The legislative session is a busy time. I’m just a guy watching it all play out on the outside, and even so I’ve found myself worn out at the end of each day. After multiple in-depth articles and daily appearances on Idaho Signal, I ended up not going live on Friday nights with the Gem State Report. I’ve been pondering ideas, such as moving it elsewhere in the week or producing smaller programs.
What do you think?
Remember that you can now access the Gem State Chronicle as a web app. Follow the instructions here and bring not only articles, op-eds, and press releases to your fingertips, but also the powerful tools of Idaho Insider.
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. Subscribe now
- 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!
- Make sure you’ve bookmarked Idaho Insider, your one stop shop for everything you need to know about your elected officials.
- I added Instagram to the Chronicle’s social media footprint, so follow me there if that’s your jam. I’ll try to post more there going forward.
The past week at the Chronicle…
On Monday, I examined the bicameral legislature, the system of having both a Senate and a House of Representatives.
On Tuesday, I looked at how both the governor and the Legislature intend to continue the process of cleaning up our state code.
On Thursday, I asked why we continue to fund and maintain a special commission for a single ethnic group in Idaho.
On Friday, I reported on the oral arguments in the Parental Choice Tax Credit case.
I also published op-eds and newsletters this week from Secretary of State Phil McGrane, Sen. Jim Risch, Congressman Mike Simpson, Idaho GOP chairwoman Dorothy Moon, Sen. Mike Crapo, Mountain States Policy Center president Chris Cargill, and one more from Congressman 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…
Lilly Allman of In the Know Idaho joined Caleb Cook on the Gem State Brief:
Logan Finney of Idaho Reports spoke to Republican Assistant Majority Leader Douglas Pickett and Democratic Minority Caucus Chair Monica Church about the new session:
Jake the Lawyer explained the law behind immigration enforcement:
Rufo and Lomez discussed the rise of antisemitism and asked if there is a way to discuss issues related to Israel and the Jewish people without violating taboos:
Nick Solheim of American Moment sat down with Michael Green for a close look at what poverty means in America today:
Upcoming events…
The Idaho GOP is hosting a discussion on the idea of an Article V Convention with JBS’ Robert Brown on Tuesday at 3:30pm in the Lincoln Auditorium. Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida came to Idaho making the case for such a convention to propose a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution; come hear another perspective.
It’s Lincoln Day season. I’m putting together a page with all the Idaho GOP Lincoln Day luncheons and dinners, so check it out to find one near you. Last I heard there were only a couple dozen tickets left for the Gem County Lincoln Day Dinner on February 7, featuring none other than Alex Adams. I bought mine!
The Syringa Speaker Series is hosting Liz Wheeler, Chloe Cole, and Joe Concha on Saturday, February 28 for its 2026 gala. Check it out here. I’m working with Syringa to promote this event so do me a favor and buy a ticket or ten.
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, Twitter, Telegram, YouTube, and Rumble. Have a great week!
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.
