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BLM Launches All Americans Outside to Connect More People with Their Public Lands

By
Observer Staff
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(Bureau of Land Management Press Release, September 28, 2026)

WASHINGTON – The Bureau of Land Management is launching All Americans Outside, a nationwide initiative designed to expand access, strengthen communities, and help more Americans, regardless of ability, enjoy their public lands. Through this initiative, the BLM will build on its ongoing work to create more opportunities for people to explore, learn, serve, and work on public lands while partnering with communities and organizations to improve recreation sites and helping the next generation build lasting ties to the outdoors.

“BLM lands offer Americans many ways to connect with their public lands, and everyone should have a way to take part,” said BLM Director Steve Pearce. “With All Americans Outside, we’re making it easier for people of all abilities to experience these lands, understand why they matter, care for them, and pursue careers on public lands.”

All Americans Outside offers four ways to take part:

  • Explore: Enjoy BLM-managed lands through recreation and outdoor experiences, including hiking, climbing, off-highway vehicle use, biking, camping, hunting, fishing, boating, and more.
  • Learn: Understand why a place matters by learning about its history, ecology, and heritage.
  • Serve: Volunteer for a local BLM project to care for public lands.
  • Work: Find career opportunities on public lands, including opportunities for youth and veterans.

The initiative complements the BLM’s implementation of the EXPLORE Act, a historic bipartisan commitment to expand outdoor recreation on public lands and waters and support rural economies and communities while enhancing the American quality of life. All Americans Outside amplifies accessible recreation, youth and veteran engagement, and partnerships, making these EXPLORE Act goals real for people across the country.

On Sept. 25, the BLM and its partners celebrated the launch of All Americans Outside initiative at Lions Park in Moab, Utah. The event highlighted a $12.5 million investment by the Utah Trail Network, with additional support from the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation and coordination by the BLM, to close a longstanding gap in the trail that runs parallel to the area’s renowned Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway.

The paved path will offer cyclists and pedestrians a safe, dedicated route so they no longer have to share the road with fast-moving vehicles to traverse between the Colorado River corridor, local mountain bike trails, and the city of Moab. By improving access and strengthening the link between BLM public lands and the local community, the project is a clear example of what All Americans Outside is all about: removing barriers and helping more people of all abilities to experience and enjoy America’s public lands.

As more Americans discover and explore public lands, the BLM remains committed to keeping these lands healthy, accessible, and resilient. Through All Americans Outside, the BLM will create more opportunities for people to explore, learn, serve, and work on public lands while helping care for them for generations to come.

Mined, Melted, and Poured in America: President Trump Reverses Years of Anti-Mining Policy

By
Observer Staff
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(White House Press Release, September 28, 2026)

Today, President Donald J. Trump announced one of the largest steel plants in American history: a $15 billion Mesabi Metallics mill in Iowa. The project will create 1,750 permanent Iowa jobs, support up to 6,000 construction jobs, and is projected to add $95 billion to the U.S. economy over the next decade.

The mill will produce 7.5 million tons of steel per year in its first phase, rising to about ten million tons, using iron ore from Mesabi Metallics’ newly opened Minnesota mine — the first new iron ore mine in the United States in 50 years.

This is the kind of project Democrats spent years making impossible. The Obama Administration blocked a proposed northern Minnesota copper-nickel mine by denying its federal lease renewals in 2016. The Biden Administration canceled those same leases in 2022, then banned mining for 20 years across 225,504 acres of the Superior National Forest. It revoked a key federal water permit for another long-stalled copper-nickel mine. It blocked a 211-mile road in Alaska that would’ve opened a major copper and cobalt district. In 2024, it piled new rules onto taconite iron-ore processing and coke ovens — the plants that feed American steel — while tariff loopholes kept foreign steel flowing in.

President Trump reversed those policies — and American mining is roaring ahead.

  • In 2025, the U.S. surpassed Japan in crude steel production for the first time since 1999 and became the world’s third-largest steel producer. In fact, raw steel output is up 9% since President Trump returned to office.
  • Nearly 6,000 steelworker jobs have been added after almost 10,000 were lost under the prior Administration.
  • American mills now supply 84% of the U.S. finished steel market, up from 77% in 2024.
  • Steel imports are falling as tariffs, permitting reforms, and energy dominance bring production home.
  • New mill orders hit a record $17.3 billion in July 2026; domestic shipments hit a record $16.9 billion that same month.
  • U.S. manufacturing has expanded for eight straight months.

