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Ski Ingram: A Veteran’s Thoughts – Establishing Justice

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Observer Staff
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August 2, 2026

A Veteran’s Thoughts
Establishing Justice

By: Ski Ingram

With the threat of Communism being inside our gates, it’s time for all Americans to be reminded of our freedoms and then use that knowledge to stop the madness that is invading our country. This is just a small refresher from our founding documents.

The Preamble to our Constitution tells us that the purpose of our Constitution is “to form a more perfect Union.” It goes on to list five principlesto help ensure that America becomes a perfect Union. Theyare (1) establish justice, (2) ensure domestic tranquility, (3) providefor the common defense, (4) promote the general welfare, and (5) secure the blessings of liberty for all.

American colonies separated themselves from England in part because they were being unfairly taxed and burdened with unfair laws. These grievances are outlined in the Declaration of Independence. In the second paragraph we read, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.

Our elected officials today have forgotten that they receive their power from us, the people, and that we, the people, receive our power from God. I recently read where only 60% of Americans are proud of their country. Could some of the reasons be the breakdown in the rule of law, along with the belief that the government is not working for us, the people?

It seems as if every good thing about America is being overlooked in order to vilify this country. Yes, some things need to be corrected, but that doesn’t mean the whole country is flawed. Remember that it says in the Preamble, “We the People… in order to form a more perfect union.” With this simple statement our founders are telling us that America is a work in progress. It is not perfect, but all Americans should be working to make it the greatest country on earth.

Justice is the first principle listed in the Preamble. When I look at America today, I see cities experiencing high crime where there is little or no justice. Crime is out of control with liberal District Attorneys refusing to prosecute the offenders. Because of this tolerant attitude the honest law-abiding citizens are not receiving the equal protection under the law which is guaranteed by the 14th amendment, known as the Equal Protection Law.

In the 1970’s TV show “Baretta” we often heard the phrase, “If you can’t do the time, don’t do the crime.” Today, woke District Attorneys and progressives demonstrate more compassion for the criminal than the crime victim. They are more interested in reducing punishments than administering justice and holding criminals accountable.

On July 4th, America’s 250-year anniversary, my American flag flew high in part to remember our founding fathers, who risked everything to establish this nation. It is also being flown for every man and woman who has served in the Armed Forces. These men and women risk everything, many giving their life in order to preserve the freedoms we enjoy.

These freedoms are being eroded at a rapid rate. Just as our forefathers fought for their freedoms and others have fought to keep them, we too must fight, or our freedoms will be lost. It appears that some people, mostly progressives, have forgotten that the people are in control of the government. There is a reason the Preamble starts with the words, “We the People.”

In November we will go to the polls and vote. This is our opportunity to show America that we love this country. This is also our opportunity to show the world that we will fight to save this country from the tyranny of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and that they are mistaken if they believe that we will allow them to destroy 250 years of American freedom.

Ski Ingram, a combat veteran, can be reached at Ski@Skiingram.com or www.Skiingram.com

BLM Calls for Nominations to Help Connect More Americans to the Outdoors

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Observer Staff
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(Bureau of Land Management Press Release, July 31, 2026)

WASHINGTON – The Bureau of Land Management seeks input on which public lands could be made more accessible for recreation. Under the Dingell Act, the Department of Interior asks the public to nominate areas suitable for hunting, fishing, riding, hiking, or other activities that lack public access. Over 7,000 nominations have been received since 2020.

The BLM recognizes that Americans deeply value their public lands and deserve clear, reliable opportunities to access them for recreational use. BLM is committed to making it easier for the public to understand where they can go and what areas are open, ensuring that outdoor recreation remains accessible, straightforward, and enjoyable for all.

Lands nominated for the BLM Dingell Act Priority Access List must be managed by the BLM, encompass at least 640 contiguous acres, and have significantly restricted or no public access. After reviewing nominations, BLM will attempt to enhance access to public lands using easements, rights-of-way, or purchases from willing sellers. The agency evaluates whether access issues can be resolved before nominating projects for congressional funding.

