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Guest Columnist ID Senator Glenneda Zuiderveld: Standing Alone on the Island of No

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March 5, 2026

Standing Alone on the Island of No
Why saying “no” to endless spending may be the most important duty of all

By: Idaho Dist. 24 State Senator Glenneda Zuiderveld

ID Senator Glenneda Zuiderveld (Photo Credit: Glenneda Zuiderveld)

Saying “no” is not easy, especially when you are the only one saying it. It can be a lonely place to stand, out on what sometimes feels like the Island of NO.

In the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC), my Democratic colleague Senator Wintrow consistently warns about what she calls a revenue crisis. While we may disagree on many solutions, I respect consistency. But the alarm I believe we should be sounding is different.

The real warning bell is not just a revenue crisis.

It is a spending crisis and a federal dependency crisis.

Sometimes serving in the Legislature feels like standing as a watchman at the gate, seeing a storm coming long before others are willing to admit it. The watchman’s duty is simple: warn the people.

Right now, the numbers tell a story we should not ignore.

Governor Little recently ordered a 3% holdback across state agencies (excluding K–12) for Fiscal Year 2026 due to missed revenue projections. Yet in the same breath, we are told how strong Idaho’s economy is.

In response, the Idaho JFAC passed two rescission bills. One adds an additional 1% holdback for FY2026, bringing the total to 4%, and another applies the Governor’s 3% holdback for FY2027 with an additional 2%, bringing that total to 5%. These measures passed the Senate by a single vote, 18–17 and now have moved to the House.

If these bills fail, JFAC will be forced to reopen and revise the maintenance budgets already approved in committee, potentially delaying the legislative session into April.

Let’s be clear: the Legislature’s number one job is to appropriate taxpayer dollars and balance the state budget.

And here is the hard truth:

Both stories cannot hold forever. Either our economy is as strong as claimed, or our spending has grown beyond what our revenues can sustain. Eventually, reality will choose for us. Numbers do not lie. They can be manipulated, delayed, or reframed, but eventually they expose reality.

And the reality is this: Idaho state spending has grown roughly 60% in just six years.

That kind of growth eventually demands a reckoning.

At the same time, 43% of Idaho’s budget now comes from the federal government, with a large portion flowing through the Department of Health and Welfare. Federal money always arrives wrapped in the promise of help, but also tied to future obligations.

Recently, the Governor and the Department of Health and Welfare applied for nearly $1 billion from the new Rural Health Fund, created at the last minute inside the federal “Big Beautiful Bill” to secure enough votes for passage.

The application was submitted quickly, and already many people have their hands out, like when someone wins the lottery. Everyone wants to decide who will create the committee, who will provide the oversight, and how the money will be spent.

Many believe it will benefit rural areas, but I have already seen bills proposing that the funds be used for medical school tuition instead.

Like the ARPA funds, this money will be gone in five years, and Idaho will have to figure out how the state will continue once this one-time funding is spent.

Programs rarely shrink once they are created.

Ironically, while some legislators push for an Article V Convention of States to require a balanced federal budget, that same body often votes to accept billions more in federal funds, funds that are borrowed against a national debt now exceeding $38 trillion.

Are We Breaking our Oath of Office?

This is a serious moment in our history, and it raises a difficult question: Are we breaking our oath of office when we vote to raise taxes and expand entitlement spending? I would argue that in many cases, the answer is yes.

We often hear the warning that if we fail to learn from history, we are doomed to repeat it. Yet here we are, overlooking the very lessons our Founders paid for with their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor when they fought to free this nation from oppressive government.

Through my research, one truth stands out clearly: there is no constitutional duty, under oath or otherwise, to fund broad health and welfare programs. Neither the U.S. Constitution nor the Idaho Constitution creates a mandatory obligation for government to provide general public assistance, healthcare entitlements, or expansive welfare systems. Our oath requires us to support and defend the Constitutions as written, respecting, the limits, not to invent spending obligations that do not exist in the text.

The U.S. Constitution’s reference to the “general welfare” appears in the Preamble as a guiding purpose and in Article I, Section 8 as a power to tax and spend for national needs. It is not a requirement to fund specific programs like Medicaid expansions or subsidizes.

The Idaho Constitution follows the same principle. While it requires the state to establish certain institutions, such as those for mental health, the blind, the deaf, and other limited facilities, and clearly mandates a system of public education, it does not create a sweeping duty to fund broad health and welfare programs or long-term entitlement systems.

