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Guest Columnist ID Rep. Lucas Cayler–Election Day: It’s Go Time

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May 19, 2026

Election Day: It’s Go Time

By: Representative Lucas Cayler, District 11

On the eve of the Primary 2026 Election, I am reminded of a sobering Proverb from the Bible. King Solomon wrote in Proverbs 29:2 “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.”

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No greater example of this could be seen by the American people than during the reign of Joseph R. Biden. Tens of millions of illegals flooded our country, crime rates skyrocketed, our foreign policy and sovereignty was laughed at and challenged by terrorists and rogue nations worldwide.

And then, in another crushing victory, President Donald Trump won the 2024 election and the entire geopolitical landscape of the world changed. Our border got locked down, Venezuela was liberated from its mad dictator, Iran has all but been decimated, and China has been brought to heel by President Trump.

The message has been clear: Americans want a strong and prosperous nation and real conservative, pro-America leaders.

This message was sent by the voters of Indiana two weeks ago, where 40+ squishy RINO incumbent legislators were scrapped in favor of solid, blood-red candidates who live by the America-first agenda.

Tomorrow, here at home, Idaho voters will cast their votes for many races, but the real fight is for the Governor’s race and the legislature. In 2024, we had an overwhelming conservative win for the legislature which resulted in some long overdue covid clean-up legislation like the passage of the landmark Medical Freedom Act.

My encouragement for you is this: get out and vote. Know who you are voting for. As for the governor’s race, I am voting for Mark Fitzpatrick. He is an extremely successful real estate developer and business man, but more importantly, he is very conservative, holds traditional beliefs and has a strong faith in God.

Governor Brad Little needs to go. Despite his Trump endorsement, Little has done very little for Idaho. His covid pandemic response was to keep Idaho locked down in a state of emergency for two and a half years, violating the law, and all because Idaho would lose the Federal CARES Act funding.

Part of the reason for my ire with Brad Little is that I found myself on his list of legislators to get rid of. Not a hearsay list mind you, but an actual list that had about 20 conservative legislators that he wanted gone.

And if he wants conservative legislators out, who will he replace them with?

Here is the thing: we can elect all of the conservative legislators we want. We could put 105 rock-ribbed Ron Paul types in our Capitol, but without a Governor who shares those same conservative values, the stalemate is never broken, and the conservative football will never make it down the field to the end zone.

Freedom is always hanging in the balance. The radical leftists won’t go away, they won’t stop their endless pursuit to take away our Bill of Rights, trans our kids and tax us into oblivion.

That is why it is so important to 1) go vote and 2) know whom you are voting for.

If you don’t know where to vote, you can go to Vote Idaho and find your polling location. The polls are open statewide from 8am to 8pm.

Additionally, if you are in doubt as to whom the best conservative choice for candidate is, this Voter’s Guide is published by Conservatives Of Idaho and is a great resource if you aren’t sure where to start.

Allow me to thank you for being a citizen who does their civic duty and takes the responsibility of helping determine the future for Idaho.

In liberty,

Lucas Cayler

State Representative for Caldwell District 11

Guest Columnist Brian Almon: It All Comes Down to This

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Observer Staff
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(Image Credit: Gem State Chronicle)

May 18, 2026 (Cover Image Credit: Gem State Chronicle)

It All Comes Down to This

By: Brian Almon

Gem State Chronicle Publisher Brian Almon

You and I know that the real election in Idaho is not in November, but in May. Outside of a small handful of legislative districts and counties, whoever wins the primary is almost certain to win the general election. It’s important for conservative Idahoans to take the time to vote tomorrow, if you haven’t already done so. The future of our state depends on it.

The Covid-19 lockdowns in 2020–21 woke a lot of people up. They might not have been interested in politics, but the events of those dark years showed that politics was interested in them. Gov. Brad Little campaigned in 2018 on deregulation and maintaining a strong economy, but when the Wuhan Flu arrived in Idaho, he issued a Stay At Home Order that gave cover to lesser magistrates who shut down businesses, forced people to wear masks, and even arrested citizens for praying outside or stepping foot in a public park.

