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Secretary of State Marco Rubio: A Hemisphere That Delivers

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Observer Staff
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September 8, 2026

A Hemisphere That Delivers

By: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio

This week, I will travel to Barranquilla, Quito, and Lima to highlight a clear, actionable commitment on behalf of President Donald Trump and the American people: the United States delivers. We are partnering directly with Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru to build real security, facilitate economic growth, and ensure that our region’s future remains in the sovereign control of each country.

We deliver on security because narcoterrorist organizations do not only traffic drugs but they also fuel mass illegal immigration and human trafficking, corrupt public institutions, recruit children, destroy families, and drive out honest investment. Together our governments work shoulder-to-shoulder with law enforcement to defeat the criminal cartels that have plagued our hemisphere. Ending illegal migration has already deprived them of tens of billions of dollars a year; our cooperation on eradicating drug trafficking will further limit their resources to commit evil.

We deliver on prosperity because economic development creates the conditions for lasting security, disincentivizes participation in the illicit economies run by criminal networks, and allows for mutual benefit between our nations.

For too long, foreign state-backed extra-hemispheric actors—specifically from China—have entered our hemisphere with promises that mask their predatory practices. Their involvement too often comes in the form of opaque contracts, unsustainable debt burdens, worker exploitation, and environmental destruction. When critical national assets fall under another nation’s ownership or control, countries lose their sacred right to determine their own destiny and face grave threats to their national sovereignty, data privacy, and economic independence.

The United States offers a clear, transparent alternative. U.S. companies and business leaders invest directly in your national economy, develop your local workforce, and support the communities that surround them.

Colombia: Tangible Investments and Renewed Security

Together, the Trump and De la Espriella Administrations are reinvigorating the 200-year-old U.S.-Colombia friendship to restore it to its rightful place as the lynchpin of security and economic cooperation in our region.

Rather than offering vague promises, our economic engagement focuses on direct investments that improve daily life and create formal employment for the Colombian people. Through our upcoming Bilateral Prosperity Dialogue, we are mobilizing U.S. private sector investment into Colombia’s energy, logistics, and transportation infrastructure. American companies operating in Colombia are actively expanding high-paying jobs, offering a clear economic alternative to the informal and illicit economies that criminal networks exploit, and helping Colombia face the challenges posed by El Niño.

We pair these economic tools directly with security support. U.S. assistance, including training, equipment, and operational support, helps Colombian authorities consolidate territorial control in areas historically dominated by the narcoterrorist groups that terrorize communities in Colombia, the United States, and throughout our region.

The United States shows up because that is what real partners do. Following the devastating August 10 earthquake in Colombia, the Trump Administration immediately delivered more than $27 million in emergency assistance.

Furthermore, Colombia’s new posture on border security and stopping illegal immigration serves as a model for regional cooperation. The partnerships now taking shape in Ecuador and Peru build on a model Colombia has spent two decades helping prove can work.

Ecuador: Direct Action Against Cartels and Economic Growth

In Ecuador, I will meet with President Daniel Noboa to advance our joint campaign against transnational organized crime. President Noboa confronts criminal organizations that once operated as though they were untouchable. They are not.

Following the Trump Administration’s formal designation of Ecuadorian gangs Los Lobos, Los Choneros, and the Chone Killers as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) last year, we have unlocked critical intelligence, law enforcement, and military coordination through the Shield of the Americas and the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition.

We are also modernizing our bilateral extradition treaty with Ecuador so that fugitive criminals face swift, inescapable justice.

As security improves, U.S. commercial activity expands. Leading American technology firms, including Google, Palantir, and SpaceX, are establishing operations and digital infrastructure in Ecuador. These investments bring high-speed connectivity, secure data analytics, and technological jobs to Ecuadorian workers without compromising state security or user privacy.

Peru: Two Centuries of Strategic Economic Collaboration

In Peru, we look forward to working with the new Fujimori government to bring our 200 years of shared history into the future. We’re synchronizing efforts to secure our hemisphere against transnational and regional threats by welcoming Peru, now a Major non-NATO ally, into the Shield of the Americas.

Our economic partnership with Peru is built on high-value, transparent investments in key strategic sectors. Following the signing of our Critical Minerals Memorandum of Understanding in February 2026, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) committed $5 million directly into Peru’s mining sector, generating tax revenue and local employment in Peru.

