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Guest Columnist Idaho Senator Christy Zito: Where the Power Is

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Observer Staff
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March 25, 2026

Where the Power Is

By:  Idaho Senator Christy Zito

ID Senator Christy Zito (photo credit: Christy Zito)

Friday evening, I attended the Elmore County Central Committee’s 2026 candidate forum. One question that I’ve been asked many times stood out:

Why does good legislation end up in a committee chairman’s “drawer,” and what can be done about it?

That question stayed with me long after I got home.

Traditionally, chairmen have broad discretion over which bills receive a hearing. While that authority exists, I believe it has been misused. In a representative republic, legislation deserves transparency. Bills should be heard, debated, and voted on by the full committee, not quietly buried based on one person’s decision.

Right now, two bills sit in the Senate State Affairs chairman’s drawer, both passed by the House, both addressing illegal immigration.

House Bill 700 would make it a misdemeanor for employers or recruiters to knowingly hire or continue employing unauthorized workers. It requires employers to act if an employee’s work authorization lapses and provides legal protection for those who properly use E-Verify. Violations could result in fines and jail time.

House Bill 704 would require all Idaho employers to use E-Verify (or a successor system) to confirm employment eligibility. It establishes enforcement mechanisms and penalties for noncompliance, ensuring that Idaho jobs go to lawful workers.

So why are these bills being held?

Because this issue is bigger than policy, it’s about power.

In 2024, Senator Glenneda Zuiderveld courageously introduced legislation to address illegal immigration. She has consistently supported securing our border and upholding the rule of law.

Last week, her family paid a price.

Her husband, whose business serves Idaho dairies, was pressured by members connected to the Idaho Dairy Association to lose three of his largest accounts. This wasn’t a coincidence. It was economic coercion.

The Idaho Dairy Association is aligned with the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry (IACI), one of the most powerful lobbying forces in our state. Their influence at the Capitol is undeniable.

Read her story here.

What happened to the Zuiderveld family sends a clear message:

If you challenge the status quo, you will be punished.

And now, two bills that would directly impact the availability of an illegal workforce are sitting in a drawer.

That is not how a free republic is supposed to function.

When legislation is blocked without a hearing—especially under pressure from powerful interests—it silences not just lawmakers, but the people they represent.

Idahoans deserve better.

We deserve a system where:

  • Bills are given a fair hearing
  • Votes are taken in the open
  • Lawmakers are free to act without fear of retaliation

This isn’t just about immigration.

It’s about whether our government answers to the people—or to the most powerful voices in the room.

My Commitment

Let me be absolutely clear:

I stand with Senator Zuiderveld and her family.

What has been done to them is wrong. No elected official—or their family—should face economic retaliation for standing on principle and doing what is right for the people of Idaho.

And I stand with you—the citizens of this state—who are tired of watching good legislation die behind closed doors while powerful lobbyists pull the strings.

This upcoming election is about drawing a line.

It is about deciding whether Idaho will be governed by the people… or controlled by an entrenched establishment that uses pressure, influence, and intimidation to get its way.

I will never bend to the establishment lobby machine.

I will not be intimidated.
I will not be controlled.
And I will not be silent.

I will stand my ground.

I will fight to ensure that every bill gets a fair hearing, that every voice is represented, and that no Idaho family is punished for standing for what is right.

Most importantly—
I will always be a voice for the people.

Because this government belongs to you.

And it’s time it started acting like it.

Standing Your Ground for Idaho.

Support Zito for Idaho

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Thank you for your trust these past years. Let’s stand together unyielding, for the love of our families and our state.

With gratitude and resolve,

Senator Christy Zito
LD 8
Elmore, Valley, Boise & Custer Counties

INL Workshop Empowers Teachers To Tackle AI

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Observer Staff
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(Idaho National Laboratory Press Release, March 26, 2026)

By Mckenzie Duncan, INL Communications

Idaho teachers leaned into artificial intelligence with a mix of curiosity and caution during a recent professional development session hosted by Idaho National Laboratory.

The training, “Teaching in the Age of AI,” brought elementary, middle and high school educators together to explore what AI is, what it can do, and how it could be used in the classroom. Their experience levels varied widely. Some arrived eager to experiment, while others were more reserved.

The opening message echoed a common refrain at INL: AI is not a future concept. It is already here, embedded in how we work, communicate and solve problems.

AI isn’t a future idea at INL, it’s already part of the daily workflow. Researchers use it to speed up nuclear and integrated energy projects, protect critical systems, make sense of huge amounts of data, and support digital engineering. Employees across the lab are also using AI for practical, everyday tasks like summarizing information, sparking ideas, automating routine work, and finding answers faster. By weaving AI into both scientific work and day‑to‑day operations, INL is building the skills and tools it needs to stay a national leader in innovation.

That expectation extends beyond research. It is becoming part of every profession students will enter. Yet the questions in the room were not about keeping pace with technology. They were about protecting what matters most: our future workforce and the critical thinking skills students need to succeed.

“If students can generate answers instantly, how do we protect critical thinking?” one teacher asked.

Another asked how to prevent AI from becoming a shortcut instead of a support tool. Others wanted to know how to set boundaries, write policies and put meaningful guardrails in place.

Integrity is a core value at INL. Challenging assumptions, testing ideas and asking hard questions is required because national security and energy innovation demand it.

That same spirit shaped the training discussions. Teachers were not dismissing AI; they were interrogating it. They wanted to know how to use it responsibly, ethically and effectively for their students.

INL leaders emphasize that AI does not replace expertise. It helps researchers process information more efficiently and focus on higher level problem solving. The same principle applies in the classroom. AI can assist with lesson planning, differentiation, assessment support and data analysis. It can save time and spark ideas. It cannot replace professional judgment, relationships with students or the ability to cultivate curiosity.

Throughout the session, teachers worked through real classroom scenarios. They practiced refining prompts, discussed academic integrity and explored educator-focused AI tools. An INL expert panel — featuring a statistician, communications specialist and staff scientist − demonstrated real-world applications of AI within their respective fields.

Responsible and trustworthy AI means protecting personal information, verifying AI-generated content and ensuring technology supports rather than replaces human decision-making. Those principles shaped every part of the training.

Pooja Pawar, INL K-12 STEM computer science and cybersecurity outreach specialist, orchestrated the training. She framed it not as a workshop but as an opportunity for professional empowerment.

“Empowering educators to use AI goes far beyond teaching a new tool,” Pawar said. “It’s about giving them the confidence to lead the next generation. When teachers feel confident, they spark curiosity, encourage bold thinking, and help students approach the future with responsibility and purpose. That confidence can transform a classroom and shape how students see their own potential.”

Her message was clear. Teachers should not feel behind with emerging AI technology and how to use in their classrooms. They should feel equipped.

Students are already interacting with AI tools. They need guidance. They need to know how to question what AI produces and use it ethically. When educators gain confidence and practical strategies, they strengthen instruction and prepare students for a workforce that expects AI literacy.

Today’s students could one day design safer nuclear reactors, strengthen cybersecurity systems or develop advanced energy technologies. Many of those careers will require working alongside AI.

The transformation influencing research at a national laboratory is also influencing instruction across Idaho. Educators who lean in now will help define how AI is used rather than react to it.

INL’s message to educators is simple: bring your questions, your challenges and your passion for doing what is right for students. Together, educators and experts can ensure students are not just using AI but thinking critically alongside it and preparing to lead in a world that demands both innovation and integrity.

If you are interested in this training, please email pooja.pawar@inl.gov for upcoming training opportunities.

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

Pocatello Police Department’s Citizen Police Academy Is Accepting Applications

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Observer Staff
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(Pocatello Police Department, March 26, 2026; Cover photo credit: PPD FB)

The Pocatello Police Department is opening registration for its Citizen Police Academy. The academy is designed to create an open communication channel between community members and the Pocatello Police Department. Attendees will learn about patrol procedures, report writing, crime prevention, use of force, defensive tactics, crime scene investigations, evidence collection, DUI investigations, emergency vehicle operations, SWAT/K9 procedures, force simulator, police driving techniques, firearms training, explosive breaching, and dispatch procedures.

