Idaho

Here’s how a trade war will hit soon-to-graduate Idaho students

Published

10 months ago

May 1, 2025

Here’s how a trade war will hit soon-to-graduate Idaho students

If President Donald Trump’s escalating tariffs on China – climbing as high as 145% – intended to halt Chinese goods from flooding into the U.S., the President got his way.

The question, many economists ask, is: What’s the endgame? The trade war between China and the U.S. has indeed escalated to the degree that major U.S. retailers are now warning about impending supply shortages, according to CBS News.

But it’s much more than goods from China that has retailers and wholesalers worried. In fact, the U.S. wine industry is struggling as well. One might think that they might be doing gangbuster business because of tariffs on French or Italian wines. But it turns out that U.S. winemakers need plenty of overseas supplies to make their wine.

“Most of their bottles come from China,” said Dr. Jim Kroes, Boise State professor and expert on supply chain economics. “Even the wood they use for their barrels comes from French oak. So, there are these unanticipated consequences.”

Another challenge, Kroes said, hits very close to home.

“We’re graduating our seniors in a couple of weeks,” he said. “And our top students aren’t finding jobs. Many companies are imposing hiring freezes – companies that have consistently hired our students upon graduation in the past. It’s tough for me to see these students who have worked so hard and are now graduating into a very uncertain job market.”

Kroes visited with Morning Edition host George Prentice to talk tariffs – existing and threatened – and what consumers should be on the lookout in the months ahead.

Find reporter George Prentice @georgepren

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Idaho

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

Published

1 day ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

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

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.

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.”

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Idaho

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

Published

2 days ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

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.

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

Idaho CBD retailers navigating uncertainty under new hemp rules

Published

2 days ago

February 27, 2026

Press Room

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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