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Deceased Identification: Tank Farm Road Officer-Involved Incident

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Observer Staff
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(Bannock County Coroner’s Office Press Release, April 8, 2026)

The Bannock County Coroner’s Office, in cooperation with Power County Coroner’s Office and Power County Sheriff’s Office, has confirmed the identity of the deceased following the officer-involved shooting on Tank Farm Road in Power County on Friday, April 3, 2026.

  • Richard Todd Forrest, 63, of Pocatello (m)

Next of kin has been notified.

“Our office is committed to a standard of absolute accuracy and compassion. When family resides out of state, the logistics of locating and notifying them personally becomes more complex, but it is a necessary step. Ensuring a family hears this news from a professional—not from a news headline or a social media post—is a matter of respect that we will not compromise on,” said Bannock County Coroner Torey Danner.

“We ask for the community’s continued patience as our investigators work through the complexities of this case. At this stage, speculation only hinders the process. We will provide a clear and factual account of the events as soon as it is responsible to do so,” said Power County Sheriff Kasey Kendall.

To provide the public with a clearer understanding of the officer-involved shooting, a critical incident video is being prepared for release. Further information concerning the circumstances of the original shooting will be shared as it becomes available through the ongoing investigation.

Power County Sheriff’s Office continues to be assisted in the homicide investigation by Idaho State Police, Power County Coroner’s Office, and Bannock County Coroner’s Offices. The Idaho Falls Police Department remains the lead agency for the investigation into the officer-involved shooting.

Pocatello Police Department, City Offices Placed on a Temporary Lockdown

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Observer Staff
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(Pocatello Police Department Advisory, April 8, 2026)

On April 8, 2026, at approximately 10:51 a.m., Pocatello Police Dispatch received a report of a male subject making threats to harm department employees. The subject was initially believed to be located in the parking lot of the Pocatello Police Department.

Due to the seriousness of the threat and the subject’s reported proximity, both the Pocatello Police Department and the City of Pocatello offices were placed on lockdown as a precautionary measure.

An investigation was immediately initiated. Shortly after the report, it was determined that the subject was actually located in Chubbuck. The lockdown of both buildings was subsequently lifted, and the Chubbuck Police Department assumed responsibility for the investigation.

Idaho Gang of Eight: When Politics Costs Your Family’s Business

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Observer Staff
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April 7, 2026

When Politics Costs Your Family’s Business
Senator Glenneda Zuiderveld’s husband lost longtime dairy accounts solely because of her public stand against illegal immigration.

By: Idaho Gang of Eight

For those of us serving in public office, disagreement comes with the territory. Heated debates, tough votes, and the occasional angry constituent are part of the job.

But what’s happening to Senator Glenneda Zuiderveld goes beyond disagreement.

Last month, three longstanding dairy industry customers terminated her husband Tom’s accounts, not because of his quality of service, but because of her political beliefs. That’s what makes this different.

Before Glenneda ever ran for office, she and Tom sat down and talked honestly about the risks. They knew stepping into public life could bring consequences. Like most families, they pictured criticism in the papers, heated conversations at events, maybe even some lost friendships.

They didn’t imagine this.

Three dairies cut ties with Tom after her public stance against illegal immigration. These were relationships built over years, steady accounts that helped support their family. According to a letter from Tom’s employer, the decision was “tied to your wife’s political role” and “not related to the level of service you have provided.”

The message was clear: certain political positions now come with consequences that extend beyond the ballot box, straight into your family’s livelihood.

It’s worth noting the irony here. These dairies operate in an industry where roughly 90% of the workforce is foreign-born, according to the Idaho Dairymen’s Association.

Yet some are now punishing a lawmaker who simply wants our immigration laws enforced and our borders secured.

Now, you might agree with her immigration policies. You might strongly disagree. That’s not really the point.

Because once political disagreements start costing people their jobs or their family’s businesses, it changes the nature of public service. At that point, it’s no longer just about debate, votes, or policy debates in the Capitol. It becomes about personal risk, about wondering whether speaking your conscience will mean your spouse or kids pay the price.