Where Chinese Communist Party-backed projects challenge Peru’s legal frameworks and threaten data security and transparency, the United States’ private sector is delivering open, market-driven investments that preserve Peruvian ownership and protect our hemisphere’s security interests.

A Hemisphere That Delivers

Every nation in our region has the sovereign right to select its partners. We ask only that the choice be made in daylight, with the full terms visible to the public.

Where that has not happened, the pattern is clear: foreign state-owned enterprises acquire control over strategic infrastructure, leaving debt, surveillance, worker exploitation, and compromised sovereignty behind.

The American offer is fundamentally different. It is transparent, reliable, and mutually beneficial. Trusted technology. Clear, enforceable contracts. Private sector investments that build local capacity, create real jobs, and respect national independence.

That is a hemisphere that delivers.

Marco Rubio was sworn in as the 72nd Secretary of State on January 21, 2025. The Secretary is creating a Department of State that puts America First.

Guest Columnist Julianne Young: Protect and Defend

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Observer Staff
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September 10, 2026

Protect and Defend

By: Julianne Young

Julianne Young

This year’s State Fair Parade reflected our enthusiasm for America’s 250th, festive from the first moment. First came rows of Scouts with American flags. Then more law enforcement vehicles than I have ever seen in one parade — one from nearly every department and county in eastern Idaho! Then came the Army National Guard. As I watched them march by, intense gratitude welled up inside me, spilling onto my cheeks.

You don’t get emotional watching something you take for granted. You get emotional watching something you’ve sacrificed to protect, and are afraid to lose. I’ve never worn a military uniform. But I’ve had the privilege of giving time, talents, and means protecting and defending the things that make Idaho so beautiful.

It’s no accident that Idaho was just named the best state in the country to live in, according to WalletHub’s 2026 ranking of all fifty states on affordability, safety, income growth, and quality of life. This is the fruit of policy choices deliberately pursued, year after year, by a state willing to defend a line other states have abandoned.

Idaho has protected families, refusing to treat parents as obstacles to their children’s upbringing and preserving common-sense public policies like sex-separated sports and private facilities. It has kept communities safe with strong, anti-drug laws rather than treating recreational drug use as public health policy. We have protected life, refusing to treat our next generation as disposable. These choices have not always been popular. Left-leaning headlines have long condemned these positions as backward. Idaho is rarely accused of being ordinary, and the wallet hub survey confirms this. It seems we’ve done some things unusually right.

Like all worthwhile things, this can’t be taken for granted. The values that have made Idaho uniquely good are under attack on your ballot this November.

For example, Proposition 1 would strip away Idaho’s pro-life protections, replacing them with one of the most radical pro-abortion laws in the country — a broad “right to reproductive freedom” that includes unregulated abortion on demand up until a baby could survive outside the womb without a doctor or parental consent. Proponents know it’s a hard sell on its merits, so the campaign leans, instead, on false claims that Idaho women can’t get treated for miscarriages or other complications.

The truth: Idaho Code specifically exempts miscarriage from the definition of abortion, so miscarriage care falls outside the law’s reach entirely. Conflating miscarriage with abortion is a deceptive strategy — and not a particularly original one. Fear has always been easier to manufacture than a sound argument when defending a bad idea.

HJR 4, also on the ballot, is a different kind of fight, offering to protect Idaho from wealthy out-of-state drug interests. Interests that profit from legalized marijuana, psychedelics, and other substances excel at marketing initiatives directly to voters. Like the miscarriage ads for abortion, they spam voters with misleading emotional ads which only have to be convincing, not true. In contrast, our legislative process requires public hearings, expert testimony, and a chance for opposing evidence — all of which make bad ideas harder to sell. HJR 4 doesn’t take the question of drug-legalization off the table. It just insists that if Idaho legalizes something this consequential, the change goes through a transparent, accountable process on the public record, not through a deluge of thirty-second commercials. HJR 4 mirrors language already in Idaho’s Constitution giving the legislature authority to regulate alcohol, and applies it to drugs.

When the sirens and excitement of this year’s parade have long since faded into the distance, the values represented by each uniform in it will remain. While others have stopped defending these values, Idaho has not.

