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Guest Columnist Brent Regan’s Common Sense: The Unreasonable Man

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March 28, 2026

Common Sense: The Unreasonable Man

By: Brent Regan, Kootenai County GOP Chairman

Kootenai County GOP Chairman Brent Regan (photo credit: Brent Regan FB)

“The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man.” George Bernard Shaw

I’m an inventor by trade. The bulk of my day involves creating things that never before existed, solving problems in ways others did not consider, and being persistent in attempts to overcome failure. When inventing the light bulb, Edison first found one thousand ways that did not work. He persisted even though the overwhelming empirical evidence proved his efforts were folly. Nikola Tesla so strongly believed that Alternating Current was essential to the future (it was) that he gave away the technology to Westinghouse.
Our Republican form of government relies on the consensus of the voters; a majority must agree. Politicians must seek this consensus to be elected. It serves them to be ambiguous and vague so they alienate as few voters as practicable and avoid conflict. A person could conclude that this would create a stable system that perpetuates the status quo. Reality proves this conclusion wrong. Enter the unreasonable man.
Imagine a long teeter-totter where people can sit all along its length. The ones sitting near the fulcrum are the “centrists,” while the ones sitting at the ends are the “extremists.” If you are seeking balance, you need to pay the most attention to the extremists because, being farthest from the fulcrum, they have the most leverage.
Progressives have learned that being an extremist moves the consensus in your direction because centrists seek to accommodate. Remember when Obama first ran for president, he was against legalizing gay marriage, but continuous pressure from gay activists moved the fulcrum point.
Activists are the agents of change, and the “reasonable” centrists have no defense against their efforts because accommodation is the centrist’s desire and objective. The need to “get along” puts society on a path directed by extremists. This is why we find men in women’s sports, the surgical mutilation of children to accommodate the “trans agenda,” and the government-sponsored domestic invasion by foreign nationals.
It is not possible to counter an extremist agenda by being accommodating or reasonable. Someone sitting on the exact center has zero leverage and is defenseless against those seeking change.
If you seek to preserve society and maintain values and traditions, the only option is to be unreasonable in the opposite direction from those seeking change. The tragedy in this solution is that the centrists will object to the very action that would preserve the standards they wish to maintain. Their objections will be even stronger because the pushback is coming from those they see as already being on their side. Centrists expect progressives to be extremists, but strong arguments from their own side are shocking.

Their immediate need to get along outweighs long-term survival.

We see the economic and societal collapse in blue states like California and Minnesota, and a socialist mayor elected in New York City. We witness Democrat congressmen and senators fighting to enable voter fraud and against voter-identification laws. To say our republic faces an existential threat is not an exaggeration.

We need unreasonable men working to preserve our republic or face collapse.

It’s just common sense.

Guest Columnist Brian Almon: Hitting the Home Stretch

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Observer Staff
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(Image Credit: Gem State Chronicle)

March 27, 2026 (Cover Image Credit: Gem State Chronicle)

Hitting the Home Stretch
The 2026 legislative session is nearly done. What’s left for next week?

By: Brian Almon

Brian Almon

What a week. The second session of the 68th Idaho Legislature is rapidly heading toward a close. House and Senate leadership missed their goal of ending today, but it looks like they’ll wrap up by the middle of next week.

I hope to have an in-depth article on the status of the Idaho Child Care Program (ICCP) for you tomorrow. Until then, here are a few things that happened this week and what to expect before the Legislature adjourns sine die.

Fun fact: sine die means “without day” in Latin and refers to adjourning without setting a date to reconvene. When the House and Senate adjourn sine die, it formally ends the 68th Legislature—unless they’re called back for a special session. Most people pronounce it “sigh-knee die,” but Latin purists will tell you it’s closer to “see-nay dee-ay,” or something in that neighborhood.

The Legislative Services Office (LSO) has printed 967 House bills since the 68th Legislature convened in January 2025. Bills start at H0001, and the second session picks up where the first left off. Senate bills start at S1001 to avoid confusion. As far as I know, there has never been a House Bill 1000, but this year could come pretty close.

