Dorothy Moon, Chairwoman of the Idaho Republican Party
I can’t predict the future. Don’t ask me where the stock market will be a year from now, or who will win next year’s Super Bowl. One thing I can tell you with absolute certainty, however, is that we’re not going back to politics as usual.
American politics were fundamentally changed the moment Donald Trump came down that golden escalator more than a decade ago. He captured the frustration of millions upon millions of Americans who believed their country had been stolen from them—stolen by a government bureaucracy that saw them as numbers on a spreadsheet, stolen by big corporations eager to push DEI, ESG, and other anti-American ideologies, and stolen by an immigration system that prioritized illegal aliens over American citizens.
Those American patriots saw their champion slandered, attacked, impeached, and indicted, all for the crime of standing up for them. Donald Trump was absolutely right when he said they’re not coming for him—they’re coming for us, the American people, and he’s standing in the way.
There are still a few lonely holdouts in politics who believe we can return to a pre-2015 normal once President Trump leaves the scene. They desperately want to go back to a Republican Party full of beautiful losers who agreed with the other party’s definition of “progress,” only at a slower pace. They want to do to MAGA what they did to the Tea Party—co-opt it into the establishment.
Folks, that’s just not going to happen.
This primary election season is proof that Republican voters have no intention of allowing elected officials to return to the “good old days” of campaigning one way and voting another. When several Indiana state legislators refused to consider redistricting because they thought President Trump was too mean, voters kicked them to the curb. When longtime U.S. senators Bill Cassidy and John Cornyn failed to get the message and work with Trump on issues such as election integrity, voters rejected them too. And when Congressman Thomas Massie fought Trump on the One Big Beautiful Bill, Trump fought back—and now Massie is headed for retirement.
On the other hand, look at Idaho. Rather than fighting President Trump, Sen. Jim Risch has enthusiastically partnered with him to carry out the will of the people. That partnership has been good for Idaho. Remember: on Day One of the second Trump administration, Risch told the president he needed to stop the planned wind farm at Lava Ridge—and Trump made it happen. Trump’s endorsement can make or break a candidate, even powerful incumbent senators, which proves that grassroots Republicans still trust our president and his vision for this nation.
In his first inaugural address, President Trump said that his victory was our victory, and that the people once again had control of their government. It has been a long and painful process, and the work is not yet complete. But we are moving in the right direction—and we’re not going back.
(City of Chubbuck, May 28, 2026: Cover photo credit: City of Chubbuck FB)
The Chubbuck Days Celebration is scheduled for Saturday, August 8th. The Parade starts at 10:00 AM and the Festival at Cotant Park will follow the parade at 11:00 AM. To register, just click the links below, fill out the forms and submit to the City of Chubbuck by July 1st. For questions call Kami Berger at (208) 239-3246.
IMPORTANT: You must sign up by July 1st to be guaranteed a place. Late sign-ups will not be assured a place and after July 30th, no entries will be accepted.
On the evening of May 16, a hunter shot and killed a male grizzly bear in defense of life after it charged him and his young son from a short distance away while they were hunting black bears near the Cave Falls Road on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest outside of Ashton.
The hunters were sitting on the edge of a meadow when a grizzly began crossing it and seemed to pick up their scent. The grizzly then changed direction and headed directly toward the two hunters. As the hunters attempted to alert the grizzly to their presence, it began to charge directly toward them. The man fired at the charging bear with his sidearm before quickly switching to his hunting rifle, killing it within 5 yards of where he was standing.
The man called the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office as soon as he was able and reported the incident. Idaho Fish and Game was notified and immediately responded. After conducting a thorough investigation, it was determined that the hunter acted in defense of life, as he and his son were being charged by a bear from a close distance.
Grizzly bears are protected under state and federal law, and Fish and Game reminds hunters that grizzly bears may be encountered in the Greater Yellowstone area and parts of northern Idaho. Grizzly bears also occasionally visit as far south as the Grangeville area and into the Salmon Region in central Idaho.
