April 4, 2026
Pocatello Mayor Mark Dahlquist’s most recent Newsletter has been posted on the City of Pocatello website.
In this edition, Mayor Dahlquist mentions upcoming community events, highlights the City’s Yard Waste Program, the City’s Landscaping codes, recognized the 25th Anniversary of the Marshall Public Library’s Poetry Wall, and reminded pet owners to license their animals.
To view the Mayor’s Newsletter, visit: Pocatello Mayor’s Newsletter, April 2026.
(Attorney General’s Office Press Release, April 2, 2026)
BOISE, ID — Attorney General Raúl Labrador joined a coalition led by Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen in defending firearms manufacturers against lawsuits filed by the cities of Buffalo and Rochester, New York. The cities are attempting to hold Smith & Wesson, Glock, Ruger, and Taurus financially liable for crimes committed by third parties using lawfully manufactured and sold firearms.
The consolidated lawsuits seek to circumvent the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), which Congress enacted in 2005 specifically to stop politically motivated litigation designed to bankrupt the firearms industry through legal fees. Before PLCAA, anti-gun activists coordinated a wave of municipal lawsuits in the 1990s and early 2000s that forced the firearms industry to spend over $200 million in defense costs, causing some manufacturers to close and others to lose insurance coverage.
The amicus brief filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York argues that Buffalo and Rochester’s claims are barred by federal law and violate the Second Amendment. The brief points out that while these cities blame lawful gun manufacturers for crime, both cities have adopted sanctuary policies that prevent cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and bail reform laws that release violent offenders back onto streets instead of detaining them.
“Buffalo and Rochester are trying to bankrupt gun manufacturers by holding them liable for crimes they did not commit, eliminating Americans’ ability to buy firearms and exercise their Second Amendment rights,” said Attorney General Labrador. “Congress prohibited these lawsuits in 2005 to stop activists from destroying the firearms industry through litigation instead of working through legislatures. Instead of prosecuting criminals and keeping violent offenders behind bars, these cities are attacking the companies that supply firearms to law-abiding Americans and law enforcement across our country.”
The PLCAA prohibits lawsuits against firearms manufacturers, distributors, dealers, and trade associations for damages resulting from criminal misuse of their lawfully sold products by third parties. Congress found that the firearms industry is heavily regulated, operates lawfully, and should not be liable for crimes committed by others. The law protects manufacturers from being used by activist groups and politicians to achieve through litigation what they cannot accomplish through the legislative process.
Buffalo and Rochester’s lawsuits claim gun manufacturers violated New York’s “reasonable controls” statute by not doing enough to prevent criminal misuse of their products after lawful sale. The cities seek both monetary damages and court-imposed supervision of manufacturing and distribution practices. The amicus brief argues these claims are precisely what PLCAA prohibits and would unconstitutionally burden Second Amendment rights.
Read the brief here.
(Governor’s Office Press Release, April 2, 2026)
Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little issued the following statement today as the 2026 legislative session adjourned [Thursday].
“For months, the Idaho Legislature and I worked closely to balance the budget and rightsize spending in line with taxpayers’ means. We stayed focused on what matters most to Idaho’s future — protecting public schools and investments in water and transportation, supporting public safety, and continuing implementation of President Trump’s Talent Strategy through LAUNCH.
“Some of the budget decisions were not easy, but I am pleased the Legislature stuck to my ENDURING IDAHO plan — a forward-looking, responsible budget that keeps our state on a strong trajectory. Idaho’s economy remains the strongest in the nation, and our actions this session position us to continue that record of success. I appreciate my legislative partners for their hard work and commitment to the people of Idaho,” Governor Little said.
(Idaho Fish and Game Press Release, March 27, 2026)
Many of Idaho’s lakes and ponds are soon going to be bolstered with Idaho Fish and Game stocking over 214,000 catchable-sized rainbow trout this April. Wondering if the stocking trucks are going to be backing up to your favorite fishing hole? We asked our Fish and Game hatchery staff to boil down some of the most notable stocking highlights coming to your local fishery this month.
Fishing for stocked rainbow trout can be a great way to introduce budding anglers to the sport by using simple, inexpensive setups. Many of these fisheries highlighted below are easy to access, family-friendly fishing destinations. All you need to get started is a fishing license, and youth (under 14) fish for free. If you need a license, purchasing one on the fly is easy to do with your smartphone—and you can start fishing immediately!
Bannock Reservoir – 1,000 rainbow trout
Located within the Portneuf Wellness Complex Park near the County Fairgrounds in Pocatello, this community park offers trout fishing with many recreational amenities nearby. Multiple docks provide fishing access around this 5-acre pond.
Bear River – 2,500 rainbow trout
These fish will be stocked in the scenic Oneida Narrows reach of the river.
Blackfoot Reservoir – 30,000 rainbow trout
This large waterbody north of Soda Springs offers abundant boating opportunity and also supports good bass fishing.