You don’t have to agree with Senator Zuiderveld to see the problem here. If this becomes the expected cost of serving in office, fewer good people will be willing or able to step forward.

Idaho deserves public servants who can speak their conscience without fear that their families will pay the price.

Documentation

Original materials are included below.

Employer Letter

Official Press Release

In Liberty,

Senator Christy Zito, District 8
Zito4Idaho@protonmail.com

Senator Glenneda Zuiderveld, District 24
GZuiderveld@senate.idaho.gov
Substack: @glenneda

Senator Josh Kohl, District 25
JKohl@senate.idaho.gov
Substack: @joshkohl4idaho

Representative Faye Thompson, District 8
FayeforLD8@gmail.com

Representative Lucas Cayler, District 11
LCayler@house.idaho.gov
Substack: @lucascayler

Representative Kent Marmon, District 11
KMarmon@house.idaho.gov
Substack: @kentmarmon

Representative Clint Hostetler, District 24
CHostetler@house.idaho.gov
Substack: @theidahoresolve

Representative David Leavitt, District 25
DLeavitt@house.idaho.gov
Substack: @Leavitt4Idaho

Guest Columnist Idaho Senator Brian Lenney: The 2026 Idaho Legislative Session Lookback

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Observer Staff
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April 7, 2026

The 2026 Idaho Legislative Session Lookback
A disturbing trend (Idaho is not immune)

By: Idaho Senator Brian Lenney

Last week we finished 81 days in Boise.

And I want to give you the real account of what happened, not the version that makes everyone look good.

So, a few wins first.

I personally carried the bill that stripped teachers’ union dues off the taxpayer dime. Got it passed (waiting on the Governor to sign it… still). American law for American courts (I pushed that through in the Senate) is now signed into law. And my voter affidavit reform that actually puts teeth into ID voter verification at the polls is now law. These weren’t wins that fell into my lap. I put my name on the legislation and dragged them through to the finish line.

We also landed some hits on the money side. Idaho’s sitting on a $1.6 billion surplus and the instinct in that building was to spend it. Every surplus is an invitation to grow government, and there are plenty of people in Boise who answered that invitation enthusiastically.

I didn’t.

We pushed through rescissions and budget cuts that clawed back agency spending (and gutted millions from the fed-funded Minnesota-style daycare program too). But I want to be straight with you about what all of this actually is. Cutting agencies and clawing back program dollars is treating symptoms.

The disease is a spending culture in Boise that assumes every surplus belongs to the government first.

I held the line where I could but I’m not in the majority the way I’d need to be to actually win that war. So we won some battles this session. But the war is still very much going. And nothing proves that more than the biggest fight we could have had this session, the one we didn’t have. Not really, anyway. I’m talking about illegal immigration. It’s not just a “federal issue.” It touches everyone in Idaho. Your neighbor who can’t find construction work. The school that can’t figure out who’s actually enrolled. The wage that won’t go up because someone will always undercut it with labor that doesn’t cost what labor should cost.

I personally went in with several enforcement bills and they ALL got killed or refused a hearing before most Idahoans ever heard they existed.

Not by Democrats. But by our own Republican supermajority.

That’s where we’re at as a state. And you know what I keep coming back to? Somebody profits from this. Somebody profits when enforcement is weak and workers are cheap and nobody asks questions. And those somebodies were in that building, quiet and patient and effective, the whole session.

The Idaho Sheriff’s Association showed up to help kill the ICE cooperation bill I co-sponsored (and there were several more bills they testified AGAINST). I saw committee chairmen make bills disappear into their desks. And I watched every single bill we had die or got no hearing. Yes, in “Republican Idaho.” So while most legislators from safe Republican districts will send you an end-of-session letter that lists all the wins and call it a day…

I’m not going to do that.

Because you deserve to know what the cheap labor lobby still has on the Idaho statehouse. Their stranglehold didn’t loosen this session (if anything, now I know exactly how tight it is).