The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC) is nearly finished with its work on the budget. A new health and human services maintenance budget passed the Senate floor this week, with JFAC co-chair Scott Grow calling for “kumbaya,” while embattled Sen. Jim Guthrie still denounced it as too harsh. It now heads to the House.

Speaking of the House, it narrowly killed an enhancement budget for the Office of the Attorney General this week. I’m told JFAC will reconvene on Tuesday to finish its business, including resubmitting the AG’s budget.

The Senate also sent another enhancement budget—this one including additional money for ICCP—back to JFAC without a vote on Friday morning.

H752, requiring people to use the public restroom corresponding to their biological sex, passed the Senate this morning on a 28–7 vote and now heads to Gov. Brad Little. The transgender lobby has fought this bill tooth and nail, but I wouldn’t expect a veto here. Say what you will about the governor, he has consistently stood firm on protecting women’s private spaces, going back to the women’s sports bill in 2020.

Senate candidate Scott Herndon, who co-wrote H752, shared his thoughts following the vote:

Sen. Guthrie debated against this one as well and was the only Republican to join the six Senate Democrats in voting no. I suggested on Idaho Signal this afternoon that he seems to think his constituency is District 19 and the Boise print media, rather than the salt-of-the-earth conservative voters in District 28.

An unusual sequence of events unfolded in the Senate this week. Members deadlocked on H760, which would allow developers to partner with nonprofits to build so-called affordable housing in exchange for tax exemptions. Lt. Gov. Scott Bedke broke the tie in the negative, so the bill failed.

But that wasn’t the end of the story. The next day, Sen. Mark Harris moved to reconsider, and the bill was brought back for a second vote. It failed even more decisively, as two senators flipped from aye to nay. Sen. Lesli Bjerke (substituting for her husband, Sen. Carl Bjerke) was also present and voted no, and the bill ultimately failed 15–20.

Who says you can’t eliminate a government program? A mere seventeen years after its budget was zeroed out, the Idaho Women’s Commission will finally be stricken from the books following the passage of S1236.

While several bills related to immigration enforcement remain locked in Sen. Guthrie’s drawer, Senate leadership is attempting to salvage something from the session. I’ve heard rumors that the White House has been putting pressure on Idaho to get something done. President Pro Tempore Kelly Anthon and Majority Leader Lori Den Hartog introduced four new bills on Thursday morning:

  • S1440 establishes a 4% remittance tax on transactions sent out of the country with a credit for legal residents.
  • S1441 encourages local law enforcement to enter into 287g memos of understanding with ICE, similar to a bill that failed 4-5 in Senate State Affairs earlier this month.
  • S1442 requires NGOs involved in refugee resettlement to ensure they’re not assisting illegal aliens and to report audit information.
  • S1443 allows illegal aliens in the prison system to be released early into ICE custody for deportation.

None of these bills are bad ideas, but they still don’t make up for H700 and H704—which would hold employers accountable for hiring illegal aliens and require use of E-Verify—failing to receive hearings.

However, there might be one more twist left. Remember S1247, the Senate E-Verify bill that only applied to a small percentage of Idaho employers? It finally received its House committee hearing Friday morning, and after a pretty wild back-and-forth between sponsor Rep. Joshua Wheeler and Reps. Brent Crane, Kyle Harris, Steve Berch, and Mike Veile, it was sent to the House amending order—presumably to give it more teeth.

Recall last year, when a bill outlawing mandatory DEI on campus was watered down to Sen. Guthrie’s satisfaction, only to be restored via House amendments. Guthrie was rather angry about that, expressing his displeasure with such an end run during final-day debate. Could history be about to repeat itself—this time with immigration bills he has unilaterally held?

All of this will come to a head when the Legislature returns for the final days of the session starting next Monday. Hold on to your hats—it’s going to be a wild ride.