This surge of populist energy led to major changes in the Legislature during the 2022 and 2024 primary elections. Many old-guard moderate Republicans, such as Senate Health & Welfare Chairman and vaccine enthusiast Fred Martin, lost their seats to young conservatives motivated to stop government overreach and preserve individual liberty. Glenneda Zuiderveld defeated incumbent Sen. Jim Patrick by 37 votes in 2022, then easily won reelection in 2024. Elaine Price defeated incumbent Rep. Paul Amador in Coeur d’Alene, Cindy Carlson unseated Carl Crabtree in District 7, and Scott Herndon ousted Jim Woodward up in District 1, though Woodward won the rematch in 2024.

The Legislature through 2022 was characterized by big budgets and expanding government. While it did tackle some social issues, such as banning abortion pending the overturning of Roe v. Wade and keeping men out of women’s sports, it was content to allow public schools, libraries, and other taxpayer-funded agencies to be used for left-wing indoctrination. Members who wished to challenge the governor’s Stay At Home Order and the ensuing abrogation of individual rights were well in the minority.

Fast forward to the 2025 and 2026 legislative sessions, where lawmakers clamped down on Boise flying the LGBTQ+ pride flag, codified medical freedom into state law, banned agencies from imposing mask mandates, prohibited forced DEI in higher education, stopped taxpayer subsidies for far-left teachers unions, and even made some of the first real cuts to the state budget in more than a decade (though increasing Medicaid costs still caused the overall budget to rise).

All of this was made possible by good candidates standing for election in the Republican primary and citizens doing their part by turning out to vote. Tomorrow’s primary will decide whether we continue this momentum or take a step back toward rule by a centralized political machine that had no qualms about locking you down just a few short years ago.

And the machine is hard at work, make no mistake. Gov. Little has been campaigning for his people—those he believes will carry out his agenda. Conservatives who charged into politics following the Covid lockdowns have found themselves divided, as the overriding issue of government overreach has faded and we now disagree on a host of other issues. Nevertheless, politics is a team sport, and in most cases there are only two teams on the field at any given time. The governor, along with four other statewide elected officials, has decided that figures including Sen. Jim Guthrie and Rep. Stephanie Mickelsen are on his team, and that team is going all-out for them.

Who is on your team?

People keep asking me who to vote for. After 2022, I decided not to do full endorsements at the Gem State Chronicle. For me, it’s mostly about humility—I am surely more plugged into Idaho politics than 99% of people, yet I still hesitate to make recommendations outside my ken. I know who I’m going to vote for here in Ada County, but I have no idea who the best commissioner candidate is in Kootenai or Twin Falls counties. Regarding the Legislature, I’ve shared my thoughts on which races will make the biggest difference in a special briefing for paid subscribers, but my hope is that all voters read my reporting on the session and the rhetoric of various figures and come to the right conclusion.

In that special briefing, I explained my theory as to why conservative legislation saw a much tougher gauntlet in 2026 than in 2025. Just two resignations—Wendy Horman and Kevin Andrus—were enough to shift the center of gravity just a little bit to the left, and deadlock three important committees that previously had a one-vote conservative majority. If that theory is correct, it demonstrates how even just one or two races can radically alter the makeup of our Legislature, which is why it’s so important for conservatives to take the time to vote in the primary election.

Some people talk about your vote as if it is a sacred instrument, meaning you can only vote for someone if you are 100% certain they agree with you on every issue. I don’t think this is a healthy way to approach republican governance. Your vote is your tool to build the society you want for yourself and your posterity. In most cases, there are only two choices on your ballot, and it often comes down to one candidate who opposes nearly everything you stand for and another who—though surely flawed—generally agrees with you. To me, that’s an easy choice.

Or let’s put it this way: You’re going out to lunch with your friends, and the group is deadlocked between Mexican and pizza. You’re the deciding vote, and while you prefer Mexican, what you really wanted today was a burger. Your choices are either to go have lunch by yourself or vote for the better of the two options on the table. Keep in mind that if you vote for Mexican today, your friends might be more willing to go along with your preferred option tomorrow—at least more so than if you just took your ball and went home every time you didn’t get your way.

Your vote is your tool to decide what we’re going to build going forward. Your vote is your proxy to support conservative policies or oppose bad ideas in the Legislature. Tomorrow, the voters of Idaho will make a choice: Do we continue transforming the Gem State into a bastion of conservatism and traditional values, or do we turn back toward a Mitt Romney-style country club Republicanism that prioritizes big business ahead of families, bureaucracies ahead of citizens, and illegal aliens ahead of Idahoans?