Closing Thought

While serving on the Health and Welfare workgroup, reviewing enhancement and supplemental requests, I found myself troubled by a message I kept hearing, that we must continue funding entitlement programs that are constantly expanding, even for many able-bodied individuals who have learned how to qualify for them.

Finally, I said what had been weighing on me: “we are either entitled or enslaved”. It was not well received, but it reflects the reality many hardworking Idahoans see every day.

Across our state, there are people working 60-plus hours a week, receiving none of these benefits while their taxes fund them.

So I leave you with a question that every legislator, and every citizen, should wrestle with:

Is it truly the role of government to become a permanent charity, or have we lost sight of the principles that built a free and self-governing people?

Guest Column – ID GOP Chairwoman Dorothy Moon: Government Must Stand for Citizens, Not Illegals

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Observer Staff
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March 5, 2026

Government Must Stand for Citizens, Not Illegals

By: Dorothy Moon, IDGOP Chairwoman

Dorothy Moon, Chairwoman of the Idaho Republican Party

Immigration is the defining issue of our time. For the better part of a century, America has struggled with illegal border crossings and visa overstays, with foreigners claiming refugee or asylum status, and with migrant workers we’re told are necessary for our economy to function. President Ronald Reagan believed he had struck a grand bargain in 1986—allowing those in the country illegally to remain in exchange for promises of tougher enforcement—but nearly four decades later, the problem is worse than ever.

Even Democrats once claimed we needed to defend the border and deport those here illegally. The internet is awash with clips of Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi, and Hillary Clinton calling for a border wall and talking tough about deportations. Today, however, the Democratic Party is united in opposition to President Donald Trump’s efforts to enforce our immigration laws.

When President Trump asked Congress at the State of the Union address to stand if they believed the American government should serve American citizens rather than illegal aliens, Democrats stayed in their seats. Can you believe that?

This issue is existential for the opposing party, and here’s why. We already know that counting illegal aliens in the 2020 census shifted several electoral votes from red states to blue states. Idaho likely should have been allotted a third congressional district, but states like Minnesota overcounted illegal aliens, tilting the balance. The 2030 map looks even more brutal for Democrats, with states like Idaho, Texas, and Florida gaining seats, while California, New York, and Illinois stand to lose.

The Democratic Party lost the confidence of the American people long ago, and rather than moderating their extreme positions on taxes, immigration enforcement, or even basic questions of biology and gender, they are attempting to import a new electorate instead.

It won’t work. President Trump has closed the southern border that was allowing millions of unvetted illegal aliens to enter the country, and he is working to remove those already embedded in our communities.

This year, our Legislature has an opportunity to take a stand for the rule of law by passing bills to mandate E-Verify, to count the number of illegal aliens in our health care and education systems, to ensure local law enforcement cooperated with ICE, and to hold those who facilitate breaking the law accountable. Agriculture and dairy lobbyists are desperately trying to stop this common-sense legislation, so our lawmakers need to hear from you, the people of Idaho.

Making America great again means holding everyone to the same standard under the law. If you came here illegally, it’s time to go home and apply the right way. Our government must work for the citizens of this country—not against them.

Secretaries Kennedy, McMahon Celebrate Med School Commitments to Increase Nutrition Training for Future MDs

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Observer Staff
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(Department of Health and Human Services Press Release, March 5, 2026)

Washinton, D.C.–The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Education convened leaders from 53 of the nation’s top medical schools today to announce commitments to require meaningful nutrition training for future doctors beginning in the next academic year.

The president of the American Medical Association, Dr. Bobby Mukkumala, the president of the Association of American Medical Colleges, Dr. David Skorton, the president of the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Robert Cain, and the president of the University of Nebraska system, Dr. Jeffrey Gold, joined Secretary Kennedy and Secretary McMahon to celebrate this milestone at HHS.

The medical schools, representing 31 states, will provide at least 40 hours of nutrition education, or implement a 40-hour competency equivalent, for students starting in the fall of 2026. These agreements reflect the Trump Administration’s commitment to support nutritional education and today the medical education community stepped up to address this need.

“Chronic disease is bankrupting our health system, and poor nutrition sits at the center of that crisis,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “Today medical schools are committing to change how America trains its doctors — by putting nutrition back where it belongs: at the heart of patient care.”

“Today’s announcement demonstrates that medical schools can put nutrition and prevention front and center as they train tomorrow’s doctors and healthcare leaders. It’s an honor to celebrate the dozens of medical schools stepping up to strengthen nutrition education — an essential but often overlooked aspect of public health,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. “To make America great again, we must make it healthy — and today’s commitment by leading universities is a critical step down that road.”

