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President Trump Announces Hormuz Strait Blockade Due to Collapse in Iran Negotiations

By
Karyn Simmons
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April 12, 2026

Washington, D.C.–In a pair of posts on Truth Social this morning, President Trump announce that the U.S. will impose an immediate blockade on the Strait of Hormuz due to Iran’s refusal to “give up its nuclear ambitions.”  In addition, any ship of any nation that has paid a toll to Iran will be subject to interdiction by the U.S. Navy.

One post reads:

“Iran promised to open the Strait of Hormuz, and they knowingly failed to do so. This caused anxiety, dislocation, and pain to many people and Countries throughout the World. They say they put mines in the water, even though all of their Navy, and most of their “mine droppers,” have been completely blown up. They may have done so, but what ship owner would want to take the chance? There is great dishonor and permanent harm to the reputation of Iran, and what’s left of their “Leaders,” but we are beyond all of that. As they promised, they better begin the process of getting this INTERNATIONAL WATERWAY OPEN AND FAST! Every Law in the book is being violated by them. I have been fully debriefed by Vice President JD Vance, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, on the meeting that took place in Islamabad through the kind and very competent leadership of Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, of Pakistan. They are very extraordinary men, and continuously thank me for saving 30 to 50 million lives in what would have been a horrendous War with India. I always appreciate hearing that — The amount of Humanity spoken of is incomprehensible.
 
“The meeting with Iran began early in the morning, and lasted throughout the night — Close to 20 hours. I could go into great detail, and talk about much that has been gotten but, there is only one thing that matters — IRAN IS UNWILLING TO GIVE UP ITS NUCLEAR AMBITIONS! In many ways, the points that were agreed to are better than us continuing our Military Operations to conclusion, but all of those points don’t matter compared to allowing Nuclear Power to be in the hands of such volatile, difficult, unpredictable people. My three Representatives, as all of this time went by, became, not surprisingly, very friendly and respectful of Iran’s Representatives, Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, Abbas Araghchi, and Ali Bagheri, but that doesn’t matter because they were very unyielding as to the single most important issue and, as I have always said, right from the beginning, and many years ago, IRAN WILL NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON!”

An additional post continues:

“So, there you have it, the meeting went well, most points were agreed to, but the only point that really mattered, NUCLEAR, was not. Effective immediately, the United States Navy, the Finest in the World, will begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz. At some point, we will reach an “ALL BEING ALLOWED TO GO IN, ALL BEING ALLOWED TO GO OUT” basis, but Iran has not allowed that to happen by merely saying, “There may be a mine out there somewhere,” that nobody knows about but them. THIS IS WORLD EXTORTION, and Leaders of Countries, especially the United States of America, will never be extorted. I have also instructed our Navy to seek and interdict every vessel in International Waters that has paid a toll to Iran. No one who pays an illegal toll will have safe passage on the high seas. We will also begin destroying the mines the Iranians laid in the Straits. Any Iranian who fires at us, or at peaceful vessels, will be BLOWN TO HELL! Iran knows, better than anyone, how to END this situation which has already devastated their Country. Their Navy is gone, their Air Force is gone, their Anti Aircraft and Radar are useless, Khomeini, and most of their “Leaders,” are dead, all because of their Nuclear ambition. The Blockade will begin shortly. Other Countries will be involved with this Blockade. Iran will not be allowed to profit off this Illegal Act of EXTORTION. They want money and, more importantly, they want Nuclear. Additionally and, at an appropriate moment, we are fully “LOCKED AND LOADED,” and our Military will finish up the little that is left of Iran! President DONALD J. TRUMP”

Ski Ingram’s “A Veteran’s Thoughts:” I Love America, Do You?

By
Observer Staff
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April 12, 2026

I Love America, Do You?

By: Ski Ingram

Ski Ingram

If you read my newsletter, you understand that I love America and our Constitution. I know that most of you also love America. I also know that some in this country do not love America, which I find very upsetting.