Nominations can be submitted through BLM’s Dingell Act Nomination Portal. All submissions must specify the location, acreage (if known), describe access issues, and include relevant details. Personal owner information will not appear in priority lists or congressional reports. The deadline for nominations is August 30, 2026.

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 subsurface 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.

Pocatello Police: Come Hungry to National Night Out!

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Observer Staff
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(Pocatello Police Department Community Message, July 29, 2026)

Come hungry to National Night Out!

Join the Pocatello community on Tuesday, August 4, from 4:00–7:00 PM at Lookout Point for an evening of family fun, community connections, and delicious food vendors!

Enjoy a mouthwatering BBQ dinner from Homefire Comfort Foods or authentic Peruvian cuisine from Paikama. Then cool off with a refreshing shaved ice from Snowie Pocatello and satisfy your sweet tooth with a fresh cinnamon roll from Rollin Delights!

While you’re there, meet your local first responders and community organizations, explore emergency vehicles, enjoy activities for all ages, and celebrate what makes our community strong. Visit the KNOW ME File booth for some free cotton candy courtesy of Modi’s.

Bring your family, invite your friends, and join us for a great evening—we can’t wait to see you there!

The Jacks-of-All-Trades Keeping IDFG’s Recreation Sites Open

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Observer Staff
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(Idaho Fish and Game Press Release, July 24, 2026)

There might be a hundred things going on in a person’s mind as they’re launching a boat before sunrise, pulling into a campground for the weekend, or parking at a wildlife management area to begin a hunt. But most never think about the work that goes into keeping those places safe, accessible, and welcoming.

That’s where Idaho Fish and Game’s Recreation Site Maintenance Foremen come in.

Stationed in each of the department’s seven regions, these highly skilled employees are responsible for maintaining hundreds of public access sites that connect Idahoans with the outdoors. Their work spans far beyond routine maintenance. On any given day, a recreation site foreman might be repairing a damaged boat ramp, grading roads after heavy rains, fixing a campground water system, replacing electrical components, operating heavy equipment, or building new visitor facilities from the ground up.

That versatility is no accident. Recreation site foremen are expected to possess experience across nearly every aspect of construction and maintenance. They read blueprints, supervise construction projects, estimate costs, purchase materials, and ensure projects meet state building codes. They perform carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, irrigation repairs, road maintenance, and maintain sewer and well systems. They also operate loaders, backhoes, forklifts, dump trucks, and other heavy equipment, requiring each foreman to maintain a Class A Commercial Driver’s License with an air-brake endorsement.

Despite the wide range of responsibilities, one of the biggest challenges isn’t the work itself — it’s repairing damage that never should have happened in the first place.

Every act of vandalism or illegal dumping takes time and resources away from projects that could improve recreation opportunities elsewhere. Instead of building new amenities or tackling planned maintenance, crews often find themselves returning to repair damage caused by careless behavior.

Those repairs come at a cost — not just financially, but in staff time. Resources spent cleaning graffiti, removing trash, or fixing damaged roads are resources that could otherwise be invested in improving Idaho’s recreation sites for hunters, anglers, wildlife watchers, and families.

Fortunately, the public can play an important role in protecting these places.

Our staff encourage visitors to report vandalism, illegal dumping, or other misuse to local city or county law enforcement, or directly to Idaho Fish and Game whenever possible. Even more importantly, he hopes visitors will help care for these public lands as if they were their own.

It’s a simple request, but one that can make a tremendous difference. By respecting recreation sites and reporting problems when they arise, Idahoans help ensure these treasured outdoor destinations remain clean, safe, and accessible for future generations.

Behind every well-maintained boat ramp, campground, and access road is a recreation site foreman whose broad skills, dedication and hard work make those outdoor experiences possible — often without visitors ever realizing the effort involved.

