Pocatello–The Bannock County Veterans Memorial Association requests the community’s help in gathering material for a display commemorating the Memorial Building’s 100th Birthday next month. In a Facebook post, they explain the project:
Do you have fun memories and great pictures at the Memorial Building?
With the building’s 100th birthday next month, we wanted to reach out to the community to see if ya’ll can help us with pictures and memories through the decades.
Please email your pictures (with the date) or fun little stories about the building to bcvma@yahoo.com. We’re hoping to be able to display as many images as well can in a timeline of her 100 years.
(City of Pocatello Press Release, April 13, 2026; Cover Photo credit: City of Pocatello)
The City of Pocatello will begin construction on the Portneuf River Bridge on West Benton Street mid-April.
The City of Pocatello was awarded funding through the Leading Idaho Local Bridge (LILB) Grant, administered by the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council, to replace the Portneuf River Bridge on West Benton Street.
This project will replace the existing steel girder bridge with a new single-span concrete girder structure designed to improve safety and increase long-term reliability. The new bridge will be supported by a deep foundation system using driven piles.
In addition to the bridge replacement, work will include reconstruction of roadway and pedestrian approaches, as well as the relocation of select utilities. All construction will be completed in accordance with the 2023 Idaho Standard Specifications for Highway Construction.
The LILB Grant fully funds the project, requiring no local match from the City of Pocatello.
The LILB Program is funded by the Idaho Legislature through Senate Bill 1359 and supports the repair or replacement of bridges greater than 20 feet in length that are in poor condition or have load restrictions, in accordance with Federal Highway Administration guidance.
Please be advised that a temporary road closure will be necessary to facilitate the completion of the bridge replacement. We encourage all travelers to exercise caution and consider utilizing alternate routes in the area.
Construction is anticipated to be finished by the end of September, weather and other unforeseen conditions permitting.
The City of Pocatello, in partnership with the Local Highway Safety Improvement Program (LHSIP), will soon begin construction on two safety improvement projects mid-April, aimed at enhancing pedestrian and roadway safety.
The first project will improve pedestrian crossings along North Main Street and North Arthur Avenue in Historic Downtown Pocatello. Enhancements will include sidewalk bulb-outs, extensions that narrow the roadway and shorten crossing distances, as well as curb ramps that meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. These upgrades are part of ongoing efforts to improve walkability and increase safety for both pedestrians and drivers in the downtown area.
The second project will focus on safety improvements at the intersection of Flandro Drive and East Quinn Road. Work will include the installation of a raised concrete median, upgraded signage, and new sidewalk sections with ADA-compliant curb ramps. These improvements are designed to reduce congestion and minimize vehicle conflicts, particularly those involving left-turn movements.
The LHSIP is a federally funded program focused on reducing fatal and serious injury crashes on local roadways by improving visibility and decreasing pedestrian exposure to traffic.
As required by the grant, the City of Pocatello has included a 7.34% local match in the FY2026 budget.
Temporary lane closures are anticipated as part of the ongoing projects at both locations. We recommend that drivers allow for additional travel time due to potential traffic delays and consider alternative routes when feasible.
Construction is anticipated to be finished by the end of August for both projects, weather and other unforeseen conditions permitting.
(Secretary of State Marco Rubio Press Statement, April 14, 2026)
On these Days of Remembrance, Jeanette and I join Jewish communities and people of all faiths in reflecting on the enduring lessons of the Holocaust. We remember the six million Jews and millions of others murdered by the Nazis and their collaborators, and we honor the courage and humanity that endured even in the face of unimaginable cruelty.
As time passes and the voices of survivors become fewer, our responsibility to preserve their stories and defend historical facts grows ever more urgent. We must confront Holocaust denial and distortion wherever they appear. We must fight for justice and restitution and ensure that the truth of the Holocaust is taught to every generation. We must ensure that the reason we utter the words “never again” is etched in historical memory.
Let us honor the victims, the survivors, and the liberators. Let us renew our promise: Never again.
(Stand Up For Idaho Press Release, April 14, 2026)
Idaho Falls–Wednesday, April 15th – Candidate Forum
Idaho Republican Gubernatorial Candidates
Eight candidates have filed for the Republican nomination for Idaho governor in the May 19, 2026 primary. They are: Sean Calvert Crystal, Mark Fitzpatrick, Daniel C. Fowler, Ethan Giles, Ron James, incumbent Gov. Brad Little, Lisa Marie, and Justin R. Plante.
Stand Up For Idaho has invited all of the candidates to participate in a forum where they will each tell us their vision for Idaho and why we should vote for them, followed by a question and answer period where the audience can ask questions of the candidates. The following candidates have confirmed their attendance:
In person: Sean Calvert Crystal, Mark Fitzpatrick, Ron James, Lisa Marie, and Justin R. Plante
Via Zoom: Daniel C. Fowler
Ethan Giles has declined to participate and incumbent Gov. Brad Little has not yet responded to the invitation.