In October 2020 I published an article entitled “American Exceptionalism.” (www.skiingram.com/2020/10). I wrote about the framers of our Constitution being inspired by God when America was conceived. I wrote about America being built on the lofty principle that all men are created equal and they have certain rights given to them by God. Because these rights are God-given, they cannot be taken away by man or our government.

Today I worry that too few people understand this principle or do not believe it in today’s liberal environment and 24-hour news cycle. There are thousands of people who do not like this country and wish to destroy it. Through social media, the liberal news, “woke” Universities and left leaning politicians, our rights are being eroded every day. We have reached a point where people do not trust the government, our leaders, our universities, and each other. It’s possible that this is what the Left wants, to destroy America so that they can “fundamentally” change it in any way they choose.

The Left will misrepresent what is going on in the country especially if they are condemning President Trump. TDS is real and cannot be denied. Those on the Left are quick to point out America’s faults while at the same time ignoring this country’s successes. I’ve said it many times: America is a work in progress. We have not been perfect, but many of our problems have been corrected over the past 250 years. I agree with President Donald Trump and his America First agenda. Let other nations be first in their own countries.

Patrick Henry stated many years ago, “The liberties of a people never were, nor never will be, secure, when the transactions of their rulers may be concealed from them.” Thomas Sowell has said, “What is scary about our time is how easy it is to get Americans to give up our most precious rights if you just use some pretty words. You can violate the equal protection of our laws provided by the 14th Amendment if you use the word ‘diversity’ and you can violate the free speech protections of the First Amendment if you can call it ‘campaign finance reform.”

Benjamin Franklin famously stated in 1755: “Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety”. With so much misinformation in the news, late-night talk shows, and the things being taught in our liberal universities, it’s no wonder that people do not understand the greatness of America. They certainly don’t understand the freedoms we enjoy.

The Declaration of Independence tells us where our rights come from. At the beginning of the second paragraph it states, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” It does not guarantee any certain outcome, especially to someone who is unwilling to work for what they want. However, for those who are willing to work, struggle and risk failure, they are empowered to succeed in anything they wish.

“America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed it ourselves.” Abraham Lincoln.

President Trump told us what needs to be done in Butler, Pennsylvania after surviving an assassin’s bullet, “FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT.” I am a 76-year-old combat veteran, and I am prepared and ready to fight for our freedoms no matter how hard or long it takes. Will you?

Ski Ingram is a combat veteran and a patriot who can be reached at: Ski@Skiingram.com Or www.Skiingram.com.

 

Idaho Department of Lands Seeks Applicants to Serve on Forest Practices Advisory Committee

By
Observer Staff
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(Idaho Department of Lands Press Release, April 10, 2026)

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho – Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) is seeking qualified applicants for the “At-large” position on the Idaho Forest Practices Advisory Committee (FPAC).

The position represents the interests of Idaho’s citizens. The selected applicant will serve a three-year term ending Dec. 31, 2028. Applicants must be residents of Idaho.

FPAC operates under the Idaho Forest Practices Act and is authorized in Section 38-1305, Idaho Code. It provides technical assistance and recommendations to IDL and the Idaho State Board of Land Commissioners on matters related to forest practices in the state.

The Forest Practices Advisory Committee plays an important role in supporting responsible forest management in Idaho. The committee reviews forestry practices and helps ensure regulations remain effective, practical and responsive to emerging issues.

FPAC responsibilities include:

  • Reviewing and evaluating existing forest practice rules to ensure they remain scientifically sound, practical and protective of Idaho’s forest resources.
  • Examining emerging forestry issues such as advances in logging technology, wildfire resilience, water quality protection and forest health concerns.
  • Providing guidance to help balance sustainable forest management with protection of natural resources including soil, water and wildlife habitat.
  • Facilitating discussion among landowners, logging operators, state agencies and other stakeholders.

