Michigan Gubernatorial Candidate Donna Brandenburg: Election Integrity, Corporate Influence, and the Fight for Accountability

What does it mean to challenge the political establishment from outside the traditional party structure? And what happens when a candidate says she refuses to be told what to say—or whom to answer to?

In this interview, I sit down with Donna Brandenburg, a Michigan businesswoman, independent media personality, and candidate for governor running on the Constitution Party platform. Brandenburg previously ran for governor in 2022, and she describes a political journey that began somewhat unexpectedly, after being encouraged by people in her research network to enter the race. As she explains it, she entered politics with a simple condition: “You don’t tell me what to say. I won’t lie for anyone.”

That attitude, she says, has come at a cost. Brandenburg recounts her experience being removed from the ballot, pursuing legal challenges, and ultimately changing her party affiliation. She also discusses what she views as a political system increasingly influenced by corporate interests, outside money, and entrenched political networks. At one point in our conversation, she offers a blunt assessment of the candidates seeking office: she believes many are serving corporate interests rather than the people they claim to represent.

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Our discussion ranges well beyond the usual campaign talking points. We get into election integrity, the role of political parties, constitutional government, government accountability, and the public’s ability to hold elected officials responsible. Brandenburg also shares her views on the military’s role in the current political landscape—claims and perspectives that are certain to generate discussion.

One of the more interesting parts of the conversation comes toward the end, when Brandenburg talks about accessibility and what representation should actually look like. She says she makes herself available to the public because elected officials should be willing to hear directly from the people they serve. In her view, governing should be a cooperative effort—not a blank check handed to politicians every few years.

Visit Donna Brandenburg’s video platform brandenburgnewsnetwork.com.

For more conservative news follow us on X @idahotribune and idahoidahotribune.org .

On October 2, 2026, 30-year-old Ty Weich was arrested in Lewis County, Idaho, while traveling on foot from Orofino to Kamiah. According to his aunt, Amber Dilworth, what followed has left his family searching for answers as Ty remains hospitalized in critical condition.

In this exclusive interview from the Idaho Tribune, Dilworth describes the family’s account of the events surrounding Ty’s arrest and the days of uncertainty that followed. She says family members struggled to determine where he was, eventually learning that he had been taken to Kootenai Medical Center. According to Dilworth, the family was not informed of his hospitalization directly and faced significant obstacles in obtaining information about his condition and the circumstances that led to it.

The family says Ty never made it to jail or appeared before a judge following his arrest. Instead, they learned that he was in the hospital, where, according to Dilworth, he was placed in a medically induced coma and required a ventilator to breathe.

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What happened between Ty’s arrest and his hospitalization?

That is the central question his family wants answered.

Dilworth recounts conversations with law enforcement, efforts to obtain police records, and concerns about the continued presence of the arresting officer while Ty remained hospitalized. She also describes the family’s decision to retain legal counsel to help obtain records and pursue answers.

According to Dilworth, the family has not received a complete account of what transpired during the arrest. She acknowledges that she does not know exactly what happened during the encounter, but says the family is concerned that excessive force may have been used. That allegation has not been independently established in the material available for this interview.

Ty’s family also describes him as someone who has struggled with mental health issues in recent months. Dilworth argues that his circumstances raise broader questions about how law enforcement responds when interacting with people experiencing a mental health crisis.

This interview presents the family’s account of a deeply troubling situation. The questions it raises deserve clear answers, and the available evidence—not speculation—must ultimately establish what happened.

Why was Ty hospitalized? What occurred during the arrest? What records exist documenting the encounter? And why, according to his aunt, did his family have such difficulty obtaining information about his whereabouts and condition?

These are questions that remain central to the family’s search for answers.

Watch the full interview with Amber Dilworth below.

Help support Ty’s family

The family has established a fundraiser to help cover legal expenses, travel, lodging, and other costs associated with supporting Ty and seeking answers.

Donate to the Support Ty Jacob Weich’s Family GoFundMe

This report reflects statements made by Amber Dilworth during the interview. Allegations and descriptions of events attributed to her have not been independently verified for this introduction. The Lewis County Sheriff’s Office and other involved parties should have an opportunity to provide their accounts as additional information becomes available.

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Since 1963 the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs based in San Francisco, California has actively partnered with state legislators to promote Israel-friendly legislation and policy.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) is headquartered in Jerusalem, at the government complex on Yitzhak Rabin Boulevard. Its diplomatic network includes Israel’s embassies, consulates general, permanent missions international organizations and other diplomatic representations.

