Pocatello–The City of Pocatello is seeking proposals for art installations for a planned Community Garden. A recent post on the City’s Facebook page has the details:
Portneuf Valley Partners, the Pocatello Arts Council, and Idaho State University’s Art Department are looking for artists to submit original outdoor sculpture and art installation ideas for the new community garden, set to grow in spring 2027!
Whether you’re a student, professional artist, or creative community member, this is your chance to leave a lasting mark on Pocatello.
What we’re looking for: Creative, weather-resistant artwork inspired by nature, gardening, pollinators, community, or Pocatello’s unique story.
On Thursday, November 5, 2026, at approximately 2:10 p.m., the Pocatello Police Department responded to a reported disturbance in the 1100 block of North Main Street.
Upon arrival, officers located a deceased adult male. The circumstances surrounding the homicide remain under investigation.
An individual has been detained in connection with the incident, and there is no ongoing threat to the public. The investigation remains active.
Election 2026: Idaho Is Still Red, But We Cannot Become Complacent My reflections on election night, Idaho’s political shifts, the national blue wave, and the work we have ahead of us.
By: ID Senator Tammy Nichols
ID Senator Tammy Nichols (Photo Credit: Tammy Nichols)
The November 3 election gave us plenty to think about, both here in Idaho and across the country.
While Idaho remained overwhelmingly Republican, the national picture looked very different. Democrats made significant gains, taking control of both chambers of Congress. Even here in Idaho, we saw several Republican-held legislative seats flip to Democrats.
There are some important lessons we need to take away from this election.
I believe one of the biggest is that we cannot take Idaho for granted, and we must do a better job addressing the everyday concerns facing Idaho families.
First, Thank You, District 10!
I want to begin by thanking the people of District 10 for their continued support and the opportunity to represent our communities in the Idaho Senate.
I am grateful to everyone who voted, volunteered, displayed signs, helped spread the word, and participated in this election. I do not take your trust or support lightly.
Representing the people of Idaho is both an honor and a responsibility. As we prepare for another legislative session, I remain focused on protecting our constitutional rights, strengthening families, defending property rights, improving our education system, and addressing the everyday challenges Idahoans face.
There is much more work to be done!
Idaho’s Ballot Measures: What Happened?
Three important measures appeared on Idaho’s ballot this year, each dealing with significant issues affecting our state.
Proposition 1 — Reproductive Freedom and Privacy Act
Idaho voters rejected Proposition 1, which would have significantly changed our state’s abortion laws by creating statutory rights involving reproductive decisions, abortion before viability, and certain circumstances after viability.
This was one of the most closely watched ballot measures in Idaho, with significant campaign spending and strong opinions on both sides.
As someone who has consistently advocated for protecting unborn life, I was deeply invested in the discussion surrounding this proposal.
While the measure was defeated, it was closer than I would have liked. It also demonstrated how engaged Idahoans need to be on issues involving life, families, healthcare, and individual rights.
HJR 4 — Legislative Authority Over Drug Legalization
Voters overwhelmingly rejected HJR 4, which would have amended Idaho’s Constitution to give the Legislature exclusive authority to legalize marijuana, narcotics, and other psychoactive substances.
This result is especially interesting because the debate involved more than drug policy. It also raised questions about the people’s constitutional power to propose laws through the initiative process.
The outcome demonstrates the importance of understanding not just what a measure seeks to accomplish, but also how it changes the relationship between citizens and their government.
HJR 6 — English as Idaho’s Official Language
Voters approved HJR 6, adding language to Idaho’s Constitution establishing English as the state’s official language.
The amendment requires English to be used in public proceedings, documents, instruction, and other government activities, except where federal law requires otherwise.
Together, these measures show that Idaho voters do not approach every question the same way. Each proposal must stand on its own merits.
A Blue Wave Across the Nation
While Idaho remained largely Republican, the national election results told a very different story.
Democrats made major gains across the country, winning control of both the U.S. House and Senate. Several states and districts that have traditionally supported Republican candidates also shifted toward Democrats.
This was not simply a matter of Democrats turning out to vote. National polling indicated that some voters who supported President Trump in 2024 shifted toward Democratic candidates in 2026.
Why?
One of the biggest factors appears to have been the economy.
Americans are frustrated with the cost of living, housing affordability, grocery prices, energy costs, and the growing difficulty of supporting a family.
Many voters expressed dissatisfaction with the direction of the country, regardless of political affiliation.
Other concerns, including government accountability, foreign policy, and frustration with political leadership, also played a role.
Whether we agree with the election results or not, we cannot ignore what voters are telling us.
Young Voters Are Sending a Message
One of the most significant trends Republicans should be examining closely is the movement of younger voters toward Democrats.
According to the Associated Press Voter Poll, approximately 70% of voters under age 30 supported Democratic candidates for the U.S. House in this election. That is a significant change from 2024, when younger voters were much more evenly divided between President Trump and Kamala Harris.
This deserves our attention.
Young Americans are facing a very different financial reality than previous generations.
Many are struggling to purchase their first home. Rent continues to consume a large portion of their income. Groceries, insurance, transportation, and other basic expenses are increasingly expensive.
Some are questioning whether they will ever be able to afford the same opportunities their parents and grandparents had.
We need to understand those concerns rather than dismiss them.
This is not simply about changing political messaging. It is about making sure government policies address the real challenges younger generations face.
Idaho Is Not Immune to Political Change
Idaho remains a Republican stronghold, but this election demonstrated that our political landscape is changing, even here at home.
According to preliminary election results, Democrats picked up six seats in the Idaho Legislature, including one Senate seat and five House seats.
Look at Legislative District 15 in West Boise. Democrats picked up two Republican held seats, including the Senate seat previously held by Republican Codi Galloway and the House seat held by Republican Dori Healey.
Democrat Nancy Gregory won the Senate race, while Democrat Jae Etchart defeated Healey in the House race.
We saw a similar shift in the Pocatello area. In Legislative District 29, Democrat Mary Shea defeated Republican incumbent Dustin Manwaring, while Democrat Nate Roberts won another House seat previously held by a Republican.
And in District 26, which includes portions of the Magic Valley, Democrats picked up two additional Republican, held House seats. Anita Janis defeated incumbent Republican Mike Pohanka, while Kevin Marsh won the seat previously held by retiring Republican Jack Nelsen.
These are real changes taking place right here in Idaho.
While Republicans still maintain significant majorities in both chambers of the Legislature, we should not overlook what happened in these competitive districts.
Another interesting development was the presence of candidates running as independents rather than under traditional party labels.
One notable example was former Democratic state representative Todd Achilles, who ran as an independent against U.S. Senator Jim Risch. Other independent candidates also appeared on Idaho ballots, representing different political backgrounds and viewpoints.
This raises an important question about how voters evaluate candidates and whether party affiliation carries the same weight it once did.
Voters should take the time to examine a candidate’s record, positions, and political background, regardless of whether they have an R, D, or I behind their name.
We also continue to experience population growth, changing demographics, and increasing involvement from outside political organizations and interest groups in Idaho’s elections.
I have said before that Idaho is a target for those who want to change the political direction of our state.
Being a Republican state today does not guarantee that Idaho will remain one tomorrow.
Political change does not always happen overnight. Sometimes it happens one precinct, one legislative district, and one election at a time. Look up the Rocky Mountain Heist to see what I mean.
What concerns me most is the possibility of Republicans becoming complacent simply because we continue to hold significant majorities.
We cannot assume that because Idaho has traditionally voted Republican, voters will automatically continue supporting the same policies or elected officials.
But we also need to recognize that voters have legitimate concerns. If we are not addressing the rising costs of housing, groceries, property taxes, healthcare, and other everyday necessities, we cannot be surprised when voters begin looking for alternatives.
We cannot simply campaign on being Republicans. We have to demonstrate that our principles and policies are making a meaningful difference for Idaho families.
Idaho may still be red, but that does not mean we can ignore the political shifts happening around us, or the kitchen table issues driving voters to reconsider their choices.
We Must Do Better on Kitchen Table Issues
This is where I believe Idaho’s Legislature needs to place greater emphasis in the coming session.
When I talk with Idaho families, I hear concerns about things that directly affect their daily lives.
Housing affordability, property taxes, grocery bills, transportation costs, healthcare expenses, educational opportunities, and the ability to raise a family without constant financial pressure.
These are not abstract political issues. They are the conversations taking place around kitchen tables every day.
I believe one of the biggest mistakes Republicans could make would be to dismiss these concerns or assume that simply talking about conservative values is enough.
Those values need to translate into policies that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
We have taken steps in Idaho to address housing affordability, expand educational opportunities, and protect property rights. But there is still much more to accomplish.
As a sponsor of legislation addressing smaller residential lots and accessory dwelling units, I have worked to remove unnecessary barriers to affordable housing while respecting property rights and local concerns about growth.
But housing is only one piece of the puzzle.
We need to continue examining regulations that unnecessarily drive up costs, make it harder to build homes, or create barriers for small businesses.
We must look carefully at how government spending, taxation, and regulatory decisions affect working families and those living on fixed incomes.
And we need to be willing to acknowledge when something is not working.
Conservative principles should translate into meaningful policies that help families become more financially secure, independent, and successful.
Limited government, responsible spending, free markets, and individual liberty are principles I continue to believe in. But those principles must also be reflected in practical solutions to the problems people face.
Protecting freedom and addressing affordability are not competing priorities. They should go hand in hand.
We Cannot Afford to Let Up
The election results across the country should serve as a reminder that the political landscape can change quickly.
Idaho may have held onto its Republican majorities, but that does not mean we can sit back and assume things will always remain the same.
We have seen how political momentum can shift, particularly among younger voters and families who feel they are falling further behind financially.
And when people feel that government is not listening or responding to their concerns, they begin looking for alternatives.
I believe Idaho has a tremendous opportunity to demonstrate how conservative principles can work in practice.
We can protect individual liberties while making housing more attainable. We can defend parental rights while strengthening educational opportunities. We can support businesses while reducing unnecessary government burdens. And we can practice fiscal responsibility while recognizing the financial pressures facing families.
But doing so requires more than simply maintaining a Republican majority.
It requires listening, leadership, and a willingness to address difficult issues.
We cannot take Idaho for granted. We cannot take voters for granted. And we cannot afford to ignore the changing political landscape around us.
The Work Ahead
The results of November 3rd should give all of us plenty to think about.
Idaho voters made important decisions, and across the nation, Americans sent a message of frustration and a desire for change.
My takeaway is that elected officials must continually earn the trust of the people they represent.
For me, that means continuing to advocate for constitutional rights, parental rights, government transparency, educational opportunities, affordable housing, and policies that allow Idaho families to keep more of their hard-earned money.
It also means listening, asking difficult questions, and recognizing that the challenges facing Idaho today are not necessarily the same as those we faced 10 or 20 years ago.
Idaho is changing, and our government must remain responsive to the people it serves.
The election is over, but the responsibility of governing continues.
Thank you again to everyone who participated in this election and to those who have placed their confidence in me to represent District 10.
I look forward to getting back to work for the people of Idaho.
November 4, 2026 (Cover Image Credit: Gem State Chronicle)
“Idaho Is Still Idaho”
By: Gem State Chronicle Publisher Brian Almon
Brian Almon
Last night at the Idaho GOP watch party in Meridian, as candidates and volunteers processed the impact of the nationwide blue wave, Sen. Jim Risch took the podium following his reelection. He acknowledged the changed situation in Washington, D.C., and said that he and the rest of Idaho’s congressional delegation would continue to fight for our state even in the minority. Turning to local issues, however, he stated emphatically that “Idaho is still Idaho.”
In the midst of a once-in-a-generation blue wave that saw Republicans lose not only the House and the Senate, but the entire Texas state government, as well as governorships and Senate seats in Ohio, Kansas, Georgia, and even South Carolina and Mississippi, Idaho stood strong. We soundly defeated Proposition 1, succeeding where Ohio and Kansas failed in recent years to keep abortion out of our state. We maintained our Republican supermajority, despite losing seats in the battleground regions of west Boise, Blaine County, and Pocatello. We won all three federal races and all seven statewide races.
The live results page I put together at the last minute worked like a charm—I personally used it throughout the night on both my laptop and mobile phone to monitor the situation. All screenshots are from the Chronicle’s live results page.
The national landscape looks very different this morning than it did this time yesterday, but Idaho remains Idaho. Here are a few things to celebrate this morning:
Defeating Prop 1 was the biggest victory of the night. Idahoans United for Women and Families, the committee behind the initiative, raised about $6 million to legalize abortion in Idaho, and they failed. They even collaborated with the Idaho Democratic Party and gubernatorial candidate Terri Pickens to get half off campaign ads, and still failed. While Prop 1 likely drove Democratic turnout in blue and purple districts, which almost certainly played a part in Democrats gaining six legislative seats, it also drove turnout in red districts, as Idahoans turned out to protect life in our state.
They say success has a thousand fathers, and it’s true. Defeating Prop 1 took a lot of work from a lot of committed people, including but not limited to the Idaho GOP, the Too Extreme For Idaho PAC, the White Rose Resistance, the Idaho Family Policy Center, Idaho Chooses Life, the LDS Church, the Catholic Church, and countless other individuals and groups. Republicans, conservatives, and Christians of all stripes came together to fight for a shared goal, and we succeeded.
As of this writing, Prop 1 had received a total of 722,925 votes statewide, compared to only 710,006 in the Senate race and 712,825 in the race for governor. That means around 10,000 more votes were cast on Prop 1 than in either of those races. The Democratic and independent candidates for governor received 284,747 votes, compared to 318,552 in favor of Prop 1. The Libertarian and Constitution Party candidates in that race won 20,996 votes. The question is: how many Republicans who voted for Gov. Little also voted in favor of Prop 1? It could not have been too many. More analysis is necessary, but it seems plausible that Prop 1 votes are heavily correlated with partisan affiliation.
While some loosening of our pro-life laws might have some support, even among Republicans, Prop 1 was written in such an extreme way that it ultimately made very few inroads into Idaho’s conservative electorate. The job of the Idaho GOP and the other organizations fighting to defeat it was to shine the light of truth on the text of the initiative and show voters how extreme it really was, and they succeeded.
Watch for moderate Republicans to bring legislation to loosen our abortion ban this session, and be ready to shut them down by reminding them that a majority of Idahoans just voted to maintain the status quo.
HJR6 passed comfortably, so now our state constitution will state that English is our official language. The Winchester 1873, which I voted for, is now our state gun. Until I was at the polling place yesterday, I didn’t understand why it was running so high in the betting markets—it turns out that putting “Gun that Won the West” on the ballot probably made a big difference.
HJR4, which would remove drug legalization from the citizen initiative process, went down by a two-to-one margin. I was talking to a legislator last night who said the better play would have been to simply pass a constitutional amendment banning marijuana rather than restricting drug legalization to the Legislature alone. Even though the initiative process has been used solely to push bigger government and left-wing policies for the past decade, many conservatives still clung to the idea that it is a fundamental right that our Legislature has no business meddling with.
I personally disagree, as I wrote last month, but the morning after an election is the time to recognize where people are rather than pontificate about where they should be.
The independent campaign by former Democratic state legislator Todd Achilles gained a lot of attention this year, but the results speak for themselves. Despite raising nearly $2 million, despite all the signs, mailers, and text messages, Achilles ended up in essentially the same place as Paulette Jordan in 2020. Sen. Risch dropped below 60% for the first time since 2008, but still won by a very comfortable margin.
Earlier this year I highlighted the Democratic strategy of running supposed independent candidates for the U.S. Senate and pushing their own nominees to drop out. It worked in Idaho, Nebraska, and South Dakota, while in Montana the Democrat remained in the race. Republicans won all four of these races, despite the blue wave. Hopefully, that spells the end of such an underhanded tactic.
Nevertheless, I think Achilles comes out of this campaign stronger than ever. Whether he remains an independent or returns to the Democratic Party, he’s now the most recognizable name in Idaho’s center-left ecosystem. Achilles won Ada County by 2.8%, receiving more votes than Risch and even Gov. Little. He would likely have a good chance of winning a county race or returning to the Legislature. The bigger prize is Idaho’s expected third congressional district following the 2030 census. If the borders of that district are drawn to include all of Boise and the surrounding area, then someone like Achilles is well positioned to win that seat.
I’ll have more to say about our upcoming redistricting in the near future. It’s a hugely important issue that will be debated in next year’s legislative session.
No surprises in the congressional races. Half of Ellie Gilbreath’s total came from Ada County alone, where she outpaced Congressman Simpson by a 26-point margin. Early votes showed her leading until the eastern Idaho precincts started reporting their Election Day votes. Congressman Fulcher remains incredibly popular in his district, easily brushing aside Kaylee Peterson’s third attempt to dethrone him. Peterson won 26.3% in 2022, 25.4% in 2024, and 28.8% this year—a personal record, but still a 36-point defeat. Voters in Idaho’s First Congressional District remain overwhelmingly conservative and Republican.
Republicans easily held all seven statewide offices as well. Gov. Brad Little had the lowest vote total, but also faced the most opponents. Both Terri Pickens and John Stegner fall to Little’s left, but failed to pull the governor below 50%. Pickens improved on Stephen Heidt’s 20.3% from 2022, but fell short of Paulette Jordan’s mark of 38.2% from 2018. For his part, Little has now won three gubernatorial races with 59.8%, 60.5%, and 57.1% of the vote, respectively.
Democrats and turncoat Republicans threw everything they had at Attorney General Raúl Labrador this year, but he still won reelection with 59.8% of the vote, just under his mark of 62.6% in 2022. Despite former Attorney General Lawrence Wasden endorsing the Democrat, Labrador still won solidly, outpacing the no votes on Prop 1.
As with the Senate race, Ada County showed that it remains a battleground between the red and blue factions. Both Little and Labrador struggled in Ada County, with the governor taking first place with a plurality of 45.8%, while Labrador’s only received 46.5%. While both won about the same number of votes, the additional candidates for governor split the anti-incumbent vote, while Labrador lost the county to Lori Hickman.
Of the seven statewide officers, Secretary of State Phil McGrane achieved the highest vote total, defeating his Democratic opponent by more than a two-to-one margin. His 472,310 votes as of this writing represent the highest vote total in the state.
Ada County saw mixed results. Commissioner Rod Beck held his seat by fewer than 600 votes, while Commissioner Ryan Davidson fell to Democrat Kelceymarie Warner by a mere 400. Former Coroner Dotti Owens regained the seat she lost in 2022, narrowly defeating current Deputy Coroner Brett Harding. That’s a tough loss—Harding was incredibly well-qualified for the job.
The two most liberal candidates won seats on the Ada County Highway District board of commissioners, and it wasn’t close. ACHD races become partisan in two years, which should help. People say that roads aren’t partisan, but ideology matters here. Liberals tend to emphasize bicycles and pedestrians, while conservatives recognize that most people don’t like being stuck in traffic.
One bright spot was the Fourth Judicial District judge race. Jeffrey Street had eight times the money of his opponent, Greg Woodard, and broad support from fellow lawyers. He took the time to campaign in the rural counties of the Fourth District, winning support from conservatives despite the fact that he signed the petition to legalize abortion and has numerous connections to Democratic and liberal figures. Nevertheless, Woodard somehow won all four counties in the district, and will move from Attorney General Raúl Labrador’s office to the Fourth District bench.
That brings us to the Legislature. The Idaho GOP lost six seats—five in the House and one in the Senate—across Legislative Districts 15, 26, and 29. Each of those districts previously had two Republicans and one Democrat, and now all three are completely blue. Republicans lost Reps. Dori Healey, Mike Pohanka, and Dustin Manwaring—casualties of the blue wave and increased turnout due to Prop 1. This means there are no split districts in the entire state—there are seven Democratic districts and twenty-eight Republican districts.
However, the bright spot is surely Legislative District 6. The college town of Moscow is a blue dot in an otherwise red region, but conservatives have been making gains in the district as well. A month ago, Sean Dolan at Idaho Ed News suggested that demographic change had potentially moved LD6 into the red column. Despite the nationwide blue wave, Republicans turned out solidly for Sen. Dan Foreman, Rep. Brandon Mitchell, and newcomer Colton Bennett, completing a GOP sweep.
Several Republican candidates faced their own miniature Todd Achilles—left-wingers running as independents. Scott Herndon solidly defeated Steve Johnson, who ran the same play in Herndon’s first general election in 2022. Clint Hostetler defeated Kevin Moxley, despite Moxley’s support from agricultural organizations and PACs.
I used ChatGPT to create a graph ranking each district from most red to most blue, based on an average of the vote percentages of the three winning candidates in each. Unopposed candidates throw off the math somewhat, but on the other hand, if a candidate is unopposed, that surely speaks to the partisan strength of that district.
Note that the three battleground districts that flipped blue are all under 60% for Democrats, while three Republican districts are under 60% as well. LD6 is trending more red, but I would point to LD33 as an area of concern for the Idaho GOP. Idaho Falls has been trending more ideologically liberal—will it be the next battleground for Idaho Democrats?
Yesterday’s legislative election results match those of 2018, when the House split between 56 Republicans and 14 Democrats, and the Senate split between 28 Republicans and 7 Democrats, so it’s not unprecedented. It will mean some shuffling of committees and could have implications for leadership elections, but Republicans still maintain a supermajority in both chambers. I’ll have more in-depth analysis of what to expect from the upcoming legislative session soon.