Crystal Springs Pond – 1,000 rainbow trout
This spring fed pond is always clear and cool! Located near Springfield, this family friendly pond has a paved walking path and docks for easy fishing access.
Dingle Gravel Pond – 1,000 rainbow trout
This pond is located adjacent to the Bear River east of Dingle in Bear Lake County.
Edson Fichter Pond – 975 rainbow trout
This community pond is located along the Portneuf River at Edson Fichter Nature Area. It features several docks and a trail for access around the pond. Just minutes from downtown Pocatello, this site offers local anglers a convenient escape close to home.
Kelly Park Pond – 250 rainbow trout
Located in Soda Springs, accessing this pond requires a short walk, but it’s a fun place to take the kids fishing. Lace up the boots, grab the fishing poles, and take the kids on a nature walk!
McTucker Pond – 2,500 rainbow trout
Located near Springfield, McTucker Pond is a cluster of 8 ponds surrounded by willows and large cottonwood trees. There are many places for kids to fish from the bank. No docks are present anymore.
Montpelier Rearing Pond – 250 rainbow trout
This little fishing spot is tucked into a scenic high desert canyon in the hills east of Montpelier. It’s a great spot to take kids fishing.
Snake River – 8,000 rainbow trout
These fish will be stocked below the American Falls Dam at Three Layer Park.
April 2, 2026
By: Dorothy Moon, IDGOP Chairwoman
Everybody has an opinion, and that is especially true around election time. Voters are bombarded with signs, texts, mailers, and social media ads designed to change their views on one candidate or another. Some of these messages are substantive—sharing an incumbent’s voting record or explaining what a challenger will do differently—but others are nothing more than dirty, ugly mud.
Over the past few weeks, a group calling itself the “Conservative Accountability Project” has begun flooding mailboxes across the state. If you’ve seen these mailers, you know exactly what I’m talking about—dark red and black designs, ominous imagery, and over-the-top accusations aimed at conservative Republican candidates.
Some of these mailers claim that by opposing calls for an Article V Convention, legislators oppose a balanced budget. Others claim that by participating in a unanimous vote in 2025, conservative legislators voted to cut funding for law enforcement—which is a bald-faced lie.
Let me say this plainly: I hate liars. It’s one thing to criticize, and it’s one thing to campaign, but outright lying is wrong. These mailers are not about spreading the truth. They’re not about accountability. They’re about intimidation and manipulation.
As chair of the Idaho GOP, I have a responsibility to Republican voters—the grassroots foundation of our party and our political system. These are the people who pay the taxes, who show up, stay informed, and participate in the process. I don’t take kindly to big-money groups lying to their faces.
We’ve seen this before. Groups with slick branding and vague names show up during election season, spend large sums of money, and then disappear just as quickly. Their goal isn’t to build the party or strengthen our communities—it’s to pick winners and losers behind the scenes.
Big donors, powerful politicians, and special interests spend a lot of money trying to shape a legislature that will implement their priorities. In that process, voters can become little more than tools—chess pieces to be moved around by shadowy forces pursuing goals that are not always obvious.
No matter which side of an issue you’re on, or which candidate you support, that should raise your hackles.
Our republican form of government depends on honorable candidates and informed voters. The modern system of drive-by mailers filled with outrage and falsehoods does a disservice to our republic. Deception and sensationalism are no substitute for reasoned debate.
When you see an ominous-looking mailer denouncing your lawmaker, take a moment to think. Do your own research. Pick up the phone and have a conversation.
The ultimate power in our state belongs to you—not PACs, political nonprofits, or special interests. That’s why they work so hard to influence your vote. Guard that power wisely.
April 2, 2026
Skip the cooking this Saturday and enjoy the AMVETS of Pocatello’s “1st Saturday of the Month” Pancake Breakfast! A Grand Slam breakfast will be served Saturday, April 4, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., at the Bannock County Veterans Memorial Building, 300 N. Johnson Avenue in Pocatello.
The menu includes pancakes, eggs, bacon, hash browns, sausage, biscuits & gravy, coffee, and orange juice. Admission is $12.00; First Responders in uniform and kids 5 years old and younger eat free! Nobody goes away hungry!
This month, the American Legion Auxiliary will be working the tables for tips and donations.
April 2, 2026 (Cover Photo Credit: Pocatello/Chubbuck Senior Activity Center)
The April lunch menu for the Pocatello/Chubbuck Senior Center has been posted on their website, here.
Lunch is served from 11:30 to 12:30 from Tuesday through Friday at the Senior Center, located at 427 N 6th Avenue in Pocatello.
The April activity schedule has also been posted, and may be seen here.
(Idaho Fish and Game Press Release, March 25, 2026)
Ever wonder how that big buck you shot last year would score in the record books? Well, April is your chance to get big game antlers, horns or skulls measured and scored by official Boone & Crockett and Pope & Young scorers.
Idaho Fish and Game is hosting a free scoring event on April 6 at their Upper Snake Regional Office located at 4279 Commerce Circle in Idaho Falls. Measuring will be done according to official standards for North American game animals.
