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Guest Columnist Brian Almon–We Can Vote Our Way Out of This

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Observer Staff
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(Image Credit: Gem State Chronicle)

August 10, 2026 (Cover Image Credit: Gem State Chronicle)

We Can Vote Our Way Out of This
There’s No Other Option

By: Brian Almon

Brian Almon

Spend enough time in conservative circles, especially on social media, and you’ll inevitably hear people say “we can’t vote our way out of this.” Such statements often result from frustration about election results, or a perceived betrayal by political figures we once supported. The implication is that we’ve reached our own 1776 moment, requiring action that goes beyond participating in our current political process.

Of course, the people who make such statements don’t usually have any plans beyond continued posting on social media. How many of us are really and truly prepared to pledge our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor in the course of violent revolution against the government? Because that’s the only real alternative to voting, isn’t it? Americans have always had four boxes available to us: the soapbox, the jury box, the ballot box, and the cartridge box. By saying we can’t vote our way out, we are really saying that the fourth box is the only remaining option.

But it’s not true. Your vote is a powerful tool to change society for the better. Consider the two different courses of history that were possible on November 5, 2024: Down one path, under Kamala Harris, was a society that would most likely resemble the modern United Kingdom, doubling down on replacement migration, radical gender hysteria, and jailing people for unapproved social media posts. Down the other, under Donald Trump, we have a closed border, significant reform of our immigration system, the biggest reduction in the federal government in more than half a century, a reversal of the DEI regime, and so much more.

President Trump isn’t perfect, and there are still things that his administration has done that I don’t support. But the alternative was never a magical libertarian utopia.

Conundrum Cluster posted a great essay on the subject that I encourage you to read: “Always chimp”: A fundamentally defective strategy with no hope of success

Your vote determines whether your city approves more high-rise apartment complexes or affordable single-family homes. Your vote determines whether your county raises taxes, or lowers them. Your vote determines if the Legislature protects children, or allows them to be exploited.

It’s easy to go on social media and complain, but it’s just as easy to vote.

It’s easy to go on social media and say we can’t vote our way out of this, while wishing and hoping that some strongman will arrive and set everything aright. But it’s harder to be part of the change you want to see. If you really want to make a difference, then take the next step and get involved. Knock doors for a candidate in whom you believe. Phone bank for your local Republican Party. Donate money to a cause that makes a real difference. Step into the arena and for office yourself.

I’ve put much time and energy into the Gem State Chronicle, and especially Idaho Insider, because I believe that we can make a difference through the political process. I want you to have the tools to be the most effective citizen of our Republic that you can be. We can vote our way out of this, and God willing, we will.

About Brian Almon

Brian Almon is the Editor of the Gem State Chronicle. He also serves as Chairman of the District 14 Republican Party and is a trustee of the Eagle Public Library Board. He lives with his wife and five children in Eagle.

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

President Donald J. Trump Delivers Gold Standard Childhood Vaccine Recommendations for Americans

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Observer Staff
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(White House Fact Sheet, August 10, 2026)

Washington, D.C.–DELIVERING GOLD STANDARD CHILDHOOD VACCINE RECOMMENDATIONS: [On Monday], President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to recognize Gold Standard Childhood Vaccine Recommendations that maximize parental choices over vaccinations for their children and align three categories of childhood immunizations with scientific evidence and best practices from peer, developed countries.

  • The Order provides recommendations that give parents more information and options when making immunization decisions for their children.
    • The Order recommends all children get immunizations to provide protection for 11 diseases – a decrease from the 18 diseases recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2024. Immunizations no longer recommended for all children are now recommended for shared clinical decision-making, ensuring that parents have all options available to them.
    • The Order recommends separating out the combined MMR vaccine into three single-disease shots and recommends administering all vaccines during separate medical visits to give parents more options regarding the timing and frequency of this vaccine administration.
    • States that enact school vaccine requirements are advised to consider the Gold Standard Childhood Vaccine Recommendations and consider updating their laws to reflect the recommendations.
    • All Federal agencies are advised to advance the Gold Standard Childhood Vaccine Recommendations based on their relevant authorities to ensure Americans have the best scientific information.
  • The Order maximizes parental choice over childhood vaccines by promoting State compliance with constitutional and Federal law related to parental authority, religious freedom, disability accommodations, and equal protection under the law, including States’ obligations to provide religious and medical exemptions from childhood and adolescent immunization requirement.
  • The Order directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the HHS Task Force on Safer Childhood Vaccines, to present plans to the President to improve vaccine research and options for American parents, including continuous evaluation of the risk and benefit profiles of all childhood vaccines based on U.S. and international data.