Editor’s note:  This article originally appeared in the Gem State Chronicle.  I encourage our readers to visit their website and consider subscribing.  Find this and other informative articles at the Gem State Chronicle here: About – Gem State Chronicle

Idaho Secretary of State: It’s Time to Bring Idaho’s Sunshine Laws Into 2026

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Observer Staff
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(Idaho Secretary of State’s Office Press Release, March 27, 2026)

Picture this. It’s Idaho in the 1970s: bell-bottoms and shag carpets, disco on the radio, and Ford Pintos lined the streets. It was the era of Watergate, the aftermath of the Vietnam War, and there was a growing call for greater openness in government.

Out of that period came Idaho’s campaign finance laws, better known as our Sunshine laws. Those laws are a citizens’ initiative from the 1970s. And they read like a citizen’s initiative from the 1970s; well-intentioned but woefully outdated for the political landscape we face today.

A lot has changed in politics over the last fifty years.

Today, powerful, well-funded groups can spend big with minimal notice. National donors, often from far outside Idaho can tip the scale in local races. We’ve become a bargain for out-of-state interests who’ve discovered that the same money that barely moves the needle in California or New York can flip races here. Some of them couldn’t find Idaho on a map. But they know how to find our campaign finance loopholes.

None of this violates the First Amendment. Political spending is protected speech, as it should be. But one thing hasn’t changed since the ’70s: Idahoans deserve to know who’s trying to influence politics.

Transparency mattered then. It matters even more now.

That’s why I’ve partnered with my fellow legislators this session on legislation to modernize our Sunshine laws. Not to restrict speech, but to bring our disclosure laws in line with how politics actually works in 2026 and beyond. Heading into a major election year, it’s time we let the sunshine back in.

Because voters deserve to know where the money is coming from and where their candidates stand.

Some things should never go out of style. Transparency is one of them.

Phil McGrane

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.

Simple Food Safety Steps for Spring Holiday Meals

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Observer Staff
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(USDA Press Release, March 26, 2026)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Spring holidays bring families and friends together for Easter ham, Passover brisket, and Mother’s Day egg-based brunch dishes. As consumers across America prepare these traditional meals for large gatherings, following basic food safety practices can help reduce the risk of foodborne illness.

“Spring holidays are about cherished traditions—sharing Easter ham, Passover brisket, or a Mother’s Day brunch with those you love,” said Under Secretary for Food Safety Dr. Mindy Brashears. “Don’t let foodborne illness spoil these special moments. Keep your loved ones safe by following the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Four Steps to Food Safety when preparing your favorite holiday meal.”

USDA encourages consumers to follow these food safety tips during Easter, Passover, and Mother’s Day:

The Danger Zone

  • Bacteria multiply rapidly between 40 degrees F and 140 degrees F. This temperature range is called the Danger Zone.
  • Food should not be left in the Danger Zone for more than two hours (called the two-hour rule). After two hours, bacteria can reach dangerous levels that can cause foodborne illness.
  • Perishable foods, such as ham slices, brisket, and deviled eggs, should be discarded if left out for longer than two hours in the Danger Zone.

Ham

Ham is a popular choice for Easter meals. There are many different types of hams available and knowing ham is ready to eat or requires cooking before consumption matters.

  • Ready-to-eat hams are fully cooked at the processing plant and can be reheated or safely eaten cold without additional cooking. Look for the USDA mark of inspection and “Fully Cooked” on the packaging. Reheat these hams to 140 degrees F and follow the manufacturer’s instructions when available.
  • Cook raw, fresh, and uncooked hams to a safe minimum internal temperature of 145 degrees F, as measured with a food thermometer. Remove from heat and let rest for three minutes before carving.
  • If a ham says “Cook Thoroughly” on the packaging, follow all manufacturer’s instructions and use a food thermometer to ensure the ham has reached a safe minimum internal temperature of 145 degrees F with a three-minute rest.

More information at Hams and Food Safety.

