Sunday, October 25, 2026
SEARCH
Home Blog

Idaho Fish and Game Lethally Remove Two Moose from I-15 and I-86 Interchange in Pocatello

By
Observer Staff
-
0

(Idaho Fish and Game Press Release, October 24, 2026)

On the morning of Friday, Oct. 23, Idaho Fish and Game officers responded to a report of two adult moose lingering in an “island” of open space within the I-15 and I-86 system interchange in Pocatello.

In the interest of public safety, both moose—a cow and a bull—were dispatched and removed from the area. The meat from both moose was donated to local families.

Seeing moose in urban situations like this is nothing new in southeast Idaho. Fish and Game responds to reports of moose in neighborhoods, shopping centers, schools, cemeteries, golf courses, and busy roadways. Most of the time, moose either move safely out of the areas on their own or are sometimes captured and relocated by Idaho Fish and Game.  In fact, the cow moose in Friday’s situation was bearing an ear tag which indicated she had been moved from the Chubbuck area just last year.

So, why was the response to these two moose on the interstate a lethal one?  It boiled down to location and risk to public safety.

Both moose were lingering in the open triangle of space wedged between two very busy interstates— I-15 and I-86. Even if they had been left alone, the moose would have had no choice but to cross lanes of traffic in order to leave that space.

Additionally, when immobilizing moose or other large game animals, the effects of the sedatives are not immediate.  When an animal is first “darted”, it will quickly bolt— often running a substantial distance– before it is incapacitated by the sedating effects of the tranquilizer. Due to the proximity of the moose to lanes of traffic on all sides of the triangle in which they were standing, there was a significant risk to public safety if darted moose aimlessly crossed in front of oncoming motorists.

“Decisions like this one are not made lightly,” said Regional Conservation Officer Tim Klucken. “None of us enjoy having to take these kinds of actions, but public safety comes first. As sad as it is to have to kill two moose, sadder still would be injuries or loss of human life if a motorist had collided with one of these animals.”

Many may remember that in September of this year, a 66-year-old man from Pocatello was fatally injured after his vehicle struck an elk standing in the northbound lane on I-15 near the Utah/Idaho border.  That same month, three vehicles were involved in a collision with a moose on I-86 in Power County, resulting in injuries to some of those involved.

“Right now we have changing weather and breeding behaviors that are causing big game to move,” Klucken reminds the public. “Keep an eye out for wildlife near roadways, especially in the early morning and at night when animals are often more active and harder to see. Don’t hesitate to contact Fish and Game or other law enforcement if you see a dangerous situation like the one we had with these moose on the system interchange in Pocatello.”

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau: A New Chapter of American Statecraft

By
Observer Staff
-
0

October 22, 2026

A New Chapter of American Statecraft

By: Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau

I grew up in the Foreign Service. From the moment of my birth in Spain through subsequent postings in Canada, Paraguay, Chile, and Venezuela, my father’s work as a Foreign Service Officer defined not only his career but the course of my own life. Along the way, I was deeply impressed by the professionalism and patriotism of the Foreign Service and am honored now to work alongside many of its distinguished members.

The Department of State cannot afford to sit around and wait for the next generation of American diplomats to emerge.  We must invest now in the talent required to advance American statecraft if our country is to successfully navigate the complex, emerging threats to our national interests.

I am pleased to announce here that the Department is renewing the Pickering, Rangel, and Payne Fellowships as part of that effort: We will recruit nationwide, select for merit, invest in talent, and prepare exceptional Americans to serve their country.

And, if you take this leap into the unknown, we will ensure that you are rewarded for excellence with unparalleled opportunities.

Merit-Based Selection

These fellowships serve an important purpose.  They allow the Department to identify promising Americans early in their careers, support rigorous graduate education, provide substantive experience in Washington and overseas, and prepare fellows for the demands of diplomatic service.

Our objective is to build a highly capable cadre of future Foreign Service talent.  The opportunity is earned based on merit, our investment is tied to service, and their talent will be in service of the American people.

Nationwide Opportunity

We will search across the country – from our heartland to our territories – for talented students, including those who have never imagined representing the United States overseas.  We will cast a wide net while maintaining a high bar.

We will select candidates based on academic achievement, intellectual curiosity and analytical rigor, commitment to public service, and demonstrated potential across the Foreign Service’s 11 competencies.  We will ensure successful candidates have the skills, abilities, and qualities essential to succeed in the Foreign Service.

