It’s February already. We are 1/12 of the way through 2025, and what a year it’s been so far. The legislative session is going well, President Trump is draining the swamp, and I’m just enjoying the ride. I hope you are too. It’s Lincoln Day season, so there will be no shortage of Republican events for the next few months!
As you know, the Gem State Chronicle is reader supported:
- Paid subscribers via Substack get bonus notes with most articles, giving me an opportunity to share behind-the-scenes thoughts with supporters, as well as early access to podcasts and significant discounts in the merch store.
- Do you have a small business you want to advertise? I’ll put your ad on the top of the Chronicle homepage, on the article sidebar, and will shout it out on any podcasts I release during the sponsorship. I’ll also write an article on behalf of sponsors, whether about a particular issue or just sharing their story. Send me a message and we’ll get it done. Take the time to visit this month’s sponsors: Sign Idaho Family Policy Center’s petition to bring Bible reading back to schools, and Lynn Bradescu’s Keller Williams Realty is a regular sponsor as well. I appreciate the support!
- Finally, I also offer freelance writing and editing services. Reach out to me if you have a project you’d like me to consult with you on.
This week at the Chronicle…
On Monday, I examined how Idaho politicians are jumping on the DOGE train. Will these efforts actually reduce the size and scope of government, or is it all just talk? We’ll see!
On Tuesday, I looked at how some over-zealous organizations have led some Republicans to call for reform of the campaign finance laws. How do we uphold truth and transparency while respecting freedom of speech?
On Wednesday, I revealed how Idaho state law essentially subsidizes private newspapers to the tune of seven figures a year. The Legislature can end this, but it will take some convincing.
On Thursday, I shared a short update on the state of school choice this session. I’ll have an in-depth look at House Bill 93 before its hearing next week.
Finally, on Friday, I wrote about the vast gulf between Republicans and Democrats. Though Republicans often have intra-party disagreements, we’re on a completely different planet than the radical left.
There were some good op-eds this week as well, such as Idaho GOP chair Dorothy Moon on confrontational politics, Branden Durst on the education bureaucracy, and Sen. Jim Risch on Lava Ridge.
In other news…
Are you catching the signal? Watch Idaho Signal every weekday at 11:30am MDT for the latest on the legislative session. Catch this clip from Friday’s show in which Matt Edwards explains how he delivered a stack of petitions calling on the Senate to ban mask mandates:
Idaho’s own Theo Wold joined host Jesse Kelly this week. to talk about President Trump’s aggressive executive orders. Click the link for the video; Wold’s segment starts at about the 52 minute mark.
Ryan Spoon, Rep. Clint Hostetler, and Samuel Lair shared their perspectives on school choice at Capitol Clarity this week:
Rep. John Vander Woude joined Ruth Brown on Idaho Reports to explain why he wants to repeal Medicaid Expansion:
Brandon Herrerra laid out the process of restoring gun rights at the federal level:
With the nomination of Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense tied 50-50 in the Senate, Vice President J.D. Vance exercised his constitutional authority to break the tie and confirm Hegseth for the position. Watch the moment here:
Upcoming events…
The Gem County Republican Central Committee is hosting its Lincoln Day Dinner tonight at 5:30. I’ll be there along with my fellow Republicans:
The Ada County Republican Central Committee just announced its first official Lincoln Day Dinner in many years. Buy your tickets to support the Ada County GOP:
Speaking of Ada County, Darr and Dorothy Moon will be at Independence Indoor Shooting in Meridian next week to talk guns and precious metals:
Can’t forget our friends in Canyon County, either. The CCRCC will host its own Lincoln Day Dinner later in March:
Thank you all for your support as I continue to bring you news and analysis that empowers you to make positive change in Idaho. Make sure to subscribe, follow me on Twitter, and follow the Chronicle on Facebook, Telegram, YouTube, and Rumble. Have a great weekend!
About Brian Almon
Brian Almon is the Editor of the Gem State Chronicle. He also serves as Chairman of the District 14 Republican Party and is a trustee of the Eagle Public Library Board. He lives with his wife and five children in Eagle.