“Today, there is real momentum to bring evidence-based nutrition education into medical school and residency training,” said American Medical Association President Bobby Mukkamala, MD. “We applaud the administration for recognizing that if we’re serious about prevention, nutrition must be foundational in medical education. Giving physicians the skills to have impactful conversations with our patients about food and lifestyle is one of the most practical, immediate steps we can take to improve health and prevent disease.”

The Trump administration’s initiative with a large segment of America’s leading medical schools will increase the proportion of nutrition education within their training. A 2022 survey published in the Journal of Wellness found that medical students reported receiving an average of 1.2 hours of formal nutrition education each year. Three-fourths of U.S. medical schools do not require clinical nutrition courses, and only 14% of residency programs require a nutrition curriculum.

HHS will also dedicate $5 million through a multi-phase National Institutes of Health nutrition education challenge to support medical schools, nursing residency, nutrition science, and dietician programs that integrate nutrition education into their curricula. The funding will help institutions develop coursework, clinical training opportunities and research initiatives focused on evidence-based nutrition science.

Beginning this year, Public Health Service officers will be required to complete nutrition-focused continuing education hours as part of their career development. This step underscores HHS’ commitment to ensuring that all health professionals—both future and current—are equipped with the knowledge needed to support healthier communities.

See FACT SHEET for further information, including the participating medical schools.

Idaho Researchers Build First Microreactor Control System in Decades

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Observer Staff
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(Idaho National Laboratory Press Release, March 3, 2026)

For decades, light water reactors have used control rods to regulate the fission reaction that powers a nuclear plant. The rods move vertically in and out of the core and are made of materials that absorb neutrons. When operators insert control rods, the reaction decreases. When the control rods are withdrawn, the reaction increases again.

These systems also serve as a critical safety mechanism — a means to rapidly shut down the reactor during an abnormal event.

While control rod systems have proven reliable for decades, the engineers who designed the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Microreactor Applications Research Validation and Evaluation reactor (MARVEL) needed something smaller. MARVEL was designed to demonstrate advanced microreactor applications such as chemical production, electricity for remote locations and heat for industry.

Microreactors are a type of advanced nuclear reactor designed to be built in a factory and delivered to a site. Some are small enough to fit in cargo containers. MARVEL, an 85-kilowatt, sodium-potassium-cooled microreactor being assembled at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), is compact —about 15 feet tall and 4 feet wide, roughly the size of two telephone booths stacked on top of one another.

Borrowing a page from test reactors such as the Advanced Test Reactor, MARVEL uses two mechanical reactivity control mechanisms: a single control rod and four control drums — rotating cylinders — to help keep it small. Reactor developers are using control drums in other advanced nuclear reactor designs as well.

INL researchers are assembling and testing this reactivity control system (RCS) in Idaho Falls before it is shipped to the Transient Reactor Test (TREAT) facility at INL’s Materials and Fuels Complex. The RCS assembly marks a major milestone for the MARVEL project.

“Light water reactors typically use control rods and have a lot more volume and area,” said Anthony Crawford, a researcher in INL’s mechatronics group. “Microreactors — particularly MARVEL — need more compact solutions, so we use control drums.”

Operational control and layered safety

MARVEL’s four rotating control drums are located around the outside of the core and have both reflective and absorber material. Depending on how far each drum is rotated, neutrons are either reflected into the core or absorbed, which increases or reduces reactor power.

“The control drum and control rod have the same basic functions — one translates, one rotates,” Crawford said. “But control drums are more challenging because of their inertia, bearings, penetrations and rotational dynamics. That’s why industry doesn’t always use them.”

MARVEL also uses a central insurance absorber — essentially a control rod that, when inserted, absorbs neutrons to control reactivity. The central insurance absorber is currently intended to be used only during shutdown and is, in essence, a redundant emergency feature. Together, the control drums and the central insurance absorber provide operational control and layered safety.

“In MARVEL, the control drums are the heart of how we control the reactor during operation,” Crawford said. “The central insurance absorber provides defense-in-depth.”

From concept to hardware

When the MARVEL project began in 2020, the reactivity control system existed largely on paper.

“We had a general idea of what we wanted to do,” Crawford said. “Then we went through the full engineering process — design, design reviews, analysis — and moved into prototyping and testing.”

INL’s capabilities played a key role. The lab can design, build, test and iterate hardware under one roof. The ability to prototype and continually test is a huge advantage, especially for something as complex as a reactivity control system.

About three years ago, the design passed its 90% design review, with input from DOE, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and other subject matter experts. “We were on the right track,” Crawford said.