An Education Worthy of the Mission

Fellows will pursue graduate education through Department-approved programs in the Washington, D.C. area where they will study at institutions and with practitioners who shape foreign policy.  The State Department will evaluate programs against curriculum standards tied to the workforce needs of American diplomacy.

We are preparing American diplomats to represent America.  Using this approach, approved programs will compete to attract fellows, and the institutions will have a strong incentive to offer high-quality preparation and meaningful value. Approved programs must prepare Fellows to understand America, defend its interests, and represent the American people with confidence abroad.

We are backing this commitment with resources.  Under the redesigned fellowships, annual support for living expenses rises from $18,000 to $33,000, and annual support for tuition rises from $24,000 to $55,000.

This reflects reality.  Over the past two decades, prices have increased and the old awards were not sufficient.  Great diplomats should not be lost because education is expensive.

Starting Small, but With Purpose

Starting with focused cohorts will allow the Department to provide more oversight, mentoring, professional development, and accountability while evaluating the redesigned model.

Fellows must demonstrate they are prepared to meet the standards expected of future Foreign Service Officers.  The redesigned fellowships will establish clear milestones for entry into the Fellowship program.

To be considered, candidates must successfully pass the Foreign Service Officer Test and the written exercise portion of the Foreign Service Officer Assessment.

The Search Begins

America’s next great diplomats are out there.

Some are already studying international affairs.  Others may be studying economics, history, technology, business, or law.  Some grew up imagining a career in diplomacy; others have never met a Foreign Service Officer.

They may come from Montana or Manhattan, Appalachia or Arizona, a military family, or a family with no history of public service.  What unites them is not where they come from or where they went to school–it should be their ability and their willingness to serve the United States.

We want a Foreign Service capable of meeting a demanding moment in American history.  Building that Service requires searching more broadly, investing wisely, and demanding excellence.

Talent.  Curiosity.  A willingness to serve.  If you have those qualities, we want to hear from you.

More information is found here: careers.state.gov.

The U.S. Foreign Service Is Calling.  Step Forward.

Christopher Landau was sworn in as the 23rd Deputy Secretary of State on March 25, 2025. Deputy Secretary Landau is a former Ambassador to Mexico who also grew up overseas in a Foreign Service family. In addition to his professional and personal experience in diplomacy, he brings an extensive legal background to his current position.

Guest Column – ID GOP Chairwoman Dorothy Moon: Vote No On Prop 1!

By
Observer Staff
-
0

October 23, 2026 (Cover image credit: IDGOP FB)

Vote No On Prop 1!

By: Dorothy Moon, IDGOP Chairwoman

Dorothy Moon, Chairwoman of the Idaho Republican Party

Folks, we are coming down to the wire. Just one more week of early voting, and then Election Day will be here before we know it. Countless hours of campaigning, door knocking, phone banking, and millions of dollars in donations all come down to one final night.

I’m so excited to see momentum turning against Proposition 1, the radical abortion initiative. From the beginning, I have believed that Idahoans would reject this extreme measure, and it’s been great to see so many come alongside us in this campaign to protect unborn life. I agree with Gov. Brad Little, who said, “Proposition 1 simply goes too far.”

It does go too far. Despite what you might be hearing from radio or TV ads, Prop 1 was designed to open the door to abortion in Idaho, period. They want you to think Prop 1 is necessary to protect women in life-threatening situations, but they’re not telling you that our laws already protect women at all stages of pregnancy. This initiative is being sold as a solution to a problem that doesn’t exist and is worded in such a way as to potentially legalize abortion into the ninth month of pregnancy.

Prop 1 changes the definition of “viability.” Right now, medical science has enabled us to save the lives of babies born prematurely, even months early. But under Prop 1, abortion would be legal, no questions asked, up to the point where a baby can survive without extraordinary measures.

Prop 1 would eliminate parental consent, allowing minor girls to get abortions without their parents even knowing. Heck, kids can’t even take a Tylenol without a permission slip, but we’re going to let them get abortions? Give me a break.

Why are they pushing this so hard? Are they offended that Idahoans value life, even preborn children? The fact that even one state in the union stood up to say, “No, we will not allow the wholesale murder of the unborn here,” was too much, which is why millions of dollars in out-of-state money have poured into trying to convince you to vote yes.

But I know the people of Idaho—hardworking, self-sacrificing believers in faith, family, and freedom—which is why I know this campaign isn’t going to work. I firmly believe Idahoans will reject Prop 1 on November 3.

