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Family of Gov. Dirk Kempthorne Comments on His Passing

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Observer Staff
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(Governor’s Office Press Release, April 25, 2026)

Boise, Idaho – The family of Governor Dirk Kempthorne released the following statement following his passing in Boise Friday evening.

“The family of Governor Dirk Kempthorne shares with deep sadness that he has passed away, surrounded by those he loved most.

“Beyond his public service, he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose greatest joy came from time spent with family and the people he met along the way. He had a rare gift for truly seeing others — remembering names, stories, and the small details that made each person feel known and valued.

“Our family is heartbroken, but we are also deeply grateful — for the time we had with him and for the extraordinary outpouring of love and support we have received from across Idaho and the country.

“We kindly ask for privacy as we grieve and celebrate his life together. Please know how much your prayers, messages, and memories mean to us.

“Additional details will be shared in the coming days.”

Governor Brad Little ordered the lowering of State of Idaho and U.S. flags to half-staff to honor Governor Kempthorne. Flags will remain lowered until the day following Governor Kempthorne’s memorial service, which is to be determined.

Governor Little’s statement on Governor Kempthorne’s passing follows:

“Teresa and I are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend, Governor Dirk Kempthorne. Our friendship goes back to our college days, where Dirk and I shared the same state government class – an experience that helped set the course for a lifetime of public service for him.

“We had the privilege of watching Dirk and Patricia begin their journey together. From the very beginning, it was clear Dirk and Patricia would lead lives as dedicated and passionate leaders.

“Dirk’s career was marked by extraordinary service at every level. His early work as an industry advocate and campaign manager for Phil Batt led to his leadership as a successful Boise mayor who helped change the trajectory of our capital city. During his distinguished tenure in the U.S. Senate, Dirk served Idaho with vision, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to doing what was right.

“As Governor, Dirk left an enduring mark on our state. With Patricia’s steadfast partnership, he championed children and families, strengthened public education, and led transformational investments in our transportation system that will benefit Idahoans for generations. He elevated Idaho’s voice on the national stage as chairman of the National Governors Association.

“We were all proud when President Bush selected Dirk to serve as Secretary of the Interior. In that role, he never lost sight of Idaho or the West. He understood the value of our lands and worked tirelessly to steward them with care and respect.

“Even after his time in public office, Dirk never slowed down. He remained a relentless advocate for our military and veterans, most recently championing the USS Idaho Virginia-class submarine. It is especially heartbreaking that he was not able to attend its commissioning this weekend — a moment he worked so hard to make possible.

“I will always remember Dirk’s generosity and warmth. He was thoughtful, gracious, and deeply committed to the people around him.

“To Patricia, Jeff, Heather, and their families, Teresa and I extend our heartfelt condolences. We join all Idahoans in honoring and celebrating a life of remarkable service to our state and our nation. Dirk’s legacy will endure for generations, and he will be deeply missed.”

ISAA Guest Column: How Do We Keep Idaho from Becoming Colorado or Washington?

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Observer Staff
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April 23, 2026

How Do We Keep Idaho from Becoming Colorado or Washington?

By: Idaho Second Amendment Alliance founder Greg Pruett

I hear the same question over and over: “How do we keep Idaho from turning into Colorado or Washington?”

In recent years, more people aren’t just asking, they’re warning that we must fight back if we want to avoid the fate of other states that shifted blue.

My answer today is the same as it was ten years ago:

Get rid of ballot initiatives.

Ballot initiatives are a form of direct democracy. They don’t belong in a representative republic, and they’ve become one of the left’s most effective tools for bypassing the legislative process entirely.

If you don’t like what your lawmakers are doing, the solution is simple: replace them with people who share your values.

If there aren’t enough voters to do that, then that’s the reality of living in a red state, and people who want liberal policies can move to a liberal state like California.

The truth is that ballot initiatives have already been used to push gun control in red states. It happened in Ohio. It happened in Florida.

And in Washington, no longer red at all, gun control initiatives have passed repeatedly.

