(Attorney General’s Office Press Release, February 20, 2026)
BOISE, ID — Attorney General Raúl Labrador has announced that investigators with his Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit arrested two Idaho men on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, for possession of child sexual exploitation material.
Laith Aaseby, 24, of Lewiston was arrested on 5 counts of possession of child sexual exploitation material. The ICAC Unit was assisted in this arrest by Moscow Police Department, Lewiston Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Coeur d’Alene Police Department, Post Falls Police Department, and the Idaho State Police.
John Conklin, 39, of Pocatello was arrested on 10 counts of possession of child sexual exploitation material. The ICAC Unit was assisted in this arrest by Pocatello Police Department, Idaho Falls Police Department, and Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office.
“Every arrest my ICAC Unit makes removes another threat from Idaho streets and brings us closer to ensuring children can grow up safe from exploitation,” said Attorney General Labrador. “The law enforcement partnerships we’ve built across Idaho make it possible to take swift action when children are at risk, and we’re grateful for every agency that shares our commitment to protecting Idaho’s kids.”
Anyone with information regarding the exploitation of children is encouraged to contact local police, the Atto rney General’s ICAC Unit at 208-947-8700, or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678.
The Attorney General’s ICAC Unit works with the Idaho ICAC Task Force, a coalition of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, to investigate and prosecute individuals who use the internet to criminally exploit children.
Parents, educators, and law enforcement officials can find more information and helpful resources at the ICAC website, ICACIdaho.org.
The charges listed above are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
ID Senator Christy Zito (photo credit: Christy Zito)
I believe deeply in personal responsibility, constitutional liberty, and the God-given right to defend your life and your family. I do not take lightly the authority we hold in the Legislature and I certainly do not take the power of the State lightly when it is brought against one of our own citizens.
Over the years, I have watched good people endure the crushing weight of prosecution not because they were criminals, but because they found themselves in a moment where they had to make a split-second decision to protect life. Even when they were ultimately vindicated, the cost financial, emotional, and reputational was staggering.
SB1298, the Idaho Stand Your Ground Shield Act, is about restoring balance. It is about ensuring that when an Idahoan acts within the law to defend their home, family, or themselves, the government does not become another threat they must survive.
Liberty is not theoretical. Due process is not symbolic. And justice should never depend on whether someone can afford to defend themselves.
This week, the Senate I introduced an important step toward restoring balance and fairness for Idahoans who lawfully defend themselves, their families, or their homes.
SB1298 reinforces a foundational Idaho principle:
When Idahoans act within the law to defend life and home, the law should stand with them not bankrupt them.
This is about preserving the State’s ability to prosecute real violence while ensuring that lawful self-defense doesn’t become a life sentence of debt, lost employment, and permanent reputational harm.
It is a bill about balance, fairness, and the practical meaning of “presumed innocent.”
If a law-abiding citizen acts within Idaho’s existing self-defense laws, they should not be financially ruined just because they were accused.
It is a problem when “the process becomes the punishment.”
Idaho has strong self-defense statutes. SB1298 does not expand when force may be used. The standards for justified force remain the same as they are in existing Idaho law.
The problem is procedural.
In many cases, self-defense can only be fully resolved at trial—after arrest, charges, attorney fees, months (or years) of court dates, reputational damage, and lost work. Even if someone is completely vindicated, the cost can be crushing.
This will also save taxpayer dollars by avoiding the state’s trial expenses.
That reality creates a system where the “best defense” is often available only to those with enough money to survive the process.
SB1298 creates a structured pretrial immunity hearing, allowing a judge to examine credible self-defense claims early, before families are destroyed by litigation.
Civil courts use summary judgment to decide cases without a trial when the facts are undisputed and the law is clear.
Idaho courts already recognize that once self-defense is properly raised, the burden is on the State to disprove it beyond a reasonable doubt. Idaho’s own pattern jury instruction says exactly that. (isc.idaho.gov)
SB1298 simply moves a meaningful evidentiary checkpoint earlier, so innocent Idahoans aren’t forced to “go broke to be found right.”
Reimbursement: making the innocent whole
SB1298 also addresses reimbursement of reasonable costs when a person is found not guilty on the grounds that their conduct was lawful self-defense.