The nine-member committee includes:

  • A fisheries biologist
  • A nonindustrial private forest landowner
  • Two forest landowners, one from northern Idaho and one from southern Idaho
  • Two forest operators, one from northern Idaho and one from southern Idaho
  • Two informed citizens, one from northern Idaho and one from southern Idaho
  • One at-large member

FPAC typically meets two to three times each year, with virtual attendance available. Members are expected to review technical materials and participate in discussions that help inform forestry policy and rulemaking.

Nominations and applications should include a biography or résumé and can be submitted by email to jbradley@idl.idaho.gov or mail to:

Jeanne Bradley
Program Manager – Regulatory (Forest Practices Act) and Stewardship
Idaho Department of Lands
3284 W. Industrial Loop Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815
Phone: (208) 666-8636

More information about FPAC can be found at https://www.idl.idaho.gov/about-forestry/forest-practices-act/forest-practices-advisory-committee/

Spring Chinook Fishing Set to Open April 25

By
Observer Staff
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(Idaho Fish and Game Press Release, March 26, 2026)

Idaho Fish and Game Commission approved spring Chinook seasons to open on April 25 in the Snake River, Lower Salmon River, Little Salmon River, Mainstem Clearwater River, Middle Fork Clearwater River, North Fork Clearwater River, South Fork Clearwater River, and Lochsa River.

Bag limits and days per week open to fishing are variable by river section. See the full Spring Chinook Season and Rules information on the Chinook Fishing rules webpage. 

Preseason run forecasts project enough hatchery salmon to provide sport fisheries in those rivers. The Chinook run is just starting, and as of March 24, less than 100 fish have crossed Bonneville Dam, which is the first of eight Columbia/Snake River dams the fish cross before reaching Idaho.

At its March meeting in Boise, the Commission also authorized the Fish and Game Director to make in-season adjustments to seasons – if needed – based on the actual number of Chinook that return.

The intent is to provide a quicker response if changes to the Chinook season are warranted based on the run size. The director previously had the authority to restrict fisheries or close fishing when harvest limits had been reached, but the Commission expanded his authority to adjust seasons by increasing fishing days of the week and bag limits, when appropriate.

Chinook anglers are reminded that electronic salmon and steelhead permits are available at all vendors, or through the Go Outdoors Idaho mobile app. E-tagging allows anglers to buy an electronic salmon or steelhead permit from anywhere they have internet or cell phone service and start fishing immediately.

E-tagging also allows salmon or steelhead anglers to validate their electronic permit via their smart phone. Anglers can use the app while out of cell service, in low service areas, and while the device is on airplane mode.

Guest Columnist Martin Hackworth: Mr. President, Finish the Job!

By
Observer Staff
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April 10, 2026

Mr. President, Finish the Job!
When your foreign policy is “Death to America,” I think that we should take you at your word. Allow me, then, to retort.

By: Martin Hackworth

This was the unbounded power of eloquence—of words—of burning noble words. There were no practical hints to interrupt the magic current of phrases, unless a kind of note at the foot of the last page, scrawled evidently much later in an unsteady hand, may be regarded as the exposition of a method. It was very simple, and at the end of that moving appeal to every altruistic sentiment it blazed at you, luminous and terrifying, like a flash of lightning in a serene sky: ‘Exterminate all the brutes!’ – Joseph Conrad, Heart of Darkness.

Death to America? Death to Israel? Well, according to Donald Trump, You’re a daisy if you do. This is one of the principal reasons that Trump is currently president, again. Americans actually prefer leaders who don’t take crap from adversaries sitting down. Imagine that.

Iran has been making threats and going much further by promoting and funding acts of agression and terrorism against the United States for nearly five decades. It’s about time we settled the score. Way to go, DJT. Now, finish the job.

To my friends on the left who are currently fixated on Trump’s preening bloviations about ending civilizations to the exclusion of all the chatter about America the Great Satan from the mullahs in Iran, I say this: you weren’t exactly running against Abe Lincoln in either 2016 or 2024, and yet you still got clocked. That should tell you what you need to know about what the rest of us think about your views on what’s right and what’s not. The fact that nothing seems to drive that point home is a you problem. Good luck with that.

