SATURDAY ROUNDUP: 2/22/25

Catching up on the week's news

I once thought that grocery tax was the most contentious issue among Idaho conservatives. Questioning that one issue is enough to get you labeled a RINO or a sellout. However, I have now discovered that the Article V convention takes the cake. I wrote two essays this week explaining why I cannot support efforts to call such a convention, and I’ve seen several zealous responses and been called a RINO multiple times.

On the other hand, I received even more positive feedback from people who are on the same page, so that is nice.

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!

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This week at the Chronicle…

On Monday, I explained why I do not support efforts to force Congress to call an Article V convention.

On Tuesday, I took a look at some of the efforts to reform our laws and our administrative state.

On Wednesday, I updated readers on the state of school choice in Idaho, as House Bill 93 passed the Senate and awaits the governor’s signature.

On Thursday, I asked some questions about items in the governor’s budget.

Finally, on Friday I revisited the idea of a convention, and pondered what unintended consequences could ensue.

I also republished a guest editorial from Attorney General Raúl Labrador on why government agencies fear the DOGE.

I did a solo episode of the Gem State Report on Friday night, catching up on the news and taking a close look at four new bills introduced Friday morning regarding libel and campaign finance reporting. Forgive the first minute or two of silence; I did not realize my microphone was switched off.

In other news…

Make sure to catch Idaho Signal every weekday at 11:30am MDT for the latest on the legislative session. Check out this segment in which Matt Edwards spoke with Charity Joy of the Kootenai Journal about how state law requires taxpayers to subsidize legacy newspapers:

This month I have been working with House Majority Caucus Chair Jaron Crane on a podcast series featuring House Republicans. The first episode was with Crane himself:

Idaho Freedom Foundation policy director Niklas Kleinworth joined Reps. Elaine Price and Steve Miller to talk sound money at Capitol Clarity this week:

Auron MacIntyre hosted Pascal-Emmanuel Gobry of PolicySphere to discuss the administrative state:

The Lotus Eaters lads discussed the Trump juggernaut and what might come next:

Upcoming events…

The Ada County GOP will be hosting its first ever Lincoln Day event in April. Get your tickets now:

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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!