General Marco Sermoneta & Ron Gerstenfeld

Sermoneta assumed the position in August 2022. His stated mission was unusually explicit: he said he would be “building partnerships and coalitions of support for Israel” with governments and people in Idaho, Montana, Washington, Oregon, Alaska and Northern California.

The consulate has also documented meetings with Idaho government officials. In 2025, then-Consul General Marco Sermoneta met with Idaho Department of Agriculture Director Chanel Tewalt, Idaho Department of Water Resources Director Mathew Weaver, and Idaho Office of Energy and Mineral Resources Administrator Cally Younger. The discussions reportedly focused on Israeli technology and potential areas of cooperation involving agriculture, water resources, renewable energy, and precision agriculture.

As of July 2026, the Consul General of Israel to the Pacific Northwest is Ron Gerstenfeld.

Screenshots from a planning session identify General Gerstenfeld, Idaho Rep. Bruce Skaug, Montana Rep. Cora Neumann, and Washington State Rep. Christopher Corry as active participants in a September 9, 2026 meeting concerning plans for the 2026 “50 States, One Israel” delegation.

The messages relayed continued relations in strengthening ties and influence for the State of Israel with legislators in the Pacific Northwest. Publicly the 2026 delegation has not been announced.

Last year, the 50 States, One Israel delegation met in Israel from September 13-18, 2025. This contingent consisted of 250 state legislators from all fifty states. The five Idaho Representatives who attended. House Assistant Majority Leader Josh Tanner, R-Eagle; House Minority Leader Ilana Rubel, D-Boise, House Local Government Committee Chairwoman Barbara Ehardt, R-Idaho Falls; House Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee Chairman Bruce Skaug, R-Nampa; and Rep. John Shirts, R-Weiser.

The goal of the 50 States, One Israel delegation is to strengthen bipartisan ties between the U.S. and Israel, provide American state legislators with a firsthand perspective on Israel, and galvanize support for the nation by showcasing its innovation and resilience.

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The National Association of Jewish Legislators

Recently submitted public records for Montana Rep. Cora Neumann and Idaho Rep. Bruce Skaug, verified similar entities that surfaced from my vast record requests on the Idaho legislature last year and featured in this article.

The National Association of Jewish Legislators (NAJL) was founded in 1977 to focus on research, education, legislation supportive of Israel and improving the quality of life for Jews in America.

It’s current executive director is Jeff Wise, who has proactively emailed state legislators, and cc’d in these emails is NAJL Senior Advisor, former Virginia representative Eileen Filler-Corn, Minority Leader of the Virginia House of Delegates from January to April 2022.

It is of interest to note that Jewish, Idaho Rep. Ilana Rubel has been a member of the National Association of Jewish Legislators' national board since at least November 15, 2020. NAJL's November 2020 election announcement identified Rubel as an at-large board member. The organization's current Board of Directors page, continues to list “House Minority Leader Ilana Rubel (ID)” among its board members. An independent Idaho Business for the Outdoors biography also identifies Rubel as serving on the NAJL board.

Mr. Wice asked Rep. Rubel to suggest names of two or three non-Jewish state legislators, to potentially invite for the upcoming trip to Israel in 2025 for 50 States, One Israel delegation.

And the record requests revealed that Rubel was personally sent talking points from Eli Berne, state director at the Jewish Federations of North America after facing immense backlash when returning from Israel last year.

A July 7, 2017 letter to President Donald Trump from the National Association of Jewish Legislators pleading with him to address anti-Semitism, Rep. Ilana Rubel is listed.

Muddying The Waters

In 2024, Idaho Rep. Barbara Ehardt sponsored the failed RS32552 (routing slip), an anti-Semitism bill.

RS32552 essentially references Idaho’s malicious harassment law passed in 1983, in an attempt to amend it.

This law was largely championed by former Idaho AG, and Idaho Supreme Court Justice, Jim Jones and the ad-hoc collective, the Citizens Coalition Against Malicious Harassment, which later became a non-profit rebranded the Northwest Coalition Against Malicious Harassment in 1987, and had a second rebrand in the late 1990’s before becoming defunct, the Northwest Coalition For Human Dignity. Members consisted of the ADL, B’nai, B’rith, Montana Human Rights Network, National Association and Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations, and many others.

View the full list here. Learn more by visiting the Idaho Secretary of State business lookup for the Northwest Coalition For Human Dignity.

A long-term plan that is just starting to come into fruition.

18-7902. MALICIOUS HARASSMENT DEFINED — PROHIBITED. It shall be unlawful for any person, maliciously and with the specific intent to intimidate or harass another person because of that person’s race, color, religion, ancestry, or national origin, to:

(a) Cause physical injury to another person; or

(b) Damage, destroy, or deface any real or personal property of another person; or

(c) Threaten, by word or act, to do the acts prohibited if there is reasonable cause to believe that any of the acts described in subsections (a) and (b) of this section will occur.