But real-world fabrication introduced new challenges. The system requires about 25 different functions to rotate and “scram” the drums. During a scram (nuclear operator shorthand for a full shutdown), a clutch is released and springs turn the drums quickly into the shutdown position while a damper smooths the motion to reduce impact.

“Through fabrication, we encountered things you don’t necessarily see in CAD (computer-aided design) models,” Crawford said. “We had to address those real-world challenges in real time with few immediately available references. Now we’re assembling it. The mechatronics team developed detailed assembly plans to make sure functionality is maintained, and we test the critical characteristics of every component along the way.”

Built to nuclear quality standards

The reactivity control system is being built to NQA-1 standards, the nuclear industry’s quality assurance benchmark.

“This is an NQA-1 apparatus, so we have much more rigor in testing and documentation,” Crawford said. “We have to prove that materials, fabricated components and employed commercial products meet NQA-1 standards, and that requires a lot of quality control.”

Many of the components used in MARVEL’s reactivity control system are not available off the shelf. Most of the RCS was fabricated to exacting standards at a special machine shop at the Materials and Fuels Complex. Sometimes, the engineers adapted commercial components and subjected them to extensive testing.

“That means testing at receipt, during assembly, on a test stand, during pre-operation, during operation and throughout the life cycle,” Crawford said.

Precision versus speed

One of the defining challenges of MARVEL’s reactivity control system is balancing two conflicting requirements.

During normal operation, the system must move with extreme precision to finely adjust reactor power. During a scram, it must move very quickly and reliably, and precision isn’t as important. The hardware must also accommodate high temperature, high flux, vibration, swelling and deflection while executing both functions.

“At one point, we thought we had the perfect design,” Crawford said. “Then we tested it, and it wouldn’t scram because friction was higher than we expected.”

The solution required significant changes: larger gearheads and clutches, redesigned springs and different damping characteristics.

The team also had to accommodate a real-world condition known as backlash. This is when two mechanical components reverse direction and there’s a pause before they reengage.

“It’s like a steering wheel with a lot of slop — you turn it, and nothing happens at first,” Crawford said. “During that pause, you don’t know exactly where your end component is. In a reactor, even one or two degrees matters.”

Testing the reactivity control system before the reactor is assembled has helped the researchers better understand the system and develop strategies in the design, analysis and testing processes.

A tool for the future

As of February, experts had assembled all five actuators — four for operation and one spare. The control drum skeletons are assembled, with reflector and absorber material installation pending. They have built the central shutdown absorber and its spare. These systems have been installed onto a test stand that supports each control drum and the central insurance absorber system in their ultimate deployment configurations.

With this accurate configuration, the system is undergoing initial integrated qualification testing to verify speed control, precision and scram performance.

As MARVEL moves toward assembly and operation, the reactivity control system will take on a new role.

“The RCS now becomes a tool to assess the health of reactor assembly,” Crawford said. “We’ll test it on the primary cooling system, then again during dry criticality, then again with coolant.”

The system also becomes a training tool. It will help operators better understand nuances like backlash, so they’ll know exactly what’s happening and how to respond.

Tunable by design

Reactors do not remain static over their lifetimes. Fuel burns up. Materials swell. Friction changes.

MARVEL’s reactivity control system is designed to adapt.

“We use adjustable hard stops to limit maximum reactivity early in life, then move them out as (fuel) burnup occurs to recover capability,” Crawford said. “We can also adjust spring preload and swap dampers to fine-tune scram behavior.”

“Without tunability, redesigns to accommodate reactor changes could take months or years, or capability could be reduced or lost,” Crawford said. “With tunability, we can adapt quickly — a capability that is applicable not just for MARVEL, but for other reactor designs too.”

Once MARVEL is operational, engineers will be able to adapt the RCS to reflect the knowledge gained during the reactor’s life cycle.

“During startup, we operate more conservatively while we learn the reactor’s behavior,” Crawford said. “Once we’re confident, we give the system more latitude to operate efficiently and achieve its mission as a test reactor. The RCS parameters evolve with the reactor.”

By Cory Hatch, INL Communications

About Idaho National Laboratory
Battelle Energy Alliance manages INL for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy. INL is the nation’s center for nuclear energy research and development, and also performs research in each of DOE’s strategic goal areas: energy, national security, science and the environment. For more information, visit www.inl.gov. Follow us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.