The academy is an eight-week program that begins on April 14th and ends on June 2nd. The class will be held every Tuesday evening from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Two “hands-on” classes will be offered on separate Saturdays during the academy. A graduation ceremony will be held on the last day of the academy.

Citizen Police Academy attendees are selected through an application process and required to undergo a basic background check. The deadline to apply for this class is April 10th at 5:00 pm. If you are interested in attending this academy, apply online at https://pocatello.seamlessdocs.com/f/PDcitizenacademy.
Written applications can be submitted to the Pocatello Police Department, 911 North 7th Avenue, or mailed to the Pocatello Police Department, P.O. Box 2877, Pocatello, ID 83206. For additional information, please contact Training and Services Coordinator, Jene Purman, at 208-234-6129.

ISP Investigates Semi Crash Near Chubbuck

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Observer Staff
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(Idaho State Police Press Release, March 27, 2026; Cover image credit: ISP FB)

BANNOCK COUNTY, ID – The Idaho State Police is investigating a single-commercial-vehicle crash that occurred on Friday, March 27, 2026, at 11:38 a.m. on northbound Interstate 15 at mile post 73, in Chubbuck.

A 44-year-old male, from Terreton, driving a 2017 Freightliner was headed north on Interstate 15, struck a barrier between northbound Interstate 15 and the off-ramp for exit 73.  The semi came to rest in the left lane. The driver was wearing his seatbelt.  Northbound Interstate 15 is restricted to one lane and traffic has been rerouted off the northbound 73 off ramp while the area is being cleaned up.

This crash is under investigation by the Idaho State Police.

New White House App Delivers Unparalleled Access to the Trump Administration

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Observer Staff
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(White House Press Release, March 27, 2026)

Today, the White House launched its powerful new official mobile app — delivering President Donald J. Trump and his Administration directly to the American people like never before. This new app offers Americans a direct line to the White House — cutting through the noise with unfiltered, real-time updates straight from the source.

With the official White House app, Americans can:

  • Receive breaking news alerts on major announcements, executive actions, and other key priorities.
  • Watch live streams of briefings, speeches, and historic moments as they happen.
  • Dive into a dynamic media library packed with highlights.
  • Stay connected on the latest policy breakthroughs.
  • Send your voice and feedback directly to the Administration.

Real-time updates, live video, stunning photos, and smart push notifications — all in the palm of your hand.

From the Oval Office straight to your phone, the official White House app is the fastest, most powerful way to stay informed and engaged with the Trump Administration.

Download now on the App Store and Google Play.

Guest Columnist ID Rep. Lucas Cayler: Is Your Legislator Idaho First?

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Observer Staff
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March 25, 2026

Is Your Legislator Idaho First?
You might be shocked after reading this…

By: Representative Lucas Cayler, District 11

This is the question that begs to be asked as we finish up the 2026 legislative session and head into the Primary Election.

Today, on the House Floor, we heard and voted on Senate Concurrent Resolution 123. This resolution is stating Idaho legislative support for International Year of Rangeland and Pastoralists (a funny word for saying sheep rancher). You can read the resolution HERE

What is International Year of Rangeland and Pastoralists? Great question and I’m glad you asked. It’s a global initiative being pushed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Don’t believe me? Read all about it here HERE

Yes, the same UN that is a veritable hive of scum and villainy. A globalist organization that continues to push some of the most radical, Marxist agendas to accomplish some of the most absurd objectives, like eradicating hunger, poverty, gender inequality, combating climate change and pushing renewable energy objectives. The same organization that is pushing for a one-world government and constantly seeks to globalize the healthcare system, create a universal basic income and make all nations subservient to one government.