But this won’t happen without you. If you stay home this election, then your voice will not be heard, and your values will not be respected. Go vote. Vote early, vote absentee, vote on Election Day—whatever works best for you. Take ten friends with you to the polling place. Generations of Idahoans yet unborn are depending on you.

Prop 1 is too extreme for Idaho. Vote no now!

2026 National Christmas Tree Lighting Ticket Lottery Opens October 28

By
Observer Staff
-
0

(National Park Service Press Release, October 19, 2026)

WASHINGTON – The National Park Service and National Park Foundation invite people across the country to enter the free ticket lottery for the 2026 National Christmas Tree Lighting at The White House and President’s Park. The ceremony will take place Dec. 3 on the Ellipse in Washington, D.C.

The lottery will open at 10 a.m. ET on Wednesday, Oct. 28 and close at 3 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Nov. 4. Enter online at National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Recreation.gov. There is no charge to enter the lottery or receive tickets.

Lottery winners will be notified on Thursday, Nov. 12. Each winner may receive up to five tickets. Entering the lottery does not guarantee tickets. Tickets are free and may not be sold or transferred for commercial gain.

For more than a century, the National Christmas Tree Lighting has brought people together beneath the winter sky at the White House and President’s Park. The National Christmas Tree Lighting will celebrate sounds of the season and the spirit of our nation through live performances, holiday music and the shared joy of the season.

The tradition began in 1923. Today, the National Park Service and National Park Foundation proudly carry it forward, welcoming families and friends from across the country to celebrate the sounds, traditions and spirit of the holiday season together.

Ticket holders will receive additional information about arrival, accessibility, security screening and prohibited items before the ceremony. Event information and updates will be available at thenationaltree.org and nps.gov/whho.

About the National Park Service 

Since 1916, the National Park Service has been entrusted with the care of America’s national parks. With the help of volunteers and partners, we safeguard these special places and share their stories with millions of people every year. Learn more at nps.gov. 

About the National Park Foundation 

The National Park Foundation is the nation’s most trusted way for people to support America’s national parks. We work with the National Park Service and partners across the country to fund priority projects that keep parks strong, relevant, and accessible. This work helps ensure parks continue to inspire pride across the country and offer experiences that create meaningful connection. In 2025, NPF funded $100 million in on-the-ground priority projects nationwide, made possible through the generosity of donors, to advance critical work, including infrastructure, restoration, education, and access, ensuring parks continue to endure for generations to come. Learn more at nationalparks.org.

AG Labrador Promotes National Prescription Drug Take Back Day to Combat Opioid Abuse

By
Observer Staff
-
0

(Attorney General’s Office Press Release, October 22, 2026)

BOISE, ID —  Attorney General Raúl Labrador is promoting community awareness and participation in [today’s] National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and its state and local partners.  This initiative provides easy, anonymous opportunities to remove unused, expired, or leftover medicines in the home that are highly susceptible to misuse and theft. Collection sites across Idaho will be open from 10:00AM to 2:00PM this Saturday.

“Drug abuse has been a plague in our communities and the costs to society are plain to see,” said Attorney General Labrador. “Often, addiction can begin with abuse of prescriptions in the home. Idahoans can make a big difference by getting these unused or expired pills out of the house and stopping that easy gateway to addiction.”

All prescription drugs will be accepted at this event, as well as over-the-counter and veterinary medications. The Take Back Day collection site will also accept vape pens, cartridges, or other e-cigarette devices (without the batteries in the device). Needles will not be accepted.

Nationally, almost 14 million Americans over the age of 12 misused prescription drugs in 2025, with opioids and painkillers being the highest category of misused drugs. In 2022, an estimated 40,000 Idahoans aged 12 and older misused prescription pain relievers. Results from the 2021 Idaho Youth Risk Behavior Survey found that nearly 14% of Idaho 9-12th graders reported they had misused a prescription drug one or more times in their life, and Idaho’s reported youth abuse of prescription drugs was more than double the national average.  While a majority of Idaho youth did not report misusing prescription drugs, of those that did, over 40% took or received them from a family member or friend, and nearly 75% misused the medication in their own home.

Since 2023, the Idaho Attorney General’s Office has recovered more than $127 million for Idaho in lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies that aggressively marketed prescription opioids despite knowing their products were dangerously addictive.

If you miss your local Take Back Day and need to dispose of prescription medications, find a year-round drop-off location online at Idaho’s Office of Drug Policy.

