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Guest Columnist Rep. Heather Scott: Idaho Legislators Receive White House Briefing on President Trump’s Administration Priorities

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Observer Staff
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July 31, 2026

Idaho Legislators Receive White House Briefing on President Trump’s Administration Priorities

By: Idaho Representative Heather Scott

Idaho Representative Heather Scott

This week, I had the opportunity to join over 30 other Idaho state legislators at the White House State Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. The conference was hosted by the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs and brought together Idaho lawmakers to hear directly from senior officials in the Trump Administration.

Throughout the day, we received briefings from executive branch employees representing the Departments of State, Interior, Homeland Security, Agriculture, Health and Human Services, the Domestic Policy Council, the Office of Political Affairs, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, and the White House Chief Technology Officer. These discussions provided an overview of the Administration’s priorities and the direction it is moving . It was encouraging to hear that many of these policies would be beneficial to our state and local communities and actually reduce the size and scope of the federal government.

The purpose of the conference was to strengthen communication between the federal government and Idaho legislators and to personally connect us with federal contacts to help us deal with questions and concerns with federal policies. This gathering provided an opportunity to better understand the Administration’s agenda, ask questions, and learn what federal policy initiatives may impact Idaho and other states.

We had the opportunity to see some of our own Idahoans who had been recruited to help the Trump Administration, including Alex Adams and former Representative Wendy Horman. Senator Risch hosted a social event the first evening which was a great way to welcome us to Washington D.C.

The White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs serves as President Trump’s primary liaison to state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, helping coordinate efforts across all levels of government.

As one of your representatives, I believe it is important to stay informed about federal initiatives that could affect Idaho. Hearing directly from federal executive branch officials allows me to better understand national priorities while continuing to advocate for the interests and sovereignty of our state.

I spent the afternoon before I flew back home visiting some of the historic monuments and sights in the big city. I was happy to finally see the WW2 Memorial, in honor of my grandfathers who both fought in the war. It’s amazing to think that George Washington was in the same area with his troops over 200 years ago!

I appreciated the opportunity to represent Idaho at this event and will continue working to ensure Idaho’s voice is heard in federal conversations that shape our nation’s future.

In Liberty,

Rep. Heather Scott

Idaho Secretary of State: Are You Smarter than a Fourth Grader?

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Observer Staff
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(Idaho Secretary of State, July 31, 2026)

If you want to know what makes Idaho special, its beauty, its history, and its personality, just ask a fourth grader.

When student groups visit the Capitol, one of my favorite traditions is quizzing them on Idaho’s state symbols. Over the years, state symbols have been one of the ways Idaho students have successfully participated in the legislative process and left their mark on our state’s history. Idaho’s students advocated for many of Idaho’s symbols, from the Appaloosa as our state horse to Oryctodromeus as our state dinosaur. And just this year, a determined nine-year-old from Twin Falls successfully championed hunting as Idaho’s official state sport.

This November, it’s our turn. Idaho voters will have the opportunity to weigh in on a non-binding advisory question regarding a proposed state gun. Keep an eye out for more information in the upcoming Idaho Voter Pamphlet.

To celebrate all of Idaho’s official symbols, we recently launched a new State Symbols webpage at sos.idaho.gov, featuring photographs, history, and fun facts behind every one of them. I encourage you to take a few minutes to explore it.

I like to say I’m a proud fourth-generation Idaho history nerd, so here are a few of my favorite facts about Idaho symbols:

The Oryctodromeus – State Dinosaur
If you picture dinosaurs as giant, roaring reptiles, Idaho’s state dinosaur might surprise you. About the size of a Golden Retriever, the Oryctodromeus lived in burrows, likely raised its young, and roamed what is now eastern Idaho.
The Appaloosa – State Horse
Idaho’s state horse gets its name from the Palouse country of northern Idaho and neighboring Washington, where the Nez Perce Tribe developed these remarkable horses for intelligence, endurance, and speed. Today, the Appaloosa is recognized around the world, but its story begins right here in the Northwest.
The Star Garnet – State Gem
Idaho’s state gemstone belongs to one of the world’s most exclusive clubs. Star garnets are found naturally in only two places on Earth: Idaho and India. That’s pretty remarkable.
The Syringa – State Flower
Idaho’s state flower has a story all its own. Meriwether Lewis first documented it during the Lewis and Clark Expedition, giving it the scientific name Philadelphus lewisii. Long before that, Native American tribes used their strong shrub branches to make bows, arrows, and cradles.