What you get from having me in that building is simple.

Someone who names it. Someone whose name is actually on the enforcement bills (not just the press releases). And someone who isn’t going to tell you we had a “great session” when the most important lever we had didn’t get pulled.

That’s the report from Boise.

Most people in Idaho have no idea any of this happened. You do now. That matters more than you think.

Sec. of State Rubio Announces Release of American Journalist Shelly Kittleson

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Observer Staff
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(U.S. State Department Press Release, April 7, 2026)

I am pleased to announce the release of American journalist, Shelly Kittleson, who was recently kidnapped by members of the foreign terrorist organization Kata’ib Hizballah near Baghdad, Iraq.

The U.S. Department of State extends its appreciation to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of War, U.S. personnel across multiple agencies, and the Iraqi Supreme Judicial Council and our Iraqi partners, for their assistance in securing her release.

This resolution reflects the Trump Administration’s steadfast commitment to the safety and security of American citizens, no matter where they are in the world.

Under President Trump, the wrongful detention or kidnapping of U.S. nationals will not be tolerated. We will continue to use every tool to bring Americans home and to hold accountable those responsible.

We are relieved that this American is now free and are working to support her safe departure from Iraq.

-Secretary of State Marco Rubio

Construction Underway for New Connections Credit Union Clubhouse at Riverside Golf Course in South Pocatello

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Observer Staff
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(City of Pocatello Press Release, April 7, 2026)

The City is excited to announce construction is underway for the new Connections Credit Union Clubhouse, marking a significant investment in the future of Riverside Golf Course and the local golfing community. The clubhouse is being made possible in part through a generous donation from Connections Credit Union. A groundbreaking ceremony will be announced at a later date.

The new two-story clubhouse will be approximately 3,700 square feet and will include cart storage in the basement level, a golf simulator, restaurant, pro shop, and 1600 square feet of patio space for guests to enjoy.

“This is an exciting step forward for Riverside Golf Course,” said Anne Butler, Parks & Recreation Director. “We’re thrilled to see this project move into the construction phase and look forward to providing an updated clubhouse that will better serve golfers and visitors for years to come. We’re especially grateful to Connections Credit Union for helping make this vision a reality.”

Construction Services, Inc. will serve as the construction manager, with Booth Architecture leading the clubhouse design. Work will continue throughout the summer, with the project expected to be completed in time for the 2027 golf season.

During construction, a temporary parking map will be provided to guide golfers and visitors to designated parking areas. Golf cart trailers will not be permitted in the main construction parking lot. Additional areas have been marked for trailer parking to help accommodate users during the construction period. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early for their tee time and be respectful of the surrounding residential areas. Drivers should also use extra caution along Bannock Highway during construction.

Pocatello Parks & Recreation appreciates the community’s patience and support and will continue to share updates as the project progresses. For more information, please contact Pocatello Parks & Recreation at 208-234-6232.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is the policy of the City of Pocatello to offer its public programs, services, and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities.  If you are disabled and require an accommodation, please contact Skyler Beebe with two (2) business days’ advance notice at sbeebe@pocatello.gov; 208.234.6248; or 5815 South 5th Avenue, Pocatello, Idaho.  Advance notification within this guideline will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility.

FSIS Retracts Public Health Alert for Frozen, Ready-To-Eat Chicken Nuggets Due to Updated Laboratory Result

By
Observer Staff
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(FSIS Announcement, April 6, 2026; Cover image: Canva AI)

WASHINGTON, April 6, 2026 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is retracting the public health alert issued on April 1, 2026, for Walmart Great Value Fully Cooked Dino Shaped Chicken Breast Nuggets with “Best If Used By” date “Feb 10 2027”  produced by Dorada Foods after confirming that the product does not pose a public health concern.

The public health alert was originally issued based on routine surveillance sampling conducted by the New York State Department of Public Health that indicated elevated trace levels of lead. Because this product is commonly consumed by children, FSIS issued the alert to inform consumers of a potential risk.