That choice is in your hands. Primary elections never have high turnout, so every vote matters. You’ve done your research, you’ve figured out who is who and what is what, and now it’s time to exercise your right and your privilege. Get out and vote!

About Brian Almon

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

Editor’s note:  This article originally appeared in the Gem State Chronicle.  I encourage our readers to visit their website and consider subscribing.  Find this and other informative articles at the Gem State Chronicle here: About – Gem State Chronicle

Pocatello’s Revered ‘Idaho Field of Heroes Memorial’ Returns for Memorial Day Weekend

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Observer Staff
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(City of Pocatello Press Release, May 18, 2026)

BANNOCK COUNTY, Idaho – An annual Memorial Day weekend tradition for the Portneuf Valley returns for its 22nd year. The Idaho Field of Heroes Memorial will begin Friday, May 22, and continue until Memorial Day, May 25, at Century High School’s soccer fields.

The Field of Heroes honors the men and women who died serving the United States in the Global War on Terrorism.

“This event means so much to our community because it’s a beautiful, solemn reminder of the price families have paid to protect our freedom. We honor the lives of the fallen, and thank their families and friends for their sacrifice,” said Bannock County Veteran Services Coordinator and event organizer Melissa Hartman.

This year, volunteers will place 7,086 markers in the field to represent each service member who died in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. An additional 97 markers will represent the service members with an Idaho connection who have died since Sept. 11, 2001.

Volunteers are needed to help set up the field on May 18 through 21 and clean up on Tuesday, May 26. Volunteers are encouraged to arrive at the field at 8 a.m.

The event will kick off with a dedication ceremony at 10 a.m. Friday, May 22. The field will then be open to the public 24 hours a day through the closing ceremony at 5:30 p.m. on Monday.

The annual Run to Remember is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, May 23, at Century High School’s track. Those interested can register at the track at 9 a.m. for a $10 donation to support the Memorial. The first participants to register will receive a free T-shirt and a goodie bag while supplies last.

Special meals will be prepared at the Liberty Snack Shack trailer at specific times listed in the schedule below. For a complete list of sponsors, visit www.idahofieldofheroes.com.

Full schedule of events:

Friday, May 22

  • 10:00 a.m. – Dedication Ceremony
  • 6:00 p.m. – Youth Ceremony
  • 5 – 7 p.m. – Liberty Snack Shack open
  • 7:00 p.m. – Civil Air Patrol

Saturday, May 23

  • 9:00 a.m. – Run to Remember
  • 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Liberty Snack Shack open
  • 12-2:00 p.m. – Children’s Activities
  • 2:00 p.m. – USO Show
  • 3:30 p.m. – Stasia Acrobats
  • 5 – 7 p.m. – Liberty Snack Shack open

Sunday, May 24

  • 4 – 7 p.m. – Liberty Snack Shack open
  • 5:00 p.m. – Special Musical Event with Shawn Barnby
  • 8:00 p.m. – Silent Wounds Candlelight Vigil

Monday, May 25

  • 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. – Liberty Snack Shack open
  • 1:30 p.m. – “Retire with Respect” Flag Retirement Ceremony (POW*MIA Awareness Association)
  • 5:15 p.m. – Thunder Run Tribute
  • 5:30 p.m. – Closing Ceremony

City of Pocatello to Conduct Smoke Testing Near Bannock Highway and Johnny Creek Road TODAY, May 19

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Observer Staff
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(City of Pocatello Press Release, May 18, 2026)

The City of Pocatello Water Pollution Control Department will conduct smoke testing in the area of Bannock Highway and Johnny Creek Road Tuesday, May 19, as part of an effort to locate the service line connected to the demolished clubhouse at Riverside Golf Course.

Residents and businesses in the area may notice smoke coming from sewer vents or other locations during the testing process. The smoke used during the test is non-toxic, non-staining, and safe for people, pets, and property.

Smoke testing is a common method used to identify and trace sewer line connections and helps City crews evaluate underground infrastructure efficiently and safely.

The Pocatello Fire Department and Police Dispatch have been notified about the testing activity.

For more information about smoke testing and what the public can expect, please visit: superiorsignal.com/smoke-resources/relevant-articles/225-smoke-testing-what-homeowners-need-to-know

Residents with questions may contact the Water Pollution Control Department at 208-234-6254.