Even more concerning is the fact that on the IYRP webpage, under their news column, you can see that Idaho’s very own Governor Brad Little issued a proclamation in support of this initiative on March 19th, 2026. Read that proclamation HERE

Folks, this is a dangerous resolution that was just passed in the Senate and in the House. Resolutions often come back as legislation that gets turned into law. And as you can see below, all of the green or “yes” votes were legislators in support of this horrible resolution.

This is not America or Idaho First. This is American and worse, Idaho legislative alignment with Agenda 2030 and the United Nations.

This is unacceptable. Ask your legislator, if he or she voted for this bill why. Demand an answer. I debated hard against this bill on the floor, so ignorance isn’t an excuse.

This election, we vote on all legislative candidates here in Idaho. We also vote for a new governor. Do your homework. Know who you are voting before you head to the ballot box.

As State Representative for Caldwell District 11, I am and remain America First. My oath to defend the Constitution has no expiration date.

In liberty,

Lucas Cayler

Guest Column – ID GOP Chairwoman Dorothy Moon: Drawers Are No Substitute for Debate

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Observer Staff
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March 26, 2026

Drawers Are No Substitute for Debate

By: Dorothy Moon, IDGOP Chairwoman

Dorothy Moon, Chairwoman of the Idaho Republican Party

Our legislative process is meant to play out in plain view—in public committee hearings, open floor sessions, and recorded votes. But one of the most consequential parts often happens quietly, behind closed doors: when committee chairmen choose not to schedule bills for a hearing, effectively killing them without fanfare, public input, or a vote.

“Drawering” bills—letting them sit in committee without a hearing—has long been part of the process. Sometimes it makes sense. Our part-time Legislature simply doesn’t have the capacity to consider the hundreds of bills introduced each year, and committee chairs must manage their time carefully.

But when a bill has already passed the other chamber, the calculus changes. At that point, drawering a bill is more than gatekeeping; it becomes a way to nullify the votes of other elected representatives without transparency or accountability.

That’s exactly what we’re seeing now. The Executive Board of the Idaho GOP State Central Committee raised concerns about several bills that align with longstanding party priorities and passed the House by wide margins, yet still have not received hearings in the Senate. In fact, Senate State Affairs Chairman Jim Guthrie and Senate Commerce Chairman Dan Foreman have indicated these bills—dealing with taxpayer subsidies to teachers’ unions and holding employers accountable for hiring illegal labor—will not be heard at all.

Last week, I sent letters to Chairman Guthrie and Chairman Foreman urging them to schedule hearings rather than unilaterally kill these bills. I get it—these are controversial issues, and having to vote one way or the other opens these chairs and members of their committee up to criticism. Guess what? That’s part of the job. As an elected lawmaker, you are accountable to your constituents for the positions you take.

When a bill passes one chamber, it has already undergone debate, amendment, and a recorded vote. To then have it quietly buried in a Senate committee denies not only the House its proper role, but also the public’s ability to see where their senators stand. This behavior sends a message to grassroots voters that their priorities can be dismissed without explanation or accountability.

This isn’t about any single bill. It’s about trust in the process. Idahoans expect that when their elected representatives advance legislation, it will receive fair consideration—not be quietly set aside.

A simple reform could go a long way: require that any bill passed by one chamber receive at least a hearing in the other. That wouldn’t guarantee passage—or even a floor vote—but it would ensure transparency, deliberation, and accountability.

In a representative government, disagreement is inevitable. But silence should never be a substitute for making hard decisions. If a bill is worth killing, it’s worth killing in the open.

AG Labrador Leads Multi-State Coalition Opposing Court-Ordered Sex-Change Surgeries for Prisoners

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Observer Staff
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(Attorney General’s Office Press Release, March 26, 2026)

BOISE, ID — Attorney General Raúl Labrador, together with Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita, and a coalition of 24 total states, has filed an amicus curiae brief in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals strongly arguing that the Eighth Amendment does not require states to provide prisoners with risky, controversial, and medically debated sex-change surgeries.