So when the ads come — and they will, through November — the answer isn’t to soften the positions that got us here, or apologize for a state that is leading rather than following everyone else’s failing playbook. The results of that leadership are reflected in black and white in the WalletHub ranking. No amount of out-of-state money or manufactured fear changes that math.

May we remember that we celebrate 250 years of independence because a nation was willing to defend what it believed in, even when it would have been easier not to. Let’s celebrate our own corner of that nation, built one deliberate choice at a time, by continuing to do the same. Two hundred fifty years from now, someone should look back and say Idaho held the line when it counted — without apology, on the things that made this the best place in the country to live.

Julianne Young is a Bingham County Mom who loves faith, family, and freedom; a former state representative; founder of the nonprofit Idaho Family Strong; regional coordinator for Idaho Chooses Life; and 2nd Vice Chair of the Idaho State GOP.

BLM Invites People to Help Shape the Future of America’s Public Lands, Make Your Voice Matter

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Observer Staff
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(Bureau of Land Management Press Release, September 9, 2026)

Washington, D.C.–The Bureau of Land Management is encouraging adventurers, problem‑solvers, public‑lands enthusiasts, and community champions to join its Resource Advisory Councils; engaging forums where everyday people help shape decisions that keep America’s public lands healthy, accessible, and thriving. Serving on a council is a chance to collaborate, share ideas, and make a real difference in how millions of public acres are managed for current and future generations.

The BLM published a national call for nominations in the Federal Register [on Wednesday] to fill current and upcoming vacancies on 20 statewide and regional Resource Advisory Councils and two statutory councils. The nomination period is open 45 days, until Oct. 26, 2026, and anyone can nominate themselves or someone else. It’s a unique opportunity to bring your perspective to the table, work alongside diverse voices, and help guide the stewardship of public lands we all care about.

“Resource Advisory Councils are a cornerstone of our mission to manage public lands for current and future generations,” said BLM Director Steve Pearce. “These councils bring local voices and expertise to the table, ensuring decisions consider the needs of the American public. If you’ve been seeking an opportunity to have a voice in how America’s public lands are managed, this is your chance.”

The BLM is looking for individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and interests, including:

  • Ranchers and holders of federal grazing permits
  • Energy and mineral development representatives
  • Recreation users
  • State and local elected officials
  • Tribal governments
  • Wild horse and burro interest groups
  • Environmental organizations
  • Academics and members of the public-at-large

Resource Advisory Councils are required by the Federal Land Policy and Management Act and operate under the Federal Advisory Committee Act to ensure balanced representation. Resource Advisory Council members meet virtually at least once per year, providing advice on initiatives, regulations, and policies that impact millions of acres of public lands.

For more information and to apply visit https://www.blm.gov/get-involved/resource-advisory-council.

-BLM-

The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

Trump Dividend: America Is Winning — and Americans Should Win With It

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Observer Staff
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(White House Press Release, September 10, 2026)

Washington, D.C.–[Wednesday] night, President Donald J. Trump unveiled the Trump Dividend — a historic $5,000 cash payment to every adult American citizen, made possible by the strength of the American economy under his leadership. The announcement is the latest proof that President Trump does what the so-called “experts” say cannot be done: he delivers for the American people.

“Because we’ve done so well, and because our country is making so much money, only I can make this promise to you, and here is my promise: if the Republicans win the House of Representatives and the United States Senate… I will issue a dividend to every adult citizen in the United States of America for $5,000.” — President Donald J. Trump (Watch)

  • America is winning again — and the American people should share in that success. Like a successful company returning cash to its shareholders, the Trump Dividend is possible only because of President Trump. In his second term, he has unleashed trillions in new private investment, launched an unprecedented crackdown on government waste, and rebuilt American strength at home. That success belongs to the American people — and the Trump Dividend returns it to them.
  • President Trump delivers results no one else will even attempt. He captured Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro and secured a landmark oil deal in its wake, delivered historic tax relief, and put American workers first with an America First trade policy. The same leadership that shattered the old limits of what Washington thought possible is now prepared to put $5,000 directly into Americans’ pockets.
  • President Trump’s priority is making Americans richer. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and the Working Families Tax Cuts produced bigger paychecks, bigger refunds, and more money left with the workers who earned it. The Trump Dividend is the next chapter of that fight — not another Washington program or lecture from the “experts,” but cash in the hands of American citizens.
  • This happens only with President Trump and a Republican Congress. Democrats will not deliver a dividend, they will deliver the opposite — higher taxes, open borders, and the same failed communist agenda that makes American families poorer and punishes the people who work the hardest.