DON’T MISS THIS TOWN HALL. This is the only forum in the state where most of the Republican gubernatorial candidates will appear together. It offers voters a rare chance to hear directly from the candidates and ask the tough questions that matter most to Idaho families and communities.
Attendance is free, although donations to support Stand Up For Idaho’s nonpartisan educational mission are greatly appreciated. We are an IRS 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and donations are tax deductible.
Snake River Event Center (Shilo Inn), 780 Lindsay Blvd., Idaho Falls
6:30pm (Doors open at 6:00pm)
About Stand Up For Idaho: We are a nonpartisan, nondenominational, nonprofit organization striving to inform and educate the public on a wide range of topics that affect people’s lives. We advocate for the common good, well-being, and civic betterment for all Idahoans, and for the rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Idaho.
ID Senator Tammy Nichols (Photo Credit: Tammy Nichols)
The 2026 legislative session has officially come to a close, and I want to sincerely thank you for the trust you place in me to represent District 10 in the Idaho Legislature.
This session was one of the most difficult and important in recent memory. Idaho faced tighter revenues, hard budget choices, growing pressure from outside interests, and major debates about the future direction of our state. Through it all, I stayed focused on what matters most: protecting taxpayers, defending families, supporting agriculture, preserving freedom, and keeping government accountable.
Delivering Results for District 10
This year, I ran nearly 40 bills and legislative measures, and I am proud to report that 29 of those passed all the way into law.
That is a strong record of conservative leadership and real results for District 10 and the people of Idaho.
Most of the bills I run and support do not start in a back room or come from lobbyists, they come from YOU. Many begin when constituents bring me an idea, raise a concern, share a personal experience, or point out a problem in current law. I believe one of the most important parts of this job is listening to the people I represent and turning those concerns into real solutions.
Not every bill crosses the finish line, but leadership means showing up, doing the work, asking hard questions, and advancing serious solutions.
Responsible Budgeting in a Tough Year
This year’s budget required discipline.
After years of rapid spending growth, lawmakers were faced with a tighter revenue picture and difficult choices. I supported efforts to rein in government growth, prioritize core services, and protect Idaho taxpayers from reckless overspending.
Idaho families must live within their means, and government should too.
That principle guided many of the toughest votes this session.
Key Bills I Championed This Year
I was proud to carry and support legislation that addressed real issues facing Idahoans. Some highlights are:
Protecting Consumers & Public Safety
S1282 – Kratom Consumer Protection Act
Created safeguards against dangerous adulterated and synthetic products while preserving access to pure leaf kratom.
S1232 – Son of Sam Bill
Ensures violent criminals cannot profit from notoriety while victims are not forgotten.
HB558 – Foster Youth Survivor Benefits Protection
Protects federal survivor benefits intended for foster children.
HB528 – Directed Blood Donation Rights
Expanded patient rights involving blood donation options.
Defending Freedom & Privacy
H750a – Digital ID Protection Act
Worked to ensure Idahoans are not forced into digital identification systems.
S1269 – Cloud Seeding Transparency Act
Increased transparency and accountability surrounding cloud seeding and weather modification activity in Idaho.
Agriculture & Idaho Values
As Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I was proud to help lead major work supporting Idaho’s number one industry.
SJM110 – Sugar Beet Memorial
Supported Idaho producers and agriculture priorities.
S1445 – Rat Control Local Authority Bill
Addressed the growing Treasure Valley rat issue through practical local solutions.
S1335 – Veterinary Service Commitment Bill
Strengthened veterinary workforce commitments tied to state-supported education.
These bills sought to increase housing supply and affordability for Idaho families.
Areas Where More Work Is Needed
While I am proud of many accomplishments this session, there were two areas where I was not satisfied with the progress made:
Immigration Reform
Idaho needs stronger state-level policies that protect taxpayers, uphold the rule of law, and ensure our communities are not burdened by failures of the federal government. We made progress in the conversation, but not enough. I intend to continue working on meaningful immigration reform legislation next session.
Family Court Reform
I also remain deeply concerned about Idaho’s family court system. Too many families feel unheard, face inconsistent rulings, high costs, and long delays. Parents and children deserve a system focused on fairness, due process, accountability, and the best interests of children. I will continue bringing forward reforms in this area next year.
Additional Legislation I Worked On
Other bills I carried or Sponsored included:
H846 – Public Safety / Criminal Justice Reform
S1270 – Family Protection Legislation
S1239 – Daycare Zoning Clarification
HB824 – Government Accountability Measure
S1286 – Consumer Protection Update
S1271 – Rat Invasive Species Act
HB514 – Veterans Protection Bill
SB1299 – Child Protection Reform
S1412 – Education Accountability Bill
S1342 – Public Records / Transparency Measure
HB663 – Workforce Development Reform
HB541 – Military Leave Update
HB544 – Military Leave Expansion
HB507 – Public Safety Enhancement
HB581 – Government Operations Reform
HB623 – Taxpayer Protection Measure
HB731 – Family Rights Bill
HB575 – Licensing Reform
HB772 – Industrial Hemp Producer Reform
H879 – Hemp Product Regulation Update
H776 – Agricultural Policy Reform
S1418 – Family Court Improvement Bill
H856 – Human Remains Protection Act
SJM112 – Balanced Budget Memorial to Congress
Each one represented another effort to improve Idaho, solve problems, and protect our future. All bills for this session can be found here.