Idaho’s Housing Unit Growth Rate Leads the Nation in 2025

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Observer Staff
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(Governor’s Office Press Release, May 18, 2026)

Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little commented today on new information from the Idaho Department of Labor that shows Idaho led the nation in housing unit growth in 2025.

“Idaho’s nation-leading housing unit growth is no accident. We have prioritized permitting reform, cut red tape, and invested in LAUNCH and other career training programs to grow the skilled workforce needed to meet demand. None of this progress would be possible without the hardworking men and women in Idaho’s construction and trade industries who are helping build stronger communities across our state.

“While this report shows Idaho is moving in the right direction, we recognize housing affordability and accessibility remain top concerns for Idaho families, and we have more work to do to ensure the American dream remains within reach for the next generation,” Governor Little said.

Information from the Idaho Department of Labor:

Idaho’s housing unit estimates increased by 2.1% in 2025 — the fastest growth rate out of all states for the second consecutive year — and added over 17,000 units. Since 2020, the state has held either the number one or number two ranking for annual housing unit growth (Figure 1).

A housing unit is defined by the U.S. Census Bureau as one intended for occupancy as its own separate living quarters with direct access either from the building’s exterior or through a common hall.

From 2020-2025, Idaho increased its housing count by 12.3% while completing over 93,000 units. This is the second highest rate of increase nationally, sitting behind Utah (12.9%) but ahead of Texas (10.4%). Idaho’s growth rate is more than two times the 5.3% reported for the U.S. Five of Idaho’s counties — Teton, Canyon, Ada, Bonneville and Kootenai — each increased available housing units by over 14% during this five-year period.

Idaho’s housing unit growth in 2025 ranged from an increase of one unit in Clark County to a high of 5,026 in Ada. The counties with the fastest housing unit growth rates were Teton (5%), Bonneville (4.4%) and Canyon (3.7%). Their growth rates ranked in the top 30 nationally for counties with at least 5,000 housing units and they were also Idaho’s fastest growing counties in the previous year of 2024.

‘Operation No Return’ Removes Dozens More Illegal Alien Criminals

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Observer Staff
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(Photo Credit: Karyn Simmons)

(Governor’s Office Press Release, May 18, 2026)

Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little announced today his Operation No Return has successfully removed dozens more dangerous illegal alien criminals, bringing the total number of criminals removed to nearly 100.

The Governor’s Office’s online dashboard for Operation No Return includes mugshots of criminals removed and can be found at https://gov.idaho.gov/operation-no-return.

“Through Operation No Return, we are making it clear that dangerous criminal illegal aliens who threaten the safety of our communities will not be released back onto Idaho streets. Idaho is tough on crime, and we put the safety of Idaho families first,” Governor Little said.

Under Operation No Return, the Idaho State Police (ISP) is taking dangerous illegal alien criminals out of county jails after the completion of their sentences instead of being released back into Idaho communities. The transports are the first step necessary to remove them from the State of Idaho.

The transports are part of the state’s agreement with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE) under the 287(g) program.

All of them were in the United States illegally and will be deported to their country of origin rather than being released back into Idaho communities after completing their sentences.

Operation No Return is funded with Governor’s Office Emergency Funds.

NEW CRIMINALS TRANPORTED SINCE LAST UPDATE:

  1. Juan Corona-Villagomez (LEWD CONDUCT WITH MINOR UNDER 16) Country: Mexico
  2. Mario David Lopez-Morales (FELONY INJURY TO CHILD) Country: Guatemala
  3. Marcos Navarez Zamora (RAPE) Country: Mexico
  4. Pedro Perez Zendejas (INJURY TO CHILD)
  5. Maurillo Marin Riano (FELONY INJURY TO CHILD) Country: Mexico
  6. Homero Garibay-Alvarez (VEHICULAR MANSLAUGHTER) Country: Mexico
  7. Victor Ortiz-Camacho (EXCESSIVE DUI) Country: Mexico
  8. Florentina Bors (FELONY CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT CRIME, LARCENY AND THEFT OF ELDER) Country: Romania
  9. Brandon Estiven Martinez Moran (POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE) Country: Guatemala
  10. Juan Antonio Hernandez Cordoba (POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE) Country: Mexico
  11. Oscar Eduardo Melo Garcia (FELONY DUI) Country: Colombia
  12. Walter Ismael Alarcon Aguirre (FELONY AGGRAVATED ASSAULT, FELONY AGGRAVATED DUI) Country: Guatemala
  13. Yilber Martin Sanchez-Lopez (AGGRAVATED ASSAULT) Country: Colombia
  14. Berenice Vilencio Cruz (FELONY OFFICER-FLEE OR ATTEMPT TO ELUDE A POLICE OFFICER IN A MOTOR VEHICLE)
  15. Irvin Rodriguez Soriano (WEAPON-UNLAWFUL DISCHARGE AT HOUSE, OCCUPIED BUILDING, VEHICLE, ETC) Country: Mexico
  16. Sindy Daniela Chapas Mejia (DRUG TRAFFICKING, HEROIN) Country: Honduras
  17. Juan Antonio Juarez-Rivera (POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, ASSAULT OR BATTERY UPON PERSONNEL) Country: Mexico
  18. Ricardo Antonio Tetana Lopez (DRUG TRAFFICKING) Country: Mexico
  19. Francisco Javier Escobar-Padilla (PIRACY) Country: Mexico
  20. Eugenio Caliz Bautista (FELONY SEXUAL ABUSE OF A CHILD UNDER 16) Country: Mexico
  21. Jose Leonel Martinez Solano (DUI, FELONY POSSESSION OF METH, FELONY AGGRAVATED ASSAULT) Country: Mexico
  22. Juan De Dios Torres Resendiz (FELONY DESTRUCTION OF EVIDENCE) Country: Mexico
  23. Ulyses Mariscal-Palma (FELONY AGGRAVATED ASSAULT) Country: Mexico
  24. Jose Abraham Bedolla-Flores (FELONY POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, DUI) Country: Mexico
  25. Luis Angel Gonzalez-Solis (FELONY DUI) Country: Mexico
  26. Gerardo Serrano-Aguilar (POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE) Country: Mexico
  27. Jesus Castro-Angulo (DRUG TRAFFICKING) Country: Mexico
  28. Alejandro Garcia-Carranza (DRUG TRAFFICKING) Country: Mexico
  29. Jose Luis Perez-Esquivel (FELONY POSSESSSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE) Country: Mexico
  30. Sergey Kravchenko (FELONY DRUG TRAFFICKING, HEROIN) Country: Ukraine

PREVIOUS DANGEROUS ILLEGAL ALIEN CRIMINALS TRANSPORTED:

  1. Antonio Velasco-Gonzales (LEWD CONDUCT WITH CHILD UNDER 16) Country: Mexico
  2. Henry Diaz-Escobar (LEWD CONDUCT WITH CHILD UNDER 16, INDECENT EXPOSURE) Country: Guatemala
  3. Sergio Gonzalez Gonzalez (DUI, HIT AND RUN) Country: Mexico
  4. Iker Jhorkaeef Vasquez-Moreno (DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, BATTERY) Country: Mexico
  5. Sai Bouaphan Chareunsouk (KIDNAPPING, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE) Country: Laos
  6. Martin Heredia-Vergara (STALKING, BURGLARY, POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE) Country: Mexico
  7. Muhammad Zeeshan (SEXUAL ASSAULT) Country: Pakistan
  8. Olegario Gonzalez-Retiguin (ASSAULT (x2), POSSESSION) Country: Mexico
  9. Alvaro Perez-Soto (DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, TRAUMATIC INJURY) Country: Mexico
  10. Jeferson A. Caisahuana-Torres (INJURY TO CHILD) Country: Peru
  11. Victor Manuel Granillos-Sierra (STRANGULATION, DUI) Country: Mexico
  12. Ricardo Villalobos-Pedraza (RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT, DISTURBING THE PEACE, DWP, DUI(x3)) Country: Mexico
  13. Sinue Esquivel-Lugo (DUI – EXCESSIVE, POSSESSION) Country: Mexico
  14. Ewar Angel Morales-Molina (ASSAULT (x2), POSSESSION) Country: Cuba
  15. Jaren Zuniga-Crus (TRANSPORT/SELL/POSSESS CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE) Country: Honduras
  16. Marcos Dominguez-Gomez (ASSAULT (x2), POSSESSION) Country: Mexico
  17. Wilmer Arley Suarez-Plata (DRUG TRAFFICKING, SHOPLIFTING) Country: Colombia
  18. Ricardo Villalobos-Pedraza (DUI) Country: Mexico
  19. Adolfo Santan-Jimenez (POSSESSION, PROBATION VIOLATION) Country: Mexico
  20. Juan Navarro-Torres (INJURY TO CHILD, INTIMIDATE WITNESS, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE) Country: Mexico
  21. Luis Estrada Diaz (HUMAN TRAFFICKING, RESISTING AND OBSTRUCTING) Country: Mexico
  22. Antonio Ramirez-Uribe (SELLING DANGEROUS WEAPONS, POSSESSION) Country: Mexico
  23. Misael M. Mancilla Chacon (FRAUD, FALSE INFORMATION TO LE) Country: Colombia
  24. Yovani Ramirez-Angulo (DUI) Country: Mexico
  25. Eduar Josue Rodriguez-Osorto (POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, FALSE INFO, ALTERED ID) Country: Honduras
  26. Jose M. Huamacto Huanaco (DUI) Country: Peru
  27. Jose Lopez-Cruz (DUI, FALSE INFORMATION) Country: Mexico
  28. Danny Araica-Delgadilla (DANGEROUS DRUGS) Country: Nicaragua
  29. Carlos Rojas-Morales (DRUG TRAFFICKING, ILLEGAL RE-ENTRY) Country: Mexico
  30. Edilberto Morales-Lascarez (POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE) Country: Mexico
  31. Jose Aguilar Luna (POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE) Country: Mexico
  32. Osmin Dubon-Herrera (DUI) Country: Guatemala
  33. Carlos Gomez-Lopez (DUI (x3)) Country: Mexico
  34. Humberto Ramirez-Esquivel (GRAND THEFT AUTO) Country: Mexico
  35. Jorge Meza-Ramirez (DUI) Country: Mexico
  36. Modesto Francisco-Munoz (DUI, DRUGS) Country: Mexico
  37. Rogelio Gonzalez-Leal (INADMISSIBILITY, ILLEGAL RE-ENTRY) Country: Mexico
  38. Carlos Eduardo Ruiz-Sanchez (DUI) Country: Honduras
  39. Pablo Cuellar-Zavala (DISTURBING THE PEACE, DWP) Country: Mexico
  40. Jose Fernando Hernandez Jerez (DTP, TRESPASSING, VIOLATE NO CONTACT) Country: Colombia
  41. Jose G. Medina-Jaime (DUI) Country: Mexico
  42. Jose DeJesus Sanchez Canchola (DWP (x2), PARAPHERNALIA, CARELESS DRIVING) Country: Mexico
  43. Maximiliano Gabriel Murrillo (DRUG TRAFFICKING (COCAINE), DUI) Country: Mexico
  44. Tomas Prieto-Servin (RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT, ASSAULT, DUI(x6)) Country: Mexico
  45. Agustra Berto Diaz Gomez (EXCESSIVE DUI) Country: Mexico
  46. Cleymar Gerardo Diaz Perez (EXCESSIVE DUI) Country: Mexico
  47. Diaz-Salaz (DUI (x4), DWP) Country: Mexico
  48. Remberto Machuca Carvajal (AGGRAVATED ASSAULT) Country: Mexico
  49. Guillermo Vargas Castillo (DUI (x2)) Country: Mexico
  50. Rey David Estrada Arizmendi (DUI, PROHIBITED WEAPON, POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE) Country: Mexico
  51. Jameel Almuthafar (AGGRAVATED ASSAULT, TRESPASSING, DISTURBING THE PEACE, UNLAWFUL ENTRY, RESISTING ARREST) Country: Iraq
  52. Jhon Fredy Ramirez Delgado (BURGLARY) Country: Colombia
  53. Alredo Toro Pena (BURGLARY) Country: Colombia

BACKGROUND

Through the 287(g) program, ICE can delegate to state and local law enforcement officers the authority to perform specified immigration officer functions, under the direction and oversight of ICE, and pursuant to a signed agreement, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The Governor’s emergency fund has been used in the past to support ISP missions to border states, to help fund the investigation and capture of Bryan Kohberger who is accused of killing four University of Idaho students, and to fight fentanyl.

