I am descended from a line of nomads. One ancestor left Scotland for Ireland, his son left Ireland for New England, and his grandson kept moving west until he reached the shores of Lake Erie. Each successive generation after that went on to Illinois, then Iowa, and finally Washington.
At that point, my family had run out of west.
I’ve visited relatives in Iowa a few times and admired their deep connection to the land. Their great-great-great-grandparents rest in cemeteries just up the road from the farms and pastures where five, six, even seven generations have lived and worked.
Here in Idaho, I hope to begin a new tradition, planting roots for my own great-great-great-grandchildren.
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.
- Make sure you’ve bookmarked Idaho Insider, your one stop shop for everything you need to know about your elected officials.
The past week at the Chronicle…
On Monday, I wrote about this autumn’s races for city councils and other local boards throughout Idaho. Now is the time to get involved!
On Wednesday, I looked at the long temptation toward technocracy that Americans have faced. We have to keep fighting it today.
On Thursday, I reflected on what I believe is an artificial divide between native Idahoans and transplants. We all want to preserve this great state for our posterity, so let’s work together.
Finally, on Friday I wrote about the growth of the welfare state since FDR created Social Security in 1935. How can we rein it in and restore fiscal responsibility and human dignity?
I published numerous op-eds this week from Idaho GOP chair Dorothy Moon, KCRCC chair Brent Regan, Sen. Mike Crapo, Secretary of State Phil McGrane, Attorney General Raúl Labrador, Sen. Jim Risch, and Cong. 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.
In other news…
Substacks:
I already linked to it earlier this week, but Wayne Hoffman’s article about the looming budget problem in Idaho is worth another look.
Sen. Brian Lenney cast a critical eye on legislative scorecards this week.
Local Yocal took a look at declining support for Boise Pride Fest.
Jonathan Keeperman, aka Lomez, wrote an insightful article about revitalizing right wing culture.
Videos:
Veritasium published an interesting video on the history of Monsanto and the herbicides used by millions of farms throughout the world. I can’t speak to the potential risks of herbicides like glyphosate, but the video provides important information about the chemical and the company behind it:
Are you curious about what’s going on in Great Britain right now? J. Burden spoke with Dan Tubb from the Lotus Eaters about the situation:
Tucker Carlson and Michael Knowles had an insightful conversation about our moment in history and the importance of Christianity in saving the West:
Upcoming events…
Remember that 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.

Members of the Idaho Freedom Caucus are hosting a fundraiser in September:

Rep. Josh Tanner is hosting a golf tournament fundraiser in October:

Citizens Alliance of Idaho is hosting a candidate training event in Pocatello next month. Click here for more information and to register. I attended the same event in Boise earlier this summer and it was incredibly informative.
From now until Election Day I’ll be working with Lynn Bradescu on her race for Boise City Council. Check out her website here. If you live in Boise’s 6th district, then make sure to vote for Lynn, and remind your neighbors. If you live outside, then donate to her campaign!
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.