That distinction matters. The goal is not to “reward” wrongdoing or technical acquittals; it is to recognize a basic fairness principle:
If the State prosecutes someone who is ultimately found to have acted lawfully under Idaho’s self-defense standards, Idaho should not leave that citizen financially wrecked for exercising a fundamental right.
Florida and Texas show the path
Florida has a statutory framework that expressly provides immunity from criminal prosecution and a pretrial hearing mechanism. Florida law also places a defined burden on the party attempting to overcome immunity at that hearing. (Online Sunshine)
That’s the type of clarity SB1298 will bring to Idaho. This clarity will protect lawful citizens and preserve the State’s ability to prosecute unlawful violence.
Texas law includes strong justification provisions for the use of deadly force in certain circumstances. Texas also provides civil immunity for the use of justified force. (Texas Statutes)
At its core, the goal is to maintain a strict self-defense standard while preventing law-abiding people from being destroyed by litigation when they acted lawfully.
A structured pretrial process could help courts and counsel test whether the case truly requires a full jury trial. Saving the defendant and the state money by avoiding a lengthy trial.
Trials are expensive for counties, courts, jurors, prosecutors, and public defense systems. Idaho has faced serious scrutiny over public defense capacity in the last decade. (American Civil Liberties Union)
SB1298 does not eliminate arrests based on probable cause. It simply ensures that after charges are filed, a citizen with a credible claim can request a structured, early hearing.
Idaho already uses judicial checks, such as probable cause hearings and grand juries. SB1298 recognizes a basic principle: If the State has a procedural pathway to establish probable cause, a defendant with a credible self-defense justification should have an early judicial review as well.
This Week in Idaho Legislation: The Bills I’m Advancing
By: ID Senator Tammy Nichols
ID Senator Tammy Nichols (Photo Credit: Tammy Nichols)
We have reached the half way point in the Idaho legislature for the 2026 session.
This weekend, I the opportunity to speak at a Liberty Dinner in Pocatello talking about legislation and what’s been going on and coming up! It’s always encouraging to connect with Idahoans in various parts of the state who care deeply about freedom, family, and the future of Idaho. Those conversations strengthen the work we’re doing in Boise.
I don’t go to Boise to manage decline, I go to protect Idaho.
Here’s a quick update on the bills I’m advancing:
✔ Son of Sam Update — Passed Senate
This bill ensures convicted criminals cannot profit from media deals tied to their crimes. Victims should never be re-victimized for someone else’s gain. It now heads to the House.
✔ Daycare Safety Bill — Passed Senate
This closes a loophole by giving permitted and approved daycares the same protections as licensed daycares when it comes to proximity restrictions on convicted pedophiles. Child safety comes first.
✔ Cosmetology Reform — Passed Both Chambers
This workforce reform allows students to test after completing 80% of required hours, maintaining standards while removing unnecessary delays. It now heads to the Governor.
Bills Waiting On Amendments
Rodent control (“ROUS’s problem”) bill
Cell-cultivated protein labeling bill
Both are moving forward and expected on the floor soon.
Memorials
Sugar beet growers and imported sugar
🟢 Coming Up This Week
Cloud Seeding Transparency Bill
Direct Blood Donation Bill
Kratom Consumer Protection Act — keeps pure leaf kratom legal while illegalizing the dangerous artificial compound 7-OH
Veterans Consumer Protection Bill
Digital ID Protections — hearing this Friday to ensure physical ID remains primary, especially for voting
Freedom requires vigilance and discipline. I remain committed to advancing policies that protect Idaho families and preserve the values that make our state strong.
(City of Pocatello Press Release, February 20, 2026; Cover photo credit: Marshall Public Library FB)
The City of Pocatello is excited to announce that Marshall Public Library has received a $10,000 gift from the Carnegie Corporation of New York as part of a national celebration recognizing America’s 250th anniversary.
“We were excited to be recognized as one of the few Carnegie libraries that is still being used as a library. We are proud of our historic building in downtown Pocatello and plan on using the money to embrace this history on the Garfield side of our building,” said Trina Bonman, Associate Director of the Library.
Marshall Public Library is one of approximately 1,280 Carnegie Libraries across the United States selected to receive this special gift. The funding honors the enduring legacy of public libraries and their continued role in serving communities across the country.