In the end, I believe Sen. Risch is absolutely right: Idaho is still Idaho. But we cannot rest on our laurels if we want to keep it that way. What happened last night in Texas shows how quickly we can lose our state if we’re not careful. I’ll have more analysis in the days and weeks to come, along with practical steps you can take to keep your government moving in the right direction. For now, let’s take a deep breath, touch some grass, and hug our families. Defeating Prop 1 was a major victory, and we shouldn’t let anything else that happened take away from that. I believe Idaho is set to play a leading role in saving our country, and it’s up to us to be ready.
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 Chubbuck School District Press Release, November 4, 2026)
POCATELLO, Idaho — About 500 years ago, young people left home to apprentice as blacksmiths, printers, butchers, or coopers (barrel or cask makers).
In 2026, people of all ages are apprenticing as welders, electricians, automotive mechanics, or plumbers. Idaho considers these in-demand jobs and careers and wants to support those who are pursuing apprenticeships.
For individuals who want to know more about apprenticeships and job-training opportunities, the Pocatello Chubbuck School District 25 is inviting the public to its annual Apprenticeship-Plus Night on Tuesday, November 10, from 6 to 8 pm at Portneuf Valley Technical Education & Career Campus (PV-TEC) located at 4200 Hawthorne Road, Chubbuck. The event coincides with PV-TEC’s trimester open house.
Presenters will be wide and varied, including local organizations and employers (Health West, Premier Technology), government agencies (U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management), apprenticeship programs (JATC and the plumbers and pipefitters), training programs in cosmetology and trucking, and military recruiters (military service is a natural apprenticeship experience).
What, you might ask, is an apprenticeship? An apprenticeship is a job-training process through which someone earns while learning a job, trade, or industry. Today’s rapidly changing economy and workforce needs employees who are willing to acquire the tools and mastery required while developing those skills on the job.
Apprenticeships vary in length, but many range from two to four years before someone is fully qualified. It’s a commitment, but one that will pay dividends to the trained employee and their community. Apprenticeships are appropriate for young people just graduating from high school (many programs require a diploma or GED) or for those who have been in the workforce, but want to retool their skills or pivot into an entirely new field. Under an apprenticeship, an individual can head directly to work, acquiring competence and knowledge while earning a paycheck rather than stepping away from the workforce to pursue full-time education or training.
At Apprenticeship-Plus Night, students and families can circulate among the tables, gather information, have conversations with representatives, and, perhaps, set the wheels in motion for a future apprenticeship.
“Apprenticeships are a great way for someone to start their journey,” said Jessica Woodland, a college career advisor at Century. “We hope Apprenticeship-Plus Night will be helpful to hands-on learners.”
The timing is intentional. Angela Jex, college and career advisor at Pocatello High School, has been recruiting participating programs and employers. She explained:
“The timing of the event is purpose-driven. The first trimester is almost over. We’re heading into the holidays and the end of the calendar year. It’s a time of self-reflection and thought. We hope folks are open to considering options, a change, or are looking for opportunities. That’s what Apprenticeship-Plus Night offers.”
Alice Rowe, college and career advisor at Highland High School, says that Apprenticeship-Plus Night is a “chance to promote jobs for students who are not college bound. Mike Rowe (no relation) from the show “Dirty Jobs” has created an organization (mikeroweworks.org) that helps pay for people to train in A.I.-proof jobs.”
Jen Newsom, one of the college and career advisors at Pocatello High School, shared similar sentiments: “We try to expose students to as many career possibilities as we can. Not all students are interested in traditional college. Apprenticeships and trades are amazing opportunities for students to access well-paying jobs,” she said.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor and Community College Daily, there were 680,000 active apprentices in the United States in 2024. The Idaho Department of Labor has seen a 400 percent increase in apprenticeship programs between 2013 and 2024. The starting salary for a person who completes a registered apprenticeship program in Idaho is $77,000 and 93 percent are fully employed at the completion of their program.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor and Community College Daily, there were 680,000 active apprentices in the United States in 2024. The starting salary for a person who completes a registered apprenticeship program in Idaho is $77,000 and 93 percent are fully employed at the completion of their program.
Career technical education offered at the school district’s PV-TEC, along with registered apprenticeships, are generously supported through the state of Idaho scholarship and workforce training programs. The Idaho LAUNCH grant program, which supports education and training for in-demand careers, has been a tremendous boon to students who seek job- and occupation-specific training after high school for everything from health professions to welding and construction to diesel technology. College and career advisors at each high school can provide more information about state funding opportunities for job training and workforce development.
There are many paths to employment and a fulfilling career, but employers want to hire people who work hard, strive to do their best work, and are fully prepared to serve their organizations, communities, and the state of Idaho.
Come for the apprenticeships, stay for PV-TEC’s open house, but don’t miss Apprenticeship-Plus Night, Tuesday, November 10, 6 to 8 pm, at PV-TEC.
(Idaho State Police Press Release, November 2, 2026)
MERIDIAN, Idaho — Idaho State Police Forensic Services (ISPFS) has been awarded a $500,000 federal grant to strengthen Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) resources and improve access to medical forensic services, particularly in rural Idaho communities.
The funding, awarded through the U.S. Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime, will support ISPFS forensic nurse education and development for at least three years. It will also support travel and help equip collection sites with supplies needed for medical forensic examinations.
Sexual violence remains a significant issue in Idaho. Recent research from the Idaho Statistical Analysis Center estimates 13.6 percent of adult Idahoans have experienced sexual violence during their lifetime. In 2024, 1,883 sexual assault victims were known to law enforcement, while more than 8,000 received assistance through federally funded victim service programs.
Access to qualified forensic medical professionals can be particularly challenging in rural areas. These forensic medical examinations require specially prepared and trained medical professionals who provide patient-centered medical care while documenting injuries and properly collecting and preserving forensic evidence to support criminal investigations and prosecutions.
“The focus of this grant is to help communities have specialized resources and well-trained professionals available closer to home,” ISP Forensic Services Laboratory System Director Matthew Gamette said. “A survivor of a sexual assault should not have to travel hours to another community simply because that is where resources are available. This funding helps us continue working with healthcare providers to better serve the people and communities that rely on them.”
Since 2017, ISPFS has trained over 300 sexual assault nurse examiners and helped establish more than 29 examination locations in rural Idaho. More than 35 examination sites are now available statewide.
The grant will help sustain those efforts by supporting nurse education, travel, equipment, and supplies. This grant will also allow victim services to be provided more robustly in several rural areas of the state. The ISPFS program has historically relied on federal grants and other funding sources to provide education, training, and support to medical professionals all over Idaho supporting sexual assault survivors.
The award was made through the Office for Victims of Crime’s FY25 Increasing Availability of Medical Forensic Examinations for Victims of Sexual Assault program.
(City of Pocatello Press Release, November 2, 2026)
The City of Pocatello has been awarded more than $3.7 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to continue its Lead Safe & Healthy Homes Program (LSHH). The funding includes $3,003,349 for lead hazard reduction and $759,375 for Healthy Homes activities, totaling $3,762,724.
The announcement came during National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, October 25–31, 2026. This year’s theme, “Keep Kids Safe from Lead,” highlights the importance of preventing lead exposure, particularly among young children.
The program helps eligible homeowners and rental property owners identify and reduce lead-based paint hazards in homes built before 1978. In addition, through the Healthy Home Supplemental funding, the program can address other housing-related health and safety concerns, such as radon, mold, or asbestos mitigation. Assistance benefits qualifying low- and moderate-income households, helping families maintain safer, healthier homes.
“Every family deserves a safe and healthy place to call home,” said Pocatello Mayor Mark Dahlquist. “This funding allows us to continue helping residents address potential health hazards in their homes, especially those that put young children at risk. It’s an investment in the health and well-being of our families and the future of our community.”
The City is currently accepting applications for the Lead Safe & Healthy Homes Program. Homeowners and rental property owners are encouraged to learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply at pocatello.gov/801/Lead-Safe-Healthy-Homes.
The program supports the City’s Comprehensive Plan 2040 Authentic & Affordable Neighborhoods and Civic Collaboration visions by preserving existing housing, improving living conditions, and protecting community health and safety. Learn more: pocatello.gov/DocumentCenter/View/318/Comprehensive-Plan-2040-PDF#page=31
For more information about the Lead Safe & Healthy Homes Program, contact Planning & Development Services Public Outreach & Grant Coordinator Wendy Prather at 208-234-6516.
(Bannock County, November 2, 2026; Cover photo credit: Bannock County)
P&D Council Recommends Approval of LUDO Draft After 5-Hour Public Hearing
Thank you to everyone who came out or tuned in Thursday night! After five hours of public testimony, staff review, and thoughtful deliberation, the Planning & Development Council voted to recommend that the Board of County Commissioners adopt the proposed Land Use & Development Ordinance (LUDO) with a few key revisions.