NPS Announces 2026 Cherry Blossom Peak Bloom Forecast as Nation Preps for America’s 250th Anniversary

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Observer Staff
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(U.S. Department of the Interior Press Release, March 5, 2026)

Washington, D.C. — The Department of the Interior and National Park Service today announced that peak bloom for the iconic cherry trees surrounding the Tidal Basin and National Mall is projected to occur between March 29 – April 1, with exact timing dependent on weather conditions. Once peak bloom begins, the blossoms typically remain on the trees for seven to 10 days.

“As we mark 250 years of American independence, the cherry blossoms remind us of our Nation’s enduring strength and the responsibility we share to care for the places that tell our story,” said Jessica Bowron, Comptroller, Exercising the Delegated Authority of the Director. “Thanks to President Trump’s Great American Outdoors Act, we’re delivering real results — restoring the Tidal Basin, strengthening critical infrastructure and working to keep our nation’s capital safe and beautiful so families from every state can experience it at its best, now and for the next 250 years.”

The Department’s efforts align with President Donald J. Trump’s Executive Order to Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful, prioritizing the restoration of public spaces that reflect the pride and strength of the American people. In addition to infrastructure upgrades, the National Park Service and U.S. Park Police are working to ensure a safe, orderly, and welcoming experience for visitors throughout cherry blossom season and the anniversary year.

The blooming of the cherry trees has been an annual springtime tradition in the nation’s capital since the historic 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Japan and draws millions of visitors to Washington, D.C., each year. In 2026, the blossoms will coincide with the 250th anniversary of American independence and ongoing restoration efforts to strengthen the Tidal Basin seawall and enhance the beauty of one of the nation’s most cherished landscapes.

The $113 million restoration of the Tidal Basin and West Potomac Park seawall is finishing eight months ahead of schedule and under budget. The project and the planting of new cherry trees were made possible through the Great American Outdoors Act, a landmark conservation achievement from President Donald J. Trump’s first administration. This investment addresses decades of flooding, sinking ground, and aging infrastructure while safeguarding the cherry trees and surrounding memorials for future generations.

To protect the newly restored areas and landscaping, walkways through the Tidal Basin restoration zone—between the Jefferson Memorial and Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial—will remain closed throughout the bloom period; however, clearly marked alternate routes are available, and the full loop around the Tidal Basin remains accessible to visitors. These closures are essential to allow new plantings to establish and thrive.

Idaho Freedom Caucus: Just Say “No” to Central Control Mechanisms

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Observer Staff
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(Idaho Freedom Caucus Message, March 4, 2026)

Programmable money allows the bankers who’ve been running monetary policy to now control fiscal policy and essentially replace legislatures.

– Catherine Austin Fitts

A digital control grid is not-so quietly being built around us, and many are still unaware of its profound implications. This infrastructure isn’t just about surveillance; it’s a comprehensive system designed to monitor and control individuals by integrating programmable money, digital IDs, and expanding local surveillance hardware. If you are questioning the nefarious nature of the push for digital ID and programmable money, just take a look at who is backing this. A quick Google search reveals strong support from the UN, Bank of International Settlements, The Gates Foundation, The World Bank, JP Morgan, Federal Reserve of Atlanta, International Monetary Fund, World Economic Forum, Forbes, and the European Central Bank. History has taught us – or should have – that these “organizations” are the control mechanism behind much of what goes on internationally and here in the United States.

This isn’t far-fetched speculation based on rumors or fear-mongering. This is a long-held plan for America and the nations that we are seeing unfold right now. Take for example what Carroll Quigley, archivist for the Council on Foreign Relations and mentor to Bill Clinton shares in his lengthy apologetic for imperialism and central control of the world through private banking:

“The powers of financial capitalism had another far-reaching aim, nothing less than to create a world system of financial control in private hands able to dominate the political system of each country and the economy of the world as a whole. This system was to be controlled in a feudalistic fashion by the central banks of the world acting in concert, by secret agreements arrived at in frequent meetings and conferences. The apex of the systems was to be the Bank for International Settlements in Basel, Switzerland, a private bank owned and controlled by the worlds central banks which were themselves private corporations. Each central bank…sought to dominate its government by its ability to control Treasury loans, to manipulate foreign exchanges, to influence the level of economic activity in the country, and to influence co-operative politicians by subsequent economic rewards in the business world.” 1

It doesn’t get more clear than that, folks. At the heart of this shift is programmable money, a concept that threatens to move power from our elected legislative bodies directly into the hands of bankers. This would allow them to control not just monetary policy, but fiscal policy as well, essentially creating a system where financial transactions can be controlled in real-time, much like a social credit system.

This isn’t a distant threat. Surveillance infrastructure, often funded by our own taxpayer dollars, is rapidly expanding in communities across the US. These systems are increasingly integrated with advanced technology, including weaponry and AI, designed to manage financial and spatial data within this digital grid. Your biometric data becomes a key component, linking your digital ID to this vast network of surveillance and control.

