military force in Iran


On Saturday, the United States and Israel launched major strikes in Tehran, with President Trump calling for an Iranian regime change.

RELATED | Trump announces ‘major combat operations’ in Iran, reportedly killing hundreds

President Trump authorized the U.S military operation without congressional approval, a decision that Democrats in Congress are arguing is unconstitutional.

RELATED | Trump’s Iran attack raises legal concerns among Democrats in Congress

Advertisement

Idaho Democratic Party Chair Lauren Necochea says Democrats are “demanding answers and accountability on behalf of the American people, who are being dragged toward another open-ended war they do not support.”

Necochea says her greatest concern lies with American troops, contractors and civilians who she says “did not choose this conflict.”

“Idaho has thousands of active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, and military families who live with the consequences when leaders make reckless choices,” she says.

However, not all lawmakers share Necochea’s sentiments.

Idaho Republican representative Mike Simpson commends President Trump’s “decisive action” in Iran.

Advertisement

Idaho News 6

“Iran was given every opportunity to resolve this peacefully through negotiations but chose not to,” Simpson said in a post to Facebook. “I commend President Trump for taking decisive action against a regime responsible for decades of terror. May God protect our men and women in uniform on this vital mission.”





Source link

Continue Reading

Idaho

Town Hall to address future of Medicaid expansion in Idaho – Local News 8

Published

on

Town Hall to address future of Medicaid expansion in Idaho – Local News 8


POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Nearly two-thirds of Idaho voters approved Medicaid expansion, but local leaders say that coverage is now at risk.

According to the organizers of a town hall set for Saturday, February 28, proposed changes could severely impact Idaho’s rural hospitals and leave thousands of residents without access to healthcare.

The town hall, titled “Protecting What Works: Medicaid Expansion in Idaho,” will take place at Chubbuck City Hall from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

A panel of representatives from across the healthcare sector — including home health, hospitals, and public and community health — will answer questions about how Medicaid expansion works in Idaho and how potential cuts could affect communities. Organizers say there will also be time for audience questions.

Advertisement

One of the event organizers told Local News 8 why the discussion is important:

“There have been conversations in the last couple of legislative sessions about either fully repealing Medicaid expansion or making significant cuts to Medicaid,” Shantay Boxham, the organizer, said. “This is an educational forum to ensure voters and community members have the information they need about what the program is, what’s at stake, and how it supports Idaho and Idahoans.”

There are limited seats available for the meeting. To reserve a spot, visit members.pocatello.com.

Local News 8 will continue to follow this story and have updates tomorrow.

Advertisement



Source link

Continue Reading

Idaho

Idaho CBD retailers navigating uncertainty under new hemp rules

Published

on

Idaho CBD retailers navigating uncertainty under new hemp rules


Idaho takes pride in being a no-THC zone. Unlike our neighbors on all sides, the Gem State has taken a firm stance not to legalize marijuana for medicinal or recreational use for years. This opposition long extended to the legalization of hemp, a plant relative of marijuana with far lower levels of the intoxicating chemical […]



Source link

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending