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New Interactive Map Opens the Door to More Accessible Outdoor Adventures

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Observer Staff
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(Bureau of Land Management Press Release, November 3, 2026)

WASHINGTON — A new interactive map is making it easier for visitors to discover accessible trails, facilities, and recreation opportunities on America’s public lands. In support of All Americans Outside and the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act, the Bureau of Land Management developed this tool to help more Americans, regardless of ability, enjoy and connect with their public lands. This work helps pinpoint where reducing accessibility barriers can deliver the greatest benefits for surrounding communities, strengthening both outdoor opportunities and local economies.

“Public lands belong to all of us, and expanding accessible recreation is essential to ensuring everyone has the opportunity to explore and enjoy these spaces,” said BLM Director Steve Pearce. “Different visitors need different options, fewer barriers, and accurate information. This new interactive tool is one step toward providing an outdoor recreation system that truly serves all Americans.”

In addition to identifying accessible trails and facilities, the map highlights proposed projects developed under the EXPLORE Act, which directs federal land management agencies to identify and advance opportunities that improve accessibility across public lands.

“Accessibility” on public lands means ensuring that all people can safely, equitably, and independently enjoy the recreational, cultural, and natural opportunities offered on federally, state, and locally managed lands, by removing barriers and providing reasonable accommodations. Improving accessibility on public lands not only broadens who can participate in outdoor recreation, but it also supports sustainable economic growth in the communities that depend on these landscapes.

The BLM recently completed an initial nationwide assessment to identify where accessibility improvements are most needed, evaluating known gaps, site readiness, and consistency with existing land use plans. The findings helped inform a list of proposed accessibility projects now viewable through the map, some of which are under construction or in the planning and funding phase. This new map reflects BLM’s commitment to ensuring that all visitors, including people with disabilities and communities that have historically faced barriers to outdoor recreation, can experience and enjoy the nation’s public lands. All projects will be in compliance with the Architectural Barriers Act.

The interactive map provides:

  • Existing accessible recreation sites
  • Proposed accessible trails and recreation projects identified through the EXPLORE Act
  • Areas where the All Americans Outside Initiative is helping identify additional accessibility needs
  • Searchable sites and features–search by state or BLM field office, and click on individual sites for project details, accessibility features, and planning status

As work progresses on enhancing accessibility on public lands, the BLM plans to engage a broad range of stakeholders—including disability advocates, local communities, tribal governments, partners, and recreation organizations—to gather feedback on project feasibility, design considerations, and partnership opportunities. Their participation will help refine cost estimates, strengthen project proposals, and inform which locations are best positioned to move toward implementation.

BLM offices nationwide will continue incorporating insights from the All Americans Outside Initiative into accessibility planning and outreach, ensuring that proposed improvements align with community needs and deliver the greatest benefit.

For further details on accessibility projects and local contacts, explore BLM’s accessibility information.

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.

INL Receives Funds to Advance Next-Generation Nuclear Fuel

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Observer Staff
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INL Idaho National Laboratory credit INL FB

(Idaho National Laboratory Press Release, November 2, 2026; Cover image credit: INL FB)

Idaho Falls–The Idaho National Laboratory will lead a team of researchers and industry partners to create a new type of nuclear fuel from recycled nuclear materials. Researchers will then test the novel fuel in INL’s Advanced Test Reactor, the only facility in the country with the capabilities and available expertise to perform this work.

The project — Irradiation of Molten Plutonium Actinide Chloride fuels and Testing, or IMPACT — will bring together national laboratory scientists and private-sector innovators to create and test the first transuranic-based (TRU-based) liquid salt fuel in a reactor. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) selected IMPACT as part of the High Performance Optimized Recycled Nuclear Isotopes for Gen IV Reactors (HORNIG) program. The award was announced Oct. 29 and advances President Trump’s 2025 Executive Orders by recycling used fuel, turning surplus transuranic elements into reactor fuel and building a domestic fuel supply that doesn’t depend on foreign suppliers.

“Idaho National Laboratory is already playing a leading role in America’s nuclear renaissance, and there’s no better place to advance the next generation of nuclear energy technologies,” said Under Secretary for Nuclear Security Brandon Williams. “This project brings together the expertise of our national laboratories and the innovation of the private sector to develop and test new types of nuclear fuel. It’s exactly the kind of partnership we need to strengthen America’s energy security, accelerate advanced nuclear deployment, and deliver on President Trump’s vision for American energy independence and energy dominance.”

HORNIG supports the design, fabrication, testing and qualification of TRU-based fuels for use in advanced reactors, leveraging materials recovered from the nation’s reserves of used nuclear fuel and other strategic materials. The program challenges project teams to design and test TRU-based fuel systems for the next generation of nuclear reactors.

INL will lead IMPACT, perform all nuclear material handling and conduct the hands-on efforts: fabricating the fuel from transuranic materials already located at the lab, testing the fuel properties and irradiating the fuel in the Advanced Test Reactor. Argonne National Laboratory, Moltex Energy USA LLC and Southern Company will provide modeling support, reactor design input and a utility perspective, with Moltex and Southern providing cost share support.

“Very few places on Earth can handle plutonium, make it into fuel, and test it in a reactor — all in one place,” said INL Director John Wagner. “IMPACT puts that capability to work on a fuel that’s never been irradiated in this form: a chloride salt carrying recycled plutonium and other transuranics for molten salt reactors. The data this team generates is what will help move a fuel from a promising idea to one a developer can actually license and deploy.”

About Idaho National Laboratory
Battelle Energy Alliance manages INL for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy. INL is the nation’s center for nuclear energy research and development, and also performs research in each of DOE’s strategic goal areas: energy, national security, science and the environment. For more information, visit www.inl.gov. Follow us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.

Risch Thanks Idahoans for Election Victory​

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Observer Staff
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(Risch for U.S. Senate Press Release, November 4, 2026)

(U.S. Senator James Risch, Official Photo)

BOISE, ID – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) released the following statement thanking Idahoans upon winning re-election with a large majority of voter support.

“Thank you to every Idahoan who placed their trust in me to continue serving our great state in the United States Senate. Representing Idaho is the honor of my life, and I am proud to fight for the people and values that make our state special.

Together, we have accomplished much for our state. We stopped the Lava Ridge Wind Energy Project, received a new Idaho State Veterans Home in Boise, and saved our historic ROTC programs. We’ve advanced nuclear energy, secured the southern border, defended our public lands, and stood up for hardworking Idahoans.

Idahoans have sent me back to Washington because they expect results, and I will deliver on that promise.

Lowering costs for our people, families, and small businesses remains my top priority. We must also rein in wasteful spending and costly regulations, expand our energy dominance, strengthen our communities, and protect the natural resources that sustain our way of life.

There is plenty more to do, and I am ready to turn our priorities into victories. Idaho is the greatest state in the nation – bar none. It’s where Vicki and I built our lives, raised our family, and are blessed to call home. As Senator, I am committed to creating opportunities and passing policies that ensure every generation of Idahoans have the same ability to succeed.

To all our committed and tireless volunteers and supporters who worked so hard on our behalf, thank you. I am honored to serve you and fight for an even stronger future for our people, state, and nation.”

Jim Risch is Idaho’s 28th U.S. Senator. As Senator, Jim has led the charge to protect Second Amendment rights, oppose wasteful spending, and defend Idahoans’ way of life.

A proud Vandal, Jim received his bachelor’s degree in forest management and his Juris Doctorate from the University of Idaho. Prior to his election by the people of Idaho to the U.S. Senate, Jim served as Ada County Prosecuting Attorney, Idaho State Senator, Lieutenant Governor, and Governor.

Outside of public service, Jim is a rancher and small business owner. Jim and his wife, Vicki, have been married for over 50 years. They are the proud parents of three married sons, have nine grandchildren, and live on their ranch outside of Boise.

Pocatello Mayor’s November Newsletter Posted

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Observer Staff
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City of Pocatello City Hall

November 4, 2026

Pocatello Mayor Mark Dahlquist’s most recent Newsletter has been posted on the City of Pocatello website.

In this edition, Mayor Dahlquist discusses the City’s efforts to encourage business growth, announces the annual leaf pickup and Marshal Public Library’s Jolbokaflod, and highlights the Pocatello Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council’s Little Free Pantries.

To view the Mayor’s Newsletter, visit: Pocatello Mayor’s Newsletter, November 2026.

Idaho Rejects Abortion on Demand, Defeats Prop 1

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Observer Staff
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(Stop Prop 1 Press Release, November 4, 2026)

BOISE, Idaho — The people of Idaho have once again shown that their votes cannot be bought, and their values will not be shaken.

Idaho voters tonight dealt a crushing blow to Proposition 1, the radical abortion measure that went far beyond Roe v. Wade in allowing abortion on demand and late-term abortion, and overriding Idaho’s longstanding parental consent laws.

“The people of Idaho have spoken,” said Stop Prop 1 communications director Mary Strow. “They saw through the smokescreen of deception and barrage of out-of-state funded ads that sought to rewrite our laws and reshape our values. Idaho is and will always be a state that values life and protects the unborn.”

Prop 1’s campaign of deceit was fueled by millions of liberal and left-wing out-of-state dollars, much of it from “dark money” Democrat PACs which don’t disclose their donors. But their inability to understand Idaho values was their undoing. All the money in the world couldn’t fool Idaho voters, who clearly reject the extreme abortion agenda.

Tonight’s results should serve as a warning to the national professional campaign machines that try to force their liberal agenda on Idaho with deceptive and well-funded ballot measures. Their political consultants may grow rich, but Idaho voters’ resistance to their tactics means they will continue to lose.

Likewise, Idaho lawmakers and policymakers can remain confident that Idaho’s current abortion laws reflect the will of the people.

“Thanks to Idaho voters, we have been spared the harm of abortion on demand, and our state will remain true to Idaho values,” added Strow.

About the Stop Prop 1 Campaign

Too Extreme for Idaho PAC is the organization behind Stop Prop 1, the campaign opposing Proposition 1 on Idaho’s November ballot. For more information or to join the campaign, visit: www.StopProp1.org.

City of Pocatello Says Goal Is to Complete Johnny Creek Road Repairs Before Winter

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Observer Staff
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(City of Pocatello Press Release, November 2, 2026)

Construction of the Johnny Creek Sanitary Sewer Project has made significant progress. The installation of the gravity sewer main and associated manholes is complete. Construction efforts have shifted to restoring the asphalt road surfaces impacted by the project. However, concerns regarding the contractor’s progress, staffing, equipment availability, and maintenance of the roadway have prompted the City to take additional steps to ensure the remaining work is completed in a timely manner.

The City recognizes the inconvenience and frustration that construction delays and deteriorating roadway conditions can cause for residents, businesses, and motorists. The City has communicated its concerns to the contractor regarding ongoing delays and is working closely with the contractor to resolve those concerns.

The City remains focused on public safety and completing roadway repairs and restoration before winter weather arrives. The City of Pocatello appreciates the community’s continued patience and understanding as it works to bring the Johnny Creek Sanitary Sewer Project to completion.

The project is supported by a $1.75 million grant awarded to the City of Pocatello by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through the 2024 Consolidated Appropriations Act. This federal investment represents a significant commitment to improving essential public infrastructure, protecting local water resources, and supporting the long-term needs of the Johnny Creek community.

The Johnny Creek Sanitary Sewer Project also advances the City’s Comprehensive Plan 2040 and its Environmentally Resilient vision. By expanding municipal sewer service, the project supports the plan’s goal of protecting and enhancing ground and surface water resources in the Portneuf River Valley while advancing the strategy of connecting more areas of the City to the sanitary sewer system to help safeguard local aquifers from contamination. Link: pocatello.gov/DocumentCenter/View/318/Comprehensive-Plan-2040-PDF#page=22

Pocatello Projects: pocatello.gov/1002/Projects

AG Labrador Delivers $220M Settlement Against General Motors for Sharing Private Data in Multi-State Suit

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Observer Staff
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(Attorney General’s Office Press Release, November 2, 2026)

BOISE, ID – Attorney General Raúl Labrador announced a $220 million settlement today with General Motors to resolve allegations that it illegally sold consumers’ private driver behavior data and location information to third parties, including data brokers who then sold the data to insurance companies. For many consumers, this data was used by insurance companies in part to set insurance rates.

Attorney General Labrador joined a coalition of 36 state attorneys general in the case against GM, and Idaho will receive $3.1 million through the settlement. In addition to financial penalties, the settlement requires GM to obtain affirmative express consent from consumers before collecting or disclosing consumer driving and location data.

“Secretly collecting and selling driver data was an unacceptable breach of trust with GM’s customers,” said Attorney General Labrador. “This scheme – along with incentivizing dealers to sign up buyers without their knowledge – was a clear violation of privacy and Idaho’s Consumer Protection Act and GM has been held accountable for these actions.” 

From 2016 to 2024, GM enrolled millions of drivers in their Smart Driver program, which tracked their driving habits. GM pitched this tool as a way for drivers to improve their own driving safety and told drivers that they would not share their data with insurers without express consent.

However, the investigation found that GM sold this information to data brokers under contracts that specified the data was to be used for insurance products. The data brokers sold the data to insurance companies, who could then change the driver’s premium based on their driving habits. GM did not disclose to drivers that their data would be sold for this purpose.

Most customers who signed up for Smart Driver did so at the GM dealership when they bought their car. GM used one sign-up process for drivers to enroll in Smart Driver along with GM’s OnStar services. In many cases, dealership employees allegedly accepted terms and conditions on behalf of customers without their consent. At the time, GM was heavily incentivizing dealerships to sign up as many customers for OnStar as possible. Sales employees received bonuses based in part on how many customers they signed up for GM’s connected vehicle services and dealerships were ranked based on their enrollment numbers.

GM’s own systems failed to notify drivers about whether their data was being tracked. The OnStar app mistakenly told 380,000 drivers that they were not enrolled in Smart Driver, when they were enrolled, and GM was collecting and selling their data. GM later quietly unenrolled these 380,000 drivers without telling them about the mistake and left their data with the data brokers and insurance companies.

The data GM sold was personal, identifiable, and specific. Insurers had data showing how many times a person drove their vehicle, the start and end times of each drive, how many times they braked or accelerated quickly, and whether they went faster than the speed limit. As documented in the New York Times, insurance companies then used this information to change rates, sometimes increasing their premiums. After the Times reported on these practices, GM discontinued the Smart Driver program.

The settlement also requires GM to limit the driving data it collects from consumers and protect their personal information going forward as part of a comprehensive data privacy program. The terms secured by the coalition are significantly stronger than any other resolution reached with GM for this conduct including by mandating internal and external data protection and privacy program assessments. GM also agreed to oversight and training requirements at their dealerships to protect consumers against being enrolled in data collection schemes without their consent.

Read the settlement here.

Fall Reading Assessment Results Demonstrate Idaho’s Continued Return on Investment in Early Literacy Instruction

By
Observer Staff
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(Idaho Department of Education Press Release, November 2, 2026)

Results from the third administration of the updated Idaho Reading Indicator (IRI) show strong continuous improvement in K-3 literacy, with students in grades 1-3 making gains in overall proficiency. The impressive fall-to-fall improvements come a year after the Idaho Department of Education contracted with assessment vendor Amira Learning to administer a more rigorous assessment that provides detailed scoring insights.

The Idaho Reading Indicator measures early literacy skills in phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, and reading comprehension for students in kindergarten through third grade each fall and spring. This year’s fall assessment cycle provides a point of comparison to scores from the first administration of the Amira assessment in fall of 2025.

Compared to previous versions of the IRI, the Amira-supported assessment offers teachers a more detailed evaluation of students’ reading skills, facilitating analysis of multiple indicators of proficiency. It also calls on students to respond in ways that are more constructive and applied, calling on deeper learning and more advanced test-taking skill when compared to the multiple-choice format that previous versions of the assessment used.

“Though we’re not surprised to see Idaho students continuing to improve, we are very pleased to see our continued investments in early literacy continue to pay off for our youngest learners,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield. “We can now demonstrate improvements beyond the baseline that was established during the fall 2025 assessment administration.”

Highlights from the 2026 fall IRI assessment include:

  • A nearly 70% proficiency rate amongst third graders means students are retaining the early literacy skills from the year before and are more prepared to use reading as a learning tool in higher grades
  • Proficiency rates for economically disadvantaged students climbed from 47.8% in 2025 to 51.8% in 2026.
  • Proficiency rates for English learners went from 30.1% in 2025 to 33.8% in 2026
  • Proficiency rates for special education students went from 28.3% in 2025 to 32.8% in 2026
Fall 2026 Kindergarten Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 K-3 Overall
Below Grade Level 26.72% 18.1% 16.8% 15.66% 19.1%
Near Grade Level 29.43% 21.9% 17.9% 14.56% 20.7%
At Grade Level 43.85% 60% 65.3% 69.78% 60.2%

 

Fall 2025 Kindergarten Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 K-3 Overall
Below Grade Level 37% 21.44% 22% 20% 25%
Near Grade Level 19% 22.21% 17% 14% 18%
At Grade Level 44% 56.35% 61% 66% 57%

“I am proud that Idaho’s five-fold increase in literacy funding is paying off. Children need a strong start in reading for our investments in education to have the biggest impact. Learning to read proficiently early on is one of the most important building blocks for future success. These results show the progress we’re making, and our parents and teachers are so deserving of our appreciation. We will keep working to ensure every Idaho student has the skills to succeed in school and in life,” Governor Brad Little said.

Idaho is one of only a handful of states that track both literacy growth and achievement for early learners, and historic investments in early literacy have led to consistent growth in proficiency. The funding increase from $13.1 million in 2019 to $72.8 million in 2025, combined with the Idaho Department of Education’s recent investment in teacher training in the Science of Reading (SoR) through the Striving to Meet Achievement in Reading Together (SMART) Project, have directly benefited student outcomes in early literacy.

The Department is committed to ensuring students enter first grade with the essential early literacy skills needed to be successful. Last week, we hosted the Readiness Zone Summit. National experts presented valuable information about how young students learn and how we can best prepare them for first grade. Parents, educators, and communities can access the summit here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhzRjV8BZI0

“The improvements we are seeing are so much more than a number on a report or a point on a graph,” said Critchfield. “These results are about our students: their educational careers, their plans after high school, and their futures building careers, lives, and families in Idaho and beyond.”

Statewide and local fall IRI results can be accessed on the Idaho Report Card at https://www.idahoreportcard.org/.

Election Day Is Here—It’s Time to Vote!

By
Observer Staff
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(Idaho Republican Party, November 3, 2026)

Today is Election Day, and the polls are open!

Every vote matters. Make sure your voice is heard by heading to the polls before they close at 8:00 p.m. Visit VoteIdaho.gov to find your polling place.

Not sure who’s on your ballot? Visit the Idaho Republican Party website to learn more about our Republican candidates for federal, statewide, and legislative offices.

And above all, vote NO on Proposition 1 to defend the unborn and send a clear message that Idaho values life.

Let’s finish strong, Idaho!

When Republicans vote, Idaho wins.

Guest Columnist Brian Almon: Go Vote!

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Observer Staff
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November 2, 2026 (Cover Image Credit: Gem State Chronicle)

Go Vote!

By: Gem State Chronicle Publisher Brian Almon

Brian Almon

It’s time to vote. There are too many things at stake in this election for you to sit it out. You might be frustrated with national politics—maybe you think President Trump has gone too far, or maybe you think he hasn’t gone far enough. Maybe you’re irritated about all those crooks in Washington DC. But you still need to vote.

When the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, the Ada County Board of Commissioners was majority Democratic. They canceled the Western Idaho Fair and allowed the Central District Board of Health to impose a mask mandate on citizens. That year, we elected Rod Beck and Ryan Davidson to the commission, who promptly restored the fair and put Raúl Labrador on the Board of Health, ending the mask mandate.

They also cut taxes as well!

Both Rod and Ryan are on the ballot in Ada County this year as well. Whether we continue with a frugal county government that believes in individual liberty, or one that sees democratic socialism as a good start, depends on you turning out to vote.

Proposition 1 would legalize abortion in Idaho. Despite proponents’ claims that it’s only a modest expansion of exceptions, Prop 1 is written in such a way as to legalize abortion potentially into the ninth month of pregnancy, as well as supersede our laws regarding parental notification.

Polls and prediction markets suggest Prop 1 is doomed, but once again, that only matters if you show up.

We also need a strong showing on our legislative, statewide, and federal races. Now is not the time to complain about the Republicans on your ballot. That time was before the primary last May, and will come again in the spring of 2028. Right now, our assignment is to defeat the Democrats and the socialists who want to radically transform our society away from the principles of our Founding Fathers.

Gov. Brad Little is being challenged by a far-left Democrat, as well as a supposed independent who while on our Supreme Court wrote that the right to abortion is “fundamental”. Meanwhile, Gov. Little has signed countless good bills while maintaining a growing economy in our state. Is he perfect? No. Is he the best option on the ballot right now? Absolutely.

Sen. Jim Risch is being challenged by another supposed independent, this time one who was the Democratic House Minority Caucus Chair just two years ago, and launched his campaign for Senate mere days after appearing on stage beside Bernie Sanders and AOC. Whatever disagreements you as a conservative might have with Sen. Risch, they pale in comparison to our differences with Todd Achilles.

J. Chase Davis said it well on X [yesterday]:

If you’re not voting Republican because the candidate “isn’t good enough,” you will not:

  • Teach the GOP a lesson
  • Lower gas prices
  • Get a more Christian nation

But you will:

  • Get a worse candidate next time
  • Lose the local races
  • Give people who hate you more power

The old neoconservative faction of the GOP is hoping for a Republican wipeout tomorrow so they can say “I told you so” as they try to drag us back to Romney-era Republican impotence. Meanwhile, whatever you want to call the faction led by Tucker Carlson and others who have gone off their rockers lately wants to see a wipeout as well, so they too can say “I told you so” as they try to purge the party of anyone even remotely capable of governing.

I get a lot of questions about judges. With regard to the magistrates, I have nothing to tell you. I’m working on ways to deliver information regarding the judges on your ballot, but I’m not quite there yet. However, I will be voting for Greg Woodard for the Fourth Judicial District. Not only did his opponent sign the petition to legalize abortion in Idaho, he just sent a joint mailer with the most liberal ACHD candidates, including one who was a Bernie Sanders campaign chair in 2016.

Speaking of ACHD, if you live in Ada County, vote for Greg Ferch and Sean Sundwell. Whether you live in Boise, Eagle, Meridian, Star, or Kuna, decisions about your roads and highways are made by ACHD commissioners, so this is an important election. Do you want liberal commissioners who vote to shrink busy thoroughfares in favor of more bike lanes, or conservatives who want to make cars move again?

Your mission is to go vote for the best candidate on the ballot. As Nick Freitas said [Sunday]:

“I won’t vote for the “lesser of two evils!”

Says the person who if they were on the ballot themselves would still be the “lesser of two evils” to someone.

Get over yourself.

Go vote. Bring ten friends and neighbors with you. Let’s crush Prop 1, crush the left, and keep Idaho Idaho.

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

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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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