It’s only a matter of time before they try it here in Idaho. They’re already pushing an initiative that would allow abortion up to birth, and last year, they tried to force ranked‑choice voting into law.

Some people might say, “Gun owners will crush a gun control initiative.”

I hope that’s true. But the reality is that these initiatives are always framed in deceptive language such as “stopping criminals,” “common‑sense safety,” “protecting the Second Amendment while targeting bad actors.”

Just like the abortion initiative is being sold as “women’s health,” a gun control initiative will be packaged to mislead voters who don’t know better.

And remember:

  • The mainstream media acts as a full‑time promotional arm for these initiatives.
  • Outside groups have virtually unlimited money.
  • The left has an army of volunteers and paid operatives who will do whatever it takes to win.

Some still think eliminating initiatives sounds “radical,” but that number shrinks every election cycle as we watch the left mobilize again and again.

Others ask, “Can’t we run good initiatives?”

Even if you set aside the direct‑democracy argument, the answer is: you can try, but good luck.

Look at the grocery tax repeal initiative this year. It’s widely supported across ideological lines. It would be considered a “good initiative” by most Idahoans.
And yet it’s not even close to making the ballot.

Why?

Because the right doesn’t have:

  • the organizational machine,
  • the media megaphone, or
  • the money to push an initiative across the finish line.

Maybe once in a decade, a good one gets through. But is that worth allowing six or seven bad ones to pass in the meantime? I don’t believe it is.

If Idaho wants to avoid becoming the next Washington or Colorado, then we must stop repeating the same strategies that failed in those states.

Thank you for standing with us. If you want to be part of this fight, please consider joining the Idaho Second Amendment Alliance today.

God bless,

Greg Pruett
Idaho Second Amendment Alliance

PCSD 25 Invites Community to Celebrate Student Creativity at America 250 Fine Arts Showcase

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Observer Staff
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(Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 Press Release, April 23, 2026; Cover image credit: SD25)

POCATELLO, ID –The Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 invites the community to experience America Through the Eyes of Our Learners, a special Fine Arts Exhibition celebrating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.

The exhibition will take place during the Historic Downtown Pocatello First Friday Art Walk on Friday, May 1, 2026, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Gate City Coffee (320 W. Center Street). The event will feature more than 200 pieces of original artwork and creative expression from learners across School District 25.

Live student musical performances will also be featured during the event at 6:30 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.

The exhibition features submissions from learners in grades K–12, with works developed through classroom and individual creative efforts across a variety of mediums, including visual art, photography, multi-media creations, and poetry.

The event is part of a broader effort by the PCSD 25 Board of Trustees to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary by creating opportunities for learners to explore, reflect on, and share what the nation’s history and ideals mean to them today.

Awards will be presented across multiple categories and grade levels, including Best in Show and People’s Choice Awards, with more than $2,000 in prizes recognizing learner achievement and creativity.

Awards for the competition are proudly sponsored by the School District 25 Education Foundation, whose support helps make opportunities like this possible for learners across the district.

“This event is about more than art—it’s about giving our learners a voice,” said Courtney Fisher, Director of Communications, Community Relations and the Education Foundation. “Through their work, our learners are sharing their perspectives, their creativity, and what America means to them during this once-in-a-generation milestone. We’re proud to showcase that with our community.”

Visitors are encouraged to participate in the People’s Choice voting during the event and help select winning entries. Community members can also support future opportunities for learners by connecting with the Education Foundation during the event.

The exhibition is free and open to the public.

Look, Don’t Touch: Despite Good Intentions, ‘Rescuing’ Baby Wildlife Can Lead to Bad Outcomes

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Observer Staff
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(Idaho Fish and Game Press Release, April 20, 2026)

It’s officially spring, folks. And that means the peak of baby wildlife season is in full bloom. And it doesn’t matter whether you’re a backwoods hunter, hiker, bird watcher or sidewalk stroller: People are bound to see young wildlife when they venture outdoors during the spring and early summer. And there is a pretty good chance that they will see a baby animal—including goslings, ducklings, and fawns—that appears to be alone, with mom nowhere in sight.