ENSURING AMERICANS ARE RECEIVING THE BEST MEDICAL ADVICE IN THE WORLD: HHS’ January 2026 scientific assessment compared U.S. childhood immunization recommendations with those of peer nations, analyzed vaccine uptake and public trust, evaluated clinical and epidemiological evidence and knowledge gaps, and examined vaccine mandates.

  • The scientific assessment found that the United States currently recommends more childhood vaccines than any peer nation, including more than twice as many vaccine doses as some European nations, and identified a set of consensus vaccines that are consistently recommended in all peer countries.
    • In 1980, American children following the CDC immunization schedule received 23 vaccine doses in 7 shots against 7 different diseases. In 2024, the recommended number of routine vaccines had risen to at least 84 vaccine doses in at least 57 shots for 17 diseases, plus the RSV monoclonal antibody immunization for a total of 18 diseases. This is more than other developed nations.
    • The scientific assessment recommends prioritizing 11 routine childhood vaccines, while preserving flexibility for parents and doctors to make individualized decisions for higher-risk children through shared clinical decision-making.
  • The scientific assessment also found that, instead of implementing vaccination mandates, most peer nations maintain high childhood vaccination rates through public trust and education.
    • The U.S. is among a minority of peer nations with childhood vaccine mandates (enacted by individual U.S. states) for school entry.
  • By signing [Monday’s] Executive Order, President Trump is reaffirming his commitment to gold standard science, ensuring Americans receive the best possible medical advice, and empowering patients and doctors with maximum flexibility.

MAKING OUR CHILDREN HEALTHY AGAIN: President Trump is committed to building a healthier future for America, starting with our youngest generation.

  • In February 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order establishing the President’s MAHA Commission, tasking the Commission with investigating and addressing the root causes of America’s escalating health crisis, with an initial focus on childhood chronic diseases.
  • The Trump Administration ended the blanket recommendation for all children to get the COVID-19 vaccine, updating its recommendation to be based on shared clinical decision-making between patients and clinicians.
  • In May 2025, the MAHA Commission released the Make Our Children Healthy Again Assessment, summarizing what is known and what questions remain regarding the childhood chronic disease crisis.
  • In September 2025, the MAHA Commission released the Make Our Children Healthy Again Strategy, a sweeping plan with more than 120 initiatives to reverse the failed policies that fueled America’s childhood chronic disease epidemic. The strategy prioritized development of a vaccine framework that ensures America has the best childhood vaccine schedule.
  • In December 2025, President Trump signed a Presidential Memorandum beginning the process to align U.S. core childhood vaccine recommendations with best practices from peer, developed countries.
    • At President Trump’s direction, HHS conducted the aforementioned scientific assessment on childhood vaccination recommendations.
  • In May, President Trump signed an Executive Order realigning United States core childhood vaccine recommendations with best practices from peer, developed countries.

P.A.G.E.: Pocatello City Council, PD to Discuss Flock Cameras at Thursday’s Work Session

By
Observer Staff
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Pocatello for Accountable Government Entities: Keeping Government Accountable

(Pocatello For Accountable Government Entities, August 10, 2026)

For those following the National and/or Idaho Flock debate issue —

FLOCK CAMERA POLICIES AND USAGE is a topic on the City of Pocatello’s Work Session Agenda for Thursday, 08/13/26 at 9:00 a.m.
Agenda Item # 9 states:
“Pocatello Police Department staff will be present to discuss and receive Council feedback about the Pocatello Police Department’s Flock camera policies, procedures, and usage.”
Please note that WORK SESSIONS are working meetings between Council and Staff and there is NO public comment during these meetings. That is their normal practice.
Agenda Item #9’s PDF is a 100- page document. The first 12 pages are attached to this post.
The full document may be viewed at the link provided below and includes the contract, audits, etc.
08/13/26 Work Session Agenda Item # 9:

08/13/26 Work Session Agenda:

https://pocatello.gov/Agen…/ViewFile/Agenda/_08132026-1941

HHS Sec. Kennedy Announces Landmark Food Policy Reforms to Advance President Trump’s MAHA Agenda

By
Observer Staff
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(U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Press Release, August 10, 2026)

WASHINGTON, D.C.—AUGUST 10, 2026—The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced two landmark actions to modernize federal oversight of food ingredients and establish a stronger scientific foundation for future nutrition policy. HHS proposed a rule requiring manufacturers to notify the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) when concluding that the use of a substance added to human or animal food is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) and, alongside the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), submitted for final review the federal government’s first proposed definition of ultra-processed foods (UPFs).