Skulls, antlers, and horns from all North American big game species will be accepted. Submissions can be submitted at the regional office beginning Wednesday, April 1, through April 3, and must be picked up on Tuesday, April 7, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
The service is free, and all submissions will be scored regardless of size.
“Every animal is a trophy to someone and has a memory attached to it,” Fish and Game’s Regional Communications Manager James Brower said. “We are happy to score any animal brought by, so bring it in if you are curious. All it will cost you is a hunting story.”
Items brought in for measuring must be free of flesh and must have air-dried for a minimum of 60 days. Please note that air-drying is not the same as freezer storage.
For more information, contact the Idaho Fish and Game Upper Snake Regional Office at (208) 525-7290.
(Idaho Department of Labor Press Release, April 1, 2026)
Thirty-six of Idaho’s 44 counties grew in population in 2025, with 20 growing faster than in 2024, according to annual U.S. Census Bureau population estimates. This translates to 80% of Idaho’s counties growing in population — much higher than the nation’s share of 60%.
Five of Idaho’s urban counties — Ada, Canyon, Kootenai, Bonneville and Twin Falls — added at least 1,000 new residents in 2025. The three most populous counties of Ada, Canyon and Kootenai collectively accounted for more than 75% of the state’s annual population growth and over 22,000 new residents.
Annual population growth rates ranged from a low of -1% in Franklin and Fremont counties to a high of 2.9% in Canyon. Ada had the highest total increase of over 10,000 new residents while Blaine had the largest decline of 184.
Figure 1. Top Idaho counties by annual population growth rate, 2024-2025
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, “Annual Population Estimates, 2020-2025.”
While annual population growth rates of the state’s urban counties held relatively constant between 2024 and 2025 at 1.8%, the rural areas slowed from 1% in 2024 to 0.5% in 2025. As a result, the state’s nine urban counties accounted for 90% of total population growth in 2025.
Of Idaho’s rural counties, eight experienced minor population declines in 2025, resulting in a combined loss of 700 residents. Three counties — Clearwater, Lewis and Elmore — have reported consecutive population declines since 2023.
From 2020-2025, the highest growth rates were in Camas, Canyon and Boundary counties at over 15%. However, the most populated counties of Ada, Canyon and Kootenai had the highest total growth and cumulatively added over 109,000 new residents while comprising 60% of statewide population growth.
Clark — Idaho’s least populated county — was the only county to report a cumulative population decline of 1% (-8 residents) from 2020-2025 and had flat population growth over 2025.
Idaho reported 16 counties with natural population declines (more deaths than births) in 2025 — 15 rural counties and one urban (Nez Perce). Similarly, there were 11 counties — nine rural, two urban — that experienced net migration declines.
No county in Idaho had both natural population and net migration decline simultaneously in 2025.
Population growth of Idaho’s Metropolitan Statistical Areas
More than one out of every five Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) in the U.S. lost population in 2025, but all six of Idaho’s MSAs experienced population growth.
Combined, Idaho’s six MSAs added over 26,000 new residents in 2025, which was 800 more than 2024. Together, they accounted for 92% of total statewide population growth during 2025.
One-year growth rates ranged from minimal growth in Lewiston to 2.2% in Boise, which had the 13th fastest MSA growth rate nationally and the second fastest in the western U.S. region behind St. George, Utah.
Boise and Coeur d’Alene reported population growth rates that exceeded the statewide rate of 1.4% while Idaho Falls matched it. These MSAs (Boise, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Falls) all ranked in the top 50 nationally for one-year population growth in 2025.
Figure 2. Idaho MSA annual population estimates, 2024-2025
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, “Annual Population Estimates, 2020-2025.”
Population growth by labor market region
Nearly two out of every three new residents to the state in 2025 were located within the southwestern region.
Between 2020-2025, the top three regions by growth rate were southwestern, northern and eastern, contributing 80% of Idaho’s population growth combined. In 2025 alone, they comprised more than 90% of the state’s population growth.
Three out of every four new residents statewide were a result of in-migration over the past year. Net in-migration accounted for 93% of population growth in northern Idaho and 82% in southwestern. In the north central region, net in-migration accounted for all of the area’s growth and offset a natural population decline.
In contrast, in-migration accounted for less than 50% of total population growth for the south central, southeastern and eastern regions.
Figure 3. Labor market population growth, 2020-2025
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, “Annual Population Estimates, 2020-2025.”
For more information on U.S. Census Bureau releases, visit census.gov/data.
Past census data for Idaho is available at lmi.idaho.gov/census.
(Pocatello Police Department, April 2, 2026)
On April 2, 2026, during the early morning hours, the Pocatello Police Department Tactical Team served a high-risk search warrant in the 1100 block of E. Clark. The search warrant is part of an on-going narcotics investigation conducted by the Pocatello Police, Idaho State Police, and the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office. The warrant was served without incident. Seven individuals were taken into custody and incarcerated at the Bannock County Jail. There is no threat to the public.