While a well-intentioned human’s first instinct might be to rescue these adorable, fuzzy, and seemingly helpless creatures, Idaho Fish and Game has a simple suggestion to people who discover baby animals that appear to be abandoned: The best thing you can do for them is to leave them be.

Every spring, Fish and Game receives calls from well-intentioned humans who claim to have “rescued” baby animals that they assume were lost, abandoned, or orphaned. While these folks typically mean well, the sad reality is they are often doing more damage than good when they intervene—and typically, mom was not far away to begin with.

Here’s the hard truth. Animal parents will periodically leave their young for an extended period of time for a myriad of reasons, whether it’s to search for food, to rest, or to divert attention from their vulnerable offspring, especially if they sense danger. When it comes to wildlife babies, wildlife mothers know best.

Mammals such as deer, elk, and pronghorn routinely leave their young in a secure location like a clump of sagebrush like in the photo below. It is normal for them to leave to feed and return later—sometimes several hours later—to quickly feed their young, then leave again. The young animals know instinctively to remain still and wait for their parent to return.

The same goes for flying critters. As baby birds mature, they often leave the nest in their efforts to hone their flying skills. Adult birds continue to feed their offspring until a point in time when their young can survive on their own…even if they fall out of the nest.

If you find a baby bird, duckling, gosling, deer fawn, or other critter, the best approach is to leave it undisturbed. Then if you wish, contact your nearest Fish and Game office. Fish and Game employees are happy to take calls about apparently orphaned or injured animals, answer your questions, and when it is absolutely necessary, retrieve animals.

In addition, do not plan to raise wild animals on your own. Young wild animals require special care and feeding that is beyond what the average household is prepared to manage. Additionally, taking most species from the wild to raise in your possession is illegal in Idaho.

In the spring when wildlife baby boom is at its peak, you may have the good fortune to observe a nest of birds or a litter of young mammals with no adult in sight. Enjoy the sight, but remember it is best to leave young wildlife alone.

Living in the midst of Idaho’s vibrant and diverse wildlife populations can be one of the most rewarding aspects of life in our state. Be sure to check out our Living With Widllife webpage to learn more. The page features all kinds of helpful tips on how to properly coexist when living among wildlife.

First Lady Melania Trump Unveils New Beehive on South Lawn

By
Observer Staff
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(Office of the First Lady, April 24, 2026)

First Lady Melania Trump announced the expansion of the White House honey program with the addition of a newly installed and fully functioning beehive on the South Lawn. Hand-crafted by a local artisan in the image of the White House, the beautiful, new hive will add two new bee colonies to the existing two colonies that already produce the signature White House honey.

The new hive is expected to increase annual honey production by an estimated 30 pounds, allowing for even greater use in preparing White House culinary dishes, serving as official gifts from the President and the First Lady, and supporting charitable donations of healthy foods to local food kitchens.

The installation will support the existing colonies in pollinating the nearby White House Kitchen Garden, Flower Cutting Garden, and vegetation on the National Mall. It will also serve as an educational feature, offering potential opportunities for visitors on the South Lawn to get a closer look at a working colony and learn about pollination and food production firsthand.

To watch an official video by the Office of the First Lady featuring the expanded beehive, click here.

The White House beekeeping program officially began in 2009 after White House Carpenter, Charlie Brandt, started beekeeping as a hobby on the complex a few years prior. Beekeeping has since become a lasting tradition on the South Grounds.

During peak summer months, the existing two hive populations can reach approximately 70,000 bees, driving production up to 200-225 pounds of honey in a productive year. It is estimated that this latest addition will allow peak production to increase, in time, to 230-255 pounds of honey or more.

The White House honey is known for its light clover and basswood flavor, with a subtle hint of citrus. It is used by Executive Residence chefs to sweeten teas, prepare salad dressings, and craft desserts.

The expansion, funded through the Trust for the National Mall, continues a legacy of stewardship across administrations—adding to the legacy of the Kitchen Garden, the Flower Cutting Garden, and other beekeeping efforts now supported by White House Chief Horticulturist, Dale Haney, and local apiarists. The new hive and its base were designed by the White House Executive Residence staff and hand-crafted by a local Virginia artisan.