To learn more about Idaho Fish and Game’s fishing and boating access sites or scroll through an interactive map of sites across the state, visit the Fishing and Boating Access Sites and Guide webpage.

Guest Columnist Brian Almon: Why I’m Pro-Life

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Observer Staff
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July 30, 2026 (Cover Image Credit: Gem State Chronicle)

Why I’m Pro-Life

By: Gem State Chronicle Publisher Brian Almon

On Wednesday evening, I joined Matt Edwards for a special edition of Idaho Signal to sound the alarm about Proposition 1, the so-called Reproductive Freedom and Privacy Act. It was a privilege to share the news of the birth of my sixth child, which happened just the previous day:

The basic premise held by those who believe abortion should be legal is that there is a difference between a fetus in its mother’s womb and a baby who has been born. Yet having watched six pregnancies up close and personally, and having been present for the birth of six beautiful babies, I find that premise absurd. My new baby has the same features he did in our 20-week ultrasound. His little kicks, punches and wiggles are the same movements he’s been making in the womb for months. The heart I can feel beating in his chest when I hold him close is the same one we heard through the Doppler at my wife’s monthly checkups.

He is the same baby he was from the beginning. Yet pro-abortion activists, such as those who support Proposition 1 in Idaho, would draw an arbitrary line and say it would be morally acceptable to kill him before a certain point.

I believe societies can be judged by how they treat their most vulnerable. Are children, infants, and the unborn burdens to be disposed of when inconvenient, or treasures to be cherished? As I said, the argument that a baby is something different, something not fully human, prior to birth is absurd. Sure, an unborn baby is at an earlier stage of development than one who has been born. But right now, at two days old, my youngest son is still not fully developed. If left alone, he would suffer and die—he still relies on my wife for care and nourishment, and will for a long time yet to come. Even my older children cannot fully take care of themselves yet, though they are very independent!

In pagan societies, it was considered morally acceptable to abandon unwanted babies in the wilderness to die. Abortion is just a modern version of this same barbaric practice. The post-Christian West increasingly resembles pagan antiquity when it comes to morals and ethics. The rise of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) in Canada is just the latest iteration of this anti-life ideology, as is the push to mutilate healthy bodies in the name of transgenderism.

One of the most common criticisms directed toward those of us who are pro-life is that we only care about babies until they’re born. This is usually accompanied by demands for an expansive welfare state and other government subsidies. It’s a cheap line, of course. Those of us on the right are generally opposed to welfare not because we’re heartless bastards who enjoy watching people suffer, but because we see genuine problems with a system that takes resources from those who work and gives them to those who don’t. I agree with Wayne Hoffman that welfare is soul-crushing, both for recipients who can become accustomed to dependency and for those who are denied the ability to engage in charity of their own accord rather than being forcibly taxed.

The pro-life position is one that recognizes the God-given dignity of every human being rather than seeing them as animals that need to be fed or numbers on a spreadsheet. Maybe there is a place for a social safety net, but it must be limited and temporary, not a multigenerational lifestyle.

At this year’s Idaho GOP Convention, members of the Platform Committee debated whether life begins at conception or fertilization. I honestly don’t know. When does a human soul come into existence? That question is more theological than biological. I do know that when the cells of a father and mother come together, a new human being is created, with its own unique DNA that never before existed in the history of the universe. After just a few weeks, even before some mothers know they are pregnant, a baby’s heart is fluttering. A few weeks later, the baby’s brain is starting to function, and a few weeks after that, nerves carry pain signals to that brain.

Where do you draw the line? I would do so at the earliest practicable point. In the face of uncertainty, I would err on the side of saving life rather than destroying it, especially as medical science continues to push viability earlier and earlier.

I now have six children. Each one of them is some combination of my wife and me, yet each one is unique. Now that each one exists in the world, I cannot imagine them not existing. God willing, all six of my children will live long enough to see the 22nd century—who knows what the world will be like by then? Also God willing, each one will choose to make their home here in Idaho, and by the year 2100, my name will be carried on by hundreds of people who exist because my wife and I chose to have these six children.