Here are some good reminders when hunting in grizzly country:
Carry bear spray and keep it accessible.
Hunt with partners and make each other aware of plans.
Look for grizzly bear sign, including fresh tracks. Let partners know if you do see sign.
Retrieve meat as quickly as possible.
Hang meat, food, and garbage at least 200 yards from camp and at least 10 feet off the ground.
Make noise, especially around creeks and thick vegetation. Most attacks occur by inadvertently surprising a bear at close range.
Memorial Day weekend marked the beginning of the 100 deadliest days of driving, which last through Labor Day. During this time, traffic crashes and fatalities surge. Risk factors include speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving, and failure to wear seat belts.
With schools out for summer, there are also more children playing outside near roadways and using bikes and scooters alongside traffic.
Idaho Power is doing what they can to drive safely and keep our communities safe, and they ask you to join them.
You can start by:
Avoiding distractions — put your phone down so you can stay focused on the road
Watching for children, especially by neighborhoods, parks, and crosswalks
Expecting more cyclists on the road with the warmer weather, especially during commute times
Driving sober and buckling up — one of the easiest ways to stay safe
Slowing down and giving extra space to crews working near roadways
Having conversations with other drivers in your household so they know the risks and what they can do to avoid them
(Fort Hall Business Council Statement, May 27, 2026)
The Fort Hall Business Council of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes formally opposes the development of data centers on the Fort Hall Reservation and opposes such development within ceded lands, Treaty-protected areas, or any other locations where such development may adversely affect the Fort Hall Reservation or its residents. This position reflects the Tribes’ sovereign obligation to protect the health, welfare, natural resources, cultural integrity, and future of the Shoshone-Bannock people.
The Council has identified serious concerns regarding data center development and the substantial demands such facilities place on water and energy resources, which are already limited and increasingly stressed across the region.
Since time immemorial, the Shoshone-Bannock people have carried the responsibility to care for the lands, waters, and resources within and beyond our Reservation boundaries. These responsibilities include areas where our people continue to exercise Treaty Rights, practice culture and traditions, and maintain spiritual connections to the land.
No development affecting Tribal communities, lands, resources, or Treaty Rights should proceed without early, meaningful, and ongoing government-to-government consultation with the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes and full recognition of Tribal sovereignty.
Water is not merely a commodity. Water is life. Its protection is fundamental to the health of our communities, ecosystems, and future generations. The Tribes do not support development that threatens these resources or compromises culturally significant landscapes and sacred places.
Data centers require significant electrical capacity. As Idaho is a net importer of electricity, increased demand raises legitimate concerns regarding regional energy capacity and reliability and may contribute to increased costs for utility customers as providers secure additional power on the open market.
The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes support responsible and sustainable economic development that respects the environment, protects cultural resources, and upholds Tribal sovereignty. Economic interests must never come at the expense of the lands and waters that sustain our people and way of life.
The Fort Hall Business Council remains committed to exercising and defending the sovereign authority of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes to protect Tribal lands, Treaty Rights, and essential resources. The Tribes will continue to advocate for accountable decision-making and environmental stewardship that reflects these responsibilities to present and future generations.
Pocatello–On Memorial Day, members of the community gathered at the recently-restored Bannock County Veterans Memorial Building to remember those who gave their lives in service to the country, and to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the building’s opening.
In her opening remarks, Building President Teresa Vialpando first acknowledged the sacrifice of America’s fallen warriors. “Their courage gave us the freedoms we enjoy today,” she said, “and their memory deserves not just our gratitude, but our continued respect and remembrance.” She also highlighted the Memorial Building’s function as “a gathering place for families, veterans, neighbors, celebrations, dances, meetings, and memorials. Generations of this community have walked through these doors.”