New Visa Restriction Policy to Promptly Resolve International Parental Child Abduction Cases

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Observer Staff
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(U.S. Department of State Press Release, September 28, 2026)

Protecting American children abducted across international borders and reuniting them with their parents is a top priority for the Trump Administration. When foreign government officials, judges, judicial administrators, law enforcement officials, and others intentionally obstruct the prompt resolution of these cases, they prolong family separations and block the return of children to the United States.

Today, I am announcing a new policy to restrict visa issuance to individuals responsible for, or complicit in, impeding the prompt resolution of international parental child abduction cases, as well as their immediate family members. This policy gives the Department a new accountability tool to press non-compliant countries to meet their obligations. The policy includes individuals who intentionally fail to implement or comply with laws, policies, or court orders to resolve these cases and return children to their country of habitual residence.

The Department proactively works to prevent abductions and facilitate the quick and safe and return of abducted children to their country of habitual residence. This policy will add another tool under U.S. law to promote accountability when countries fail to meet their obligations under international law. We are committed to protecting the safety and well-being of all American children.

These actions are being taken pursuant to Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

AG Labrador Defends Employees’ Religious Freedom in Supreme Court Brief

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Observer Staff
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(Attorney General’s Office Press Release, September 28, 2026)

BOISE, ID — Attorney General Raúl Labrador led a coalition of 18 states, Puerto Rico, and the Arizona Legislature in filing an amicus brief on September 16 urging the U.S. Supreme Court to hear Detwiler v. Mid-Columbia Medical Center and reverse a Ninth Circuit ruling that lets courts decide which sincerely held beliefs count as religious.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sherry Detwiler asked her employer, Mid-Columbia Medical Center, for religious accommodation from its nasal-swab testing requirement, based on her religious convictions. Detwiler also offered an alternative method of testing. The medical center denied her request and fired her. Without questioning her sincerity, the Ninth Circuit ruled that her belief was not religious at all. The Court called her belief a secular medical opinion because it rested on a broad religious principle and required her to weigh facts about the testing.

Idaho and the coalition argue that courts have no authority to decide which beliefs qualify as religious based on whether they are broad or narrow, or whether applying them requires the believer to consider facts on the ground. That approach strips protection from Americans whose faith does not fit a particular model of religious practice. The Supreme Court has long held that courts must not determine the place of a particular belief within a religion.

“People of faith don’t leave their beliefs at home when they go to work,” said Attorney General Labrador. “Every day, Idahoans apply the principles of their faith to real decisions on the job, guided by scripture, prayer, and conscience. The Ninth Circuit has now given judges the power to decide which of those convictions count as religion, and that ruling binds every federal court in Idaho. No judge has the authority to tell a believer what his faith requires. I’m asking the Supreme Court to take this case and restore the protection Congress wrote into law.”

The Fourth Circuit reached the opposite conclusion on September 1st in a similar case, Wilkins-Bailey v. Essity Professional Hygiene North America LLC. When federal appellate courts arrive at opposite conclusions, it becomes an issue that only the Supreme Court can resolve for legal consistency across the nation.

Read the brief here.

Guest Column from ISAA Founder Greg Pruett: Todd Achilles’ Gun Record Raises Serious Questions for Idaho Voters

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Observer Staff
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August 5, 2026

Todd Achilles’ Gun Record Raises Serious Questions for Idaho Voters

By: Idaho Second Amendment Alliance founder Greg Pruett

Former Idaho Democrat lawmaker Todd Achilles is still trying to sell voters on his “I’m an Independent” rebrand. But his latest exposed deception goes straight to your right to keep and bear arms.

On his campaign website, Achilles offers the usual “I support the Second Amendment” platitudes. He highlights his military service, clearly hoping voters will assume that means he’s pro-gun. As an Iraq veteran myself, I can tell you firsthand: plenty of people in uniform oppose the Second Amendment. Military service doesn’t automatically make someone pro-gun.

