A little while ago, Greg Pruett announced he would suspend operations at the Idaho Dispatch in order to focus on his work with the Idaho Second Amendment Alliance. The Dispatch was already in operation when my family and I moved to Idaho in September 2018, and during the Covid hysteria proved to be a valuable voice for Idaho conservatives. In a world where nearly all the big TV, paper, and online outlets of this red state we call home are left leaning, the Dispatch was a breath of fresh air.
I still have a paper copy of the Idaho Dispatch that came out a couple of years ago, somewhere in my office.
With the Dispatch, Pruett filled a much-needed niche in Idaho—straight news and investigation from a conservative perspective. I was gratified to see that niche being filled as I focused more on commentary and analysis. Pruett’s exit from the conservative media space will leave a gap, and I will be looking at ways to expand the Gem State Chronicle to fill this gap going forward.
In the meantime, I’ve expanded my partnership with other Idaho news outlets on the front page of the Chronicle. While you’re browsing the latest posts, op-eds, and press releases, check out the latest headlines from Local Yocal Idaho, which is based in the Treasure Valley, the Kootenai Journal, based in North Idaho, and the Observer News Group, based in Pocatello.

Together we can build a conservative media ecosystem in Idaho. My heartfelt thanks to Greg Pruett for blazing that trail, and all the best as he works to protect our Second Amendment rights here in Idaho.
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, as well as our latest sponsor New Saint Andrews College. 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 shared some thoughts about the warrior spirit that has animated societies since the dawn of time. No matter the decisions made by generals and politicians, the men and women who put on the uniform and defend our country deserve our eternal thanks.
On Wednesday, I wrote about the destructive fad of transgenderism, which seems to have peaked after seeming to dominate our culture just a few years ago. Idaho never wavered in protecting our children.
On Friday, I wrote a primer on the three major types of taxation in Idaho. Without coming down hard on any side, I shared the pros and cons of each system as we continue the debate over how to keep our society prosperous and free.
I also published op-eds by Ryan Spoon, Idaho GOP chairwomen Dorothy Moon, Secretary of State Phil McGrane, 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.
In other news…
Substacks:
- Scott Greer looked at the sorry state of libertarianism in America.
- Rep. Steve Tanner discussed the necessity of keeping a secure border.
- Wayne Hoffman says we should replace SNAP with charity.
- Bill Colley points out that the “no kings” protestors should really be worried about a socialist strongman like Salazar.
Speaking of kings, I wrote about the misguided hatred of President Trump during the first round last summer. It still applies today.
Videos:
Nathan Halberstadt hosted a very high-IQ conversation between Curtis Yarvin and Ron Dodson over at the New Founding Podcast last week. Well worth your time, but I warn you: it will challenge many of your preconceptions.
President Trump isn’t sure he’s good enough to go to Heaven. Pastor Doug Wilson explains the truth of the gospel—none of us are good enough, but all of us can accept the free gift of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Michael Malice sat down with Tom Bilyeu to discuss how our country arrived at this moment in history and what we might expect to come next:
One more from Pastor Wilson, this time explaining why endless “noticing” and “connecting the dots” can turn counterproductive:
Finally, Nick Solheim of American Moment hosted Luke Niforatos to explain why drug legalization is a bad idea. This is a great conversation that everyone in Idaho should check out before we consider following the same path of Oregon, California, and Colorado.
Upcoming Events:
The Idaho Freedom Caucus is hosting Jan Jekielek of Epoch Times for a talk about China and the United States on Saturday, October 25:

Ashley Mujagic and Alexis Scott, youth chairs for the Ada and Canyon County GOP respectively, are hosting numerous events for young adults this next month:

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 rest of your weekend, and may you be renewed for the days to come.

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.