Brisket

  • Allow enough time to thaw frozen brisket safely in the refrigerator. Thawing can take about 24 hours for a trimmed, first-cut brisket, while a whole brisket weighing about 10 pounds can take several days.
  • Bake the brisket, fat side up in a baking dish, in an oven set no lower than 325 degrees F. Brisket is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F and is allowed to rest at that temperature for three minutes.

More information at Beef from Farm to Table.

Lamb

Lamb is another traditional spring holiday dish.

  • Cook a leg of lamb and other cuts to a safe minimum internal temperature of 145 degrees F as measured with a food thermometer.
  • Cook ground lamb to a safe minimum internal temperature of 160 degrees F.

Consumers are also reminded to refrigerate leftovers within two hours to help prevent harmful bacteria from multiplying.

More information at Lamb from Farm to Table.

Eggs and Egg Dishes

Eggs and egg dishes are commonly served during spring holidays and brunch gatherings.

  • All egg dishes should reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 160 degrees F, as measured by a food thermometer.
  • Eggs intended for eating should not sit out at room temperature for more than two hours. Keep hard-cooked eggs in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
  • If you plan to eat decorated Easter eggs, use only food-grade dye. Consider making two sets of eggs, one for decorating and hiding and another for eating. For egg hunts, use non-food decorative eggs instead of eggs intended for consumption.

More information at Shell Eggs from Farm to Table.

Questions?

Explore resources on the Spring Holiday Food Safety Guide, a one-stop guide to cooking, serving, and storing a safe holiday meal.

Contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) or email MPHotline@usda.gov from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.

Access news releases and other information on FSIS’ website at www.fsis.usda.gov/newsroom. Follow FSIS on X at @usdafoodsafety and USDA on Instagram @usdagov and Facebook.

Zoo Idaho, Marshall Public Library Partner for Summer Ticket Program

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Observer Staff
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(City of Pocatello Press Release, March 27, 2026; Cover image credit: Zoo Idaho FB)

Explore Zoo Idaho this summer through Marshall Public Library’s (MPL) Arts and Community Tickets (ACT) program.

Thanks to funding from the Friends of Marshall Public Library, family passes to Zoo Idaho will be available for checkout beginning March 30. Two passes will be available each week through August 31. Each pass covers admission for two adults and up to five children. Passes cover general admission and do not include special events.

Zoo Idaho is a new addition to the Library’s ACT program, which offers community members an opportunity to experience local arts, culture, and recreation, and in this case check out all the animals!

“We’re delighted to partner with Zoo Idaho for the ACT program,” said Public Services Supervisor Amy Azzouzat. “This is a great way to connect our community with everything the zoo has to offer.”

“The ACT Program is one of the many great programs at Marshall Public Library,” said Zoo Idaho Manager Peter Pruett. “We’re excited to be part of ACT and give our community an opportunity to enjoy Zoo Idaho and everything it has to offer.”

Zoo Idaho is open Saturdays and Sundays in April and daily from May through September 7.

Passes can be picked up at the Library’s first-floor desk. Checkouts are available to Pocatello residents with an adult MPL card and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Limit one pass per household per season.

For more information about the ACT program, contact Amy Azzouzat at 208-232-1263 ext. 105. Learn more at marshallpl.org or follow MPL on Facebook.

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.

Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Honor Legacy of I-15 Crash Victim William “Bill” Bacon

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Observer Staff
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(Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Press Release, March 27, 2026)

William “Bill” F. Bacon (Photo credit: Shoshone-Bannock Tribes FB)

FORT HALL, Idaho – The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes are deeply saddened to announce the passing of William “Bill” F. Bacon, who died in an automobile accident on March 26, 2026. The Tribes honor his extraordinary 37 years of dedicated service, including 12 years as Tribal Judge and 24 years as General Counsel, during which he served as a tireless advocate for tribal sovereignty and a steadfast protector of the Tribes’ rights and future.