In response to these dangers, Senator Tammy Nichols, alongside Representatives Heather Scott and Elaine Price, introduced legislation to protect Idahoans from these control mechanisms.

Senate Bill 1299 (S1299) – The purpose of this legislation is to ensure that digital identification is not required to access government services in Idaho. This legislation protects the right of Idahoans to use physical identification, prevents government from requiring access to personal electronic devices, and limits the collection and use of digital identification data. It also provides remedies when violations occur.

House Bill 750 (HB750) – This legislation defines and regulates the use of “programmable money” in Idaho by excluding it from existing definitions of money under the Uniform Commercial Code and establishing a new framework to protect consumer payment rights. The bill limits the ability of issuers to control, restrict, or deny transactions based on lawful personal characteristics or activities, prohibits the use of social credit scoring through programmable money, and requires transparency when transactions are denied. It also provides civil remedies, attorney’s fees, and criminal penalties to ensure enforcement while preserving the lawful use of digital assets and alternative forms of payment.

These legislative efforts mark a crucial stand against the quiet creep of digital control. The convergence of programmable money, digital surveillance, and AI isn’t accidental; it’s a strategic move towards centralized authority that threatens our basic freedoms. We believe no one should be forced into a system of digital tracking or programmable currency. The work of Senator Nichols and Representatives Heather Scott and Elaine Price on these bills shows that we can, and must, push back. By understanding the stakes and supporting such measures, we can safeguard our privacy, protect our civil liberties, and ensure our financial autonomy for generations to come.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments or reach out to us at: contact@idahofreedomcaucus.org.

 

 

What’s Happening in Downtown Pocatello This Weekend?

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Observer Staff
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(Historic Downtown Pocatello, March 3, 2026)

Don’t miss all of the excitement happening in Historic Downtown Pocatello this week!  Take a look and come shop, dine and play in the historic heart of our community!

Join us for the March First Friday Art Walk on Friday from 5:00-8:00 p.m.  First Friday Art Walk features art, music, food, fashion and more in over 20 Downtown shops and restaurants. Admission and parking for this event are free.

Valentine Ballroom & Valentine Bridal will present the 2026 Idaho Bridal Fair on Saturday. If you are newly engaged or have a wedding coming up, be sure to register for the show at www.idahobridalfair.com. Admission is free and the show will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Red Lion Hotel Pocatello.  There will be live demonstrations throughout the event.  At 1:00 p.m. enjoy an elegant fashion show presented by Valentine Ballroom & Valentine Bridal.  Over 40 vendors will be on site featuring everything an engaged couple needs to plan the perfect wedding and future.

The Purpose Center event space is available and ready to host your next event!  The space is perfect for a beautiful wedding, engaging fundraiser dinner or business meeting. For overnight guests, the 5th floor offers Executive Suites listed on Airbnb for your family, friends or clients coming to the area. To learn more about The Purpose Center, please visit https://purpose-center.org.  To book overnight stays visit, https://airbnb.com/h/purpose-executive-suites.

Stop by Mocatello, 203 S. Arthur Ave., for delicious drive-thru coffees, lattes, smoothies, and pastries to warm you up!

Tunki Learning Center, 420 N. Main St., is welcoming new learners!  If you are looking for a wonderful experience full of learning, laughing, and reading everyday for your children, call 208-941-8864 today for more information.

Main Street Mercantile and Antiques,134 N. Main St., has three floors filled with a selection of vintage items, home decor, collectibles, jewelry, art, signs, tools, and much more! Stop in and do some shopping today!

Deckadence Board Shoppe is making it easier to get the gear you need!  For a limited time, enjoy free delivery of online orders at www.deckadenceskateboards.com for purchases over $100 and within the Pocatello and Chubbuck area. Choose free local pickup at checkout and write “delivery” in the notes. They will handle the rest!

The Orange and Black Store, 103 S. Main St., has the largest selection of officially licensed Idaho State University apparel in the area at discount prices! They offer ISU clothing for all ages, including onesies, children’s wear, t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats and more! Show your Bengal pride and support your community in one stop!

Snake River Fly, 257 N. Main St., has all of the fishing gear you need to wrap up this winter fishing season, a record looking Steelhead Season, and the spring warm up ahead!  Poles, nets, flies, shirts, hats, hooks and more!  Shop local and fish local!