What a legacy.

The creation of new life is such a miracle, yet it’s one that happens every day, to the point where we’ve become inured to how amazing it really is. There is a simple heuristic one can use when evaluating potential policies: Does this promote life, or does it promote death? Abortion is perhaps the simplest policy to grade on that metric, because abortion is, by definition, the destruction of a unique and innocent human life.

That is why I call myself pro-life, and why I urge everyone to reject abortion in Idaho and vote no on Proposition 1.

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

Celebrating America’s 250th: State Department Launches Commemorative Passports Nationwide

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Observer Staff
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(State Department Press Release, July 30, 2026)

In response to overwhelming demand, the Department of State is making an additional 250,000 of the special commemorative passports available to the public.  Americans all across the country will now have the opportunity to apply for one of these additional special passports, known as the “Patriot Passport.”

Since its release in celebration of 250 years of American independence, the commemorative passport has generated extraordinary public interest.  The Department of State is responding by expanding access so Americans across the country can obtain this unique and special document.  The Department is hosting application events at passport agencies and centers for patriots all across our nation.

The commemorative passport features custom artwork connecting America’s past to the present, including a portrait of President Donald J. Trump alongside the text of the Declaration of Independence, a Freedom 250 gold flag, and an image of the Founding Fathers signing the Declaration of Independence.

Appointments are required to apply for the “Patriot Passport.”  To learn about application events near you and how to schedule an appointment, visit travel.state.gov/passport250.

President Trump Announces Hamas Disarmament Plan

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Observer Staff
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(White House Press Release, July 30, 2026)

[On Thursday], the Board of Peace reached a HISTORIC agreement for the COMPLETE DISARMAMENT of Hamas and all other armed groups in Gaza. This is a monumental step toward lasting PEACE and SECURITY.

This agreement is a critical step towards Gaza finally being governed by a new Palestinian government that will work closely with the Board of Peace to help the Palestinian people. At the same time, Israel will have the security it deserves, with Gaza no longer used as a base for terror attacks.

This is a major milestone in the implementation of the Trump 20-Point Plan. The agreement will be carried out in carefully structured phases. As disarmament is completed, Israeli forces will withdraw, and the International Stabilization Force will work with a new Palestinian police force to take responsibility for Gaza being safe for its residents and its neighbors.

One year ago there was a violent raging war, humanitarian crisis and hostages kept in brutal captivity. We have made historic progress and there is still much work to do.

I want to thank the mediators—Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye—for their important efforts, and especially my outstanding team, whose tireless work made this historic breakthrough possible.

The threat that emerged from Gaza on October 7 will NOT be allowed to rebuild!

Under this agreement, Gaza will finally be in the hands of a new Palestinian government that serves its PEOPLE.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL ON THIS AMAZING DEVELOPMENT, THAT EVERYBODY SAID COULD NEVER BE ACHIEVED!

DONALD J. TRUMP
President of the United States of America

See the Truth HERE.

AG Labrador Shares Defective and Hazardous Product Recall List for July 2026

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Observer Staff
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(Attorney General’s Office Press Release, July 30, 2026)

BOISE, ID — Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador released a list of 39 hazardous products subject to a federal recall from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for the month of July. These recalled products include household appliances, electronics, and furniture, and ten items specifically designed for infants and toddlers.

“Idahoans need to know when everyday products put their families at risk,” said Attorney General Labrador. “This month’s 39 recalls include ten products made for infants and toddlers, from baby loungers to dressers to pool drain covers. Check this list, check your home, and take action.”

The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports the following products were recalled in July:

Heated Sherpa Throws and Blankets Recalled Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Fire and Burn Hazards:
The electrical cord on the recalled throws and blankets can detach and ignite, posing a risk of serious injury or death from fire, burn and shock hazards.