The Trump Dividend depends on President Trump and Republicans. Democrat control means America loses — and working people pay the price.

Fish Salvage Order Issued for Two Franklin County Reservoirs

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Observer Staff
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(Idaho Fish and Game Press Release, September 10, 2026)

Idaho Fish and Game has issued a salvage order for two southeast Idaho water bodies: Lamont and Johnson Reservoirs in Franklin County. This salvage order is effective from Sept. 8 through Dec. 31, 2026.

During the salvage order timeline at Lamont and Johnson Reservoirs:

  • Fish may be taken by any method except use of firearms, explosives, chemicals, or electric current.
  • All bag, possession, size, and limits, including the number of rods, are suspended.
  • A valid Idaho fishing license is still required.
  • No live fish may be transported from the reservoirs.
  • As per Consolidated Irrigation Company rules, watercraft use is limited to fishing vessels only. All watercraft must have been inspected for aquatic invasive species within the previous five days by the Idaho State Department of Agriculture and present proof of their recent inspection in their vehicle window or upon request.

The Consolidated Irrigation Company is draining the reservoirs to serve irrigation needs. The reservoirs’ water levels are decreasing rapidly and are anticipated to drain by Sept. 20 this year. Fish will not survive when water levels in the reservoirs become unsuitable; therefore, an order of salvage is warranted to maximize public use of these fish. The reservoirs are expected to begin filling again starting Jan. 1, 2027.

Winder Reservoir, also in Franklin County, was placed under salvage last month with its order expiring Oct. 31, 2026.

For more information about salvage orders in the Southeast Region, contact the Fish and Game office in Pocatello at 208-232-4703.

Guest Column – ID GOP Chairwoman Dorothy Moon: Remembering the Heroes of 9/11

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Observer Staff
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September 11, 2026 (Cover image credit: IDGOP FB)

Remembering the Heroes of 9/11

By: Dorothy Moon, IDGOP Chairwoman

Dorothy Moon, Chairwoman of the Idaho Republican Party

25 years ago, our world changed forever. Radical Muslim terrorists hijacked four airplanes, crashing them into the two towers of the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a field in Pennsylvania. 2,977 people were killed in the worst terror attack in American history.

For the victims and their families, it was a shocking tragedy. Men and women just going about their day had their lives ended in an instant. First responders charged bravely into danger, and many never came out of those hellish places.

There are countless stories of heroism and sacrifice from that awful day.

Rick Rescorla was a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War who took a job as a security consultant at the World Trade Center following the attempted truck bombing in 1993. He drew up escape plans, conducted drills, and did everything he could to prepare employees for an emergency. He spent the morning of September 11 guiding men and women to safety, going back time and again to find more survivors. He was never seen again following the collapse of the South Tower.

Todd Beamer was a 32-year-old account manager at Oracle and was flying cross-country on the morning of September 11. Terrorists hijacked his plane, most likely planning to fly it into the Capitol or the White House in Washington, D.C. By then, passengers aboard United Flight 93 knew what had happened in New York and were determined to thwart the plan. With a cry of “Let’s roll,” Beamer and other passengers fought the terrorists, and the plane crashed into an empty field in Pennsylvania.

24-year-old Welles Crowther was working on the 104th floor of the South Tower as an equities trader. His experience as a volunteer firefighter gave him the confidence to lead survivors to safety after the plane hit, giving first aid and even carrying injured people down endless flights of stairs. He kept going back to find more people and was still inside when the tower collapsed. This week, President Trump honored Crowther with a posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom.

The perpetrators of this atrocity were acting in the name of an ideology that seeks to conquer the world at the end of a sword. Yet the actions of heroes like Rick Rescorla, Todd Beamer, and Welles Crowther are proof that love can conquer hate. This week, we remember another young man who was killed in the name of hate. Charlie Kirk spent his life boldly speaking the truth and inspiring young people to love their country, their families, and their God. He, too, must not be forgotten.