Working closely with his legal team, Bacon advanced the Tribes’ interests through landmark legal victories that strengthened tribal sovereignty, protected treaty rights, and secured critical resources for future generations.
Among his most significant achievements, Bacon and his team contributed to a successful U.S. Supreme Court effort that overturned the 1896 Ward v. Racehorse decision, helping to restore the Tribes’ off-reservation treaty rights to hunt, fish, and gather. Rights that had been denied for decades following Idaho’s statehood. He also successfully defended those rights in multiple Idaho Supreme Court challenges and secured a multi-million-dollar fuel tax case affirming tribal sovereignty.
Bacon further served as counsel in the landmark FMC Corporation case, which upheld an annual judgment for the Tribes related to hazardous waste storage on the reservation. The case remains unique in U.S. legal history as the only one to satisfy both Montana exceptions for tribal jurisdiction over non-Indians.
He earned his undergraduate degree from Northwestern University and his law degree from the University of Idaho. Before joining the Tribes full-time, Bacon maintained a general litigation practice and served as Bannock County Prosecuting Attorney. He was licensed to practice in Idaho, Illinois, Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Court, the U.S. District Court for Idaho, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court.
His honors reflect a career of excellence and integrity. Bacon was a member of the United States Supreme Court Bar Association and received the 2023 Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished Attorney award, recognizing his high legal ability and ethical standards.
Beyond the courtroom, Bacon lived the Tribes’ cultural values. He participated in traditional sweat lodge and Sundance ceremonies, deepening his connection to the Shoshone-Bannock people he so dearly loved and served. He is survived by his wife, Lisa, and their three daughters, whose love and support were a constant source of strength throughout his life and career.
“Bill Bacon’s legacy is written in restored treaty rights, protected sovereignty, and resources secured for our people through his leadership and collaboration with his legal team,” said Chairwoman Donna Thompson. “He has been more than counsel—he has been a steadfast guardian of our future and a dear friend of the Tribes.”

The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes extend their deepest gratitude to William “Bill” F. Bacon for a lifetime of service. He will be deeply missed, and his legacy will continue to guide and benefit the Tribes for generations to come.

Guest Columnist Idaho Senator Christy Zito: Where the Power Is

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Observer Staff
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March 25, 2026

Where the Power Is

By:  Idaho Senator Christy Zito

ID Senator Christy Zito (photo credit: Christy Zito)

Friday evening, I attended the Elmore County Central Committee’s 2026 candidate forum. One question that I’ve been asked many times stood out:

Why does good legislation end up in a committee chairman’s “drawer,” and what can be done about it?

That question stayed with me long after I got home.

Traditionally, chairmen have broad discretion over which bills receive a hearing. While that authority exists, I believe it has been misused. In a representative republic, legislation deserves transparency. Bills should be heard, debated, and voted on by the full committee, not quietly buried based on one person’s decision.

Right now, two bills sit in the Senate State Affairs chairman’s drawer, both passed by the House, both addressing illegal immigration.

House Bill 700 would make it a misdemeanor for employers or recruiters to knowingly hire or continue employing unauthorized workers. It requires employers to act if an employee’s work authorization lapses and provides legal protection for those who properly use E-Verify. Violations could result in fines and jail time.

House Bill 704 would require all Idaho employers to use E-Verify (or a successor system) to confirm employment eligibility. It establishes enforcement mechanisms and penalties for noncompliance, ensuring that Idaho jobs go to lawful workers.

So why are these bills being held?

Because this issue is bigger than policy, it’s about power.

In 2024, Senator Glenneda Zuiderveld courageously introduced legislation to address illegal immigration. She has consistently supported securing our border and upholding the rule of law.

Last week, her family paid a price.

Her husband, whose business serves Idaho dairies, was pressured by members connected to the Idaho Dairy Association to lose three of his largest accounts. This wasn’t a coincidence. It was economic coercion.

The Idaho Dairy Association is aligned with the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry (IACI), one of the most powerful lobbying forces in our state. Their influence at the Capitol is undeniable.

Read her story here.

What happened to the Zuiderveld family sends a clear message:

If you challenge the status quo, you will be punished.