If it’s time to order spring sports shirts and uniforms or update your company’s brand with new shirts, hats and customized premium items, Alston T-Shirt Printing & Embroidery, 245 N. Main St., would love to help you!  From one item to a thousand, their staff can help design and select what you need, at great prices.  Stop in or call 208-242-3264 today.

The First National Bar, 232 W. Center St., has some fantastic live music scheduled this week.  On Wednesday, don’t miss Desperate Electric & Jelly live on stage beginning at 8:15 p.m.  On Thursday, catch The Opskamatrists.  Music starts at 8:15 p.m.  And, don’t forget the First National serves brunch specials every Saturday and Sunday!

The Crafter’s Market inside Station Square, 200 S. Main St., will be open on Friday evening during Art Walk and on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Handcrafted items full of local love will be available for shoppers.

Upcoming events include:

Tickets are now available for the 15th Annual Gate City Brewfest returning to Pocatello on Saturday, March 14.  From 1:00-5:00 p.m. brewers will offer over 80 different beers for tasting in restaurants, breweries, pubs and bars throughout Downtown Pocatello.  Sample craft beers new to our area along with local and regional favorites.  Tickets are $30 in advance or $40 at the door. To purchase tickets, please visit www.gatecitybrewfest.com .

The Friends of the Marshall Public Library is celebrating 30 years in the community this year.  Part of their celebrations throughout the year will include bringing back their three seasonal book sales, with some added surprises.  The first sale of the year will be held on March 20 and 21.  The sale will run on Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the community room and lobby of the Marshall Public Library.

Most hardcover books will be $2.00 and most softcovers will be $1.00.  In honor of their 30th anniversary, they will add raffle baskets as part of the sale.  For every $30 spent during the sale, you will earn a raffle ticket to enter to win one of their fabulous prize baskets.

Special Reminder:  The Center Street Underpass is now closed as the final stage of the renovation project continues.  During the construction, please continue to come Downtown for spectacular shopping, delicious dining options, live entertainment, community events, and more!  Your friends and neighbors Downtown would love to see you sharing your love for our locally owned businesses!

A Generational ‘Moonshot’: INL’s Mining Enhancements Extract Vital Resources from Rocks

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Observer Staff
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(Idaho National Laboratory Press Release, March 4, 2026)

One of the United States’ most urgent challenges is securing a reliable domestic supply of critical materials and minerals essential for technologies like smartphones, satellites, computer chips, rechargeable batteries and advanced weapons systems.

Although the U.S. has deposits of nearly all critical materials, domestic mining is unable to meet demand, which is expected to grow over the next decade. Most extraction and processing occurs outside the country, particularly in China. This reliance on foreign processing can lead to disruptions that affect national security, economic growth and technological advancement.

“Critical materials and metals are crucial to our daily lives,” said Travis McLing, a subsurface research scientist at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). “However, we depend heavily on foreign entities, jeopardizing our technological leadership and national security. The supply chain needs to be connected and sourced in the U.S. It isn’t enough to mine materials here. We must also produce and refine them domestically. Our goal is to create a resilient supply chain from rock to final product.”

INL is collaborating with eight national labs and nearly 30 companies to develop technologies and processes that enhance domestic critical material mining and production. The short-term goal is to advance cost-effective, low-waste processing technologies that can be rapidly deployed. The long-term goal is to better understand critical material sources, intermediate states, separation processes and final products to reduce reliance on foreign mining.

“Our aim is to increase the recovery of minerals from both conventional and unconventional sources,” said Aaron Wilson, a chemical scientist at INL. “We want to help industry maximize recovery while minimizing waste and protect American workers and the environment.”

Mining and ore processing

After extraction, rocks undergo beneficiation, a process of crushing and grinding to separate desired materials from waste. These materials are then concentrated for easier transport and treated with heat or chemicals to fully extract and purify them. However, modern processing isn’t always sufficient and often produces significant waste.

“If you look at a copper mine, for example, mine ore only contains about 0.2% copper on the high end,” said McLing. “That means they have to process and throw away 99.8% of the rock to get the 0.2% they want.”

That waste may not be worthless. According to McLing, most processing facilities are designed to extract only one or two materials. Anything of value that requires a different extraction process is often lost or discarded. Building additional processing facilities at mines or sending the materials to other processing facilities might reduce waste and bolster domestic supplies of critical materials.

Compounding the challenge is the diversity of rock types that host critical minerals. Alkaline intrusive rocks, pegmatites and hydrothermally altered rocks are known for containing significant concentrations of critical materials. Each must be processed differently based on its characteristics.