Galanz Americas Recalls Retro Refrigerators Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Fire and Burn Hazards; One Death Reported:
The recalled refrigerators’ internal electrical components can short circuit and ignite, posing a risk of serious injury or death from fire and burn hazards.

Jake’s Fireworks Recalls World Class Fireworks “Skull Strobe” Rockets Due to Risk of Serious Injury from Explosion and Burn Hazards:
The recalled fireworks rockets can explode prematurely before reaching their intended height, posing explosion and burn hazards.

Trsmima Zipline Kits and Zipline Spring Brakes Recalled Due to Fall and Collision Hazards:
The zipline kit’s steel cable, turnbuckle and seat can detach or break during use, posing a fall hazard. The zipline spring brakes are not stiff enough to safely slow a rider down and the kit design does not include an emergency brake, posing collision and fall hazards.

HARPPA Recalls Nordi Toddler Tower Stools Due to Risk of Serious Injury and Death from Entrapment and Fall Hazards:
The recalled tower stools can collapse or tip over while in use, and a child’s torso can fit through the openings on the front and back sides, posing a risk of serious injury and death due to tip over, fall and entrapment hazards.

Mangohood Direct Kids Kitchen Standing Towers Recalled Due to Risk of Serious Injury and Death from Entrapment and Fall Hazards:
The recalled tower stools can collapse or tip over while in use, and a child’s torso can fit through the openings on the front and back sides, posing a risk of serious injury and death due to tip over, fall and entrapment hazards.

Recall of Cpzzkq Baby Loungers Expanded Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Suffocation Hazard:
The recalled baby loungers violate the mandatory safety standard for infant support cushions because the padding can obstruct an infant’s breathing, posing a serious risk of injury or deadly suffocation hazard.

Golden Link Recalls Fantastic Four Cups and Captain America Popcorn Helmet Containers with LED Lights Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Battery Ingestion Hazard:
The cups and containers violate the mandatory standard for consumer products with button cell and coin batteries because they contain button cell batteries that can be accessed easily by children.

BenQ America Recalls GV31 Portable Projectors Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Fire and Burn Hazards:
The recalled projectors’ lithium-ion battery can overheat, posing a risk of serious injury or death from fire and burn hazards.

15-Drawer Dressers Recalled Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Tip-Over and Entrapment Hazards:
The recalled dressers are unstable if they are not anchored to the wall, posing tip-over and entrapment hazards that can result in risks of serious injuries or death to children. The dressers violate the mandatory safety standards as required by the STURDY Act.

OCOOPA Direct Recalls 1.5 Million Rechargeable Hand Warmers Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Fire and Burn Hazards; One Death Reported:
The lithium-ion battery in the recalled hand warmers can overheat and ignite, posing a risk of serious injury or death from fire and burn hazards.

Woodure Toddler Kitchen Step Stools Recalled Due to Risk of Serious Injury and Death from Entrapment and Fall Hazards:
The recalled tower stools can collapse or tip over while in use, and a child’s torso can fit through the openings on the front and back sides, posing a risk of serious injury and death due to tip over, fall and entrapment hazards.

Mommy’s Baby Lovely Deluxe Baby Doll Playsets Recalled Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Choking Hazard; Violate Small Parts Ban:
The recalled doll playsets violate the small parts ban because the toys are for children under three years old and some of the accessories are small parts, posing a deadly choking hazard.

5-Drawer Dressers Recalled Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Tip-Over and Entrapment Hazards:
The recalled dressers are unstable if they are not anchored to the wall, posing tip-over and entrapment hazards that can result in risks of serious injuries or death to children. The dressers violate the mandatory safety standards as required by the STURDY Act.

Peony Design Recalls Personalized Baby Bibs and Stroller Bags Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Choking Hazard:
The snap can detach from the recalled bibs and stroller bags, posing a risk of serious injury or death from a choking hazard to young children.

