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Federal funding uncertainties affect Idaho nonprofit and local families

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Federal funding uncertainties affect Idaho nonprofit and local families


CALDWELL, Idaho — “Our employees were unsettled and nervous, and it took away from the work that we are doing here,” said Connie Kreps, Executive Director of WICAP, a nonprofit organization.

After a short-lived executive order issued in late January by President Donald Trump briefly paused federal funding, Treasure Valley Head Start programs were among the organizations unable to access crucial financial support, even after the order was lifted.

Governor Brad Little talks about transgender athletes, immigration and Elon Musk

“We thought we would be okay after that had happened,” said Kreps.

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The nonprofit offers childcare and early education opportunities to rural Idaho families, like Wilder resident Crystal Cortez.

“If it was taken away from us, it would be horrible,” said Cortez.

Cortez has three daughters who have excelled in the program and cannot imagine how a loss of funding would impact other Caldwell families.

“For me, my daughter has one more year before she can go to kindergarten, so what is Katalya going to do at home or at the sitter’s where she is not learning? Is she going to forget all of these things?” Cortez asked.

She has witnessed her children reach significant milestones in the program, allowing them to start kindergarten already able to identify their letters and write their names.

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“My oldest started the program when she was two months old, and I entered the program with my second daughter when she was two weeks old. My youngest also joined when I was pregnant,” Cortez explained.

Cortez is also concerned about how another funding freeze could affect the program’s educators, who dedicate their time and careers to helping local kids learn. She hopes the program will remain a critical piece of the community.

“Being able to be prepared until they’re five, who wouldn’t want that before they go to kindergarten?” she added.





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

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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

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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.

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“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.”





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

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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.

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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.

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Idaho CBD retailers navigating uncertainty under new hemp rules

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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 […]



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