To learn more about National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, please visit the Drug Enforcement Agency’s website at www.dea.gov/takebackday

Pocatello PD, SD 25 Address Threat-Related Incidents at Irving Middle School

By
Observer Staff
-
0

(Pocatello Police Advisory, October 23, 2026; Cover image credit: SD25 FB)

POCATELLO, IDAHO — The Pocatello Police Department and Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 are aware of several incidents involving statements or communications interpreted as potential threats toward Irving Middle School over the past two days.

The Pocatello Police Department was notified of each incident and conducted investigations to assess the credibility of the information received. Following these investigations, officers determined there was no threat to the school. The individuals involved have been identified, and appropriate action has been taken.

The Pocatello Police Department and Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 thank the students, parents, school staff, and community members who bring these concerns to our attention. We encourage everyone to continue reporting any statements, messages, or behaviors that may indicate a potential threat, regardless of how minor they may initially appear. Reporting these concerns allows law enforcement and school officials to investigate and take appropriate action.

The safety of our students and the children in our community remains a top priority. Every report is taken seriously, and we appreciate the community’s continued vigilance, cooperation, and support in helping maintain a safe learning environment.

Thank you for helping us keep our schools and community safe.

Guest Columnist Julianne Young – A Promise Kept: What the Mormon Land Podcast Got Wrong About Prop 1

By
Observer Staff
-
0

October 21, 2026

A Promise Kept: What the Mormon Land Podcast Got Wrong About Prop 1

By: Julianne Young

Julianne Young

In 2024, I met with Dr. Heather Pugmire. A Latter-day Saint OB-GYN in southeast Idaho, she worried that difficult medical decisions could result in lawsuits.

I understood her concern and committed to address it.

I kept my promise. Dozens of hours were invested, and in 2025, the Legislature passed Senate Bill 1171, written specifically to address her concerns. It created a firewall between doctors and frivolous lawsuits, allowing any physician sued under Idaho’s Pro-life Law to ask a judge to throw the case out. Unless the plaintiff can show a violation upfront, the suit is dismissed, and the winning side recovers attorney’s fees.

The bill passed the Senate 32-1 and the House 64-3. Dr. Pugmire submitted testimony in support.

So I was surprised to hear her on the Salt Lake Tribune’s Mormon Land podcast last week telling listeners that legislators “have been unable or unwilling” to address concerns. S 1171 was never mentioned.

Ironically, the podcast’s theme was fear. Fear is real. But it’s not the result of Idaho’s Pro-life Law. It comes from ignorance of what the law says and does.

Before Dr. Pugmire said a word, the host characterized the Church’s statement opposing Proposition 1 as “brief,” its signers “all men” who “did not get into the debates,” not-so-subtly discrediting the Church. But church leaders do not weigh in on ballot measures lightly, and the Church backed its statement with a $1 million contribution.

Pugmire then claimed that Idaho’s initial law “didn’t include miscarriage or ectopic” care. The truth: within months of its enactment, the Idaho Supreme Court confirmed that treating ectopic pregnancies or miscarriages was never prohibited by Idaho’s Pro-life Law. Within weeks, the Legislature added clarifying language to this effect.

Pugmire characterized Idaho’s life exception as “a very hard line.” But the Idaho Supreme Court called it “a subjective standard,” giving deference to “the particular physician’s judgment” and requiring no “particular level of immediacy.” A 2025 Idaho court ruled that it applies to any “non-negligible risk” of death, “neither imminent nor assured.”

Pugmire described a patient whose water broke at 14 weeks, followed by two hours spent calling her lawyer, her hospital CEO, and three other doctors before taking action. But the 2025 court opinion named this exact condition as one where doctors may act. No law required those calls. Lack of understanding did.

Pugmire suggested that Idaho trusts doctors’ “good faith judgment” but not judgment about what “health” means. Laws are not written for conscientious actors. They are written to encompass those eager to perform abortions. In Roe’s companion case, the Supreme Court defined “health” to include emotional, psychological and family factors, and limits on convenience abortions effectively vanished. Idaho draws the line at life-threatening health concerns precisely so limits on convenience abortions cannot be erased.

Listeners heard that recruiting is impossible and that medical students Pugmire teaches “don’t expect to come back.” Dr. Josh Stringham, who also trains residents, recently told a forum audience exactly the opposite: four obstetric providers have joined Idaho Falls since 2022, and the one who left did so for family reasons. Statewide, active OB-GYN licenses rose 20% from 2022 to 2024. A national peer-reviewed study found pro-life states had a slightly greater increase in OB-GYNs than pro-abortion states.