12-Drawer Fabric Dressers Recalled Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Tip-Over and Entrapment Hazards:
The recalled dressers are unstable if they are not anchored to the wall, posing tip-over and entrapment hazards that can result in risks of serious injuries or death to children. The dressers violate the mandatory safety standards as required by the STURDY Act.

CuddleCubs Creations Teething Toy Sets Recalled Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Choking:
The recalled teething toy sets contain a pull string teething toy that violates the mandatory standard for toys because the silicone strings are smaller and longer than permitted. The strings can reach the back of a child’s throat and become lodged, posing a risk of respiratory distress and a deadly choking hazard.

Sviyatp Pool Drain Covers Recalled Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Entrapment and Drowning Hazards:
The recalled drain covers violate the entrapment protection standards of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGBA), posing deadly entrapment and drowning hazards to consumers.

OeyUoc Pool Drain Covers Recalled Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Entrapment and Drowning Hazards:
The recalled drain covers violate the entrapment protection standards of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGBA), posing deadly entrapment and drowning hazards to consumers.

Noerishia Adult Portable Bed Rails Recalled Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Entrapment and Asphyxiation:
The recalled bed rails violate the mandatory standard for adult portable bed rails because users can become entrapped within the bed rail or between the bed rail and the side of the mattress, posing a serious entrapment hazard and risk of death by asphyxiation. In addition, the bed rails do not bear the required hazard warning labels.

Conair Recalls Cuisinart Propel+ Four Burner 3-In-1 Gas Grills Due to Risk of Serious Injury from Laceration Hazard:
The tempered glass window in the pizza oven can shatter during use, posing a risk of serious injury from laceration hazard.

Greenworks Tools Recalls 24V and 48V Kobalt Yard Power Tools with USB-C Batteries Due to Risk of Serious Injury from Fire Hazard:
Charging the lithium-ion batteries through the USB-C port while the batteries are inserted in the yard power tools can cause the batteries to short-circuit, posing a risk of serious injury from fire hazard.

WonderStone Infant Walkers Recalled Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Fall Hazard; Violate Mandatory Standard for Infant Walkers:
The recalled infant walkers violate the mandatory standard for infant walkers because they can fit through a standard doorway and fail to stop at the edge of a step, posing a risk of serious injury or death due to a fall hazard.

Best Buy Recalls Insignia® Gas Ranges Due to Risk of Serious Injury from a Fire Hazard:
The recalled ranges’ front-mounted knobs can be activated accidentally by humans or pets, posing a risk of serious injury from a fire hazard.

Moodooy Bed Rails Recalled Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Entrapment and Asphyxiation:
The recalled bed rails violate the mandatory standard for adult portable bed rails because users can become entrapped within the bed rail or between the bed rail and the side of the mattress, posing a serious entrapment hazard and risk of death by asphyxiation. In addition, the bed rails do not bear the required hazard warning labels.

Flaunt Recalls Magsafe Battery Chargers Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Fire and Burn Hazards:
The lithium-ion battery in the recalled power banks (chargers) can overheat and ignite, posing a risk of serious injury or death from fire and burn hazards.

Biometric Gun Safes Recalled Due to Serious Injury Hazard and Risk of Death:
The biometric lock on the gun safes can be opened by unauthorized users, posing a serious injury hazard and risk of death.

Rowenta Recalls Cordless Vacuum Cleaners Due to Risk of Serious Injury from Fire and Burn Hazards:
The recalled lithium-ion battery in the vacuum cleaner can overheat and ignite, posing a risk of serious injury from fire and burn hazards.

Vevor Recalls Baby Loungers Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Entrapment and Fall Hazards:
The recalled baby loungers violate the mandatory safety standard for infant sleep products. The sides are too low to contain an infant and the enclosed openings at the foot of the loungers are wider than allowed, posing serious risks of fall and entrapment hazards to infants. In addition, the baby loungers do not have a stand, posing a fall hazard if used on elevated surfaces. These violations create an unsafe sleeping environment and can cause death or serious injury.