“Nearly 60% of the American diet is made up of ultra-processed foods, and childhood obesity now affects more than one in five American children,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “We cannot reverse America’s chronic disease epidemic without transforming our food system. These historic actions bring greater transparency to what’s in our food and stronger science to federal nutrition policy. President Trump and I promised to Make America Healthy Again, and today we are turning that promise into policy.”

“President Trump has been committed to Making America Healthy Again since the start of his administration and today’s announcement is another step to achieving that goal. Secretary Kennedy has brought renewed attention to the food all Americans have been eating, and this action will bring greater transparency for consumers choosing their ingredients,”said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. “Our nation’s farmers and ranchers are at the frontline in the MAHA mission, and we will continue to put real, healthy food at the top of the agenda every day in the Trump Administration.”

“Americans deserve confidence that the ingredients in their food are subject to transparent, science-based oversight, and today’s actions strengthen both sides of that equation,” said Acting FDA Commissioner Kyle Diamantas, J.D. “By proposing mandatory GRAS notifications, we are closing critical information gaps and giving the FDA greater visibility into substances entering the food supply. By advancing a proposed definition of ultra-processed foods, we seek to create a stronger foundation for future nutrition research. Together, these reforms represent a significant step toward a more transparent and modern food safety system.”

FDA Proposes Stronger Oversight of Food Ingredients

The FDA issued a proposed rule that would require manufacturers to notify the agency whenever they conclude that the use of a substance added to human or animal food is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS). The proposal would modernize the GRAS framework, increase transparency, and give the FDA greater visibility into substances entering the food supply.

Since Congress established the GRAS exemption in 1958, manufacturers have been permitted to reach their own conclusions that certain substances are generally recognized as safe under the conditions of their intended use. Although the FDA has long operated voluntary notification programs, companies have not been required to notify the agency when making these determinations.

The proposed rule would modernize that framework by making GRAS notifications mandatory and expanding the public-facing inventory of submitted notices, significantly improving transparency while strengthening the FDA’s ability to oversee ingredients entering the food supply.

For substances already on the market based on industry self-GRAS conclusions, the proposal would establish a time-limited streamlined submission pathway that would allow manufacturers to provide the FDA with information about existing uses. This enables the agency to prioritize post-market safety evaluations while minimizing unnecessary regulatory burden.

Definition of Ultra-Processed Foods

HHS and USDA submitted for final review the federal government’s first proposed definition of UPFs.

Although research has linked high consumption of UPFs to preventable chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes and heart disease, the absence of a standardized federal definition has limited research consistency across the federal government. The proposed definition incorporates feedback from thousands of stakeholders, including industry, consumer organizations, researchers, and members of the public.

Today’s actions further implement the Trump Administration’s Make America Healthy Again Strategy Report and build on recent efforts to strengthen nutrition science, improve transparency, and modernize oversight of the nation’s food supply.

HHS also encourages Congress to build on these efforts through legislation that further strengthens the safety of the American food supply.

Pocatello PD Releases July Service and Crime Statistics

By
Karyn Simmons
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0

August 11, 2026 (Cover photo credit: PPD FB)

Pocatello–The Pocatello Police Department has released a trio of “By the Numbers” reports for the month of July.  The reports give a preliminary snapshot of the types and amounts of police dispatch calls, ordinance enforcement incidents, and police responses that took place last month.  The Department emphasizes that all “numbers are preliminary and subject to change as information is updated.”  The details of the reports are quoted below:

“Transparency helps keep our community informed. During the month of July, the Pocatello Police Department responded to 2,705 calls for service throughout the city.

The crime statistics below provide a snapshot of reported incidents during the month. Burglaries include both residential and vehicle burglaries.