The Symbol That Almost Was

Not every proposal becomes law. In 2012, lawmakers considered making the Blue Heeler Idaho’s official state dog. Supporters praised the breed’s ranching heritage and work ethic, but legislators ultimately decided that Idaho shouldn’t choose one favorite breed.

It wasn’t the only proposed symbol that failed to make the final cut. Others include the:

  • Silver-Tipped Sagebrush as the state bush.
  • Western Rattlesnake as the state reptile.
  • Rainbow Trout and White Sturgeon, two other fish that were proposed before the Cutthroat Trout was chosen.

Idaho’s state symbols tell the story of our people, our landscapes, and the traditions that have shaped this remarkable place. They also remind us that some of Idaho’s best ideas have come from Idaho students.

I hope you’ll take a few minutes to explore Idaho’s state symbols at sos.idaho.gov. You might discover something you never knew about our state, and maybe even find out whether you’re smarter than a fourth grader.

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.

Boise Man Charged with Attempting to Fraudulently Obtain U.S. Citizenship

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Observer Staff
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(U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Idaho, July 24, 2026)

A federal grand jury in the District of Idaho returned an indictment last week charging Miran Kostic, 66, of Boise, Idaho, a national of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with lying while attempting to obtain U.S. citizenship.

According to court documents, Kostic was a high-level official in the so-called Autonomous Province of Western Bosnia (APZB). In that role, he pistol-whipped prisoners, beat them with wooden clubs, stakes, and his fists, and kicked them, causing them to lose consciousness. He forced prisoners to beat each other, and he also ordered other members of the APZB to beat prisoners. In his applications to become a U.S. citizen and in interviews with the FBI and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), he repeatedly lied about the abuse he participated in and ordered, and failed to disclose charges filed against him in Bosnia and Herzegovina for war crimes, among other lies.

Kostic is charged with attempted naturalization fraud and making material false statements to law enforcement agents. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for each charge of attempted naturalization fraud, and five years in prison for the false statements charge.

“Miran Kostic benefited from U.S. residency for decades and ultimately attempted to become a naturalized citizen, all while concealing the human rights abuses he committed in Bosnia and Herzegovina.” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Individuals who commit atrocities abroad and lie to immigration authorities to seek safe haven in the United States will be investigated and prosecuted. The integrity of our naturalization process and the enforcement of our immigration laws are paramount concerns.”

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is proud to work with our partners to ensure federal immigration laws are followed and are properly enforced,” said U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis for the District of Idaho.

“Citizenship is a privilege that must be earned with honesty and integrity,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge April Miller of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Seattle. “HSI will not allow the naturalization process to be undermined by fraud. We remain steadfast in our commitment to investigate and prosecute those who conceal their criminal backgrounds to illegally obtain status.”

“Kostic’s attempt to conceal his violent history in order to obtain U.S. citizenship will not be tolerated,” said Assistant Director Heith Janke of the FBI’s Criminal Division. “We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to investigate fraud and hold individuals accountable for violating our nation’s laws.”

HSI and FBI are investigating the case, with coordination provided by the Department of Homeland Security’s Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ Office of Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS), along with the FBI’s International Human Rights Unit. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs (OIA) provided significant assistance by securing the evidence for prosecution of Kostic. The Justice Department thanks the Ministry of Justice of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the United Nations International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, which were instrumental in furthering the investigation.

Trial Attorney Elizabeth Nielsen of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate Horwitz for the District of Idaho are prosecuting the case.

Members of the public who have information about human rights violators in the United States are urged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALLFBI (1-800-225-5324) or through the FBI’s online tip form at tips.fbi.gov/, or Homeland Security Investigations at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE (1-866-347-2423) or through ICE’s online tip form at www.ice.gov/webform/ice-tip-form.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

P.A.G.E. Says Commissioner Hough Leaked Privileged Documents; Hough Denies Claim

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Observer Staff
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Pocatello for Accountable Government Entities: Keeping Government Accountable

August 3, 2026

Pocatello–In a Facebook post published last Friday, local government watchdog group Pocatello for Accountable Government Entities claimed that Bannock County Commissioner Jeff Hough “leaked [a] privileged document to [a] special interest [group].”  The full post says:

Bannock County COMMISSIONER HOUGH leaked a draft of the Land Use & Development Ordinance (LUDO) protected by ATTORNEY CLIENT privilege to 3rd party SPECIAL INTEREST, Balanced Rock Power, through their attorney, Dustin Manwaring. Balance Rock Power is the solar energy company that was seeking a land use permit in 2024 for the 2400-acre Harmon Solar Project. A countywide ban on large-scale solar projects was put in place by a vote of 2-1 (Hough dissenting) in 2024.