Governor Vetoes After Adjournment
After the Legislature adjourned, Governor Brad Little issued multiple vetoes on bills passed by the Legislature. Idaho governors have constitutional veto authority, but these actions sparked significant discussion because they came after lawmakers had adjourned and could no longer immediately respond.
The vetoed bills included:
HB758a – Daycare Reform Bill
Related to childcare regulations and provider requirements.
HB975 – Rainy Day Fund Transfer Bill
Would have increased deposits into Idaho’s Budget Stabilization Fund.
HB968 – Cash Transfer / Budget Reallocation Bill
Moved funds from canceled projects into other priorities.
SB1359a – Virtual Currency Kiosk Fraud Bill
Would have created protections tied to cryptocurrency ATM fraud.
HB674 – Telecommunications Service Bill
Addressed service discontinuation and regulatory authority.
HB978 – Graduate Medical Education Funding Bill(line-item veto)
Would have reduced funding connected to graduate medical education programs.
These vetoes will likely remain part of the broader discussion heading into next session.
Serving Beyond the Capitol
This year I also continued meeting directly with constituents, speaking throughout District 10 and around Idaho, and staying connected with the people I serve. Good government starts with listening. I will continue to do this outside of session, as well as travel to other states to talk with others about ideas and issues.
My Commitment to You
I did not go to Boise to become part of the political class.
I went there to fight for you.
That means standing firm when it matters. Asking hard questions. Protecting families. Defending liberty. Supporting agriculture. Controlling spending. And making sure Idaho remains Idaho.
Thank you again for the honor of serving as your Senator.
(U.S. Representative Mike Simpson, April 12, 2026)
It’s that time of year! The Congressional Art Competition is one of my favorite competitions for Idaho’s student artists to showcase their talents and be recognized alongside hundreds of other students and members of Congress from across the country. Many thanks to all the students, parents, and teachers who attended the 2026 Congressional Art Competition reception earlier this week.
A BIG CONGRATULATIONS TO INL! DOME, located at the Idaho National Laboratory, is a first-of-its-kind microreactor test bed that will enable rapid development, testing and demonstration of privately developed advanced nuclear reactors. This week marked the grand opening of this test bed!
In case you missed it: I recently joined KTVB’s Justin Corr on Viewpoint to discuss some of the top issues here in DC. You can watch clips of our interview or the full interview below.
Congressional Art Competition
I was pleased to host a reception this week to congratulate the winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition and recognize some of the other talented participants.
Mayleigh Carter, a junior at Snake River High School, won this year’s competition. Her piece, Tied Down at the War Bonnet Round Up, will be showcased in the Capitol for millions of Americans to see!
Congratulations, INL!
It was a great week for INL! DOME gives American developers the ability to take new reactor concepts from design to demonstration at the pace the new nuclear era demands.
As Idaho’s only appropriator, I was proud to secure funding to support this test bed. You can read more about DOME here.
Discussing What’s Happening in Washington
While in the district, I sat down with KTVB’s Justin Corr to discuss some critical issues happening in DC:
Pocatello–Tonight at their weekly meeting, the group “Patriots for Liberty & Constitution” discuss Marshall Foster’s book, The American Covenant. This week’s discussion will focus on the introduction and first chapter of the book, as well as current events.
April 13, 2026 (Cover Photo Credit: City of Pocatello)
The City of Pocatello’s Road Construction & Traffic Report for the week of April 13, 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.
Crews will be jetting and cleaning sewer mainlines throughout the City.
The Water Department is replacing the water mainline on Westello Blvd. Crews will work from 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday to Thursday. This phase of the job is expected to last 2-3 weeks.
The City of Pocatello will begin construction on the Benton Street Bridge over the Portneuf River April 15, 2026. West Benton Street will be closed between South Hayes Avenue and South Grant Avenue. This project includes removing the existing bridge and constructing a new structure designed to improve safety and increase load capacity. In addition to bridge replacement, the project will include reconstruction of roadway approaches, coordination and relocation of select utilities, and other related improvements. Construction is anticipated to be finished by the end of September, weather and other unforeseen conditions permitting.
West Whitman Street, between North Arthur Avenue and the alley toward South Garfield Avenue (directly in front of Family Services Alliance) will be closed Tuesday, April 14, for the “Living the Cause” event.
The ISU Bengal Triathlon will be held April 17-18. Course maps can be located here. Motorists are advised to use caution and expect delays in the area.
South Garfield Avenue between Center Street and West Lewis Street will be closed from 6 AM to 5 PM. on Saturday, April 18th, for the Portneuf Valley Environmental Fair.
