Idaho
Former Idaho congressional candidate pleads guilty to wire fraud and falsifying records – East Idaho News
![Former Idaho congressional candidate pleads guilty to wire fraud and falsifying records – East Idaho News](https://s3-assets.eastidahonews.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/02215054/1szIyU.So_.36.jpg)
BOISE (Idaho Statesman) — A former congressional candidate and Boise businessman who ran towards U.S. Rep. Russ Fulcher in 2020 pleaded responsible to utilizing COVID-19 funds for private use and falsifying data to hide over $20,000 in in-kind contributions, the U.S. Division of Justice stated.
Nicholas Jones, 36, utilized for and acquired federal COVID-19 reduction funds for 3 small enterprise that totaled $753,600, based on a information launch from the division. Jones was supposed to make use of the funds just for business-related bills, however the division cited courtroom data that confirmed Jones used a big portion of the funds for private bills like automotive funds, life insurance coverage and political ads.
Jones pleaded responsible in U.S. District Courtroom of Idaho to wire fraud and falsification of data, based on the information launch. He may withstand 40 years in jail.
Jones utilized to 2 COVID-19 reduction applications together with the Paycheck Safety Program, which helped companies maintain staff, and Financial Damage Catastrophe Loans, which helped pay companies’ working bills, based on a plea settlement obtained by the Idaho Statesman.
Jones owned a number of small companies, together with a number of Good Burger eating places, a few of which have closed in recent times. He utilized for COVID-19 reduction loans for 3 of them, the plea settlement stated. Jones additionally owned a monetary establishment in Coeur d’ Alene and a former meals courtroom that Jones bought in 2018, based on a felony info doc.
It’s not clear whether or not Jones remains to be the CEO of Good Burger. The Statesman has reached out to the corporate for added info.
Jones has 4 present enterprise registrations for numerous Good Burgers with the Idaho secretary of state, based on the workplace’s web site.
“(Jones) took benefit of federally funded COVID-19 reduction funds for private acquire,” the plea settlement stated.
In March 2020, based on the plea settlement, Jones referred to as a gathering at one of many small companies that he owned to inform staff that in gentle of the COVID-19 pandemic, he may need to chop hours or wages, however he supplied his staff an answer: work on his congressional marketing campaign.
From March to June 2020, staff who labored on the fast-food restaurant and helped on the marketing campaign employees acquired over $20,000 in wages, a part of which got here from the PPP mortgage. That mortgage didn’t enable staff to be paid for engaged on his marketing campaign employees, and Jones knew it, based on the settlement.
Moreover, after Jones misplaced the first election in Could 2020, he informed his marketing campaign committee to file a finance report with the Federal Elections Fee that ignored the $20,000, based on the information launch and plea settlement. The cash ought to have been thought-about in-kind contributions within the type of staff’ time and work.
Jones didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark Thursday.
The FBI is investigating the case, based on the discharge.
Boise-based legal professional Mike French, who’s representing Jones, declined to remark.
A sentencing for Jones hasn’t been set, however he does plan to ask for a lesser sentence on the premise of psychological and emotional circumstances, based on a plea settlement filed throughout the U.S. District for the District of Idaho.
![](https://newspub.live/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/np-logo.png)
Idaho
12 Insanely Pretty Idaho Cities For Your Summer Bucket List
![12 Insanely Pretty Idaho Cities For Your Summer Bucket List](https://townsquare.media/site/659/files/2024/07/attachment-Untitled-design-2024-07-08T142154.719.jpg?w=1200)
Exploring Idaho’s beautiful cities as a local is an absolute joy.
More often than not, it’s a much better option than a far-away getaway. We may be biased, but we think Idaho is bursting at the seams with sensational landscapes and charming communities that can make every trip feel like an exciting new adventure. From the quaint and picturesque lakes of Coeur d’Alene to the historic streets of Boise’s Harrison Boulevard, there’s always something to explore in the Gem State.
One of the biggest perks of local vacays is affordability.
Common sense dictates that most folks would save a ton of money by nixing expensive flights or extensive travel plans while enjoying unique experiences.