The attached email documents the 06/09/26 LEAK of the protected draft Land Use & Development Ordinance (LUDO) legislation.
Many private citizens had requested and were denied this Ordinance draft (including a representative of P.A.G.E.) due to the County’s determination it was protected by ATTORNEY CLIENT privilege.
The Planning Director reported in the 07/14/26 Commissioners meeting that they had received feedback comments from some SPECIAL INTEREST group(s). All feedback was to be reviewed by the Planning Council at a yet-to-be scheduled public hearing meeting. A record request is pending to verify the quantity and content of this feedback – anticipated to be specific to the Ordinance language.
COMMISSIONER HOUGH’S LEAK on 06/09/26 provided the SPECIAL INTEREST early access to the 168-page Ordinance draft – a full 5 weeks (or 35 days) before the Commissioners (as a whole) were apprised of the “publics’ knowledge” of the LEAK essentially forcing the early release of the Ordinance draft to the general public on 07/14/26 with a 15-day comment period. WATCH the video linked below.
Had the leak not become public knowledge, the draft document would have eventually been published with a minimum of 15-day review for public comment prior to a public hearing at a future yet-to-be published date, many weeks after SPECIAL INTERESTS’ access.
COMMISSIONER HOUGH exercised extremely poor judgment in this behind-the-scenes PREFERENTIAL treatment of this special-interest group and compromised the integrity of the process that County Planning and Development Services has worked extremely hard to protect with the ultimate goal of ensuring a legal and fair process for all parties. COMMISSIONER HOUGH’S action opens the door to the perception and belief he has been working behind the scenes to ensure a document favorable to SPECIAL INTERESTS.
The public has the right (and duty) to monitor the actions of their government. It took a few emails and some strongly worded advocation to receive this first responsive record from Bannock County. Additional responsive documents are pending.
The public should ask – had this email NOT (accidentally?) been provided in a public record request creating public knowledge, would this information have been ethically disclosed to the public?
Elected officials should be open to listening to all parties rather than favoring SPECIAL INTERESTS when creating ordinances. COMMISSIONER HOUGH has clearly displayed his allegiances do not lie with the general public and, in our opinion, he cannot be trusted to serve the public as a neutral and unbiased contributor to this Ordinance decision moving forward.
This betrayal of trust and abuse of power is not acceptable from any elected official and yet another example of why the public does not trust their government.
COMMISSIONER HOUGH should RECUSE himself from any further participation, deliberation, or vote in the matter of the Ordinance.
To weigh in on this matter, you can contact the Commissioners and cc: the County Legal Department with your views.

WATCH THE 07/14/26 VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGjAIwwJxqc&t=1809s

P.A.G.E. reached out to Commissioner Hough requesting a response; he gave the following statement:

“As a commissioner, I’ve learned that you can’t control every headline or accusation thrown your way—you can only control your own conduct and your commitment to the process.

My job is to listen to every voice that comes to the table and help build the best policy for Bannock County. No single draft, no early feedback, no outside group—whether a solar company, an agricultural association, or a neighborhood coalition—gets preferential standing in this process. Every page of this 168-page ordinance belongs to the public. That’s why we posted it online and extended the review period: to make sure every resident has the time and space to scrutinize this document and shape the final vote in the light of day.”

Idaho Department of Lands Urges Extreme Caution as Critical Fire Weather Moves Across Idaho

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Observer Staff
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(Idaho Department of Lands Press Release, July 31, 2026)

BOISE, Idaho – The Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) is urging the public to exercise extreme caution this weekend [August 2-3] as hot, dry, and windy weather creates conditions favorable for rapid wildfire growth across much of the state.

Forecasted weather conditions are expected to produce elevated to extreme fire behavior potential, allowing new wildfires to spread quickly and challenge initial attack efforts. Even a small spark has the potential to become a fast-moving wildfire under these conditions.

While firefighters remain prepared to respond, wildfire activity across Idaho and neighboring states has significantly increased demand for firefighting resources. Personnel, engines, aircraft, and specialized equipment are currently assigned to numerous large incidents throughout the western United States, reducing the availability of additional resources should new fires occur.