U.S. Will Urge UN to Act against Transnational Child Sextortion

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Observer Staff
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(U.S. State Department Press Release, April 23, 2026)

In support of the President’s Executive Order on Combating Cybercrime, Fraud, and Predatory Schemes against American Citizens, the United States will table a resolution at the 35th session of the UN Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Vienna, June 1–5, 2026. The U.S. resolution will urge greater international action to prevent and combat the transnational sextortion of children.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and transnational sextortion is the fastest-growing crime against American children, with tens of thousands of new cases each year. Predators operating abroad target children in the United States through social media or gaming platforms using fake accounts, posing as peers or romantic interests. After establishing trust, they coerce victims into sharing explicit images and then demand immediate payment—typically through gift cards, mobile payment services, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency—while threatening to publicly release the photos or digitally altered “deepfakes.” Since 2021, more than 40 children in the United States have tragically died by suicide as a result of these predatory schemes, according to public reports.

If adopted, the U.S. resolution would elevate the fight against this despicable crime as a global law enforcement priority, driving stronger international cooperation and deeper engagement with the private sector to disrupt these networks and protect our children.

The United States is a global leader in protecting children online. President Trump signed the TAKE IT DOWN Act in 2025, which was championed by First Lady Melania Trump, to criminalize the publication of non-consensual intimate images, and Mrs. Trump is also leading “Fostering the Future Together,” a global coalition of more than 45 First Spouses committed to helping children learn, grow, and thrive through the safe and innovative use of advanced technology.

U.S. Navy to Commission Submarine Idaho (SSN 799) on Saturday, April 25

By
Observer Staff
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(Department of War Press Release, April 24, 2026)

The Navy will commission the 26th Virginia-class fast-attack submarine, the future USS Idaho (SSN 799), during an 11 a.m. EDT ceremony Saturday, April 25, at Naval Submarine Base New London, Connecticut.

The Honorable James Risch, U.S. Senator from Idaho, will deliver the ceremony’s principal address. Additional speakers are set to include the Honorable Richard Blumenthal, U.S. Senator from Connecticut; the Honorable Brad Little, Governor of Idaho; the Honorable Michael Simpson, U.S. Representative from Idaho; the Honorable Joe Courtney, U.S. Representative from Connecticut; the Honorable Hung Cao, acting Secretary of the Navy; Adm. William Houston, Director, Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program; and Mark Rayha, president, General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB).

The submarine’s sponsor, Teresa Stackley, is the daughter of a Navy Sailor and the spouse of the Honorable Sean Stackley, a former Naval officer who served as Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition from 2008 to 2017. In keeping with Navy tradition, Stackley will give the crew the order to “man our ship and bring her to life.” With the hoisting of the colors and commissioning pennant, acting Secretary Cao will formally place the ship in active service.

SSN 799 is the fifth Navy ship to be named for the state of Idaho. The first was a wooden-hulled steam sloop commissioned in 1866. The most recent was a New Mexico-class battleship, BB-42, which was commissioned in 1919. BB-42 participated in major Naval battles in the Pacific campaign from 1942 to 1945 and received seven battle stars for service in World War II.

Idaho is the 26th Virginia-class submarine co-produced by GDEB and HII-Newport News Shipbuilding through a long-standing teaming arrangement. The submarine is the 14th delivered by GDEB and the eighth Block IV-configured Virginia-class submarine. Idaho was christened March 16, 2024, at GDEB’s shipyard in Groton.

As it joins the fleet, Idaho brings significant warfighting capability, underscoring the Nation’s asymmetrical advantage at sea. Virginia-class fast-attack submarines have enhanced stealth, sophisticated surveillance capabilities and special warfare enhancements that enable them to meet the Navy’s multi-mission requirements.

Each Virginia-class submarine is 7,800 tons and 377 feet in length and has a beam of 34 feet. It is designed with a reactor plant that will not require refueling during the planned life of the ship, reducing life-cycle costs while increasing underway time.