Ms. Vialpando then introduced District Judge Rick Carnaroli, who presides over Bannock County’s Veterans Treatment Court. Judge Carnaroli shared the history of the building and the contributions of those community members who made its construction possible. Initially, it was proposed that the American Legion build a log club house on this site; the community instead determined to build an impressive memorial in honor of all American servicemen, intended to become “the patriotic civic center of the city.” Architect Frank Paradice designed the building, and is said to have been the largest individual contributor toward the construction costs. In closing, the judge expressed his pride in the community’s continued support for veterans and for the Veterans Building, stating that “this is not just any old building. It is the civic focal point and a symbol that this community has its heart in the right place…This building remains and continues to serve as a constant reminder of the sacrifices of those men and women who went out to die that we might be free.”
The afternoon’s second speaker, Building Historian Miguel Dominic, focused his remarks on the Memorial Building’s unique and beautiful structure, and on the historical artifacts it contains. “The Bannock County Veterans Memorial Building remains a powerful symbol of remembrance and community,” he said. “Built through the collective efforts of local citizens and sustained by generations that followed, it continues to honor military service while serving as a place where history, memory, and community meet.”
Following the speeches, Daughters of the American Revolution representatives Sandi Kinney and Beth Kauffman presented Teresa Vialpando and Miguel Dominic with Historic Preservation Committee awards for Excellence in Historic Preservation.
Senator Mike Crapo’s regional director, Farhana Hibbert, read a Joint Statement from Sen. Crapo, Sen. Jim Risch, and Congressman Mike Simpson recognizing the Memorial Building’s 100th Anniversary. She then presented Teresa Vialpando with the signed statement as it appeared in Vol. 172 No. 74 of the Congressional Record.
Finally, Dani Patrick of the Bannock County Veteran Services Office read a poem titled “To the Soldier from the Flag.”
Teresa Vialpando closed the ceremony with thanks to those in attendance, and a wish for the Memorial Building’s legacy to “continue strong for the next hundred years.”
The birthday cakeCommemorative coinsThe party of the centuryBuilding manager Teresa Vialpando opens the ceremonyDistrict Judge Rick Carnaroli speaks The audienceBuilding historian Miguel Dominic speaksDAR representatives Sandi Kinney and Beth Kauffman present an award to Teresa VialpandoDAR representatives Sandi Kinney and Beth Kauffman present an award to Miguel DominicSandi Kinney, Teresa Vialpando, Miguel Dominic, Beth KauffmanSenator Crapo’s regional director Farhana Hibbert reads a joint statement from members of Idaho’s Congressional DelegationThe joint statement from member’s of Idaho’s Congressional DelegationFarhana Hibbert presents the statement to Teresa VialpandoDani Patrick reads the poem “To the Soldier, from the Flag”Dani Patrick, Beth Kauffman, Philip Clifton, Sandi Kinney, Teresa Vialpando, Judge Carnaroli, Farhana Hibbert, Miguel Dominic
May 25, 2026 (Cover Image Credit: Gem State Chronicle)
The Annotated Idaho GOP Platform
By: Brian Almon
Gem State Chronicle Publisher Brian Almon
For nearly as long as the United States has existed as a nation, political parties have presented their positions through a platform.
The original Republican platform was short and simple. It reaffirmed the truth and supremacy of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution and called for Congress to halt the spread of slavery (and polygamy) into new territories. It also demanded the immediate admittance of Kansas as a free state as well as improvements in railroads and other national infrastructure.
The very first platform of the Idaho Republican Party was drafted in 1864, shortly after Congress created the Idaho Territory. It too was short and sweet, declaring support for President Abraham Lincoln’s reelection and his prosecution of the Civil War. It also called on Congress to refrain from taxing mining claims, the primary industry of Idaho at the time.
Since the 19th century, platforms have grown larger and more complex as parties seek to provide answers to every political question. The Idaho GOP adopts a platform every two years at its state convention, incorporating additions and changes brought by delegates and deliberated and voted upon by the body as a whole. The current platform, adopted in Coeur d’Alene in June 2025, is twenty pages long and covers issues ranging from taxes and spending to private property and foreign policy.
I served as secretary for the Platform Committee at the 2024 State Convention and shared my thoughts on the planks debated that day. Having watched the debate over those new planks, I concluded that:
The platform can be a high level statement of philosophy, or it can be a strict metric, but it cannot be both at the same time, and that’s something we as Republicans need to figure out soon.