What Achilles doesn’t mention on his website is far more telling.

Achilles Was Endorsed by Moms Demand Action

Achilles previously earned an endorsement from Moms Demand Action, one of the most aggressively anti-Second Amendment organizations in the country. And that endorsement is not handed out lightly.

To receive it, candidates must complete MDA’s lengthy questionnaire and provide answers that satisfy the group’s strict gun-control criteria. In 2024, Achilles not only applied, but he was also one of only two candidates in Idaho who met their standards. That’s not an accident. That’s alignment.

So why does this matter?

What Moms Demand Action Actually Supports

From years of lobbying at the Idaho Capitol, I’ve watched Moms Demand Action oppose every single pro-gun bill we’ve introduced. Every. Single. One. And not just ISAA bills — all solid pro-gun legislation.

Here’s a sample of what the group actively pushes for:

  • Constitutional Carry bans (they opposed it in Idaho)
  • Open carry bans
  • “Assault weapon” bans
  • Standard‑capacity magazine bans
  • Red Flag gun‑confiscation orders
  • Mandatory waiting periods
  • Repealing Stand Your Ground
  • Banning guns anywhere children gather
  • Campus carry bans (they opposed campus carry in Idaho)
  • Banning firearms at rallies
  • Government‑mandated firearm storage rules
  • Expanding lawsuits against gun manufacturers
  • More regulations on suppressors

And now, the group openly brags about launching lawsuits targeting gun manufacturers and gun shops.

This is not “common-sense.” Look at Oregon, Washington, Colorado, California, or Virginia. After two decades of nonstop gun-control campaigns, they still claim they haven’t reached the end of “common-sense.” Their real goal is obvious: erode the Second Amendment until nothing remains.

This is the organization Achilles aligned himself with. This is the endorsement he pursued and received.

What About His Voting Record in Idaho on Guns?

Achilles did not serve long in the Idaho legislature. He was appointed to replace Rep. Colin Nash in February of 2024, and he served part of that legislative session. He then served during the 2025 legislative session and then resigned that summer to run for U.S. Senate.

The 2025 legislative session had no bill of any major substance for gun owners that Achilles could have voted on. None of the major bills got public hearings or votes.

During the 2024 session, however, the legislature passed a law (SB 1275) that protects employers who allow their employees to exercise their right of self-defense. Achilles joined his fellow Democrats in voting AGAINST the bill.

Additionally, Achilles voted against SB 1374 (also became law) during the 2024 session. That bill helped protect the right of Idahoans to carry firearms on public property.

So, ask yourself: if Achilles voted against public carry and protecting employers from lawsuits if they allow employees to protect themselves, do you think he is going to stop bans on your rifles, magazines, and all the other items mentioned above? No. He will, without a doubt, do what he told Moms Demand Action he wanted to do, and decimate the Second Amendment with “common-sense gun measures.”

Does that sound like someone who intends to uphold the Second Amendment? Does that sound like a “moderate independent” tired of both parties?

Moms Demand Action does not post candidate survey answers as the Idaho Second Amendment Alliance does. I presume Achilles has answers to his past questionnaire or can request his answers. Perhaps he will post the answers for everyone to see.

Achilles’ Moms Demand Action endorsement and his voting record in Idaho may end up being his political Achilles’ heel. Idaho voters will decide.

Note: Greg Pruett has been a gun rights activist in Idaho since 2012, when he founded the Idaho Second Amendment Alliance.

Bannock County Commissioners Meetings, September 27-October 2, 2026

By
Observer Staff
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(Bannock County Press Release, September 25, 2026; Cover Photo Credit: Bannock County)

Bannock County Commissioners Meetings, September 28- October 2, 2026

Monday, September 28, 2026:

  • There are no meetings scheduled at this time.

Tuesday, September 29, 2026:

  • 9:00 AM Business Meeting (action items)
  • 11:00 AM Public Hearing Reopen Budget for Unanticipated Revenue (action item)

Wednesday, September 30, 2026:

  • There are no meetings scheduled at this time.

Thursday, October 1, 2026:

  • 9:00 AM Work Session and Claims Meeting (action items)

The Work Session Agenda will be updated on Monday, September 28, 2026.