Following the alert, additional sampling was conducted by the New York State Department of Public Health and the producing establishment, Dorada Foods. As part of that process, the original lot of product was tested as well as additional lots.

All follow‑up testing, including testing of the original lot, found no elevated levels of lead in the product.

FSIS subsequently reviewed the underlying laboratory data in coordination with the New York State Department of Health and determined that the initial result was a false positive, caused by sporadic lead contamination at the laboratory during analysis, not contamination of the product itself. Follow up testing confirmed no elevated levels of lead were present in any of the products tested.

FSIS has therefore concluded that the product does not pose a public health concern.

FSIS has notified the company and is updating this page to ensure consumers have accurate and up-to-date information.

AG Labrador Pushes for State, Local Authority to Combat Illegal Drone Drops at Prisons

By
Observer Staff
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(Attorney General’s Office Press Release, April 7, 2026)

BOISE, ID — Attorney General Raúl Labrador has joined a multistate effort to combat the alarming rise in drones that are illegally dropping contraband into prisons, including narcotics, weapons, cell phones and other items. This is a major public safety threat impacting correctional facilities across the country, and it is fueling broader crime both inside and outside of prison walls.

Per federal law, only a narrow set of federal agencies are authorized to detect, track and mitigate unauthorized drones. Meaning, correctional officials – who are on the front lines of this issue – often lack the legal authority and the necessary tools to intervene in real time. To address this gap, Attorney General Labrador and 20 other attorneys general are asking the Trump administration to provide state and local law enforcement with the ability to disable or intercept drones before they reach the prison.

“Drones are dropping contraband directly into prisons, allowing inmates to continue running criminal enterprises from behind bars,” said Attorney General Labrador. “Corrections officers can see these drones—which are carrying drugs and weapons—coming, but can’t legally stop them. We’re asking President Trump’s task force to change that and give state law enforcement the authority to disable these drones before they reach the prison.”

In a letter sent to Dr. Sebastian Gorka, Deputy Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Counter Terrorism, the attorneys general commend the administration’s creation of the Task Force to Restore American Airspace Sovereignty. They also underscore the sharp increase in drone drops over prison grounds.

The letter states: “This type of illegal activity is happening all over the country and the consequences are severe. The introduction of drugs contributes to addiction, violence, and overdose incidents. Smuggled weapons heighten the risk of assaults and coordinated acts of violence. Contraband cell phones enable incarcerated individuals to continue criminal enterprises, including fraud schemes, witness intimidation, and violent crime.”

For this reason, the attorneys general request that the Task Force, led by Dr. Gorka, work with federal agencies to grant carefully defined authority for state and local law enforcement to address this threat quickly and efficiently. They also recommend continued collaboration with federal partners to investigate and prosecute those who use drones to introduce contraband into correctional facilities.

Read the letter here.

Bannock County Property Tax Reduction Applications Due April 15

By
Observer Staff
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(Bannock County Press Release, April 7, 2026)

BANNOCK COUNTY, Idaho – Certain Idahoans can save up to $1,500 on their property taxes if they apply by the April 15 deadline.

The Bannock County Assessor’s office is encouraging folks to find out if they qualify for the Property Tax Reduction (PTR) program and get their applications in as soon as possible.

“We want to make sure everyone who qualifies for this benefit in Bannock County has the chance to apply. My staff is here to help through the application process if you need,” said Assessor Anita Hymas.

The PTR program reduces property taxes for seniors, widows, widowers, recognized disabled persons, disabled veterans, former POW, and vision impaired folks if their annual income is $39,130 or less.

You can apply for the program online at tax.idaho.gov/ptr. You can also get a paper application on the Idaho State Tax Commission’s website at tax.idaho.gov/reduction or from the assessor’s office.

Applicants must apply every year by April 15.

“If you don’t yet have all your income information, complete as much of the application as you can and file it by the deadline,” Hymas said.