The case, Emalee R. Wagoner v. Jennifer Winkelman, Commissioner of Department of Corrections (No. 25-6813), arises from a U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska order directing the state to refer the prisoner for surgical consultation. The multi-state brief argues that this ruling exceeds constitutional limits and overrides states’ authority over prison medical care and policy, so the decision should be reversed.

“A federal court ordered Alaska to refer a prisoner for sex-change surgery consultation, which threatens to set a precedent that forces other states to provide these procedures using taxpayer dollars,” said Attorney General Labrador. “Idaho supports Alaska in defending state medical decisions against judicial overreach. The Eighth Amendment ensures basic medical care for prisoners, but it doesn’t require states to provide experimental gender transition surgeries.”

The brief stresses that the Eighth Amendment bars deliberate indifference to serious medical needs but does not guarantee prisoners access to any particular treatment—especially those that are unproven, highly debated, and carry significant risks with uncertain benefits.

“The Eighth Amendment stops cruel and unusual punishment. It doesn’t give prisoners the right to demand risky, optional surgeries when doctors and scientists still strongly disagree about whether they’re safe or even helpful,” said Attorney General Rokita. “If courts force states to provide these expensive, controversial procedures in one prison, it will open the floodgates everywhere—putting Hoosier taxpayers and families across the country on the hook for hundreds of thousands of dollars per surgery in virtually every state. We cannot let that happen. We have to win this case to protect hardworking taxpayers from footing the bill for these insane surgeries.”

It notes that such surgeries are unavailable for free to citizens in nearly half of U.S. states, underscoring they are not a basic necessity. The amici also contend that prior Ninth Circuit case law does not require these procedures, and mandating out-of-state prisoner transfers for unavailable care raises major federalism issues and conflicts with the Prison Litigation Reform Act.

The coalition asks the Ninth Circuit to vacate the district court’s injunction and affirm states’ discretion in managing prisoner healthcare and corrections.

Read the coalition’s brief here.

Little, Critchfield Announce First-of-its-Kind Public-Private Partnership for AI Education

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Observer Staff
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(Governor’s Office Press Release, March 26, 2026)

The Idaho Department of Education announced today a groundbreaking public-private partnership that positions Idaho at the national forefront of AI-driven education.

The first-of-its-kind in Idaho initiative is designed to accelerate responsible AI adoption across K-12 schools. It also advances the vision outlined in Senate Bill 1227, one of the most forward-looking frameworks in the country. The bill, sponsored by Senator Kevin Cook, calls for expanding AI literacy, strengthening digital skills, and ensuring Idaho students are prepared for a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

“As this technology continues to evolve and grow, it’s clear that we have an imperative to make sure that our students are prepared to thrive in environments that demand proficiency with this new tool,” said Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Crichfield. “I’m grateful to our partners for their support and am proud to say that this historic collaboration puts Idaho at the national forefront of AI education.”

Through partnership with Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Idaho STEM Action Center, Microsoft, Micron, and Stukent, Idaho sets the benchmark for responsible AI adoption in education by uniting world-class industry partners to elevate Idaho educators, enhancing statewide curriculum, and ensuring equitable access to high-quality AI learning opportunities for every student.

