These really are the dog days of summer, that long stretch between Independence Day and Labor Day when the sun beats down and time seems to stand still. These are the days to spend time with the children, keep up on yard work, enjoy grilling with friends, and not worry about the cares and stresses of life.
School will come soon enough for the children, but these are the days they won’t forget, so it’s up to me to make them worth remembering.
As you know, the Gem State Chronicle is reader supported:
- Paid subscribers via Substack get bonus notes with some articles, giving me an opportunity to share behind-the-scenes thoughts with supporters, as well as early access to podcasts.
- 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 my regular sponsors, Lynn Bradescu’s Keller Williams Realty and Money Metals! I appreciate the support!
- I’ve relaunched the Merch Store with a couple of new branded items. Let me know if you have any ideas for items you’d like to see made available.
This week at the Chronicle…
- On Monday, I wrote about how history can guide us as we move past the unity created by Covid and Prop 1. Can conservatives continue working together? I hope so.
- On Tuesday, I previewed the new DOGE Task Force, and talked about what we can expect from this interim committee.
- On Wednesday, I compared and contrasted Ada County’s budget with that of Boise. Keeping our elected officials accountable for spending our tax dollars is so important, but so few citizens engage.
- On Thursday, I dived into the paradox of the citizen legislature. How do we give our lawmakers the tools to accomplish everything we want them to do without growing government?
- On Friday, I urged readers to tune out those voices that are sowing discord and trying to make you angry. Let’s be calm and elevate the discourse together.
- On Saturday, I recapped the first meeting of the DOGE Task Force, and reiterated my cautious optimism that something might actually be accomplished.
I published op-eds this week from Rep. Heather Scott, Idaho GOP chairwoman Dorothy Moon, Attorney General Raúl Labrador, and Congressman Mike Simpson.
Whether we agree or disagree with our elected officials and influential political figures, I think it’s important to hear what they have to say. The Gem State Chronicle is a resource for as much information as possible to help you be more effective and engaged.
If you would like Gem State Chronicle to publish your work, please submit it to [email protected]. We are pleased to provide an outlet for a wide variety of figures in the world of Idaho politics to share their own messages.
Speaking of resources, I’ve done a ton of work on Idaho Insider these past few weeks. Each legislator’s profile now includes more information than ever, including telephone numbers that allow you to call with one tap. I’m far from done, and am very excited about what I’ll be able to create for you in the near future. My intention is for Idaho Insider to be the best one-stop source of information about our government and tools to help you be a more engaged voter and citizen.
In other news…
Reps. Kent Marmon and Lucas Cayler, both hailing from Canyon County, questioned the wisdom of the City of Nampa’s plan to “gift” the Ford Idaho Center to the College of Western Idaho. Read the whole thing here.
Wayne Hoffman had a skeptical yet measured take on the prospects of the new DOGE Task Force to actually cut government. Read his essay here.
My friends at American Moment continue to publish great content. Last week, Nick Solheim sat down with Dan Caldwell to talk foreign policy and defense in the Age of Trump:
Former Microsoft engineer Dave Plummer has a great channel going over not only the history of software but how its evolving in the present. Last week, he evaluated four top AI LLMs based on a variety of criteria:
Upcoming events…
If you’ll indulge me just a little bit, the District 14 Republicans are hosting a barbecue fundraiser on Saturday, September 13. Come for food, fun, and to support our precinct committeemen. Your $50 ticket buys dinner, and also goes to support our PCs in outreach to their neighborhoods. We’ll also have silent auction items and a dessert dash. Click here for more info or to buy tickets.
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.