By her own account, Dr. Pugmire wants narrow changes. And she says, “I don’t like that Prop 1 allows all abortions up to viability. That I am opposed to.”

Yet, the hard cases she cites are already covered. Prop 1’s contribution is to legalize the very thing she opposes.

Pugmire minimized Prop 1 as a “wake-up call” and claimed it “won’t become the law.” Not true. Voters legislate through the initiative process. If passed, Prop 1 becomes law before the legislature convenes. Voting for the thing you are against is no way to send a message that you want something else.

Instead of a sweeping initiative, narrow concerns should be dealt with legislatively. S 1171 completely undercuts claims that legislators don’t care.

Dr. Pugmire has cared for many of my friends and is an excellent and compassionate physician. However, that doesn’t mean voters should trust those providing her poor legal advice.

Dr. Pugmire closed with: “We want healthy moms and babies.” I agree. Under Idaho’s Pro-life Law, pregnancy-related maternal deaths have fallen from 18.7 to 4.29 per 100,000 live births. Idaho can and does protect both.

In 2024, I made a promise and then kept it. On November 3, Idaho voters can keep a promise too.

Defend life. Vote no on Prop 1.

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

BLM’s Bat Beauty Contest Returns for Spooky Season

By
Observer Staff
-
0

(Bureau of Land Management Press Release, October 20, 2026)

WASHINGTON — As spooky season takes flight, the Bureau of Land Management is inviting the public to celebrate Bat Week by voting in its annual Bat Beauty Contest, in partnership with Bat Conservation International! From adorable faces to impressive ears, bats found on public lands across the country are ready to compete for the title of the nation’s most beautiful bat.

The contest runs October 24-31, giving the public a chance to meet some of the fascinating bats that call America’s public lands home. Follow on Facebook and Instagram to see this year’s contestants, cast your vote, and help crown the winner on Halloween.

While these winged wonders are perfect for spooky season fun, bats play an important role in healthy ecosystems. They help control insect populations, pollinate plants, and disperse seeds, making them valuable residents of public lands across the country.

The Bat Beauty Contest is a fun way to shine a spotlight on these often-misunderstood animals and encourage the public to learn more about the wildlife and habitats found on public lands.

For more information and contest updates, follow the BLM on social media.

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

New Analysis: President Trump’s Pro-Growth Policies Ignite Manufacturing Resurgence

By
Observer Staff
-
0

(White House Press Release, October 22, 2026)

President Donald J. Trump’s America First agenda is revitalizing American manufacturing, delivering historic investments, driving up wages, and igniting a blue-collar BOOM.

After the Biden Administration lost more than 200,000 American manufacturing jobs in its final two years due to reckless Democrat polices, President Trump is delivering on his promise to put American workers first.

The results speak for themselves. New analysis by the Council of Economic Advisors (CEA) reports that wages are rising faster than inflation, domestic manufacturing is expanding, and the blue-collar jobs lost under the Biden Administration are rightly returning back to U.S. soil.

Wages are outpacing inflation under President Trump, reversing the $3,000 annual decline in real wages under Biden. Since President Trump took office, blue-collar workers are seeing even bigger gains: manufacturing wages are up $2,000 and construction wages $2,800.

Demand for factory construction workers is surging, hiring rising, and layoffs down over the past year. Overtime pay is also up— thanks to President Trump’s no-tax-on-overtime policy, workers are now keeping more of what they earn.

The benefits of President Trump’s pro-growth agenda and successful tariff policies extend beyond factory floors. This resurgence is strengthening America’s position in critical industries essential to our national security, including aerospace, aircraft equipment, metals, and natural gas and petroleum production.

A stronger manufacturing sector means more opportunities for American workers, higher wages, and business expansion that supports Main Street economies who support communities across the country.