On this 25th anniversary of 9/11, let us recommit ourselves to building a nation worthy of the heroes who gave their lives for others, a country where love will never give in to hate.

Labrador Letter: Remembering September 11

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Observer Staff
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September 11, 2026 (Cover Photo Credit: Karyn Simmons)

Raul Labrador (Photo Credit: Raul Labrador FB)

Dear Friends,

Twenty-five years ago today, America changed forever.

I can still remember that morning. When I arrived at work, people were gathered around the television, watching in shock and disbelief. As I joined them, the second plane struck the South Tower. In that instant, we understood that our nation was under attack and that America would never be the same.

Every American who remembers that day has a similar story. We remember where we were when we heard the news. We remember who we were with, what we were doing, and how quickly an ordinary morning turned into one of the darkest days in American history.

We watched terrified people jump. We watched firefighters and police officers run toward the buildings while everyone else was trying to get away. And then we watched the towers come down.

We watched the Pentagon burn, and we learned about the passengers and crew on Flight 93 who fought back against the terrorists and gave their lives to keep that plane from reaching its target. Those images never left us.

But neither did what came afterward. In the days and weeks following the attacks, Americans came together in a way many had never seen. Political differences seemed to fade into the background. American flags flew from homes and cars. We thanked police officers, firefighters, and members of the military. For a time, the things that divided us seemed much smaller than the things we shared. We remembered that we were Americans first, before any other label was applied.

Twenty-five years later, it is also worth remembering how much September 11 changed our country. It changed the way Americans traveled, the way we thought about security, and the relationship between citizens and government. New laws were passed and new surveillance capabilities were created as our government sought to prevent another attack. Those changes raised difficult questions about how a free society protects itself while preserving the rights and liberties that define the country.

September 11 also taught us that a free society must take threats to its people seriously while remaining faithful to the principles that make it free. The Constitution does not disappear when our country faces danger. If anything, those are the moments when our commitment to it matters most.

The threat of terrorism has not disappeared, and our responsibility to protect Americans remains. But we also have another responsibility, one of even greater importance: to remember what we are protecting. We are protecting a country where people are free to live their lives, worship as they choose, speak their minds, raise their families, and disagree with their neighbors without becoming disagreeable.

Today, we remember the nearly 3,000 Americans who were killed that day. We remember the families who lost husbands, wives, parents, children, brothers, and sisters. We remember the firefighters, police officers, emergency workers, and ordinary citizens who ran toward unthinkable danger to aid perfect strangers.

Twenty-five years is a long time. We cannot rewrite the past or bring those Americans back. But we can honor them by remembering their sacrifice, the courage of those who ran toward danger, the families who had to carry on without those they loved, and the unity that brought Americans together in the days that followed.

We will never forget.

God bless the United States of America.

Best regards,

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Guest Columnist Senator Tammy Nichols–Prop 1 Update: The Ballot Language Changed

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Observer Staff
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September 9, 2026

Prop 1 Update: The Ballot Language Changed
Here’s What Idaho Voters Need to Know

By: ID Senator Tammy Nichols

ID Senator Tammy Nichols (Photo Credit: Tammy Nichols)

I wrote previously about Proposition 1 and why Idaho voters need to read the fine print before November. Since then, something important has happened.

The Idaho Supreme Court ordered changes to the ballot language, and the new wording makes several consequences of Prop 1 much clearer.

That matters because many Idahoans still do not fully understand what they are being asked to put into law.

The simplest way to say it is this: Prop 1 expands abortion in Idaho.

You will hear it described as a healthcare measure. You will hear about contraception, IVF, miscarriage care, privacy and reproductive freedom.

But contraception is already legal. IVF is already legal. Miscarriage care is already legal. Saving the life of the mother is already legal. This is already legal in Idaho. The significant legal change is more abortions.

The Ballot Language Changed

On September 4, the Idaho Supreme Court ruled that the original YES and NO statements did not adequately describe the consequences of the initiative.

The revised language now makes clear that a YES vote would create a right to abortion before fetal viability, allow abortion after viability in a defined medical emergency, create a statutory right to reproductive freedom and privacy, and provide healthcare providers with certain protections from professional discipline and civil and criminal liability.