Displaying no backbone in dealing with Iran is nothing new. American presidents have been fearfully (or naively) mismanaging Iran since the administration of Jimmy Carter. But perhaps none more egregiously so than Barack Obama. Obama, as far as I’m concerned, is a genuine piece of work, just not in any complimentary sense. Iran is near the top of the list of exhibits in favor of the proposition. We are where we are now largely because of the failures of Obama’s foreign policy in the region. Not in spite of, because of.

After the novelty of being the first black president fades, something that is actually happening much more rapidly than I anticipated, the legacy of Obama will very likely suffer under even very reasonable scrutiny. As president, Obama assumed the role of a smug academic who could justify anything because, in his arrogance, he always imagined himself the smartest guy in the room.

To his credit, Obama is, in fact, a bright, well-educated individual. I’m sure that he’s an engaging conversationalist. But he’s living proof that smart isn’t at all the same thing as wise. And we are all worse off for his arrogance.

The damage wrought to this country by Obama (and his lackey, Joe Biden) on many fronts is profound. Obama is the ideological progenitor of every woke policy that came out of academia in the early 21st century that you couldn’t argue with because it was just “right.” His way of thinking, when manifested into public policy, wrecked health care, education, science, and law and resulted in unparalleled attempts to turn the power of American government against its own citizens—at least those whose minds weren’t “right.”

But perhaps nothing exemplifies Obama’s grandiose betrayal of the American people more than his signing of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2012 and his shepherding into fruition the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)—more commonly known as the Iran Deal—which was negotiated in 2015 by Iran, the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, and the EU.

The JCPOA was a terrible agreement unlikely to accomplish anything beyond kicking a can down the road. The first Trump administration instigated a unilateral withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018, after Iran failed to comply with many terms of the agreement (although Trump did grant some waivers related to plutonium production that worked in our favor).

I doubt that any rational national security expert was delusional enough to imagine that Iran would fully hold up their end of the JCPOA. I’m certain that Obama didn’t think so either. The JCPOA was two things at its inception: Obama’s bid for some instant legacy building by handing off an inconvenient national security issue to a future administration (presumably Hillary Clinton’s) and self-serving political theater. It did absolutely nothing to ameliorate Iran’s antipathy toward The Great Satan—something that even the lefty, touchy-feely Aspen Institute recognized at the time.

So yeah, you in the Obama-was-the-best-of-us crowd screaming about how Trump is handling this—bugger off! We tried it your way (actually, we tried lots of things your way) and never made America safer vis-à-vis Iran. At the very least, Trump has decapitated one, possibly two, levels of leadership in an Iran bent on our destruction and seriously attrited whatever is left of the regime’s ability to strike at us through military force. They are simply not what they were a month ago.

It’s an imperfect campaign, and there are certainly challenges remaining, but I applaud the effort. It’s a gutsy step in the right direction.

Perhaps most productively, Trump has shown our geopolitical adversaries that even if you have a vote on the UN Security Council, you’d best go hide after you chant “Death to America.” Obama used 563 drones and Seal Team Six to kill roughly 4000 people in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Yemen, Somalia and Pakistan during his administration, yet, with the exception of killing Osama Bin Laden, accomplished far less. Lines in the sand, notwithstanding.

Like most Americans, I am concerned about the dour economics of Iran holding the world hostage via the Strait of Hormuz. I’m retired and living off of investments that look a lot less solid than they did a few weeks ago. But few things worth doing come without a cost. If some temporary financial stress is what it takes to put some boots in some mullahs’ fannies who have it coming, as far as I’m concerned, so be it.

I think that the current “cease fire” is a ruse. But, as Luther Ray Abel points out in a piece in today’s National Review, the “ruse” may not quite be the terrible deal for Trump that American media seems all too eager to report. Trump is erratic, but he’s shown a lot of cunning in dealing with foreign adversaries so far. My guess is that he’s out to give what’s left of the old regime in Iran enough rope to hang themselves.