BY THE NUMBERS:

  • AMERICAN MANUFACTURING JOBS SURGING: Manufacturing employment is up 72,000 in 2026, including a 101,000 job increase in durable goods, reversing losses of more than 200,000 manufacturing jobs during the Biden Administration’s last two years. Since President Trump took office, construction employment has grown by 100,000, including more than 111,000 additional factory construction jobs.
  • RISE IN ANNUAL WAGES: Inflation-adjusted wages for blue-collar manufacturing workers have risen an average of $2,400 more per year since President Trump took office. Construction workers’ real wages are up  $3,800.
  • HIGHEST BUSINESS GROWTH IN 5 YEARS: U.S. business growth has reached its highest level in more than five years, while manufacturing expands and American goods exports are on track for a record year.
  • NO TAX ON OVERTIME: American construction workers are keeping more of what they earn thanks to No tax on overtime, with more than 29 million Americans claiming the deduction this filing season.
  • TRILLIONS IN INVESTMENTS SECURED: President Trump has secured trillions of dollars in investment commitments across the United States, supporting domestic production, factory expansion, and American jobs.
  • SMALL BUSINESS GROWTH: Small businesses and local economies are feeling the benefits of President Trump’s manufacturing boom.
    • Ketchie Inc, a precision machine company located in Concord, North Carolina, grew its workforce 25% after buying a dual 5-axis machining center, an EDM machine, and a cylindrical grinder. The company says it held off on those purchases until OBBB passed.
    • Jergens, a manufacturer in Ohio, says full expensing for factories led to its latest expansion in Illinois. The CEO says 83% of hourly workers now volunteer for overtime under the no-tax-on-overtime provision.
    • More examples HERE.

President Trump is driving a new era of economic opportunity, industrial strength, and national prosperity—unleashing America’s Golden Age. 

Guest Columnist AG Raúl Labrador: Winning Back Ground on the Second Amendment

By
Observer Staff
-
0

October 21, 2026

Winning Back Ground on the Second Amendment

By: Attorney General Raúl Labrador

Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador

As a staunch defender of the Second Amendment, it’s always gratifying to share good news about our ongoing fight to preserve one of our most important individual constitutional rights. This month brought significant progress to take back ground for gun owners, lost in 1934 with the National Firearms Act.

Effective October 9th, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives announced a nationwide policy ending tax and registration requirements for suppressors, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and certain other regulated items, based on a lawsuit I joined with 14 other state attorneys general.  This is a win for gun owners and for everyone who understands that government must operate within its constitutional limits.

In 1934, the National Firearms Act (NFA) required federal registration and approval before certain firearms and devices could be manufactured, sold, or transferred. A tax was established to pay for this registration process. Last year, Congress eliminated the $200 tax on these items through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, but the registration and approval requirements remained on the books.

In October 2025, Idaho and 14 other states joined Silencer Shop Foundation v. ATF, arguing that once the tax was eliminated by Congress, the federal government no longer had the authority to enforce the rest. On August 5, 2026, the court agreed with us. This ruling initially applied only to the named parties in the lawsuit, and when the Department of Justice declined to appeal, the ATF extended that relief nationwide through its new enforcement policy.

For Idahoans, that change removes a sticky layer of bureaucratic red tape. The federal registration, approval, and tax-stamp requirements are no longer being enforced under the current policy. Purchases through licensed dealers still require ATF Form 4473 and a background check, and applicable state and local laws remain in effect. Machine guns and destructive devices remain fully covered by the NFA. Gun owners and dealers should review the ATF’s guidance here before buying, making, or transferring these items, and consult a private attorney with specific questions.

This is a welcome change after more than 90 years, although the National Firearms Act remains law. A future Department of Justice could easily reverse the ATF’s recent policy. If enforcement resumes, the ATF has warned that unregistered items could again carry serious federal penalties. Until Congress acts, the relief gun owners won in this case depends on the instructions the next administration gives its lawyers. I’m urging Congress to make this change permanent and put it beyond the reach of a future administration. Twenty other attorneys general have joined me in that call.

For nearly a century, the federal government has chipped away at the rights of gun owners, and the National Firearms Act was one of its earliest tools. This month, we held Washington to the limits of its own authority. The Constitution gives the federal government specific, limited powers, and when the legal foundation for a federal law disappears, the power to enforce goes with it.

My office has consistently defended the Second Amendment in courts from state gun and magazine bans in California, Maryland, and Illinois, to Hawaii’s unconstitutional concealed carry restrictions. Likewise, I will keep challenging federal actions that exceed the Constitution’s limits so that gun owners in Idaho and across the country can exercise the rights guaranteed to them.

123...831Page 1 of 831
The Pocatello Chubbuck Observer seeks to be a fair and objective portal, where readers can find the local, regional and national news, recent facts and entertainment.
Contact us: jcrowder@pocatellochubbuckobserver

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

© Newspaper Theme | All rights reserved