City of Pocatello Seeks Public Feedback on Draft Housing and Urban Forest Plans

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Observer Staff
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City of Pocatello City Hall

(City of Pocatello Press Release, May 18, 2026)

The City of Pocatello invites residents to review and provide feedback on drafts of two important community planning documents: Pocatello’s first-ever Housing Plan and an updated Urban Forest Plan. Both drafts will be available for public review and comment through May 31, 2026.

•    The draft Housing Plan can be reviewed online at: pocatello.forms.govos.com/f/PDShousingplan

•    The draft Urban Forest Plan can be reviewed online at:  pocatello.forms.govos.com/f/PDSurbanforestplan

The Housing Plan was identified as a priority project in the City’s Comprehensive Plan. The document includes an analysis of current economic and demographic conditions, existing housing stock, housing needs within the community, and strategies to help address those needs.

The updated Urban Forest Plan supports the goals and strategies outlined in the Comprehensive Plan. The plan establishes a baseline assessment of current urban forest conditions, including management practices, funding, standards, and the overall condition of the community’s trees. It also outlines strategies to maintain an aging tree population, improve tree health and species diversity, and enhance the value of neighborhoods, public spaces, and local landscapes.

Both plans were presented to the Mayor and Council during a work session on May 14, 2026, and will be reviewed during a future public hearing. Notice of the public hearing will be published once community feedback has been incorporated and the plans are finalized for City adoption.

For more information about these projects, contact Long-Range Senior Planner Jim Anglesey at 208-234-6514 or janglesey@pocatello.gov.

Idaho Secretary of State: National Recognition for Idaho Elections

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Observer Staff
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(Idaho Secretary of State’s Office Press Release, May 18, 2026)

Idaho is known for potatoes, blue turf, and, it turns out, award-winning election administration and innovation.

This year, the U.S. Election Assistance Commission handed out 46 national Clearinghouse Awards recognizing best practices in election administration from a record-breaking 200 entries. Idaho brought home four of them.

I’m proud that the Idaho Secretary of State’s Office earned two awards this year. One recognized the 12 Principles of Idaho Elections, a statewide commitment signed by all 44 county clerks to help voters better understand how Idaho elections remain secure, accessible, and accurate. The second recognized Transparent by Design: Idaho’s Interactive Election Data Initiative, featuring data and dashboards on VoteIdaho.gov that turn complex election and campaign finance data into transparent, engaging, and easy-to-use public tools.

What makes these awards especially meaningful is that they recognize ideas other election offices can actually use. The “Clearies” awards evaluate programs based on innovation, sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and their potential to serve as models for election offices across the country. Idaho is building election tools and programs worth copying.

I’m also proud that the team at Ada County Elections earned two awards of their own for their Ballot Verifier tool and their Sasquatch “I Voted” sticker design. At every level, Idaho is punching above its weight.

With the May 19 primary election just around the corner, I think it is worth remembering that the people running Idaho’s elections are thoughtful, hardworking, creative, and deeply committed to serving voters well. Idaho may be a smaller state, but time and again, we prove that big ideas and national leadership can come from right here at home.

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.

Patriots for Liberty and Constitution to Continue Discussing “By the People” TODAY, May 18

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Observer Staff
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Patriots for Liberty and Constitution

May 18, 2026

Pocatello–Tonight at their weekly meeting, the group “Patriots for Liberty & Constitution” will continue discussing Charles Murray’s book, By the People.  This week’s discussion will cover chapter 10 of the book, as well as the upcoming elections.

Patriots for Liberty & Constitution meets at Mountain Valley Baptist Church, 202 S. 7th Avenue in Pocatello, every Monday evening at 6:30.

Bannock County Commissioners Meetings, May 18-22, 2026

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Observer Staff
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(Bannock County Press Release, May 15, 2026; Cover Photo Credit: Bannock County)

Bannock County Commissioners Meetings, May 18-22, 2026

Monday, May 18, 2026:

  • There are no meetings scheduled at this time.

Tuesday, May 19, 2026:

  • 9:00 AM Business Meeting (action items) – Information Packet
  • 10:00 AM Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Preparation Meeting (potential action item)

Wednesday, May 20, 2026:

  • There are no meetings scheduled at this time.

Thursday, May 21, 2026:

  • 9:00 AM Work Session and Claims Meeting (action items) – The agenda for this meeting will be posted on Monday, May18, 2026.

Friday, May 2, 2026:

  • There are no meetings scheduled at this time.

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.

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