Just as cool, local trips are so much more convenient! Pack up the car and the kids, and within a few short hours, you and yours could be marveling at the beauty of the Sawtooth Mountains on a hike or tasting your way through the wineries nestled in the Snake River Valley.
Idaho has adventures for everyone.
For couples and families alike, Idaho’s diverse cities and townships offer something for everyone.
Have curious kiddos? They’ll love the interactive exhibits at the Discovery Center in gorgeous downtown Boise. At the same time, couples can relish in romantic getaways in dreamy towns like McCall on the banks of Payette Lake. We’d be remiss not to mention Idaho’s spectacular cuisine scene! Fresh farm-to-table dining experiences are a staple across the state.
When you live in Idaho, there’s no need to travel far when you have such a treasure trove of experiences waiting to happen in your own backyard.
Scroll for…
-
12 insanely pretty Idaho cities for your summer bucket list
-
Photos & details for 4 of Idaho’s best aerial tour agencies
-
5 gorgeous Idaho hot springs you can enjoy naked
-
A look at 5 stunning places in Idaho that look like another world
-
The most incredible skyride in the PNW is a day trip from Boise
-
18 stunning national parks to add to your Idaho summer bucket list
12 of The Prettiest Towns In Idaho
WorldAtlas released their list of the “12 Prettiest Towns In Idaho.” Do you think they are missing any?
Gallery Credit: Kyle Matthews
Take an Incredible Breakfast Flight to Idaho’s Beautiful Backcountry
Gallery Credit: Ryan Valenzuela
5 Gorgeous Idaho Hot Springs You Can Enjoy Naked
Scroll on for a gallery featuring nude-friendly Idaho hot springs and resorts!
Gallery Credit: Ryan Antoinette Valenzuela
5 Stunning Places in Idaho that Look Like Another World
Check out some of the most unique, beautiful, awe inspiring landscapes and places that look like they are in another world entirely.
Gallery Credit: Nikki West
Spokane’s Insanely Beautiful Numerica SkyRide
The Numerica Skyride sends you soaring through the sky above an incredible waterfall from the comfort of a six-person cabin.
Gallery Credit: Ryan Antoinette Valenzuela
18 Beautiful Idaho National Parks for Your Summer Bucket List
Gallery Credit: Parker Kane
![Mix 106 logo](https://townsquare.media/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/KCIXFM.png?w=100)
Idaho
Popular Retailer With 38 Locations in Idaho Plans Mass Closures
![Popular Retailer With 38 Locations in Idaho Plans Mass Closures](https://townsquare.media/site/660/files/2024/07/attachment-Featured-Image-22.jpg?w=1200&q=75&format=natural)
2024 has been brutal for retailers both big and small. Big name brands like Denny’s, Dollar Tree, Red Lobster, Rue 21 and more have already announced closures of some or all of their locations in Idaho.
Now the nation’s eighth largest retailer has announced that they’ll close more than 2,000 locations across America. CBS News reports that in a recent earnings call, Walgreens revealed plans to close nearly 25% of their locations in the United States.
READ MORE: 11 Big Brands Closing Idaho Locations in 2024
The headline feels a bit familiar. It was about this time last year that Walgreens reported that their Q2 earnings were down about 59% from the year before. They attributed that downturn to things like a drop in demand for COVID-19 testing and vaccines. The company also felt like uncertain economic conditions led consumers to spend less than they were in 2022. At the time, they announced plans to close 150 stores nationwide by the end of August 2024.
Walgreen’s Plans To Close A Number Of Its Stores Across The Country
Things appear to be even bleaker for Walgreens after Q2 2024. During the call, the company’s CEO said that they plan to shutter about 25% of stores in America. If you do the math, 25% of Walgreens approximately 8,600 locations is about 2,150 locations. He admitted that the current pharmacy model is not sustainable and that changes are imminent. The talk track was a little bit different this year. Rather than blaming a change in attitudes about COVID-19 testing and vaccines, inflation seemed to be the main factor blamed for the pharmacy chain’s issues.
Good Housekeeping says they’ve obtained a list of 91 Walgreens locations that have closed or are slated for closure after the earnings call. That list includes four locations in Oregon, four locations in California, two locations in Washington and one in Utah.