Conair Recalls Over One Million Cuisinart Grill Brushes Due to Ingestion Hazard:
Small metal wire bristles can detach from the brushes and stick to the grill or food, posing an ingestion hazard and risk of serious internal injuries that could require surgery.

Winco Fireworks International Recalls Unity 7 Shot 200 Gram Aerial Cake Fireworks Due to Risk of Serious Injury from Explosion and Burn Hazards:
The recalled fireworks can tip over, posing a risk of serious injury from explosion and burn hazards.

Junpower CR2032 Lithium Coin Batteries Recalled Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Battery Ingestion Hazard:
The lithium coin batteries are not sold in child-resistant packaging and do not bear the warning labels as required under Reese’s Law. When button cell or coin batteries are swallowed, the ingested batteries can cause serious injuries, including internal chemical burns and death.

AMASKY Nursing Pillows Recalled Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Suffocation:
The recalled nursing pillows advertised for infant feeding and tummy time violate the mandatory safety standards for nursing pillows and infant support cushions because they can obstruct an infant’s breathing, posing a serious risk of injury or death from suffocation.

Winco Fireworks International Recalls Roman Candles 8 Shot Fireworks Due to Risk of Serious Injury from Explosion and Burn Hazards:
The recalled fireworks can malfunction, and shots can blow out the side of the tube, posing a risk of serious injury from explosion and burn hazards.

Projecting LED Finger Light Toys Recalled Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Battery Ingestion:
The recalled LED finger lights violate the mandatory safety standard for toys because they contain button cell batteries that can be easily accessed by children. If button cell or coin batteries are swallowed, the ingested batteries can cause serious injuries, including internal chemical burns, and death.

Cooper Lighting Recalls Metalux Optimized High Bay LED Light Fixtures Due to Fire Hazard:
The LED’s board can overheat or come into contact with the lens or nearby combustible materials, posing a fire hazard.

Topyond Pool Drain Ports with Covers Recalled Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Entrapment and Drowning Hazards:
The recalled drain ports with covers violate the entrapment protection standards of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGBA), posing deadly entrapment and drowning hazards to consumers.

Target Recalls Gigglescape™ Under the Sea Popping Toy Due to Choking Hazard:
The clear plastic dome can detach from the blue plastic base, making the small plastic balls inside the toy accessible to children, posing a choking hazard.

Diamond Wipes International Recalls CVS Health Medicated Hemorrhoidal Wipes Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Child Poisoning:
The recalled medicated wipes contain lidocaine, which must be in child-resistant packaging, as required by the Poison Prevention Packaging Act. The packaging of the wipes is not child-resistant, posing a risk of serious injury or death from poisoning if the contents of the wipes are ingested by young children.

If you believe you recently purchased a recalled product, stop using it, and check its recall notice (linked above for all products). Follow the notice’s instructions, including where to return the product, how to get the product fixed, how to dispose of the product, how to receive a refund for the product, or what steps must be taken to receive a replacement product.

To file a complaint about a defective product that you feel is unsafe, visit the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission website.

Sage-Grouse and Sandhill Crane Tags Go on Sale August 3

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Observer Staff
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(Idaho Fish and Game Press Release, July 22, 2026)

A total of 4,280 sage-grouse tags and 870 sandhill crane tags will go on sale on a first-come, first-served basis Aug. 3 at 10 a.m. MDT. Tags will be available at Idaho Fish and Game license vendors, online at GoOutdoorsIdaho.com, and by phone at 1-800-554-8685.

Sage-grouse

The 4,280 tags will be offered for 12 hunting zones across parts of southern Idaho. Sage-grouse season runs Sep. 15 through Oct. 31. Hunters can buy up to two tags and may buy a tag for more than one zone.

During its July 16 meeting in Jerome, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission approved the 2026-2027 sage-grouse hunting seasons and tags; the number of sage-grouse tags decreased by 750 tags. The Commission also approved a fixed opening date of Sep. 15 for the general sage-grouse season. A video recap of the full commission meeting and the sage-grouse season recommendations is available on Fish and Game’s YouTube channel.