I’m all for that. I suspect that a lot of the Iranian people and their neighbors in the region are as well. About the only people who don’t seem happy about what has already been accomplished in Iran (and Venezuela and Cuba) are the media and the TDS-obsessed left.

Frankly, I really don’t give a d*** what they think anymore.

 

 

Associated Press and Idaho Press Club-winning columnist Martin Hackworth of Pocatello is a physicist, writer, climber, skier, motorcyclist, musician, and retired Idaho State University faculty member who now spends his time raising four kids. Follow him on X at @MartinHackworth, on Facebook at facebook.com/martin.hackworth, and on Substack at martinhackworthsubstack.com.

FAA and DOW Sign Landmark Safety Agreement to Protect Southern Border

By
Observer Staff
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(U.S. Department of War Press Release, April 10, 2026)

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Department of War (DOW) completed a thorough safety assessment of a high-energy laser counter-drone system. This assessment validated that proper safety controls are in place and that while these systems are at the cutting edge of counter drone technology, they do not pose undue risk to passenger aircraft.

The FAA and the DOW completed the safety assessment after observing demonstrations of the system last month. This Administration upholds the highest standard for safeguarding Americans and will build-in this methodology from the start for systems employed in the U.S. Homeland.

“The FAA’s top priority is protecting the safety of the American flying public, and we value the collaboration with the Department of War in that effort,” said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford. “Following a thorough, data-informed Safety Risk Assessment, we determined that these systems do not present an increased risk to the flying public. We will continue working with our interagency partners to ensure the National Airspace System remains safe while addressing emerging drone threats.”

“This successful test showcases the significant advancements we’re making in counter-drone technology to ensure that our warfighters have the most advanced tools to defend the homeland,” said U.S. Army Brigadier General Matt Ross, director of JIATF-401. “By working hand-in-hand with the FAA and our interagency partners, the Department of War is proving that these cutting-edge capabilities are safe, effective, and ready to protect all air travelers from illicit drone use in the national airspace.”

The DOW will continue to coordinate with the FAA to safely employ this system and ensure civilian aircraft, pilots, navigation equipment, or air traffic services are not impacted.

Continue

JFAC Co-Chair: Idaho Legislature Delivers Conservative Budget

By
Observer Staff
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(Representative Josh Tanner Press Release, April 8, 2026)

Boise, Idaho — The Idaho Legislature took decisive action during the 2026 session to restore fiscal discipline, reduce government spending, fully implement the Trump tax cuts, and protect Idaho taxpayers from long-term budget instability.

Through a series of targeted actions, lawmakers advanced one of the most conservative budget frameworks in recent state history, cutting spending, resetting agency baselines, and rejecting unsustainable growth.

“This year, we made it clear: Idaho will not budget on hope,” said Representative Josh Tanner. “Idaho families balance their budgets every day, and state government must do the same.”

Key Conservative Budget Actions

  • Over $130 Million in Spending Cuts
    The Legislature passed and the Governor signed significant mid-year reductions, cutting more than $130 million from the General Fund and eliminating unnecessary spending.
  • Adoption of “Maintenance Minus” Budgeting
    Rather than automatically increasing agency budgets, lawmakers reduced baseline spending and required agencies to justify every dollar requested.
  • Up to 5% Agency Reductions
    Most state agencies absorbed meaningful reductions, ensuring government tightened its belt just like Idaho families, while JFAC protected critical government services.
  • Reinforced Structural Balance
    Lawmakers prioritized aligning ongoing spending with ongoing revenue, rejecting one-time money gimmicks and preventing future deficits. For FY 2027, the Legislature converted a proposed $100 million ongoing deficit into an ongoing surplus of $26 million.
  • Protection of Taxpayer Dollars Through Conservative Forecasting
    The Legislature resisted inflated revenue projections and instead based budgets on realistic, responsible estimates. At the same time, the Legislature fully implemented the Trump tax cuts, saving Idahoans more than $150 million annually starting in FY 2026.
  • Strengthened Ending Balances and Reserves
    Budget decisions focused on maintaining a healthy ending balance to safeguard Idaho against economic uncertainty. For FY 2027, the Legislature converted a proposed $25 million ending balance into a surplus of $230 million.
  • Enhanced Oversight and Accountability
    Agencies were required to justify expenditures line-by-line, reinforcing a culture of transparency and performance.