More than a century ago, philanthropist Andrew Carnegie helped fund the construction of 1,681 public libraries nationwide, including Marshall Public Library. Today, that legacy continues as the library remains a vital community resource—providing access to information, education, and connection for residents of all ages.
The vision for a public library in Pocatello began with the dedicated women of the Pocatello Women’s Civic Club. Led by Dr. Minnie Howard, the group spearheaded fundraising efforts to purchase the lot at the corner of Garfield Avenue and Center Street, laying the foundation for what would become a treasured community institution.
Construction of the building was made possible through funding from the Carnegie Foundation, while the City was responsible for providing materials and staffing to operate the facility. The Pocatello Public Library officially opened its doors in August 1908, marking the beginning of more than a century of learning, literacy, and community connection.
9:00 AM Work Session and Claims Meeting (action items) (Will be updated on 2/23/26)
Friday, February 27, 2026:
There are no meetings scheduled at this time.
About BOCC Meetings
The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is comprised of the three elected County Commissioners: Ernie Moser (District 1, Chair), Jeff Hough (District 2), and Ken Bullock (District 3).
The BOCC generally meets twice a week: regular business meetings are on Tuesdays at 9:00 a.m. and work sessions are on Thursdays at 9:00 a.m. Meetings are generally held in the Commissioner’s Chambers at 624 E Center, Room 212, Pocatello, Idaho, unless otherwise noted. Times subject to change within 15 minutes of stated time.
During these meetings, the BOCC may: approve contracts, expend funds, hear testimony, make decisions on land use cases and take care of other County matters, and are open to the public.
February 19, 2026 (Cover Image Credit: Gem State Chronicle)
The Immigration War The left is willing to die on this hill. Are we willing to fight for it?
By: Brian Almon
Brian Almon
Late Wednesday night, a Canyon County Paramedics ambulance was reported stolen. According to Meridian Police Chief Tracy Basterrechea, the thief filled it with cans of gasoline that had been stashed nearby and then crashed it into the St. Luke’s Portico North building, which houses offices leased by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). He said investigators believe the suspect poured gasoline inside and around the ambulance but was unable to ignite it before being scared off by law enforcement.
As of Thursday afternoon, the suspect remained at large.
Just days earlier, news broke that DHS was leasing space in the Portico North building. Left-wing groups such as Idaho 50501, The Idaho 97, and Babe Vote shared calls to action urging people to contact St. Luke’s and demand that it terminate its lease with DHS.
We do not yet have enough information to know whether the incident specifically targeted the DHS office, and if so, whether it was planned or coordinated by any particular left-wing group. It is clear, however, that anti-ICE rhetoric is designed to generate fear and anger. If those emotions inspire unstable individuals to commit violent acts, some appear willing to accept that consequence.
Militant leftists have long embraced what they call a “diversity of tactics,” in which prominent leaders publicly emphasize nonviolence while leaving space for violent actions, often carried out by career criminals or the mentally ill. Rufo and Lomez recently interviewed domestic terrorism expert Kyle Schideler, who explained how this dynamic operates.
In Minnesota, where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has increased activity over the past month, left-wing activists reportedly engaged in coordinated efforts to locate, follow, and disrupt operations. Two individuals who were killed during these confrontations—Renee Good and Alex Pretti—were involved in direct clashes with ICE agents. According to reports, Good used her vehicle to block the road and struck an ICE agent before being shot. Pretti allegedly attacked ICE vehicles in a previous encounter and was attempting to “de-arrest” another individual when he was shot.
An important component of any conflict, whether armed or rhetorical, is claiming the moral high ground. Left-wing activists across the country quickly elevated Good and Pretti to martyr status, portraying them as heroes resisting what they describe as Gestapo-like tactics. If the person who attacked the Portico North building is revealed to be another anti-ICE activist, we can expect similar attempts to cast that individual as a hero.
Activists in Idaho have already begun preparing for Minnesota-style responses. This week, the Idaho State Journal reported that a nonprofit called Bridges Now plans to “coordinate with local groups, organizations and neighborhoods on a block-by-block basis — similar to community efforts in Minnesota — to prepare a response if ICE comes to Pocatello.”
Other groups have protested multiple times at the Capitol in Boise. It is fair to ask whether the individual who stole the ambulance on Wednesday night participated in any such protests or meetings.