Thank you for helping us keep Pocatello a safe place to live, work, and visit. If you see suspicious activity, report it to dispatch by calling our non-emergency line at 208-234-6100, or dial 911 in an emergency.“

“DISPATCH BY THE NUMBERS | July 2026
TOTAL PHONE CALLS: 17,479
 
The total number of phone calls includes:
🚨 Emergency Calls
📞 Non-Emergency Calls
👮 Law Enforcement
🚑 EMS
🚒 Fire-Related Calls
📲 Outgoing Calls Made by Dispatch”
 

“ORDINANCE BY THE NUMBERS | July 2026
Total Calls: 479
 
WHAT DOES ORDINANCE ENFORCEMENT PRIMARILY HANDLE?
🐾 Animal Problems – Responding to complaints involving animals, including loose, nuisance, or animal welfare.
🚗 VIN Inspections – Conducting vehicle identification number inspections for qualifying vehicles.
🏠 Code Enforcement – Addressing property and municipal code violations to help keep our community safe and maintained.
🚙 Abandoned Vehicles – Investigating and addressing vehicles that appear abandoned or in violation of city regulations.
🅿️ Parking Problems – Responding to parking complaints and enforcing city parking regulations.”

Employment Opportunities with Bannock County

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Observer Staff
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(Bannock County HR, August 7, 2026)

Deputy Sheriff – Detention
Bannock County – Pocatello, ID
Read the full job description:  CLICK HERE!

Juvenile Probation Officer
Bannock County – Pocatello, ID
Read the full job description:  CLICK HERE!

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
Bannock County – Pocatello, ID
Read the full job description:  CLICK HERE!

For a complete list of available jobs… please visit our career site at: https://bannockcounty.applicantpro.com

Guest Columnist Rep. Heather Scott – Idaho Opens the Kitchen Door: New Opportunities for Families, Farmers & Entrepreneurs

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Observer Staff
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0

August 7, 2026

Idaho Opens the Kitchen Door:
New Opportunities for Families, Farmers & Entrepreneurs

By: Idaho Representative Heather Scott

Idaho Representative Heather Scott

What if that homemade salsa everyone asks you for could become a small business? What about your grandmother’s famous cinnamon rolls, cookie recipe, homemade jam, or other family favorites? In Idaho, these opportunities can now become reality.

This year, Idaho passed the Direct-to-Consumer Commerce Law, reducing regulations and expanding the freedom of Idahoans to produce and sell homemade foods directly to consumers. Instead of requiring small producers to operate expensive commercial kitchens under regulations designed for large food manufacturers, the new law creates a simpler path for entrepreneurs to turn homemade products into small businesses and neighbors to sell directly to neighbors.

Idahoans can now produce and sell baked goods, jams and jellies, pickles and fermented foods, sauces and condiments, soup mixes, candy, granola, honey, dried and dehydrated foods, freeze-dried foods, pasta and dough, certain jerky products, cooked vegetables, certain nonalcoholic beverages and more, directly to consumers!

The idea behind the law is simple: Idahoans should have greater freedom to produce food, be entrepreneurial, and choose who they buy their food from.

Think of the potential economic boost this will have for families across Idaho.

A mom who loves baking could earn extra money for her family. A retired couple could turn produce from their garden into jams and pickles. A young entrepreneur could test a freeze-dried food business without investing tens of thousands of dollars into a commercial facility. A family recipe passed down for generations could become the beginning of a new Idaho business venture. The possibilities are endless.

This isn’t just about entrepreneurship, it’s also about food security, healthy food products and stronger more self-reliant communities. COVID reminded us how quickly store shelves can empty and supply chains can be disrupted. The more Idahoans who know how to grow, preserve, prepare and sell food locally, the more self-reliant our communities become. It also encourages skills Americans relied upon for generations like gardening, canning, preserving, baking, fermenting, dehydrating and turning locally grown food into products that can be stored, sold and shared.

More gardens. More farms. More home producers. More local food. More choices. Better health. Stronger families.

Greater freedom comes with responsibility, and producers still have requirements involving disclosures, ingredients, contact information, safe handling of applicable foods and recordkeeping. Certain products, like meat and dairy products, may be governed by additional requirements, and this law primarily creates a framework for direct-to-consumer sales within Idaho, not wholesale commercial food manufacturing.

Government doesn’t always have to respond to an issue by creating another license, fee, permit or bureaucracy. Sometimes the better answer is to remove unnecessary barriers and give responsible people room to create.

And maybe, the next great Idaho food company won’t begin in a corporate boardroom, but rather begin with a garden, a family recipe, and an Idaho kitchen.

If you’ve ever had someone tell you “You should sell this,” now might be the time to give it a try!