Delivering a Better Budget Than the Executive Proposal

Compared to the executive budget, the Legislature delivered a stronger, more responsible plan for Idaho:

  • Provided more tax relief
  • Cut more spending
  • Left stronger surpluses
  • Produced an honestly balanced budget

All while leading the most significant reorganization of state government in a generation. Several agencies were combined and obsolete programs were eliminated.

In addition, the Legislature ensured continued investment in core priorities that matter to Idaho families, water infrastructure, wildfire mitigation, and transportation; even as the executive branch proposal fell short in addressing these critical areas.

The Legislature also adopted a more responsible approach to the Rural Health Transformation Fund, ensuring greater accountability and long-term sustainability.

Positioning Idaho for Long-Term Strength

These decisions position Idaho for long-term growth and fiscal durability:

• A more stable and sustainable budget structure
• Stronger reserves to weather economic uncertainty
• Continued alignment with pro-growth tax policy

“Thanks to the leadership of the Legislature, Idahoans will be able to take full advantage of the historic Trump tax cuts,” Tanner said. “We have positioned our state for out-year growth and built a more durable, responsible government.”

A Responsible Path Forward

These actions reflect a clear shift in Idaho’s budgeting philosophy, from managing growth to actively restraining it.

“At a time when other states are growing government and risking deficits, Idaho is choosing a different path,” Tanner said. “We are cutting spending, demanding accountability, and ensuring every dollar appropriated represents money trusted to us by hardworking Idahoans.”

The Legislature’s approach ensures Idaho remains one of the most fiscally responsible states in the nation—committed to balanced budgets, strong reserves, and limited government.

Commitment to Continued Fiscal Leadership

Lawmakers emphasized that this session is only the beginning of a long-term effort to maintain sustainable budgets and eliminate waste.

“We will continue to look for opportunities to streamline spending, improve efficiency, and protect taxpayers,” Tanner added. “That is our responsibility, and we take it seriously.”

Guest Columnist ID Senator Glenneda Zuiderveld: Who’s Really Behind WinAg’s Attacks?

By
Observer Staff
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April 9, 2026

Who’s Really Behind WinAg’s Attacks?
Following the Money Trail From “Local Ag” Branding to Big‑Agribusiness Power Plays

By: Idaho Dist. 24 State Senator Glenneda Zuiderveld

Who Is Paying For These Attack Ads?

You’ve probably seen or heard negative ads in my Senate race. They say “Paid for by WinAg PAC.” But when you look at WinAg’s own campaign‑finance reports, they show no current spending in this election.

That doesn’t add up.

Once again, both of these bills are enhancements—no defunding occurs here. Click on each bill and read them for yourselves. Remember, Table 1 shows the enhancements, and Table 2 shows the maintenance along with the total including enhancements. SB1409, SB1197

What The Reports Show

  • WinAg PAC is registered as a political committee in Idaho.
  • Their latest public report shows money raised in past cycles, but no current activity listed for the 2026 primary.

In plain English: they are active in our race.

Why That’s A Problem

Idaho’s campaign‑finance laws are supposed to give voters the truth about who is spending money to influence your vote. When a PAC is running attack ads but its reports show “no spending,” one of two things is happening:

  • They are using reporting gaps or technicalities to hide the timing and source of their spending; or

What WinAg Won’t Tell You

WinAg PAC doesn’t farm here. They don’t live here. They’re part of a political machine that pools money and then drops into local races to pick winners and losers.

They don’t put their name on the ballot.
They don’t come to your fields, your shops, or your kitchen tables.
But they do try to pick your senator for you.

If their cause is so noble, why don’t their public reports match what you see in your mailbox?