  • Idaho National Laboratory (INL) to expand STEM engagement and AI learning opportunities: INL is deepening its commitment to educator support and STEM engagement through its newly launched “Teaching in the Age of AI” professional development series. These workshops offer Idaho teachers practical, classroom-ready strategies for integrating AI concepts into instruction. Beyond workshop delivery, INL has provided funding to support AI trainings for Idaho educators. To date, approximately 70 teachers have participated, reaching an estimated 4,200 Idaho students with enhanced AI learning opportunities.
  • Idaho STEM Action Center: Idaho STEM Action Center has awarded a $250,000 grant to the Idaho Department of Education to offer statewide AI training to educators. Funding will support development of a statewide course for educators to receive training on AI literacy and generative AI tools. Funding will also support regional AI innovators to support effective implementation, regional in-person teacher trainings, and a “train the trainer” cohort to improve AI leadership in schools statewide.
  • Micron to support AI ecosystem development with AI-focused teacher training: Micron’s investment in AI education reflects its deep commitment to helping Idaho learners and educators thrive in an evolving AI-driven economy. As part of the White House’s AI Commitment to America’s Youth, Micron pledged to empower 40,000 learners and educators by 2029. As a part of its commitment, Micron supported Idaho’s Hour of AI program, reaching 5,000 students and educators across the state. Partnering with the state on an expansion of teacher training will reinforce Idaho’s position not just as an adopter of AI in education, but as a contributor shaping the nation’s future-ready workforce. By embedding AI curriculum, educator training, and mentorship opportunities across Idaho schools, Micron is helping to build the state’s AI ecosystem from the ground up.
  • Microsoft collaboration to strengthen AI literacy and educator credentialing: As part of this statewide effort, Microsoft will provide AI literacy programs and educator credentialing through the Microsoft Elevate for Educators platform to ensure that teachers across Educators will have access to robust, classroom-ready professional learning resources. Microsoft Copilot Chat will also be available for hands-on AI use by Idaho educators and students ages 13+, supported by enterprise grade security, strong privacy protections, and administrative controls specifically designed for education settings. The partnership also establishes a pathway for school districts to explore customized digital assistants co-designed with local educators to support instructional tasks, district operations, and student services.
  • Stukent donation expands access to high-quality AI curriculum: To ensure AI learning is accessible to students regardless of geography or district resources, Idaho-based educational technology company Stukent will donate its full AI curriculum, including teacher training materials, to every Idaho public high school. This contribution will provide engaging, industry-aligned coursework that equips students with foundational knowledge and real-world AI skills.

 “Idaho Senate Bill 1227 reflects a thoughtful, human-centered approach to AI in education. It rightly emphasizes transparency, safety, accessibility, and the protection of student data. Those principles align closely with Microsoft’s commitment to responsible AI, keeping teachers at the center of learning and maintaining public trust,” said Kia Floyd, General Manager for State Government Affairs at Microsoft. “By establishing a forward-looking statewide framework, Idaho will become a national leader, and we are proud to partner with the State to help prepare students and teachers for an AI-influenced future.”

“Preparing Idaho’s educators to confidently use and teach artificial intelligence is an investment in our students, our workforce, and our state’s future.” said April Arnzen, EVP and Chief People Officer of Micron Technology. “When educators have access to high-quality AI training, they are better equipped to spark curiosity, strengthen critical thinking, and help students understand how technology can be used responsibly and collaboratively—to enhance learning, solve real-world problems, and support human creativity. At Micron, we believe empowering educators with AI skills today will ensure Idaho’s learners are ready to thrive in tomorrow’s innovation economy.”

Though responsible adaptation of AI will require new, forward-thinking strategy, Idaho is well-positioned as an innovator and trailblazer when it comes to integrating this new technology into public school classrooms.

“This public-private partnership represents a unified commitment to ensuring Idaho students and educators have the tools, knowledge, and opportunities needed to thrive in an AI-driven world,” said Critchfield. “By aligning state leadership with major innovators, Idaho is not just participating in the AI conversation – it’s leading it.”

Bannock County Seeks Community Feedback on Advanced Nuclear Energy Exploration

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Observer Staff
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(Bannock County Press Release, March 26, 2026)

What’s your take on Advanced Nuclear Energy?

Bannock County is partnering with Portneuf Valley Development to begin a preliminary effort to gauge resident interest about the potential role of advanced nuclear energy in our county’s future.

Following a study by the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), our area was noted as a potential location for future industry development—ranging from hosting a reactor to establishing manufacturing businesses within the supply chain.

We want to hear from you.

We invite all residents to share their perspectives by completing a brief survey. Your feedback will help officials understand the community’s stance before any further steps are considered.

The survey is available now through April 9. To ensure a fair collection of data, responses are limited to one per person.

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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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