That is considerably more informative than simply calling this a reproductive healthcare measure. And it is why voters need to look beyond the title.

This Is Personal for Me

The viability language in Prop 1 is not theoretical to me.

When I was pregnant with my 5th child, a daughter, my water broke at 20 weeks. Because of the complications and risks, I was offered an abortion. I was told the worst-case scenarios and what could happen if the pregnancy continued to me and to my daughter.

I chose to give her a fighting chance.

I was sent home and monitored weekly, then admitted back into the hospital at 24 weeks, when life saving measures would be allowed. As complications increased, my doctors scheduled a C-section at 27 weeks.

My daughter was born weighing just 1 pound, 15 ounces (see pictures above). She spent more than 100 days in the NICU and needed extensive medical support. There were days she struggled to survive, and the day she was born we truly did not know if she would make it. But we gave her every chance to fight.

In many ways, I literally watched her finish developing outside of my body. She was tiny and fragile, but to me she was perfect in every way.

The doctors and nurses gave her the support she needed while her body continued to grow and strengthen. Some days were terrifying. Some days were hopeful. But she kept fighting. And today, that little 1 pound, 15-ounce baby is 20 years old and working in the healthcare field taking care of others in need.

That experience is why I pay such close attention to language about viability and survival “without extraordinary medical measures.”

What exactly does that mean?

Would the NICU care that helped save my daughter be considered extraordinary? Would oxygen? Feeding support? The equipment and interventions that gave her tiny body time to become strong enough to survive? For me, viability is not an abstract legal term. I have lived it.

I was given the worst-case scenarios, and I chose to give my daughter a chance. Twenty years later, I am very grateful I did. Sometimes viability has a face.

Is This Really About Healthcare?

One of the biggest arguments surrounding Prop 1 is that it is necessary to protect women’s healthcare.

Certainly, serious pregnancy complications happen, and women facing those situations deserve excellent medical care. But those cases represent a very small share of abortions.

Florida is one of the states that actually reports reasons for abortion. In 2025, just 106 out of 48,149 reported abortions were categorized as being performed because of a life endangering physical condition of the mother.

That is about 0.22%, or roughly two out of every 1,000 abortions.

The point is not to minimize those difficult situations. The point is that Prop 1 is not narrowly written to deal only with medical emergencies. It creates a broad abortion right.

Parents Should Pay Attention

I also continue to have serious concerns about parental rights.

Prop 1 says “every person” has a right to reproductive freedom and privacy, that means any age. It also contains broad language overriding contrary Idaho laws and protects people who assist someone in exercising those rights.

That raises a very important question: Could this language eventually allow another adult to assist a minor in obtaining an abortion without her parents’ involvement?

That is exactly the kind of question courts could be asked to decide.

As a parent, I would want that answered before, not after, we put this language into Idaho law. When we’re talking about our daughters and parental rights, “we’ll let the courts figure it out later” is not a reassuring answer.

Other States Should Be a Warning

We have already watched reproductive rights initiatives pass in Michigan, Ohio, Arizona and Missouri. But Florida may be the example Idahoans should pay the closest attention to.

In 2024, nearly 57% of Florida voters supported an abortion-rights constitutional amendment. It still failed, but why?

Because Florida requires 60% approval to amend its constitution.

So, a majority of Florida voters actually supported the measure, and it failed only because it fell about three percentage points short of the supermajority required. Think about that.

Florida is now considered a solidly Republican state, yet nearly six out of ten voters supported that abortion amendment. Idaho does not have Florida’s 60% requirement for Prop 1. Prop 1 only needs a simple majority to become law.

We cannot simply say: “This is Idaho. We’re conservative. It won’t pass.”

That is not a strategy.

Don’t Assume the Legislature Will Fix It

I have also heard the argument that Prop 1 is only a statute, so if there are problems, the Legislature can fix them later.

Technically, yes, Prop 1 is a statute and not a constitutional amendment.

But that does not mean changing it would be simple.

Any future legislation would still have to pass the House, pass the Senate, go through the governor and potentially face litigation., and there is no guarantee what a future Legislature will do.

Voters should make their decision based on the law actually being proposed today, not on the hope that someone will repair it later.

This Is Why We Need to Talk About It

Campaign titles are designed to sound good.