WinAg Biggest Donor

One more important detail about who is really behind WinAg: in 2024, its largest reported donor was the Far West Agribusiness Association, a Weiser‑based regional trade group for fertilizer, agrichemical, and big‑agribusiness interests across Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, and Utah. FWAA is not a local family‑farm co‑op; it is a 501(c)(6) business league whose mission is to “enhance the business and safety environment for the fertilizer and agrichemical industry” across five states, representing more than a hundred corporate members in inputs, crop protection, and distribution. Its board includes executives from Bayer Crop Science, J.R. Simplot, Nutrien, CHS, Helena, Valley Agronomics, and other large players, and it works closely with national industry groups like The Fertilizer Institute and CropLife America to fight pesticide restrictions and other regulations that affect their bottom line. In other words, WinAg’s money is coming from a professional lobbying arm for large agribusiness and chemical companies whose priority is protecting their business model across the region—not from the small irrigator or the family operation trying to hold on to ground in Jerome and Twin Falls.

The People’s Senator

When you work for the people, you’re going to catch flak from corporations and from government insiders who are comfortable with the status quo. We should never be afraid to question and expose both government and the powerful interests behind it, and we should always ask who stands to gain the most from the policies being pushed on us. In this race, I’m choosing to stand with the voters, not with the PACs and corporate lobbies that would rather you didn’t look too closely at where their money comes from—or what they’re buying with it.

Labrador Letter: Defending the 2nd Amendment from Lawsuits Designed to Bankrupt Gun Manufacturers

By
Observer Staff
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April 10, 2026 (Cover Photo Credit: Karyn Simmons)

Dear Friends,

Raul Labrador (Photo Credit: Raul Labrador FB)

Idaho recently joined a 23-state coalition in an amicus brief in support of firearm manufacturers facing lawsuits from Buffalo and Rochester, New York. These cities are attempting to hold Smith & Wesson, Glock, Ruger, and Taurus financially liable for crimes committed by third parties using lawfully manufactured and sold firearms.

We joined because law-abiding citizens across Idaho and our law enforcement officers purchase firearms from these manufacturers. If these lawsuits drive these companies out of business, it makes it harder for law abiding Idahoans to legally purchase firearms they have the right to own to protect their families and communities.

Congress addressed this problem in 2005 with the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), which prohibits exactly these kinds of lawsuits. Before the PLCAA, anti-gun advocates coordinated a wave of municipal litigation in the 1990s and early 2000s designed to bankrupt firearms manufacturers through legal fees. Then HUD Secretary Andrew Cuomo warned manufacturers that those who did not comply would suffer death by a thousand cuts, and that strategy worked. By early 2005, the firearms industry had spent over $200 million defending against lawsuits, with some manufacturers closing and others losing insurance coverage.

Congress has constitutional authority to decide policies around firearms, not federal judges through litigation. For decades, Congress debated how to balance Second Amendment rights with public safety concerns. Some of those debates produced overreaching regulations that threatened constitutional rights. Others produced more measured approaches. Regardless of whether any particular regulation was justified, or an infringement, those debates happened where the Constitution places them in the legislature, not the courthouse.

The PLCAA prohibits lawsuits against firearms manufacturers, distributors, dealers, and trade associations for damages resulting from criminal misuse of lawfully sold products by third parties. Congress found that allowing courts to bypass the legislative process and impose liability on lawful manufacturers would violate separation of powers and threaten state sovereignty. Buffalo and Rochester are attempting to do just that.

Their lawsuits claim manufacturers violated New York’s statute requiring reasonable controls to prevent criminal misuse after lawful sale. They seek monetary damages and court supervision of manufacturing practices. Congress specifically prohibited this approach because it allows judges and municipalities to impose regulations the legislature rejected.

At the same time, both cities have adopted policies that undermine public safety. New York enacted bail reform in 2019 that requires many accused violent offenders to be released without consideration of whether they pose a public safety threat. Buffalo and Rochester are also sanctuary cities that forbid local police from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement. The Department of Homeland Security reports that New York’s refusal to honor ICE detainers resulted in the release of at least 6,947 criminal illegal aliens in 2025 alone. These cities release violent criminals onto their streets while simultaneously trying to shift blame and sue the companies that build firearms that law-abiding Americans and law enforcement use across the nation.

