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An introduction for the many new followers:
The Gem State Brief is the brainchild of a local book club called Locus Lectorum (place of books). Founded as an avenue to expand our horizons by fostering good conversation, we quickly became convinced that we needed to convert our convictions into action.
The GSB became a newsletter in late spring of '25 and continues on as a weekly curation of noteworthy local content with brief descriptions written by members, alongside long-form content recommendations, books, and the occasional piece of original content. Our current membership, a mix of millennial and Gen Z, is nearly all native Idahoan.
Along the way we started experimenting with short form content and identified that Idaho needs a local news source that is independent, focused on human generated content, and represents the traditional Idahoan values of Faith, Family, and Country. One of our members (@FerrinsThoughts) filmed the scuffle at the Charlie Kirk vigil on the Statehouse steps and we've dedicated more time and resources to the nascent endeavor since that footage went viral.
The recent completion of our own studio will allow us to expand our content type; look for a mix of short and long form video and audio content focused on Idaho events in 2026. With the legislative session just around the corner and the biannual primaries in May there will be many stories worth highlighting!
Finally, please DM us if you have an interesting story to share, we are already working on several under-the-radar news stories and look forward to more in the year ahead.
All sorts of electioneering going on as we close in on Election Day, get out and vote!
Replying to @IdahoITD
@IdahoITD so riddle me this in Lemhi County workers removed dozens of Vote No on Prop 1 signs - saying they violated road rules But lookie here 👇🏻 Calls have been made to local office with no response! WTH @tkpaints24 can show you all the signs they confiscated! @IdahoGOP @intheknowidaho @IdahoTribune @IdahoSignal @SummerBushnell5 @RogueLou18
In which the largest State of the Union admits to committing treason at scale.
Stunning admission by California during yesterday’s Ninth Circuit hearing.
California admitted they do nothing to check the citizenship status of voters and will count the illegal ballots of noncitizens who vote. This is why we’re seeking an emergency order. We cannot allow California to dilute legal votes in the upcoming election.
Judge: You agree that if a non-citizen votes and we don’t stop it now, that vote will be counted, correct?
California: That’s absolutely correct.
Excellent breakdown of why the grocery tax isn't going anywhere.
People have been trying to get rid of the grocery tax for over a decade.
And in the current political climate, it's not gonna happen. It's a nonstarter and doesn't really help that many people anyhow.
But certain groups have been pushing it forever and ever and ever because it's a good fundraiser for them. They know it's not gonna happen. But they continue to push it anyhow like a broke. record.
I've never met a normal person in the wild who brought it up to me organically. Not once. Now, I would vote to get rid of it (and I have). I'm just saying it's not realistic.
Of course, I don't like paying property tax either. There are ideas to get rid of the property tax, but to do that the state would have to cut spending by over 30%.
That's never ever happened.
People freak out when we cut the budget by 1.5%! Imagine +30%. It would also make the state of Idaho the biggest Leviathan, the most powerful government in the United States.
Imagine what happens when there's a low budget year? Does your town lose a couple of cops because Boise needed the money somewhere else? Does your fire department go without a new truck another year? Does your county road wait another five years for a fix because somebody in Boise decided another county's road mattered more?
There are so many problems with the idea. So it sounds good in theory to get rid of property tax, but I'm not into creating a monarchy in Idaho that controls every taxing district in every city and county in the state.
There's no way the Idaho legislature is going to cut spending by over 30% and then turn around and create the biggest, most powerful government entity in the nation. It's just not realistic (and not conservative).
I'm not saying I like property tax or grocery tax. This is about political reality, plain and simple. I'm just telling you what's actually going to happen.
A bigger, more consequential task would be to try to get rid of the income tax.
At least that one's realistic as its been done in several states.
Jeffery Street, candidate for the 4th District judicial seat, signed Proposition 1 this spring. Now he’s claiming to have done so only to further the conversation. We need principled judges and Street does not fit the bill.
Idaho Judicial candidate signed prop 1
Jeffery Street, candidate for the 4th District judicial seat, signed Proposition 1 this spring.
Weekly bites of Idaho news: more surveillance, more houses, and more extremism.
More surveillance, more houses, and more extremism.
Weekly bites of Idaho news: more surveillance, more houses, and more extremism.
58 legislators from across Idaho, representing 28 of 35 districts, signed a proclamation this morning urging Idahoans to reject Proposition 1.
Let Freedom Ring (quietly)
Idahoans can now buy suppressors, short-barreled rifles, and short-barreled shotguns without registration, lengthy waits, or federal taxes following guidance issued by ATF on Friday that it will stop enforcing those requirements nationwide, following the court victory Idaho won with 14 other states.
Idaho gun dealers and owners should read the ATF’s FAQs at: atf.gov/firearms/update-to-n… before buying or transferring firearms or seek a private attorney for more questions.
The Gem State Brief retweeted
Pro-abortion advocates vandalize the home of @RealTheoWold . Some narratives write themselves.
Pro-abortion advocates vandalize a home
Theo Wold's house is vandalized because of his pro-life beliefs.
Pro-abortion advocates vandalize the home of @RealTheoWold . Some narratives write themselves.
Pro-abortion advocates vandalize a home
Theo Wold's house is vandalized because of his pro-life beliefs.
Traditional media hides under “journalistic integrity” while rigging the game in favor of their pet ideology.
This is why the old model of news is irrevocably broken.
WSJ crew spent at least 2-3 hours with me, and focused on a small section of what I had to say. While they did focus on some good points of what a true conservative is, it was obvious they had an agenda.
Were they successful, you be the judge. However, in my long interview, I had addressed much of the points he was trying to make throughout the video, conveniently they were left out.
They did interview some non "extremists" or "hard right" folks…that being a successful business owner from Stanley and a dairy farmer…you know the average Idaho citizen. 🙄
Is true journalistic integrity dead at the national and legacy media level?
Boise homeless housing, church political involvement, and more in your weekly bites of Idaho news.
Boise homeless housing, church political involvement, and more
Weekly bites of Idaho news
Entitlement reform is the ultimate 3rd rail, everyone knows it's necessary, but no one wants to touch it.
We've built a tool that allows you model out Social Security reform and see the impact against GDP.
Refund all payments with interest? Sure thing!
End immediately or with a 30 year glide path? Check!
Safety net for existing retirees? Customizable.
Here is one scenario, what is yours?
How would you wind down Social Security? Give our simulator a spin here and share your plan.
gemstatebrief.com/social-sec…

