Friday, October 2, 2026:

  • There are no meetings scheduled at this time.

(The information packets for the business meeting and work session can be found at http://www.bannockcounty.gov. Scroll down and click on “Agendas and Minutes” then click on the information packet for the meeting that you are interested in.)

 

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.

Employment Opportunities with Bannock County

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Observer Staff
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(Bannock County HR, September 25, 2026)

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
Bannock County – Pocatello, ID
Read the full job description:  CLICK HERE!

Equipment Operator 2 – McCammon
Bannock County – McCammon, ID
Read the full job description:  CLICK HERE!

Booking Deputy
Bannock County – Pocatello, ID
Read the full job description:  CLICK HERE!

Part-Time Driver’s License Technician
Bannock County – Pocatello, ID
Read the full job description:  CLICK HERE!

Maintenance Technician, Level 2
Bannock County – Pocatello, ID
Read the full job description:  CLICK HERE!

PT – Family Engagement Self and Community Intervention Program Coordinator
Bannock County – Pocatello, ID
Read the full job description:  CLICK HERE!

Deputy Sheriff – Detention
Bannock County – Pocatello, ID
Read the full job description:  CLICK HERE!

On-call Juvenile Detention Deputy
Bannock County – Pocatello, ID
Read the full job description:  CLICK HERE!

For a complete list of available jobs… please visit our career site at: https://bannockcounty.applicantpro.com

Patriots for Liberty and Constitution to Continue Discussing “The American Covenant” TODAY, September 28

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Observer Staff
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Patriots for Liberty and Constitution

September 28, 2026

Pocatello–Local book group “Patriots for Liberty & Constitution” plans to meet this evening as usual.  The members plan to continue discussing Chapter 2 of Marshall Foster’s book, The American Covenant.

A PDF of the book is available for download here.

Patriots for Liberty & Constitution meets at Mountain Valley Baptist Church, 202 S. 7th Avenue in Pocatello, every Monday evening at 6:30.

Pocatello: Road Closure and Traffic Report for Week of September 28, 2026

By
Observer Staff
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(Photo Credit: City of Pocatello)

September 21, 2026 (Cover Photo Credit: City of Pocatello)

The City of Pocatello’s Road Construction & Traffic Report for the week of September 21, 2026, has been published and may be read here.

Highlights include:

  • Street sweepers are currently performing their regular sweeping schedule.
  • The Street Services crew will be patching potholes and curb lines throughout the City.
  • Traffic Operations crews are repainting crosswalks throughout the City.
  • Crews will be jetting and cleaning sewer mainlines throughout the City.
  • Street Services will be milling and paving the intersection of N Main St. and W Gould St.
  • The Water Department will be working on the water mains on Deon Dr. and W Wyeth St.
  • Demolition of the Monarch Building continues.
  • Work continues on the Benton Street Bridge, Johny Creek’s Expanded Sewer Project, the Center Street Underpass, and the safety improvements in the area of Hiline Rd. and El Rancho Blvd.
  • South Garfield Avenue between Center Street and West Lewis Street will be closed from 6 AM to 3 PM every Saturday for the Portneuf Valley Farmers Market.

City of Pocatello Calendar for September 28-October 2, 2026

By
Observer Staff
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(City of Pocatello Press Release, September 25, 2026; Cover Photo Credit: City of Pocatello)

City of Pocatello Calendar of Meetings ~ September 28-October 2, 2026

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

  • Pocatello Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council Meeting 3:15 p.m., Council Chambers
  • Codeapalooza Opening Presentation and Workshop 6:00 p.m., Council Chambers

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29

  • Site Plan Review 1:30 p.m., Paradice Conference Room
  • Library Board Special Meeting 4:00 p.m., 113 S. Garfield Avenue

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30

  • League of Women Voters Candidate Forum 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1

  • Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Meeting 12:00 p.m., 144 Wilson Avenue
  • City Council Clarification Meeting 5:30 p.m., Council Chambers
  • City Council Meeting 6:00 p.m., Council Chambers

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2

  • Bid Opening: Centennial/Rainey Levee Setback and Ecosystem Enhancement Project 3:00 p.m., Paradice Conference Room

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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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