An updated sage-grouse seasons and rules brochure, including number of tags available for each hunting zone, is available online at the Sage-grouse Seasons and Rules webpage.

Statewide, sage-grouse lek counts decreased from 2025 to 2026. Decreases were observed in most hunting zones, with counts in a few zones comparable to 2025. Sage-grouse populations naturally fluctuate in six to 12 year cycles. The sage-grouse tag allocation is designed to limit harvest to no more than 10% of the fall population in each reporting zone.

Fish and Game expects to adjust tag numbers annually to maintain sustainable sage-grouse hunting opportunities in Idaho.

Sandhill cranes

There will be 870 sandhill crane tags available for six hunting areas in eastern Idaho. Seasons run Sep. 1-15, Sep. 16-30, Sep. 1-30, or Oct. 1-30, depending on tag type, which is determined by hunt area and season dates. Sandhill crane hunters are also required to purchase a Migratory Bird (HIP) Permit.

The Pacific and Central Flyway Management Plan for the Rocky Mountain Population (RMP) of sandhill cranes allows for the regulated harvest of cranes when the population exceeds 15,000, as estimated by the average of the three most recent reliable pre-migration staging surveys.

Idaho’s 2026 crane harvest allocation, as provided by the Flyway Management Plan, increased from 2025. In an effort to reduce hunter crowding and distribute an increased number of tags, the Fish and Game Commission approved adding additional hunting opportunity in October. Fish and Game staff reference harvest rates observed in previous years to determine the number of tags available for each hunt area.

For seasons and rules for sandhill cranes see the Migratory Game Bird Seasons and Rules webpage.

Bannock County Enacts 180-day Emergency Moratorium on Data Center Permits to Craft Local Regulations

By
Observer Staff
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0

(Bannock County Press Release, July 31, 2026; Cover photo credit: Bannock County)

BANNOCK COUNTY, Idaho – On Thursday, July 30, 2026, the Bannock County Board of Commissioners signed an ordinance enacting a temporary, 180-day emergency moratorium on accepting or processing data center permit applications within county jurisdiction.

Effective July 30, 2026, through January 26, 2027, the temporary pause gives Bannock County Planning & Development staff the time required to research and draft a comprehensive, standalone data center ordinance designed to protect natural resources, energy infrastructure, utility ratepayers, and community character across the county.

“With data center interest growing across our region, putting a temporary pause in place allows our staff to study water usage, energy demands, and land-use impacts thoroughly before any county permits are considered,” said Hal Jensen, Planning Director. “Taking a proactive approach gives us the time we need to draft strong, clear protections specific to Bannock County’s long-term needs.”

Jurisdictional Boundaries

To ensure complete transparency, county officials emphasize this moratorium strictly applies to land within unincorporated county jurisdiction. The moratorium does not apply within city limits (such as the City of Pocatello) and does not impact municipal proceedings or the ongoing process for the proposed data center within Pocatello city jurisdiction.

Regulatory Timeline & Public Participation

County planners are currently finalizing a separate, years-long rewrite of the Land Use and Development Ordinance (LUDO). Because data centers were not included in the broader LUDO scope, county staff chose to address data center regulations separately during this 180-day pause rather than delay LUDO’s upcoming public hearings.

Once LUDO public hearings conclude, staff will focus fully on crafting the dedicated data center ordinance. Public input is a vital part of this process, and residents will have formal opportunities to provide feedback before any new regulations are adopted.

To keep residents directly informed, Bannock County has launched a dedicated webpage at bannockcounty.gov/datacenter. Residents can visit the site to track timeline updates, review draft materials, and subscribe to receive direct email notifications whenever public input opportunities or new project details are announced.

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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.
Contact us: jcrowder@pocatellochubbuckobserver

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