The Second Amendment protects the right to keep and bear arms. That right is eroded if manufacturers can be bankrupted through lawsuits over crimes they did not commit. Congress recognized this twenty years ago and established a clear rule.  Idaho will continue defending the Second Amendment across our nation, because when constitutional rights are eroded in one state, that can easily spread beyond its borders into ours.

Best regards,

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ABOUT THE OFFICE

The Attorney General’s Office provides legal representation to the State of Idaho. The Attorney General and his deputies represent state agencies and offices, to better the lives of Idahoans.

For more information about the Office, visit our website here.

 

Idaho Secretary of State – Voter Fraud: What’s Real and What Isn’t

By
Observer Staff
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(Idaho Secretary of State’s Office Press Release, April 10, 2026)

The conversation around election fraud often pulls toward two extremes. Some believe it is widespread, while others believe it does not occur at all. After nearly two decades working in elections, I have found the reality, as it often does, lies somewhere in between.

My responsibility is not to speculate, but to examine the facts. Voter fraud does exist. It is also rare, detectable, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law in Idaho. My primary duty is to ensure that elections are conducted lawfully, that voting is accessible to eligible United States citizens, and that results are secure and accurate. Voters in Idaho can have confidence in their elections.

In a state with over one million registered voters, election crimes cases are few. They consist of isolated instances such as an ineligible voter casting a ballot, a parent signing and submitting an absentee ballot on behalf of their college-aged child, or someone attempting to vote twice in two locations. Our systems are specifically designed to catch these instances and refer them to law enforcement. These offenses are taken seriously under Idaho law and often carry significant penalties, including felony charges, because elections are foundational to our system of government.

Taking Action

We continue to take additional steps to strengthen this work. In 2024, Governor Brad Little signed the Only Citizens Will Vote Act, prompting a comprehensive review of Idaho’s voter rolls beyond routine maintenance. Through partnerships with state and federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security and the Idaho Department of Transportation, we conducted an extensive verification process. As a result, 11 cases were referred to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for review.

During the 2026 legislative session, we worked with lawmakers to pass House Bill 697, updating Idaho Code related to election crimes. This legislation provides clearer distinctions between illegal voting, interference with elections, and tampering with election equipment. These updates help ensure that when charges are filed, the public can readily understand what an individual is accused of. I’ll note that over the course of my career, I have seen isolated instances of illegal voting, but never interference with voting equipment.

Layers of Security in Idaho’s Elections

Just as important as enforcement are the safeguards in place to prevent issues from occurring in the first place. Idaho’s system is built with multiple layers of security, including: a statewide voter registration system that flags duplicate voting in real time; a strict voter ID requirement (enhanced even further this session with the passage of SB 1322 regarding voter affidavits), systematic voter roll maintenance validated against Driver’s License, Social Security, Vital Statistics, Corrections, and DHS records; paper ballots that serve as the official, auditable record, 100% signature verification on all absentee ballots, voting tabulation systems that are never connected to the internet, and voting systems independently tested and certified by both the U.S. Election Assistance Commission and the Idaho Secretary of State, with public logic and accuracy testing conducted before every election.

Elections require constant attention, careful review, and a commitment to getting it right. That work does not always make headlines, but it is steady, thorough, and essential. Idaho’s system is built to both prevent and address issues, and it is a responsibility we take seriously every day.

ABOUT SECRETARY PHIL McGRANE

Phil McGrane was elected Idaho’s twenty-eighth Secretary of State and took office on January 2, 2023. McGrane served as elected Clerk of Ada County from 2019-2022.McGrane holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy, a juris doctorate, and a Master of Public Administration. As a fourth-generation Idahoan, Phil has dedicated his career to making elections in the state of Idaho accessible, secure and transparent.

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