Alkaline-intrusive rocks form when magma cools slowly underground and are rich in alkali metals like sodium and potassium. Pegmatites are igneous rocks with large crystals that often contain lithium and beryllium. Hydrothermally altered rocks have been changed by hot, mineral-rich fluids under high pressure, concentrating metals and minerals that are otherwise difficult to access.

Getting industry to invest in new technologies and processes can be difficult, especially since mining lacks the research capabilities of other resource sectors like oil and gas.

“There are challenges in engaging industry effectively,” said McLing. “But INL is well suited to work with mining companies to make the entire process, from mining to production, more economical and efficient.”

To improve efficiency and safety, INL is pioneering innovative technologies and processes that optimize mining, from extraction to final processing.

Innovations in mining and processing

INL is developing digital tools and robots to characterize ores, manage mining resources and process critical materials. Digital tools use remote sensing, autonomous mining equipment, digital twins and other computational technologies to improve efficiency. INL’s robotics research is advancing systems and sensors that can more effectively separate, process and recover materials.

Another area of focus is critical material extraction. INL is developing advanced analytical instruments capable of detecting and quantifying trace amounts of critical materials in natural water, mine tailings, recycled materials and other sources.

Mineral processing separates valuable materials from waste. Advanced separation techniques further isolate and purify critical materials, ensuring the high purity required for use in consumer electronics, competitive energy systems and national defense.

INL is also advancing a method called leaching, which uses a liquid, usually an acid or base, to separate critical materials from ores, batteries or electronic waste.

Impacts

“INL researchers are inventing the next generation of mining technology,” Wilson said. “Our work will minimize waste, enhance safety and increase recovery rates. We are experienced thought leaders creating the technologies the industry needs.”

INL’s innovative technologies are crucial for securing a reliable domestic supply of critical materials. By tackling mining and ore processing challenges, INL is enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of operations and supporting U.S. economic growth and national security. As these technologies evolve, they will help build a resilient supply chain that underpins America’s technological leadership.

“Critical material extraction is this generation’s moonshot,” said McLing. “We need to solve our supply chain in the next five to seven years. That’s a policy and technical solution to create a friendly supply chain that works for everyone.”

By Brandon Hallmark, INL Communications

About Idaho National Laboratory
Battelle Energy Alliance manages INL for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy. INL is the nation’s center for nuclear energy research and development, and also performs research in each of DOE’s strategic goal areas: energy, national security, science and the environment. For more information, visit www.inl.gov. Follow us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.

Blackfoot PD Announces Sentencing of Defendant from October Homicide

By
Observer Staff
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(Blackfoot Police Department, March 4, 2026)

The Blackfoot Police Department would like to express our gratitude to the public, the Bingham County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bingham County Prosecutor’s Office for their assistance in October of 2025 while investigating the murder of Rebecca Rivera.

We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Rebecca Rivera. Incidents of this nature leave lasting pain and grief, and our thoughts remain with all who continue to mourn her loss.
We thank the Chubbuck Police Department and the Pocatello Police Department for their swift cooperation and assistance in locating and apprehending Bobby Jackson on the night of the homicide. Their coordinated efforts were critical in bringing Bobby into custody.
We are proud of the dedicated members of the Blackfoot Police Department, the Bingham County Joint Investigation Division, and the community members who came forward and worked closely with investigators in the hours that followed the homicide.
Today, we announce that Bobby Jackson has been sentenced to 24 years fixed and 36 years indeterminate for Second Degree Murder, for a total sentence of 60 years.

The family and friends of Rebecca remain in our thoughts during this difficult time.

DoW Identifies Additional Army Casualty from Operation Epic Fury

By
Observer Staff
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0

(U.S. Army Press Release, March 4, 2026)

Maj. Jeffrey O’Brien, 45, of Waukee, Iowa (Photo credit: U.S. Army)

FORT BRAGG, N.C. – UPDATE: The Department of War has announced the identity of a 5th U.S. Army Reserve soldier who died March 1st while supporting Operation Epic Fury. The soldiers, who were assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command, Des Moines, Iowa, died in Kuwait at the Port of Shuaiba, during an unmanned aircraft system attack. The incident is under investigation.

The updated list of the deceased is:

  • (newly released) Maj. Jeffrey O’Brien, 45, of Waukee, Iowa
  • Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida
  • Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota
  • Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska
  • Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of Des Moines, Iowa

Maj. Jeffrey O’Brien, a resident of Waukee, Iowa, commissioned in the Army Reserve as a Signal Corps Officer in 2012. He deployed to Kuwait in 2019.

O’Brien’s awards and decorations include the Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Superior Unit Award, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device.

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