Tell Idaho lawmakers to protect funding for Boise State Public Radio | Opinion

NPR

As an Idahoan, I depend on Boise State Public Radio — our NPR affiliate — for trusted, fact-based news and life-saving emergency alerts. And I’m not alone. Public radio reaches nearly every corner of our state, including rural and underserved communities where BSPR is often the only reliable media source.

Now, this essential service is at risk. Congress is considering rescinding previously approved funding for public media, and the president’s budget proposes eliminating it entirely. If these cuts go through, stations like BSPR — already operating with lean resources — could go dark. That’s not a risk I’m willing to accept.

Public radio doesn’t just inform — it empowers. From wildfire coverage to election information, from music and the arts to local reporting on education and water quality, BSPR ensures every Idahoan — regardless of income or geography — has access to the information that shapes our lives and strengthens our communities.

Federal support through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting makes up 20% of BSPR’s budget. Every dollar is multiplied sevenfold through local investment. For just $1.60 per taxpayer per year, we get a vital return: local journalism, emergency alerts and trusted public programming.

I urge our elected officials to oppose any attempt to defund public media. And I urge fellow Idahoans: Raise your voice. Call your representatives. In Idaho, we rely on public media — let’s make sure it continues to rely on us.

Autumn Kersey-Camilovic, Nampa

MAHA report

Does it make sense that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services secretary unilaterally rescinded the CDC recommendation that certain age children and pregnant women receive the Covid vaccine? According to the HHS secretary, measles, a highly contagious disease is no longer a concern nor is the bird flu. And most recently, the AI-generated report which is replete with glaring errors, is also of no real concern. How is any of this making America healthy again?

Mary Feeny, Boise

Letter to Simpson

Dear Mr Simpson,

Thank you for your email. I am also glad you approve of the fact that our public lands will not be sold YET.

But what about the millions of your constituents who will lose Medicare, Medicaid and food stamps?

But what about the haphazard firing of federal employees, many of whom I know and care about?

But what about the flagrant and continuous misuse of executive powers? Remember, only Congress has power of the purse.

And what about the grifting, the corruption shown by not only your president, but the cabinet, and yourself, by virtue of association and avoidance. He couldn’t even say if he had to follow the dictates of the constitution.

And I can go on, but I won’t at this point, as I don’t know if you will even read this.

Further, my name is Mary. I don’t have problems with mistakes, generally. Your canned, propagandized form letter, however, called me MR. I am a strong, smart woman. I taught for 36 years in our fair state. I’d love to see it protected.

Do Idaho a favor. Do your job. Protect our constitution, our country, our very lifestyle.

Mary Kaufman, Ammon

Risch

Senator Risch is too old for another term in the Senate. If elected in 2026, he would be 84 years old when he starts and 90 upon completing his six years term. Senator Risch has been a devoted public servant and we should thank and applaud his service. However, Idahoans deserve a Senator at peak mental capacity. Unfortunately, the Senate has become a retirement village for octogenarians politicians. Both Democratic and Republican are guilty of staying too long. Idaho is going to elect a Republican whoever it is. The Idaho Republican party has deep bench of qualified younger candidate. I would urge Senate Risch to step aside. He should not make the Biden mistake. Leave with dignity. If he does not willingly go, a qualified younger candidate should step up and challenge Risch.

Jim Young, Boise

South African refugees

Recently a large contingent of “White” South African farmers were flown into the United States by the Trump administration. The explanation given by the president was that they were being attacked by Black people in a genocidal action. Now we hear that another 8,000-plus South Africans have applied to enter the U.S. under similar auspices while people of non-white origins are excluded and deported as dangerous criminals. Couple these activities with the leanings of our current Congress (and most of our Idaho congressional delegation) to sell off federal lands has the distinct aroma of a planned giveaway of a significant national treasure to these newly arrived “poor” white South African farmers, a number of which are being “resettled” here in Idaho. Another interesting factor entering the melee is the former South African (dual citizen?) rocket nee electric car man and Doger extraordinaire Elon Musk wielding a presidential meat cleaver to every existing national services group — all of which would not exist without the past actions of Congress with the assent of former chief executives. Keep an eye on this as they are up to no good.

Mark Peterson, Middleton

North End

The North End is one of Boise’s most beloved neighborhoods. It’s charming, walkable and historic, a community of people with diverse backgrounds, values and visions for the future of our city that preaches inclusion and respect for all.

Unfortunately, that respect was missing in a recent post by a North End Neighborhood Association board member, who described fellow residents as “Christo-fascist nationalist MAGA zealots” and warned of a plot to “replace the board.” This kind of language isn’t just inappropriate — it’s dangerous. It shuts down conversation, fuels division and puts a target on neighbors simply for holding different views on land use, property rights or governance.

Neighborhood associations should welcome all voices. When board members resort to name-calling and ideological hostility, they betray the purpose of public service and fracture the very community they’re meant to serve.

No one benefits from a culture of fear and slander — not progressives, not conservatives and certainly not our neighborhood.

The North End deserves leaders who rise above tribal politics, who listen with humility, and who work across differences toward shared goals. That’s the spirit of a true neighborhood — and it’s time we reclaimed it.

Lynn Bradescu, Boise