Preventing human-caused wildfires is the most effective way to protect Idaho’s communities, natural resources, and firefighters during periods of heightened fire danger.

“Every wildfire that doesn’t start is one less incident requiring firefighters and equipment that are already stretched across the region,” said Mike McManus, Deputy Division Administrator – Fire. “This weekend’s weather will allow fires to spread rapidly. We need every Idahoan to do their part to prevent accidental ignitions.”

IDL encourages residents and visitors to take extra precautions while recreating or working outdoors by:

  • Never parking or driving vehicles on dry grass.
  • Ensuring trailer safety chains do not drag on roadways.
  • Completely extinguishing campfires before leaving them unattended.
  • Following all local fire restrictions and closures.
  • Avoiding activities that generate sparks near dry vegetation.

Fire managers will continue to monitor weather conditions throughout the weekend and are prepared to respond to new incidents as they occur. However, public cooperation remains one of the most effective tools in reducing wildfire risk during periods of critical fire weather.

For current fire restrictions, wildfire information, and wildfire prevention resources, and to sign up for wildfire alerts, please visit idl.idaho.gov.

Bannock County Is Hiring

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Observer Staff
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(Bannock County HR, July 31, 2026)

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

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

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

Booking Deputy
Bannock County – Pocatello
Read the full job description:  CLICK HERE!

Facilities Assistant
Bannock County – Pocatello
Read the full job description:  CLICK HERE!

Accountant & Payroll Specialist
Bannock County – Pocatello
Read the full job description:  CLICK HERE!

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

Bannock County Commissioners Meetings, August 3-7, 2026

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Observer Staff
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(Bannock County Press Release, July 31, 2026; Cover Photo Credit: Bannock County)

Bannock County Commissioners Meetings, August 3-7, 2026

Monday, August 3, 2026:

  • 9:00 AM Fact-finding Field Trip
  • 11:00 AM Follow-up discussion regarding the FY27 budget with possible Executive Session regarding personnel with potential action following Executive Session (action item)

Tuesday, August 4, 2026:

  • 9:00 AM Business Meeting (action items)
  • 10:00 AM Follow-up discussion regarding the FY27 budget with possible Executive Session regarding personnel with potential action following Executive Session (action item)

Wednesday, August 5, 2026:

  • There are no meetings scheduled at this time.

Thursday, August 6, 2026:

  • 9:00 AM Work Session and Claims Meeting (action items) – The Work Session Agenda will be updated on Monday, August 3, 2026.
  • 10:00 AM Bid Opening RFQ for Architectural Design Services (action item)

Friday, August 7, 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.

Pocatello: Road Closure and Traffic Report for Week of August 3, 2026

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Observer Staff
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(Photo Credit: City of Pocatello)

July 31, 2026 (Cover Photo Credit: City of Pocatello)

The City of Pocatello’s Road Construction & Traffic Report for the week of August 3, 2026, has been published and may be read here.

Highlights include:

  • Street sweepers are currently performing their regular sweeping schedule.
  • The Street Services crew will be patching potholes and curb lines throughout the City.
  • Traffic Operations crews are repainting crosswalks throughout the City.
  • Crews will be jetting and cleaning sewer mainlines throughout the City.
  • Street Services will be fog sealing streets around the city; the schedule may be seen here.
  • Street Services will be milling and paving East Pine Street from Pershing Avenue to Park Avenue.
  • Fairway Drive will be closed between Von Elm Lane and Bench Road for water line connections.
  • Work continues on the water mainline replacement project on Gray Ave. and Howard Ave. between West Alameda Rd. and West Eldredge Rd.
  • Demolition of the Monarch Building continues.
  • Work continues on the Benton Street Bridge over the Portneuf River. West Benton Street remains closed between South Hayes Avenue and South Grant Avenue. Construction is anticipated to be finished by the end of September, weather and other unforeseen conditions permitting.
  • The 100 block of South Garfield will be closed from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Tuesday, August 4, for National Night Out.
  • South Lincoln Ave between West Whitman Street and W Bonneville Street will be closed from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM for a block party.
  • The 100 and 200 blocks of North Main Street will be closed on Saturday, August 8, from 2:00 PM to midnight, for the annual Molinelli’s Rock the Block Party.
  • South Garfield Avenue between Center Street and West Lewis Street will be closed from 2 PM to 9 PM on Mondays for Curbside Cravings.
  • South Garfield Avenue between Center Street and West Lewis Street will be closed from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Wednesdays for the Bannock Civitan Club’s Revive @ 5 Summer Concerts.
  • South Garfield Avenue between Center Street and West Lewis Street will be closed from 6 AM to 3 PM every Saturday for the Portneuf Valley Farmers Market.

