The Gem State Brief

Curated by Locus Lectorum

October 09, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes

✍️ By Our Members

"Idaho Representatives visit Israel... On Israel's Dime" — A reel looking at the implications of Israel paying for Idaho representatives to travel to a conference in Israel. (GSB Staff)

Nampa man receives short sentence in child pornography case

Caldwell | October 3 | Idaho Statesman

Antonio Berrelez accepted a plea deal in his child pornography case last week, but prosecutors say they are disappointed after the judge sentenced Berrelez to only 10 years in prison, with stipulations that make him eligible for probation in under a year.

Idaho Legislature to join Attorney General in defense of school choice tax credit law

State Capitol | October 7 | Idaho Press Tribune

The Idaho Legislature has hired private attorneys to aid in the defense of House Bill 93. HB93 was enacted this year and provides a tax credit of up to $5,000 per child for students that are homeschooled or attending a private school. Last month a coalition lead by the Idaho Education Association filed a lawsuit challenging the bill's constitutionality.

This story is the latest in a series, view the full thread here → 🧵


Idaho Supreme Court considers if Washington policy can change Idaho utility rates

State Capitol | October 3 | Courthouse News Service

The Idaho Supreme Court is considering a case where PacifiCorp, a major utility provider for the northwest, has requested the Idaho Public Utilities Commission to allow them to increase rates on Idaho customers. This rate increase is necessary because of the Washington state Climate Act which requires PacifiCorp to purchase $42 million of emissions allowances to provide for their existing customers' power needs.

Nampa City Council votes to convey Idaho Center to the College of Western Idaho

Nampa | October 7 | BoiseDev

CWI must still approve the transfer, but this plan would make the school responsible for the $2 million in annual maintenance for the Idaho Center. CWI has proposed using the property to expand their nearby campus in Nampa and says that the current uses of the facility would continue under their ownership.

This story is the latest in a series, view the full thread here → 🧵


After record setting deposits, AC Boise reveals ticket prices

Boise | October 6 | Idaho News

Boise's new professional soccer team, Athletic Club Boise, provided a first look at ticket pricing for its inaugural season. The club received a USL record 6,500 season ticket deposits. Ticket pricing ranges from $9 in the designated family section to $150 for sideline seats.

This story is the latest in a series, view the full thread here → 🧵


Former Idaho lawmaker claims Forest Service Chief violated Federal law

State Capitol | October 3 | Idaho Statesman

A former state representative, Todd Achilles, has filed a complaint with the US Office of Special Counsel stating that the Forest Service website has blamed the government shutdown on Democrat lawmakers, alleging this is a partisan statement in violation of the Hatch Act.

Highlights & Insights

"Transposition" - One of C.S. Lewis's classic essays, Transposition uniquely explores the relationship between the "higher" spiritual world and "lower" physical world.

🏛️ Apologetics Fact

Myriads of ancient mythologies prominently feature a universal flood from a god as punishment for evil. These myths come from across the globe, and include stories from the Aztec, Hindu, Babylon, Greece, Mongols, Aborigines, and more. So many otherwise unrelated cultures sharing this common myth makes sense when considering the Biblical record. A universal flood that only Noah and his family survived would explain how all peoples, no matter how much they separated later, have this shared cultural memory.

🗣️ Quote

"It is usually futile to try to talk facts and analysis to people who are enjoying a sense of moral superiority in their ignorance." — Thomas Sowell

🏅 Person: Gary Gordon and Randy Shughart, (1960-1993, 1958-1993)

While providing sniper overwatch from a helicopter during the Battle of Mogadishu 32 years ago this week, Delta Force Sergeants Gordon and Shughart repeatedly requested permission to be landed in the middle of the fighting to provide support to the aircrew of a downed Blackhawk. Knowing that they were entirely without support and facing an overwhelming number of enemy fighters in a hostile city, they were inserted and fought their way to the downed helicopter, where they extracted the four surviving crewmembers. During the fighting three of the aircrew died from their injuries, however the life of the pilot was saved by their actions. Both Gordon and Shughart were killed after running out of ammunition in their heroic rescue attempt. The two men were posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.

📕 Book: The Myth of the Great War

Written in 2001 by John Mosier, this broad overview of WWI critically examines the mismanagement of the war effort by the Allies, the unique innovations developed by the Germans to great effect, and the ultimate domino that tipped the scales in favor of the Allies. Mosier provides a good look at the leadership vacuum, near total incompetence, and disdain for life held by both the British and French high commands.

Non-AI Generation Disclaimer: All elements of the Gem State Brief (headlines, summaries, highlights, insights, original articles/videos, etc.) are produced exclusively by members of the Locus Lectorum book club (learn about each member here), not AI. This is news by humans for humans.