And now, two bills that would directly impact the availability of an illegal workforce are sitting in a drawer.

That is not how a free republic is supposed to function.

When legislation is blocked without a hearing—especially under pressure from powerful interests—it silences not just lawmakers, but the people they represent.

Idahoans deserve better.

We deserve a system where:

  • Bills are given a fair hearing
  • Votes are taken in the open
  • Lawmakers are free to act without fear of retaliation

This isn’t just about immigration.

It’s about whether our government answers to the people—or to the most powerful voices in the room.

My Commitment

Let me be absolutely clear:

I stand with Senator Zuiderveld and her family.

What has been done to them is wrong. No elected official—or their family—should face economic retaliation for standing on principle and doing what is right for the people of Idaho.

And I stand with you—the citizens of this state—who are tired of watching good legislation die behind closed doors while powerful lobbyists pull the strings.

This upcoming election is about drawing a line.

It is about deciding whether Idaho will be governed by the people… or controlled by an entrenched establishment that uses pressure, influence, and intimidation to get its way.

I will never bend to the establishment lobby machine.

I will not be intimidated.
I will not be controlled.
And I will not be silent.

I will stand my ground.

I will fight to ensure that every bill gets a fair hearing, that every voice is represented, and that no Idaho family is punished for standing for what is right.

Most importantly—
I will always be a voice for the people.

Because this government belongs to you.

And it’s time it started acting like it.

Standing Your Ground for Idaho.

Support Zito for Idaho

Volunteer or get involved: Volunteer

Stay updated: Subscribe here on Substack.

Thank you for your trust these past years. Let’s stand together unyielding, for the love of our families and our state.

With gratitude and resolve,

Senator Christy Zito
LD 8
Elmore, Valley, Boise & Custer Counties

INL Workshop Empowers Teachers To Tackle AI

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Observer Staff
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(Idaho National Laboratory Press Release, March 26, 2026)

By Mckenzie Duncan, INL Communications

Idaho teachers leaned into artificial intelligence with a mix of curiosity and caution during a recent professional development session hosted by Idaho National Laboratory.

The training, “Teaching in the Age of AI,” brought elementary, middle and high school educators together to explore what AI is, what it can do, and how it could be used in the classroom. Their experience levels varied widely. Some arrived eager to experiment, while others were more reserved.

The opening message echoed a common refrain at INL: AI is not a future concept. It is already here, embedded in how we work, communicate and solve problems.

AI isn’t a future idea at INL, it’s already part of the daily workflow. Researchers use it to speed up nuclear and integrated energy projects, protect critical systems, make sense of huge amounts of data, and support digital engineering. Employees across the lab are also using AI for practical, everyday tasks like summarizing information, sparking ideas, automating routine work, and finding answers faster. By weaving AI into both scientific work and day‑to‑day operations, INL is building the skills and tools it needs to stay a national leader in innovation.

That expectation extends beyond research. It is becoming part of every profession students will enter. Yet the questions in the room were not about keeping pace with technology. They were about protecting what matters most: our future workforce and the critical thinking skills students need to succeed.

“If students can generate answers instantly, how do we protect critical thinking?” one teacher asked.

Another asked how to prevent AI from becoming a shortcut instead of a support tool. Others wanted to know how to set boundaries, write policies and put meaningful guardrails in place.

Integrity is a core value at INL. Challenging assumptions, testing ideas and asking hard questions is required because national security and energy innovation demand it.

That same spirit shaped the training discussions. Teachers were not dismissing AI; they were interrogating it. They wanted to know how to use it responsibly, ethically and effectively for their students.

INL leaders emphasize that AI does not replace expertise. It helps researchers process information more efficiently and focus on higher level problem solving. The same principle applies in the classroom. AI can assist with lesson planning, differentiation, assessment support and data analysis. It can save time and spark ideas. It cannot replace professional judgment, relationships with students or the ability to cultivate curiosity.