Many conservative activists see the Idaho GOP Platform as the absolute standard to which candidates and precinct committeemen should be held. Nevertheless, the final decision on who becomes the nominee of the Republican Party is made not by the document, but by the voters, most of whom aren’t concerned with platforms or purity tests. As I wrote last week, voters choose candidates for a variety of reasons, some of which do not seem rational to those of us immersed in the world of politics.
The rules of the Idaho Republican Party require the state chair to request that each federal, statewide, and legislative candidate read through the current platform and either affirm support for it or note any disagreements. In my role with the Idaho GOP, I was tasked with placing those responses on the website for voters to examine, which meant I had the opportunity to read through every single one. It’s a shame that some candidates, especially those I would characterize as eastern Idaho moderates, declined to participate, because I think this is a valuable way to engage in discourse regarding the positions in the platform. I have a great deal of respect for those who took the time to note their disagreements and explain why.
With the primary election over, the Idaho Republican Party now has a slate of voter-supported candidates heading into the general election. New PCs are also preparing to elect delegates to next month’s state convention in Meridian, where additions, modifications, or deletions to the platform will be debated. Out of that convention will come a new platform, perhaps with only small changes, or perhaps something very different entirely. Delegates will begin submitting proposals following this weekend’s reorganization meetings, at which point we’ll have the opportunity to discuss them.
Today, however, I want to present the culmination of some work I’ve been doing over the past few weeks. I copied the current platform into a Google Doc, cleaned up the formatting to make it easier to read and navigate, and annotated it with disagreements from the candidates who won their primary elections last week. After all, these are the men and women chosen by voters to carry the Republican banner into November, so I think it’s worthwhile to consider their thoughts.
I also exported a PDF copy of the annotated platform:
If a candidate submitted a note or disagreement, I attempted to copy it verbatim. In some cases, candidates simply noted disagreements without explanation. For those instances, I added their name under the respective section.
I noticed a few interesting things while working on this project. By far, the three most controversial planks are the platform’s demand to repeal the 17th Amendment, which requires the direct election of U.S. senators; the platform’s call for a return to the gold standard; and the platform’s strict position on abolishing abortion.
Seventeen candidates, including Sen. Jim Risch, Gov. Brad Little, and Congressman Mike Simpson, noted their opposition to repealing the 17th Amendment. While I understand the populist argument for the direct election of senators, I believe the amendment was a mistake that severely diminished the power of the states to influence the federal government. Earlier this year, proponents of an Article V Convention argued that such a convention was necessary to bring the states back into the discussion, but that ship sailed in 1913.
Nevertheless, I don’t see repeal of the 17th Amendment happening anytime soon. Is this something that should remain in the Idaho GOP Platform if it could sow needless division? Are the seventeen candidates who disagree with this plank somehow not true Republicans?
Thirteen candidates disagreed with the idea of returning to the gold standard. Rep. Barbara Ehardt did not disagree with the plank, but noted that she has been a proponent of greater investment in gold and silver. Again, is this a realistic position that necessitates a plank in the platform? These two items arose from the libertarian infusion into the GOP following Ron Paul’s presidential campaigns. While I believe that movement was a necessary course correction for a Republican Party that had grown too corporatist, too globalist, and too statist, we should still ask whether these ideas are worth including in the platform, especially if we are going to use the platform as a litmus test for true Republicanism.
Finally, twelve Republican candidates noted their disagreements with the platform’s position on abortion. I remember the fierce debate at the 2022 state convention in Twin Falls when this version of the plank was introduced. Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade and allowed states to once again ban abortion, had been issued mere weeks before the convention opened, meaning this was no longer an academic issue. Idaho’s abortion bans were now in effect, and the differences between complete abolition and maintaining exceptions suddenly mattered.