Why are left-wing activists so determined to resist President Trump’s enforcement of immigration law? Many individuals detained by ICE have committed serious crimes—rape, theft, drug trafficking, and even murder. In blue states that resist cooperation with federal authorities, ICE must expend greater effort to locate these individuals, which sometimes means casting a wider net that ensnares illegal aliens without violent criminal records.
Anyone present in the country unlawfully is, by definition, violating the law. Those who cross the border illegally or overstay visas often commit additional offenses, including identity theft, which is not a victimless crime. In cooperative states, ICE can work directly with local law enforcement to take custody of individuals from jail. This approach is simpler and safer.
I believe the left is willing to die on this hill because it long ago realized that it had lost the confidence of the American people. A majority of Americans—particularly those with deep roots in this country—oppose the far-left platform of socialism, radical gender ideology, state-sanctioned discrimination, etc. Left-wing leaders decided quite a while ago that their best political play was to import a new electorate rather than try to work with the existing one.
Despite four years of Joe Biden’s open border, time is not on their side. President Trump has secured the southern border, shut off many of the magnets that draw illegal aliens to our country, and is deporting those that are here without authorization. The 2030 census is likely to further weaken the left, as the American people are voting with their feet and leaving decaying blue states for places like Florida, Texas, and Idaho, which not only retain our traditional values and liberties, but have strong and growing economies as well.
You can see how this is existential for the left. Their entire political program depends upon creating new voters who will keep them in power. Consider the recent mayoral election in New York City. Zohran Mamdani, himself born outside of the United States, won 62% of the foreign-born vote compared to only 32% of native-born voters.
The question, then, is what are we prepared to do. While immigration enforcement is a federal issue, we face challenges here in Idaho that can be overcome with enough political will. Sen. Brian Lenney, Rep. Dale Hawkins, former solicitor general Theo Wold, and others presented a slate of bills a few weeks ago designed to bring us more information on the number of illegal aliens in our state, and restrict their ability to live and work here:
A group of agricultural leaders and lobbyists responded the following week with a press conference defending the use of migrant labor, including illegal aliens. The industry has pushed back on legislation such as E-Verify, which would require employers to check the legal status of potential employees before hiring.
Rep. Dale Hawkins was scheduled to present House Bill 660 on Thursday afternoon, which would require law enforcement to record the immigration status and nationality of anyone arrested in their jurisdiction. Rep. Bruce Skaug, chairman of the House Judiciary, Rules, and Administration Committee, later announced that the bill would be removed from the agenda at the sponsor’s request. At that point, several uniformed law enforcement officers, including Ada County Sheriff Matt Clifford, left the room.
Were those officers prepared to testify against the bill? Why do so many in Idaho law enforcement so strongly oppose efforts to document the number of illegal aliens in our legal system? We can’t fix what isn’t measured, and we can’t measure the impact of illegal immigration on our state until our government is willing to do it.
During a JFAC hearing last month, Idaho Department of Correction Director Bree Derrick stated that approximately 250 illegal immigrants are incarcerated in Idaho prisons on any given day. While IDOC cooperates with ICE, those aliens must still complete their sentences prior to being handed over for deportation. This means that, with an average cost of $99.66 per inmate per day, Idaho taxpayers are on the hook for more than $9 million per year to house illegal aliens in our state prisons.
That figure does not include county jails, and without legislation requiring consistent data collection, the full scope will remain unknown.
The financial burden extends beyond corrections. Housing, healthcare, and education systems all absorb costs associated with those who should not be here, not to mention industries that have become de facto off-limits to American citizens.
President Trump and ICE are enforcing federal law, and Idaho can also act within its authority. There are practical steps the state can take to discourage illegal immigration and uphold the rule of law. Neither radical left-wing activists nor powerful industry lobbyists should deter us from enforcing the law.
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
(Governor’s Office Press Release, February 19, 2026)
Washington, D.C. – Governor Brad Little joined U.S. Department of Interior Secretary Doug Burgum today in signing a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Trump administration to streamline permitting and fast-track priority infrastructure projects in Idaho.
Idaho’s MOU with the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council (Permitting Council) better coordinates and streamlines federal and state permitting for projects related to energy, mining, transportation, and other critical infrastructure.