Based on public input and staff discussion, the Council recommended advancing the LUDO draft with some adjustments, including:
Alternative Energy: Retained the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) process for commercial solar, wind, and nuclear projects, but recommended adding stronger setback requirements, enhanced screening/buffering, and clearer decommissioning protections.
Subdivision Process Clarifications:Refined the subdivision framework for dividing land to ensure clear administrative guidelines and update outdated processes while maintaining public oversight by the Board of Commissioners.
Lot Size & Density Rules:Recommended minor adjustments to zoning regulations and land uses to better match actual land use in unincorporated Bannock County.
Open Space Requirement:Affirmed the removal of countywide open space mandates so property owners retain full use of their land.
What Happens Next?
Board of County Commissioners Hearing
Tentatively scheduled for Thursday, November 19, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Bannock County Courthouse, Room 119 (624 E. Center St., Pocatello)
Please Note on Scheduling: The Nov. 19 date is tentative while staff finalize the legal public notice requirements. If the official notice cannot be published in time to meet statutory deadlines, this hearing may be shifted back.
We will publish the confirmed date, final meeting packet, and written comment submission deadline as soon as the notice is finalized. Keep an eye on bannockcounty.gov/ourfuture for the latest updates!
While the county moves through the process of updating land use codes, Planning & Development staff are also working to create rules that would address data center projects in the county. The Commissioners enacted a moratorium on any new data center applications within county jurisdiction to allow time for staff to add data center rules to the new LUDO. (Note: This moratorium does not impact the proposed facility at the former Hoku plant site, as that property falls outside county jurisdiction.)
Update on Data Center Ordinance
What’s happening now?
Bannock County has formed a work group consisting of local representatives and planning staff from surrounding cities and counties to study data centers. The work group’s goal is to form a template ordinance that cities or counties in southeast Idaho could adapt to fit their community’s needs.
Meanwhile, our own Planning & Development staff are hard at work drafting a data center ordinance for Bannock County. The draft ordinance would eventually be an amendment to the LUDO mentioned above. A working draft is expected to be shared with the data center work group in the next month or so to get initial feedback.
Public hearings will be scheduled once a draft is ready for council and public review.
(Bannock County Press Release, November 4, 2026; Cover photo credit: Bannock County)
POCATELLO, Idaho – Bannock County announced today that the county courthouse in Pocatello has been illuminated green as part of Operation Green Light for Veterans, a nationwide effort by counties, the National Association of Counties (NACo), and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers.
From November 4-11, county buildings and landmarks will be illuminated green to show support for veterans and raise awareness around the resources available at the county, state, and federal levels to assist veterans and their families.
Now in its sixth year, Operation Green Light has drawn hundreds of counties from 44 states across the nation to participate. Counties are integral to helping veterans access federal services such as health, disability, compensation, and transitioning to civilian life.
“Veterans don’t always feel seen or appreciated. It’s important for them to know that we support them, always, and this is one small way we can show our support,” said Melissa Hartman, Bannock County Veterans Service Officer.
Bannock County residents, businesses and community organizations are encouraged to participate in Operation Green Light by changing one external light to a green bulb. By shining a green light, we let our veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported.
Counties and residents across the country are sharing their participation on social media using the hashtag #OperationGreenLight.
For more information on Operation Green Light, click here.
The National Association of Counties (NACo) strengthens America’s counties, including nearly 40,000 county elected officials and 3.5 million county employees. Founded in 1935, NACo unites county officials to advocate for county government priorities in federal policymaking; promote exemplary county policies and practices; nurture leadership skills and expand knowledge networks; optimize county and taxpayer resources and cost savings; and enrich the public’s understanding of county government. www.naco.org
(Idaho House Republicans Press Release, November 4, 2026)
Boise – Idaho House Republicans [yesterday] gave the following statement on the defeat of Proposition 1, the abortion measure that would have allowed abortion on demand, late-term abortion, and underage girls getting abortions without their parents’ knowledge or consent:
“We are so grateful to Idahoans for resoundingly defeating Prop 1. Idaho voters held the line against the extreme abortion agenda, against the lies and deceptions of the Prop 1 campaign, and proved once again why Idaho values are second to none. We are a pro-life state. We have been since our beginnings as a territory. And, thanks to the people of Idaho, we will remain so. God bless our great state.”