Throughout the session, teachers worked through real classroom scenarios. They practiced refining prompts, discussed academic integrity and explored educator-focused AI tools. An INL expert panel — featuring a statistician, communications specialist and staff scientist − demonstrated real-world applications of AI within their respective fields.

Responsible and trustworthy AI means protecting personal information, verifying AI-generated content and ensuring technology supports rather than replaces human decision-making. Those principles shaped every part of the training.

Pooja Pawar, INL K-12 STEM computer science and cybersecurity outreach specialist, orchestrated the training. She framed it not as a workshop but as an opportunity for professional empowerment.

“Empowering educators to use AI goes far beyond teaching a new tool,” Pawar said. “It’s about giving them the confidence to lead the next generation. When teachers feel confident, they spark curiosity, encourage bold thinking, and help students approach the future with responsibility and purpose. That confidence can transform a classroom and shape how students see their own potential.”

Her message was clear. Teachers should not feel behind with emerging AI technology and how to use in their classrooms. They should feel equipped.

Students are already interacting with AI tools. They need guidance. They need to know how to question what AI produces and use it ethically. When educators gain confidence and practical strategies, they strengthen instruction and prepare students for a workforce that expects AI literacy.

Today’s students could one day design safer nuclear reactors, strengthen cybersecurity systems or develop advanced energy technologies. Many of those careers will require working alongside AI.

The transformation influencing research at a national laboratory is also influencing instruction across Idaho. Educators who lean in now will help define how AI is used rather than react to it.

INL’s message to educators is simple: bring your questions, your challenges and your passion for doing what is right for students. Together, educators and experts can ensure students are not just using AI but thinking critically alongside it and preparing to lead in a world that demands both innovation and integrity.

If you are interested in this training, please email pooja.pawar@inl.gov for upcoming training opportunities.

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

Pocatello Police Department’s Citizen Police Academy Is Accepting Applications

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Observer Staff
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(Pocatello Police Department, March 26, 2026; Cover photo credit: PPD FB)

The Pocatello Police Department is opening registration for its Citizen Police Academy. The academy is designed to create an open communication channel between community members and the Pocatello Police Department. Attendees will learn about patrol procedures, report writing, crime prevention, use of force, defensive tactics, crime scene investigations, evidence collection, DUI investigations, emergency vehicle operations, SWAT/K9 procedures, force simulator, police driving techniques, firearms training, explosive breaching, and dispatch procedures.

The academy is an eight-week program that begins on April 14th and ends on June 2nd. The class will be held every Tuesday evening from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Two “hands-on” classes will be offered on separate Saturdays during the academy. A graduation ceremony will be held on the last day of the academy.

Citizen Police Academy attendees are selected through an application process and required to undergo a basic background check. The deadline to apply for this class is April 10th at 5:00 pm. If you are interested in attending this academy, apply online at https://pocatello.seamlessdocs.com/f/PDcitizenacademy.
Written applications can be submitted to the Pocatello Police Department, 911 North 7th Avenue, or mailed to the Pocatello Police Department, P.O. Box 2877, Pocatello, ID 83206. For additional information, please contact Training and Services Coordinator, Jene Purman, at 208-234-6129.

ISP Investigates Semi Crash Near Chubbuck

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Observer Staff
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(Idaho State Police Press Release, March 27, 2026; Cover image credit: ISP FB)

BANNOCK COUNTY, ID – The Idaho State Police is investigating a single-commercial-vehicle crash that occurred on Friday, March 27, 2026, at 11:38 a.m. on northbound Interstate 15 at mile post 73, in Chubbuck.

A 44-year-old male, from Terreton, driving a 2017 Freightliner was headed north on Interstate 15, struck a barrier between northbound Interstate 15 and the off-ramp for exit 73.  The semi came to rest in the left lane. The driver was wearing his seatbelt.  Northbound Interstate 15 is restricted to one lane and traffic has been rerouted off the northbound 73 off ramp while the area is being cleaned up.

This crash is under investigation by the Idaho State Police.

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