The commissioning of USS Idaho underscores the Navy’s commitment to building America’s Fleet of the Future. For 250 years, American naval power has projected strength globally. That mission continues – and intensifies. We operate forward 24/7, 365 days a year. This operational tempo demands continuous capability delivery, and the Fleet of the Future is our answer.

The commissioning ceremony will be streamed live at: https://www.dvidshub.net/webcast/37488.

More information on the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine program can be found at: https://www.navy.mil/Resources/Fact-Files/Display-FactFiles/Article/2169558/attack-submarines-ssn

Guest Columnist Idaho Senator Christy Zito: The Time is Now

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Observer Staff
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April 23, 2026

The Time is Now

By:  Idaho Senator Christy Zito

ID Senator Christy Zito (photo credit: Christy Zito)

Don’t let it be…

Too late to plant the crop of freedom.
Too late to harvest the blessings of liberty.

I was raised farming and ranching. There are things about that life that never leave you.

An urgency.
A sense that being late matters.
A quiet pressure to get done what must be done—before it’s too late.

In many ways, that mindset has served me well.

On the farm, you learn quickly:
You cannot put off until tomorrow what must be done today.

When an animal is sick, you act immediately—because there may not be another moment.
When the rain breaks, you cut and bale the hay—right then.
Tomatoes won’t wait. Onions won’t wait. The seasons don’t wait.

Timing is everything.

I’ve come to believe that every experience in life prepares us for the moment we’re in. There are no accidents. No wasted lessons. Even when things don’t turn out as expected, we don’t know if a different path would have been better.

The Illusion of “Just Another Election”

Every year, we hear: “This is the most important election of our lifetime.”

It’s easy to grow tired of that phrase.
But here’s the truth—every election is important.

Idaho is a conservative state.
But our legislature? Not always as conservative as the people it represents.

What Happens in Boise

I believe most candidates mean what they say when they first run. They campaign as conservatives with sincere intentions.

Then reality sets in.

There are lobbyists—many of them—paid to influence votes. They’re now often called “legislative advisors.” Some provide useful information, yes. But they are still funded by special interests.

And then there’s pressure.

Pressure to fit in.
Pressure to go along.
Pressure from relationships formed inside that building.

It’s real. I’ve experienced it firsthand.

And if you’re not grounded—if you’re not careful—that pressure can influence decisions.

The Hard Truth About Loyalty

Think about horse racing.

When someone bets on a horse and it loses, they come up with a hundred reasons why:
Bad track. Bad start. Wrong timing.

Football is the same. Fans stay loyal no matter how the team performs.

But politics isn’t a game.

Too often, we defend our “choice” instead of evaluating performance.
We blame everyone else instead of asking: Did this person represent me well?

We don’t need perfection.

But we do need accountability.

I believe in the 80% rule—if someone votes correctly 80% of the time, that’s strong representation.

But if they consistently fail to uphold constitutional principles, then it’s time for change.

Our Idaho Constitution gives us the answer—and the solution:
Elections every two years.

That is our accountability tool.
That is where vigilance matters.

We Don’t Have Time to Wait

Back to the farm.

There is no time to waste.

I have watched Idaho’s political landscape shift—quickly.
Issues we’re facing today would have been unthinkable just ten years ago.

Things are moving fast.

And here’s the truth:

Tomorrow may be too late.

Too late to plant the crop of freedom.
Too late to harvest the blessings of liberty.

A Warning Worth Watching

I encourage you to watch Rocky Mountain Heist.

https://citizensunitedmovies.com/programs/rocky-mountain-heist

It tells the story of how Colorado shifted from red to blue in just a few election cycles.

Then ask yourself:

Are we seeing the same patterns in Idaho?

Every Vote Matters

Every vote counts.

Every election matters.

And waiting for “next time” may cost us everything.

A Final Thought

This morning, I spoke with a gentleman from my district.

He called to tell me—very directly—that I was wrong on an issue.

What started as a tense conversation turned into something else entirely.