Most of the candidates who noted disagreements in this section affirmed their support for current Idaho law, which includes exceptions for terminating a pregnancy in cases of rape or incest or to save the life of the mother. Some, including incumbent representatives Grayson Stone and Doug Pickett, along with candidate Chance Requa, included the “health of the mother” as an exception they would like to see as well. Sen. Todd Lakey noted that he would support repealing the current ballot initiative should it pass this November, and I’ve spoken to other candidates who have said the same thing.
The issue of preborn life is obviously extremely important from a moral perspective. I personally support the current platform and believe it serves the purpose of laying out the ideal policy regarding abortion. If terminating a pregnancy means destroying an innocent human life, then how can we justify exceptions? Regarding the life-of-the-mother exception, I recall when once-and-future senator Scott Herndon debated the plank in Twin Falls, he pointed out that if the mother’s life is in danger, then actions taken to save her are not elective abortion, but triage, which always carries inherent risk as doctors attempt to save as many lives as possible.
Of course, this discussion exists around the margins of the issue. Nearly all abortions carried out in America are elective, performed as a form of birth control by irresponsible people. Idaho’s current law gets us 99% of the way there, and we should continue working to persuade voters that abortion pills and other such loopholes are wrong.
I believe that maintaining the plank regarding abortion is more important than maintaining the planks regarding the 17th Amendment and the gold standard. Why? Because in the wake of Dobbs, Idaho must have a policy regarding abortion. We cannot simply ignore the issue, so I believe it is appropriate for the Idaho GOP to hold a strong position on it. The 17th Amendment and the gold standard, by contrast, are not issues we can directly tackle as a state, and there is virtually no national political will to change those policies. As a result, those planks are largely academic.
Take some time to read through the annotated platform. You might be surprised by where certain candidates stand. It’s also interesting to note the areas where there was no disagreement at all. Nobody disagreed with the platform’s stance against social justice indoctrination in public schools, its call for lower taxes, its support for agriculture and the family farm, the need for increased water storage, or the protection of natural resources for multiple uses.
Of course, several candidates declined to participate in this conversation, so who knows what they really believe. Nevertheless, I believe this document lays the groundwork for productive discussions about what kinds of policies we’d like to see enacted over the next few years. I hope it proves valuable as you meet your candidates over the summer, serve as delegates to the Idaho GOP state convention, and look ahead to the 2027 legislative session. Let’s figure out where we agree, where we disagree, and how we can move forward together.
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
As President Donald J. Trump’s America First agenda fuels a blue-collar resurgence, American workers are back in demand — and a new generation is answering the call.
The Shift Is Already Underway
A seismic shift from years past towards the trades is a clear sign that President Trump’s relentless push to restore the dignity of American labor is taking hold.
60% of Gen Z Americans plan to pursue skilled trade work this year, up from less than 40% just one year ago.
Half of Gen Z college graduates are also pivoting to trades, signaling the end of the failed “college-for-all” experiment.
Median pay in skilled trades now matches or exceeds many four-year degrees, with trade workers enjoying greater employment stability than their white-collar peers for the first time in history.
Meanwhile, 94% of U.S. contractors report labor shortages, driving wages higher.
The Trump Administration Is Driving the Boom
President Trump’s policies have overhauled workforce training and created clear pathways to high-paying careers without crushing debt.
President Trump set a national goal of over one million new registered apprentices and reformed broken federal programs.
The Working Families Tax Cuts Act expanded 529 savings plans to trade certifications, broadened Pell Grants for skilled trades, delivered 100% bonus depreciation for equipment, and eliminated taxes on overtime — putting thousands of dollars back in workers’ pockets.
The Department of Education launched the first-ever Workforce Pell Grant program to fast-track Americans into high-demand, high-paying careers.
The Department of Labor has awarded over $229 million in grants to expand apprenticeships in critical sectors like shipbuilding, defense, and nuclear energy, and launched a landmark initiative to integrate AI skills into registered apprenticeships to prepare the workforce for the jobs of the future.
New guidance bars illegal aliens from taxpayer-funded workforce programs, ensuring benefits go to American workers.