In Liberty,

Rep. Heather Scott

City of Pocatello Names Shane Grow as New Fire Chief

By
Observer Staff
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Pocatello Fire Department's new "Tiller Truck," Truck 1

(City of Pocatello Press Release, August 7, 2026; Cover photo credit: City of Pocatello)

Pocatello Fire Chief Shane Grow (photo credit: City of Pocatello)

The City of Pocatello is pleased to announce the appointment of Shane Grow as the City’s new Fire Chief, effective August 8, 2026.

A Pocatello native, Grow brings nearly 25 years of experience with the Pocatello Fire Department and a lifelong commitment to serving his hometown.

After graduating from Highland High School, Grow earned his bachelor’s degree from Idaho State University before spending several years in Portland, Oregon. He returned to Pocatello to begin his career with the Fire Department, where he has since served in numerous leadership and specialized roles.

Throughout his career, Grow has held nearly every position within the department. He served as a paramedic for 17 years, has been a member of the Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Team for 23 years, and has served on the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Team for 15 years. Most recently, he served as Battalion Chief for three years before being promoted to Assistant Chief of Operations, a position he has held for the past four years.

“Shane Grow has a 24-year track record with the Pocatello Fire Department. I’ve enjoyed getting to know him over the past few months. He’s taken on positions of increasing responsibility and performed each one of them admirably. He is calm and decisive under pressure and will use his tactical training background to the community’s benefit. I look forward to working with him in his elevated role. We are fortunate to have someone of Shane’s caliber as our new fire chief,” said Mayor Mark Dahlquist.

As Fire Chief, Grow will oversee the department’s operations, personnel, emergency response, fire prevention, and community risk reduction efforts.

“I’m honored by the opportunity to serve as Fire Chief in the community that has given so much to me,” said Grow. “The men and women of the Pocatello Fire Department are among the best in the profession, and I look forward to working alongside them as we continue providing exceptional service and protecting the people of Pocatello.”

Bannock County Commissioners Meetings, August 10-14, 2026

By
Observer Staff
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0

(Bannock County Press Release, August 7, 2026; Cover Photo Credit: Bannock County)

Bannock County Commissioners Meetings, August 10-14, 2026

Monday, August 10, 2026:

  • There are no meetings scheduled at this time.

Tuesday, August 11, 2026:

  • 9:00 AM Business Meeting (action items)

View Agenda and Meeting Packet

Wednesday, August 12, 2026:

  • There are no meetings scheduled at this time.

Thursday, August 13, 2026:

  • 9:00 AM Work Session and Claims Meeting (action items)

The Work Session Agenda will be updated on Monday, August 10, 2026.

Friday, August 14, 2026:

  • There are no meetings scheduled at this time.

(The information packets for the business meeting and work session can be found at http://www.bannockcounty.gov. Scroll down and click on “Agendas and Minutes” then click on the information packet for the meeting that you are interested in.)

 

About BOCC Meetings

The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is comprised of the three elected County Commissioners: Ernie Moser (District 1, Chair), Jeff Hough (District 2), and Ken Bullock (District 3).

The BOCC generally meets twice a week: regular business meetings are on Tuesdays at 9:00 a.m. and work sessions are on Thursdays at 9:00 a.m. Meetings are generally held in the Commissioner’s Chambers at 624 E Center, Room 212, Pocatello, Idaho, unless otherwise noted. Times subject to change within 15 minutes of stated time.

During these meetings, the BOCC may: approve contracts, expend funds, hear testimony, make decisions on land use cases and take care of other County matters, and are open to the public.

City of Pocatello Calendar for August 10-14, 2026

By
Observer Staff
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(City of Pocatello Press Release, August 8, 2026; Cover Photo Credit: City of Pocatello)

City of Pocatello Calendar of Meetings ~ August 10-14, 2026

MONDAY, AUGUST 10

  • Human Relations Advisory Committee Meeting 5:30 p.m., Council Chambers

TUESDAY, AUGUST 11

  • Site Plan Review 1:30 p.m., Paradice Conference Room
  • Library Board Special Meeting 4:00 p.m., 113 S. Garfield Avenue

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12

  • Golf Advisory Committee Meeting 1:00 p.m., 144 Wilson Avenue
  • Planning & Zoning Commission Clarification Meeting 6:00 p.m., Council Chambers
  • Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting 6:30 p.m., Council Chambers

THURSDAY, AUGUST 13

  • City Council Work Session 9:00 a.m., Council Chambers
  • Hearing Examiner 5:30 p.m., Council Chambers

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14

  • No Meetings Scheduled

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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.
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