Stories from Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Every February, Americans celebrate Black History Month to honor the achievements and sacrifices of African Americans over the course of the nation’s past. However, it’s also an ideal time to recognize the ongoing contributions of Black people to communities throughout the United States. Here are four reasons to support local Black-owned businesses, now and throughout the year...

The physical and intellectual standards required to be an FBI special agent are extraordinarily high. And the odds of becoming one are extraordinarily low, given our selectivity. So how best to address recent criticism that unfairly and inaccurately derided the FBI for recruiting and retaining unqualified candidates, allegedly to meet diversity hiring goals?...

Financial education and literacy provides empowerment, enabling women to make informed decisions about their economic well-being. Today, there is a growing understanding of the importance of women’s financial literacy. As women play crucial roles in both their professional and personal lives, equipping them with the necessary financial knowledge becomes imperative...

Boise, Idaho – Nearly 70 percent of Idaho legislators are participating in the annual Steps for Schools walking challenge, a program of the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health that promotes the importance of being physically active. Members of the Idaho State Legislature, as well as the State Controller and State Treasurer and Secretary of State, will try to reach a daily step this month to earn money for the public school, public school district or public charter school of their choice. ...

Every February, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada organizes Heart Month to help raise awareness about the warning signs and risk factors associated with heart disease and stroke. Unfortunately, despite these efforts, heart attacks remain a leading cause of premature death, especially among women. Here’s what you should know...

There is a killer in our midst, hiding in plain sight. The dangerous and highly lethal drug fentanyl has made its way into Idaho and is killing our citizens in record numbers. In 2022, 49% of all overdose deaths in Idaho were related to fentanyl, and that number is likely under-reported...

Healthcare access in Idaho has always been a challenge. With large rural areas and limited providers, finding adequate and affordable care can be difficult to navigate. And for pregnant women and new mothers, healthcare options are even graver. In Idaho, maternal mortality has increased over 121% between 2019 and 2021. ...

Black history is rich with the contributions of remarkable individuals who’ve left an indelible mark on society. Although some trailblazers receive well-deserved recognition, the achievements of many unsung heroes remain relatively unknown. Here are three individuals who deserve to be celebrated...

There's a reason why Black History Month is February. Black History Month isn't celebrated in February due to pure coincidence. It was decided upon to coincide with President Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass's birthdays. Both have long been aligned and celebrated in the Black communities for their efforts as abolitionists. Parallel to their birthdays was expanded into a month-long celebration formally declared Black History Month by President Gerald Ford in 1976...

BOISE, Feb. 1, 2024 – Central District Health advises that there have been 14 cases of pertussis (whooping cough) reported in Ada County since Jan. 1, 2024, compared to seven cases total for the 12 months in 2023 and two cases in 2022. No cases have been reported in Boise, Elmore or Valley counties so far this year. ...

Every year, Americans celebrate Black History Month in February to honor the legacy of Black people in this country. Nevertheless, the contributions of African Americans deserve to be recognized throughout the year. One proposed form of commemoration is the initiative to put abolitionist Harriet Tubman on the front of the $20 bill...

BOISE – (January 29, 2024) – In the course of their work, tow technicians and other first responders are exposed to the serious risk of being struck and killed at the roadside. And according to new research by AAA, the problem may be worse than originally feared...

VA Jan. 28, 2024 - Prior to meeting his wife Ana, Navy Chief Petty Officer Paul Scherman spent more than 22 months in Afghanistan during two deployments. The couple has been married for seven years, but PTSD put a strain on their relationship. “We’ve been a little rocky here and there in our marriage,” said Scherman, who served 24 years as a reservist. “All my fault. I have PTSD and sometimes my communication skills are lacking.”...

Every Lunar New Year without fail, Kat Lieu’s mother would make her steamed nian gao, which is a sweet rice — or mochi — cake. It was a tasty tradition of having dessert for breakfast. The Seattle-based author of the “Modern Asian Baking at Home” cookbook and founder of the Subtle Asian Baking online group switches things up for her 9-year-old son. He gets mochi waffles made with bright green pandan on the first morning of the new year...