“Freedom.”

“Privacy.”

“Healthcare.”

But a ballot initiative is not a slogan. It is law.

And once voters put those words into Idaho Code, courts will interpret the actual language, not the television commercials or campaign mailers.

So, between now and November 3, talk about Prop 1. Ask your family and neighbors if they have read it. Share the updated ballot language. Talk about what happened in Florida. Talk about parental rights.

And don’t assume that because Idaho is conservative, this initiative cannot pass.

Prop 1 expands abortions in Idaho. Idaho voters deserve to know that before they vote.

In Liberty,

Senator Tammy Nichols
District 10

Social Security Administration Marks the 25th Anniversary of the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks

By
Observer Staff
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(SSA Press Release, September 11, 2026)

Baltimore, MD – The Social Security Administration (SSA) today honors the memory of those who lost their lives in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on America, and recognizes the survivors, families, and first responders whose courage and resilience continue to inspire the nation.

Nearly 3,000 people were killed in New York, the Washington, D.C. area, and Pennsylvania. They were family members, friends, coworkers, and neighbors — individuals going about their daily lives, federal employees beginning their workday, and first responders who rushed toward danger. SSA joins the nation in remembering each of them on this solemn anniversary.

“On this anniversary, we remember the lives lost, the families changed forever, and the heroes whose actions inspired a nation,” said Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano. “We also reaffirm SSA’s commitment to serving the American people with the same dedication our employees demonstrated in the days and months after September 11.”

Following the attacks, SSA employees responded immediately to support families affected by the tragedy. The agency activated special emergency procedures to ensure survivor claims could be processed as quickly as possible. These measures allowed SSA to accept alternative forms of verification, including airline manifests and employer records, when death certificates were not yet available. SSA staff worked at assistance centers in New York and throughout the country, helping families understand their benefits and complete applications during an extraordinarily difficult time.

Within days, SSA launched nationwide outreach efforts to reach families of victims, provide information on available benefits, and ensure timely processing of claims. The agency coordinated with local and federal partners, employers, uniformed services, and consulates to identify survivors and verify eligibility. By December 2001, SSA had processed more than 5,000 disaster‑related claims, including survivors’ benefits, children’s benefits, lump‑sum death payments, and disability applications. These efforts reflect SSA’s mission to provide support and stability when Americans need it most.

Commissioner Bisignano also reflects on the personal impact September 11 had on his life and career. On the morning of the attacks, he was at Citigroup in lower Manhattan, where he witnessed the devastation firsthand. In the immediate aftermath, he led efforts to relocate more than 16,000 displaced employees, ensuring their safety and continuity of operations during an unprecedented crisis. In the years that followed, Bisignano served as a founding member and board leader of the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, honoring the victims and supporting families and communities deeply affected by the tragedy. Nearly a decade later, he faced his own health challenges, developing throat cancer attributed to time spent at Ground Zero, which he overcame with resilience and the support of loved ones.

“September 11 changed the course of my life,” said Commissioner Bisignano. “I saw courage, loss, and extraordinary acts of humanity up close, and those experiences have shaped how I view leadership and public service. At SSA, our mission is rooted in helping people through their hardest moments. This commitment has only deepened for me because of what I experienced that day and in the years that followed.”

As commemorations take place across the country, SSA encourages all Americans to reflect on the unity, courage, and shared purpose that emerged in the wake of the attacks. The agency remains committed to supporting the American people and honoring the legacy of those lost by continuing to serve with dedication and compassion.

Half-Staff Flag Directive: Patriot Day 2026

By
Observer Staff
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(Governor’s Office Press Release, September 10, 2026)

Governor Brad Little ordered U.S. flags and State of Idaho flags to be lowered to half-staff for the entire day on September 11, Patriot Day, in accordance with Public Law 107-89.

“Twenty-five years after 9/11, we honor the heroes who ran toward danger, remember the innocent lives taken, and recognize the extraordinary unity and patriotism that emerged from that terrible day. Nearly a quarter of Americans alive today were born after 9/11 and never experienced it firsthand. That makes it even more important that we pass its lessons to the next generation. We must keep alive the legacy of those we lost and those who served by teaching our children to remember, to honor, and to love our country. God bless America,” Governor Little said.

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