The MOU commits Idaho to opt in to the “FAST-41” process and align timelines for state and federal environmental reviews, ensuring critical projects avoid additional roadblocks after completion of the federal environmental review process. Through the new agreement, Idaho will identify priority infrastructure projects, strengthen transparency for state permitting actions, and align state and federal review timelines to prevent unnecessarily long reviews for critical infrastructure projects.
“Better aligning Idaho’s permitting timelines with the federal process reinforces Idaho’s reputation as one of the most business-friendly and investment-friendly states in the nation. Cutting red tape and eliminating duplicative delays mean critical infrastructure and energy projects can move forward faster with greater certainty and lower costs. Idaho is proud to work with the Trump administration and lead the way in creating an environment where investment is welcomed, innovation is supported, and American energy can thrive,” Governor Little said.
“I am excited to launch this close partnership with Governor Little to streamline permitting and deliver critical infrastructure projects for the American people. By committing to align state and federal permitting timelines, Idaho will set a standard of permitting efficiency and transparency for states across the country, driving the investment and innovation essential for the President’s energy dominance agenda and our nation’s economic growth,” Permitting Council Executive Director Emily Domenech said.
“American Energy Dominance depends on a permitting system that is fast, efficient and empowers us to compete globally. Today’s signings synchronizing state and federal permitting timelines are a vital next step toward accelerating permitting processes and moving critical infrastructure projects through without unnecessary, burdensome delays. We look forward to welcoming many more states into this effort to unleash American energy potential and secure a more prosperous, energy-secure future for our nation,” Chair of the National Energy Dominance Council and Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said.
The agreement also requires the State of Idaho to add permitting actions to the Federal Permitting Dashboard alongside the federal permits, providing a first-of-its-kind level of coordination and transparency between the federal and state governments.
Idaho will receive the following support from the Permitting Council under the MOU:
Help Idaho identify projects eligible for FAST-41
Work with Idaho to share expertise and address gaps in federal knowledge
Bring state and federal agencies together to coordinate reviews and avoid duplication
Identify ways to improve state permitting processes, including funding and technology to streamline permit applications
(Idaho National Laboratory Press Release, February 19, 2026)
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — The National Reactor Innovation Center’s Molten Salt Thermophysical Examination Capability is set to begin operation in March, marking a pivotal step toward advancing reactor and fuel cycle technologies.
MSTEC, located at the Idaho National Laboratory, is a state-of-the-art, shielded argon glove box for irradiated and nonirradiated actinide materials, specifically high-temperature liquids such as fuel salts. This is one of NRIC’s multiple testing capabilities advancing nuclear energy in the United States.
NRIC officially unveiled the capability today during a small ceremony. It was attended by the MSTEC engineering and design team, along with leadership from the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Energy and INL.
“The establishment of MSTEC marks a major achievement in our quest to advance next-generation nuclear reactor technologies,” said Brad Tomer, director of NRIC. “By offering the essential experimental infrastructure and expertise to industry, MSTEC will be pivotal in addressing our national energy objectives and propelling the future of nuclear power.”
Several molten salt reactor concepts are being developed both domestically and internationally. While there are multiple areas of active research, fuel salt performance and understanding the various fuel cycles will be necessary to raise the technical readiness level, de-risk molten salt reactors and support reactor deployment.
MSTEC provides specialized equipment to measure how materials behave under different conditions, and flexible laboratory spaces for small-scale experiments. The capability gives users the tools, facilities and expertise they need to gather reliable and consistent data for designing, testing, licensing and running molten salt reactors.
“MSTEC will significantly advance fuel salt technologies for the Department of Energy, industry and academia,” said INL’s senior molten salt researcher, Toni Karlsson. “It also offers a unique platform for training future actinide scientists and fuel cycle researchers.”
MSTEC is strategically located at INL, home to world-class facilities that are essential for advancing molten salt reactor technologies. These facilities include the Neutron Radiography Reactor and the Advanced Test Reactor, which provide unparalleled capabilities for irradiating salts, and the Analytical Research Laboratories, which enable precise isotopic and elemental analysis. This combination of specialized resources positions MSTEC as a critical hub for cutting-edge research and innovation in nuclear energy.
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.