More information about the PTR and other tax relief programs, such as the disabled veteran benefit, can be found at bannockcounty.gov/assessor or by calling 208-236-7260.

Peace Through Strength: Operation Epic Fury Crushes Iranian Threat as Ceasefire Takes Hold

By
Observer Staff
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(White House Press Release, April 8, 2026)

President Donald J. Trump laid out clear objectives in Operation Epic Fury — and in just 38 days, the greatest fighting force the world has ever known has met those objectives with overwhelming strength and lethal precision. Iran has now agreed to a ceasefire and reopening the Strait of Hormuz as the Trump Administration negotiates a broader peace agreement — once more proving Peace Through Strength victorious.

  • Secretary of War Pete Hegseth: “From the strike that took out Qasem Soleimani to tearing up the disastrous Obama Iran deal, to the precision campaign that obliterated Iran’s nuclear sites in Operation Midnight Hammer to the decisive military victory we just achieved in Operation Epic Fury, no other President has shown the courage and resolve of this Commander-in-Chief. President Trump forged this moment. Iran begged for this ceasefire — and we all know it.”
  • Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine: “On February 28, the President of the United States ordered the Joint Force to execute Operation Epic Fury with the direction to accomplish three distinct military objectives: destroy Iran’s ballistic missile and drone capabilities, destroy the Iranian navy, and destroy their defense industrial base to ensure that Iran cannot reconstitute the ability to project power outside their borders. Over the course of 38 days of major combat operation, the joint force achieved the military objectives as defined by the President.”
  • White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt: “This is a victory for the United States of America that the President and our incredible military made happen. From the very beginning of Operation Epic Fury, President Trump stated this would be a four-to-six-week military operation to dismantle the military threat posed by the radical Islamic Iranian regime. Thanks to the unbelievable capabilities of America’s warfighters, the United States has achieved and exceeded those core military objectives in just 38 days.”

A Showcase of American Military Superiority:

  • Iran’s ballistic missile arsenal and production capacity has been razed. More than 85% of the regime’s defense industrial base, including the majority of its ballistic missiles, launcher vehicles, and long-range attack drones, has been destroyed — eliminating its ability to project power and use these capabilities as a shield around their ultimate pursuit of nuclear weapons.
  • Iran’s air forces have been functionally neutered. Before Operation Epic Fury, the Iranian air force would fly between 30 to 100 flights each day; today, that number is zero.
  • Iran’s navy has been obliterated. 150 warships across 16 classes have been destroyed, every submarine has been sunk, and 97% of its once-massive inventory of naval mines have been eliminated.
  • Iran can no longer arm terrorist proxies. The majority of the regime’s offensive weapons are destroyed and the regime can no longer manufacture new terror weapons like ballistic missiles and long-range drones.
  • Iran’s once-vaunted space program has been devastated. 70% of its launch facilities and ground control stations have been destroyed or degraded, preventing the regime from using space for military purposes.
  • What’s left of the Iranian regime is desperate, dejected, and in denial. Iran’s command and control structures have been shattered by more than 2,000 strikes, triggering leadership losses, paralysis, and military desertions.

Operation Epic Fury by the Numbers:

  • Over 10,200 total air sorties flown
  • Over 13,000 targets struck, including:
    • More than 2,000 command and control targets
    • More than 1,450 defense and industrial base targets
    • More than 1,500 air defense targets
    • More than 700 mine systems
    • Approximately 800 attack drone targets
    • More than 600 naval targets
    • More than 450 ballistic missile targets
  • Over 1,000 incoming attack drone threats intercepted
  • Over 700 ballistic missile threats intercepted

The overwhelming might and fury of the American military gave President Trump maximum leverage. As the Trump Administration enters this next phase of negotiations, it is clear that America stands stronger, our enemies weaker, and the world safer.

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The Pocatello Chubbuck Observer seeks to be a fair and objective portal, where readers can find the local, regional and national news, recent facts and entertainment.
Contact us: jcrowder@pocatellochubbuckobserver

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