While Idaho didn’t appear on the initial list of closures, those 91 stores only account for 4% of the over 2,000 Walgreens locations that will close over the next three years. It’s also worth noting that a Walgreens location in Idaho did close earlier this year. The location on Federal Way in Boise closed on February 27. Prescriptions were transferred to a nearby Walgreens on Apple Street and employees were given the option to transfer to other locations.
Image via Google Maps
What lies ahead for Walgreens in Idaho is unclear. At press time, they still have 38 locations in Idaho, including 21 in Boise and its surrounding neighbors. With so many locations on the chopping block, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Gem State lost a few more locations.
KEEP READING: 11 Big Brands That Are Closing Idaho Locations in 2024
From stores to restaurants, these brands are closing the door at some of their Idaho locations in 2024.
Gallery Credit: Michelle Heart
Businesses the Boise Area Lost in 2024
Gallery Credit: Michelle Heart
19 More Stores That Are No Longer At Boise Towne Square Mall
Over 35 years, plenty of stores have come and gone at the Boise Towne Square Mall! Here are 19 more that aren’t there anymore.
Gallery Credit: Michelle Heart
Idaho
Op-Ed: Compromise Politics – Do We Become More Free When We Compromise?
![Op-Ed: Compromise Politics – Do We Become More Free When We Compromise?](https://idahodispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GZ-photo.png)
As I ponder this question, I cannot think of a single instance where compromise has made us better. Have we lessened our debt through compromise? Have we stopped shedding the blood of innocent unborn children because of compromise? Has education improved? Have we stopped the sodomy of our youth? How about protecting our lands, our borders, our water, our liberties, our freedoms—have these been safeguarded through compromise? How about gun control? Compromise will always infringe on the Second Amendment. Can you think of one thing that has improved because of compromise?
Did our Founding Fathers compromise to give us our Constitutional Republic? One of the fiercest arguments was over congressional representation—should it be based on population or divided equally among the states? The framers compromised by giving each state one representative for every 30,000 people in the House of Representatives and two representatives in the Senate. They agreed to count enslaved Africans as three-fifths of a person. Slavery itself was a thorny issue that threatened to derail the Union. It was temporarily resolved when the delegates agreed that the slave trade could continue until 1808.
They counted Africans as three-fifths of a person. Going back to the definition of compromise—“accept standards that are lower than desirable”—this would be a difficult compromise for me, to say someone is less than a person. Did we get the Constitution ratified because of this compromise? Yes, we did, but we later fought a Civil War to recognize their full humanity. Compromise always comes at a cost later.
Compromising on what song will be our National Anthem, what our State Flag will look like, or how many days we will be in session—these are compromises I can be flexible on. However, when it comes to compromising on life, suggesting that some are less than human, or compromising my morals, principles, or integrity, that is something I will protect and defend.
Adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. James 4:4
If you can think of one instance in the last ten years where compromise has protected life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, please share.
This Op-Ed was written by Idaho Senator Glenneda Zuiderveld and originally published on Substack. Op-Eds do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of those at the Idaho Dispatch.
![Amazon Outlet](https://idahodispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/ads/amz.outlet.jpg)
Tags: 2A, Abortion, Border, Compromise, Constitutional Republic, Education, Founding Fathers, Guns, Idaho Legislature, Land, Politics, Second Amendment, Senator Glenneda Zuiderveld, Water
-
News1 week ago
4 killed, 9 injured after vehicle crashes into Long Island nail salon
-
News1 week ago
Video: How Blast Waves Can Injure the Brain
-
Movie Reviews1 week ago
Movie review: A Quiet Place, quivering since Day One
-
Politics1 week ago
Trump says 'biggest problem' not Biden's age, 'decline,' but his policies in first appearance since debate
-
News1 week ago
Increasing numbers of voters don’t think Biden should be running after debate with Trump — CBS News poll
-
World1 week ago
The Take: The art of the debate – What the Biden-Trump face-off was missing
-
Movie Reviews1 week ago
Film Review: Ben and Suzanne: A Reunion in Four Parts
-
World1 week ago
Caribbean braces for ‘very dangerous’ Hurricane Beryl