These reforms build on President Trump’s first-term launch of apprenticeship.gov, a government site that connects job seekers, employers, and trainers nationwide.
A Workforce Ready to Rebuild America
With factories and supply chains returning under Trump’s tariff and reshoring policies, demand for skilled labor is surging.
Hundreds of thousands of annual openings projected for construction workers and electricians alone — with recentjobsdata reinforcing the demand.
Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts 9% growth for electricians and more than double the national average for HVAC technicians over the next decade.
As President Trump’s trade policies drive factories and critical supply chains back to America, the demand for skilled trades workers is set to surge.
Since President Trump took office, private industry has responded with initiatives from the nation’s most recognizable brands — including Google, Amazon, Apple, Meta, Home Depot, Lowe’s, BlackRock, and Carrier Global — to fund new apprenticeship, training, and education programs.
America is rebuilding — by Americans, for Americans. Under President Trump’s leadership, a debt-free, opportunity-rich generation of skilled workers is rising to power a new Golden Age of American manufacturing and prosperity.
Super Hunt winners get the best of the best by being able to hunt any open hunt in Idaho for the species they draw. This includes general or controlled hunts, until you tag an animal. Drawings will be held for deer, elk, pronghorn, and moose. A license is not required to enter a Super Hunt drawing for both residents and nonresidents, and there is no limit to the number of entries. Super Hunt entries are only $6 for individual species or $20 for a combo of all four!
Super Hunt revenue is dedicated to providing hunting access, and has been a critical tool to secure more hunting opportunities for Idaho hunters. In past couple of years, we have been able to use this money to help obtain access to hundreds of thousands of acre of wildlife habitat for sportsmen and women, secure Access YES! properties, fund access easements, and maintain trails in remote hunting areas.
Any Super Hunt tag is considered an extra tag so you can still use your general or controlled hunt tags.
A total of 8 deer, 8 elk, 8 pronghorn, 1 moose, and 1 combo of all four tags that will be drawn. Winners will be notified mid-June.
(Attorney General’s Office Press Release, May 27, 2026)
BOISE, ID — Attorney General Raúl Labrador joined Vice President JD Vance, FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, and White House Fraud Task Force Executive Director Scott Brady at the White House for a fraud enforcement roundtable with attorneys general from across the country.
The meeting brought together state and federal leaders to coordinate Medicaid fraud enforcement and strengthen the partnership that has driven results since President Trump took office. Attorney General Labrador presented Idaho’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) results and outlined two requests for federal resources that would sharpen prosecutions in Idaho.
Idaho’s MFCU recovered $900,756 in Medicaid fraud in federal fiscal year 2025. Of that total, $361,577 came through civil cases pursued in partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho using federal authority, the highest annual civil recovery total from this partnership in the past decade. Complaint referrals jumped from 136 in 2024 to 219 in 2025 and are on pace to climb even higher in 2026, a trend that tracks directly with the Trump Administration’s public focus on rooting out fraud.
Attorney General Labrador brought two specific requests to the table: expanded MFCU access to federal Medicaid claims data held by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and reform of a federal records law governing substance use disorder treatment that currently blocks investigators from obtaining evidence in fraud cases. Both requests were developed in coordination with the National Association of Medicaid Fraud Control Units.
“The Trump Administration is serious about fraud enforcement, and Idaho’s results prove what’s possible when the federal government works with states instead of against them,” said Attorney General Labrador. “Working with the White House and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, we recovered more Medicaid dollars outside of multistate settlements last year than any year in the past decade. With better data access and the right reforms, we can recover even more, and I’ll be going back to the Idaho Legislature to secure the additional authority and resources to help make that happen.”
Idaho’s MFCU employs ten staff, including attorneys, sworn law enforcement, auditors, and support personnel, and recorded five indictments in the most recent federal fiscal year.
The Idaho Medicaid Fraud Control Unit receives 75 percent of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a grant award totaling $1,105,525.00 for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2026. The remaining 25 percent, totaling $368,508.33 for FY 2026, is funded by the State of Idaho.