City of Pocatello Calendar for August 3-7, 2026

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Observer Staff
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(City of Pocatello Press Release, July 31, 2026; Cover Photo Credit: City of Pocatello)

City of Pocatello Calendar of Meetings ~ August 3-7, 2026

MONDAY, AUGUST 3

  • Bid Opening for Tree Removal and Pruning at Mountain View Cemetery 4:00 p.m., Council Chambers

TUESDAY, AUGUST 4

  • Site Plan Review 1:30 p.m., Paradice Conference Room
  • Pocatello Arts Council Meeting 6:30 p.m., Council Chambers

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5

  • Historic Preservation Commission Meeting 6:00 p.m., 200 South Main Street

THURSDAY, AUGUST 6

  • Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Meeting 12:00 p.m., 144 Wilson Avenue
  • City Council Clarification Meeting 5:30 p.m., Council Chambers
  • City Council Meeting 6:00 p.m., Council Chambers

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7

  • No Meetings Scheduled

Ski Ingram: A Veteran’s Thoughts – Establishing Justice

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Observer Staff
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August 2, 2026

A Veteran’s Thoughts
Establishing Justice

By: Ski Ingram

With the threat of Communism being inside our gates, it’s time for all Americans to be reminded of our freedoms and then use that knowledge to stop the madness that is invading our country. This is just a small refresher from our founding documents.

The Preamble to our Constitution tells us that the purpose of our Constitution is “to form a more perfect Union.” It goes on to list five principlesto help ensure that America becomes a perfect Union. Theyare (1) establish justice, (2) ensure domestic tranquility, (3) providefor the common defense, (4) promote the general welfare, and (5) secure the blessings of liberty for all.

American colonies separated themselves from England in part because they were being unfairly taxed and burdened with unfair laws. These grievances are outlined in the Declaration of Independence. In the second paragraph we read, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.

Our elected officials today have forgotten that they receive their power from us, the people, and that we, the people, receive our power from God. I recently read where only 60% of Americans are proud of their country. Could some of the reasons be the breakdown in the rule of law, along with the belief that the government is not working for us, the people?

It seems as if every good thing about America is being overlooked in order to vilify this country. Yes, some things need to be corrected, but that doesn’t mean the whole country is flawed. Remember that it says in the Preamble, “We the People… in order to form a more perfect union.” With this simple statement our founders are telling us that America is a work in progress. It is not perfect, but all Americans should be working to make it the greatest country on earth.

Justice is the first principle listed in the Preamble. When I look at America today, I see cities experiencing high crime where there is little or no justice. Crime is out of control with liberal District Attorneys refusing to prosecute the offenders. Because of this tolerant attitude the honest law-abiding citizens are not receiving the equal protection under the law which is guaranteed by the 14th amendment, known as the Equal Protection Law.

In the 1970’s TV show “Baretta” we often heard the phrase, “If you can’t do the time, don’t do the crime.” Today, woke District Attorneys and progressives demonstrate more compassion for the criminal than the crime victim. They are more interested in reducing punishments than administering justice and holding criminals accountable.

On July 4th, America’s 250-year anniversary, my American flag flew high in part to remember our founding fathers, who risked everything to establish this nation. It is also being flown for every man and woman who has served in the Armed Forces. These men and women risk everything, many giving their life in order to preserve the freedoms we enjoy.

These freedoms are being eroded at a rapid rate. Just as our forefathers fought for their freedoms and others have fought to keep them, we too must fight, or our freedoms will be lost. It appears that some people, mostly progressives, have forgotten that the people are in control of the government. There is a reason the Preamble starts with the words, “We the People.”

In November we will go to the polls and vote. This is our opportunity to show America that we love this country. This is also our opportunity to show the world that we will fight to save this country from the tyranny of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and that they are mistaken if they believe that we will allow them to destroy 250 years of American freedom.

Ski Ingram, a combat veteran, can be reached at Ski@Skiingram.com or www.Skiingram.com

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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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