We talked about family.
About loss.
About fishing.

He had done something important:

He went to the source.
He didn’t rely on rumors.

We still disagreed on one issue—but we found common ground on many others.

That matters.

Do the Work

Idahoans still care.

They are paying attention.
They are asking questions.

Be part of that movement.

Do your research.
Think critically.
And don’t accept negative claims without verifying them yourself.

Because tomorrow may be too late.

God bless,

Senator Christy Zito,
Idaho State Senate
District 8,
Protecting Freedom for Future Generations

P.S. If you haven’t already, subscribe to my Substack (zitoforidaho.substack.com) for straight talk from the Capitol and updates you won’t get from the mainstream press. Let’s stay connected and stay strong. See you at the polls on May 19!

Guest Column – ID GOP Chairwoman Dorothy Moon: It’s Time for Republicans to Step Up

By
Observer Staff
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April 23, 2026 (Cover image credit: IDGOP FB)

It’s Time for Republicans to Step Up

By: Dorothy Moon, IDGOP Chairwoman

Dorothy Moon, Chairwoman of the Idaho Republican Party

It’s time to recognize what time it is. In 2024, President Trump fell 5% short in Virginia, a state that elected a Republican governor just a few years ago. This week, following the lead of Virginia’s new radical left-wing governor, the state narrowly voted to redraw its congressional districts—turning a map that favored Democrats 6–5 into one that could leave only a single Republican representing the state in Congress.

This is one of the most blatant displays of raw political power I’ve ever seen. Unfortunately, it’s not surprising. It comes from the same party that spent four years during the Biden administration jailing its political opponents, persecuting pro-life activists, and using every lever of the federal government to impose its radical ideology on the country.

What time is it? It’s the time Ronald Reagan warned us about when he said, “Freedom is a fragile thing, and it’s never more than one generation away from extinction. It is not ours by way of inheritance; it must be fought for and defended constantly by each generation, for it comes only once to a people.”

We’ve seen where left-wing totalitarianism leads, and it isn’t pretty. But America is not beyond saving—if we take the threats before us seriously.

I was gratified to see the Department of Justice indict the Southern Poverty Law Center for secretly and dishonestly funding the very organizations it claims to oppose. For years, the SPLC has smeared conservative organizations like the Family Research Council, Alliance Defending Freedom, and Turning Point USA as if they were no different from the KKK.

Along with their political and media allies, they’ve gone after anyone with traditional conservative beliefs—censoring them, persecuting them, and trying to make them unemployable. Believe me, I know.

Finally, we have a president and an administration that are fighting back. Finally, we have a leader who knows what time it is and understands that we cannot roll over and allow the radical left to take over this country.

But Republicans across America need to step up. Look at what’s at stake here in Idaho: the 2030 census will create a third congressional district. If lawmakers don’t act soon, those new district boundaries will be drawn by a “bipartisan” commission—even though Idaho has more than five times as many registered Republicans as Democrats.

We could easily end up with a Boise-dominated third district—and a Democrat representing Idaho in Congress—if our leaders don’t act soon.

I know some people find politics distasteful. I get it; we all want to be left alone to live our lives. But the side that wants to win will always beat the side that wants to be left alone. Reagan was right—this is our time, our battle, and we must fight it now so that our grandchildren can enjoy the blessings of a free country.

Slow Down to Keep Crews Safe During Work Zone Awareness Week

By
Observer Staff
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(Idaho Power Press Release, April 23, 2026)

This week is National Work Zone Awareness Week — the perfect opportunity to remind drivers to use caution around work zones.

Idaho Power is also asking drivers to help keep their work crews safe near roadways, as they’ve seen numerous close calls in the past few months.

Remember:

  • Slow down when driving near utility or construction crews.
  • Give crews plenty of space.
  • Watch for flaggers and traffic control.
  • Follow all lane restrictions.

Everyone has somewhere to be, and they all want to get there quickly, but nothing is more important than safety. Idaho Power is committed to helping keep the communities they serve safe, and they ask for your help keeping their employees — your local neighbors and friends — safe along the way.

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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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