This was the backdoor approach to interfere with Idaho citizens’ First Amendment rights, and will likely be replicated in the coming legislative session.

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Jewish Federations of North America

The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) is the umbrella organization for 141 Jewish Federations across North America, focusing on;

-Government relations & lobbying
-State and local elected-official outreach
-Combating antisemitism policy advocacy
-Support for Israel / U.S.-Israel policy
-Community relations with government, religious and civic organizations
-Jewish legislator engagement
-Security-policy advocacy
-Communications and messaging initiatives such as Project Halo

One person who keeps showing up in emails with state legislators is Eli Berne is a Portland, Oregon native who studied Political Science and Public Policy at the University of Oregon after spending time at Bar-Ilan University in Israel. He began his professional career in Israel advocacy with AIPAC, then joined the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., where he served in government and congressional affairs and tracked congressional activity on behalf of Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In January 2024, he joined JFNA as State Director of Government Relations, where he oversees JFNA’s partnership with the National Association of Jewish Legislators and works on state-level legislative advocacy. Scheduled to become Director of Governmental Affairs, Jewish Federation of Greater Portland, October 1, 2026.

Federal Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings for JFNA explicitly list Eli Berne as an individual lobbyist on several issue areas. In a 2024 JFNA filing, Berne is listed among the lobbyists working on foreign-policy issues including:

• Middle East Partnership for Peace Act

• Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism

• Iron Dome funding

• Israel military aid

• FY2024 Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act — H.R. 8034

• FY2024 Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act — H.R. 8035

• Ukraine war-crimes resolutions

• Afghan Adjustment Act

• Evan Gershkovich resolutions

• U.S. Visa Waiver Program

The National Association of Jewish Legislators MERGED WITH the Jewish Federations of North America, on May 21, 2024.

The Jewish Federations of North America’s relationship with Israel is unnerving.

Knesset records show the JFNA operating directly inside Israel government forums.

Knesset to mark 100 years of Jewish-American involvement in the Yishuv and the State of Israel with a series of committee meetings and events

Diaspora Affairs Committee holds urgent meeting on antisemitism on university campuses abroad; MK Forer, chair: Israel must invest funds, resources to neutralize this threat

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SEPTEMBER 1, 2026

Family Speaks Out: ‘A Witch Hunt in Shoshone County’

Relatives of Anthony Banker allege misconduct, conflicts of interest, and a lack of accountability in his arrest, child custody case, and conviction.

By CASEY WHALEN
Idaho Tribune

SHOSHONE COUNTY, ID

The family of Anthony Banker is speaking out, alleging a troubling pattern of misconduct, conflicts of interest, and a lack of accountability by Shoshone County law enforcement, prosecutors, and the court system.

In a candid interview, Anthony’s mother, grandmother, and aunt describe what they call a “coordinated effort” to target him, take his daughter from him, and ultimately secure his conviction—despite what they say was a complete lack of evidence.

FIRST INCIDENT: ‘RIPPED OUT OF BED’

According to the family, the ordeal began in February 2023 when Shoshone County deputies—five to seven officers deep, with rifles drawn—arrived at Anthony’s home near Donner Pass, outside Wallace.

They allege the officers had paperwork only to “check on things,” not to remove a child. Nonetheless, they say deputies tore Anthony’s young daughter out of bed, handcuffed him, and searched the home.

ANTHONY BANKER

“They ripped her out of bed, put my son in handcuffs, and took her without a car seat.”

— Lynette Wayland,
Anthony Banker’s mother

The family says no female officer or CPS representative was present, and their granddaughter was transported to the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office before being sent to Washington State with her mother a few days later.

NO EVIDENCE, NO ACCOUNTABILITY

The family alleges the mother who filed the complaint had “no proof” for her allegations. In a Washington courtroom, the judge reportedly asked, “Where’s the child?”—because no one seemed to know her whereabouts.

All charges were dropped. Anthony was given his daughter back. But a month later, a deputy reportedly admitted what they did was “incorrect.”

Still, the family says Anthony continued to be watched, harassed, and ultimately targeted again.

SECOND INCIDENT, CRIMINAL CONVICTION

In November 2023, Shoshone County deputies returned—this time arresting Anthony on child abuse felony charges involving the son of Sage Bryant, a family friend of Anthony. The family alleges the case was built on fabricated statements, withheld evidence, and testimony from people with close ties to the prosecution.

Charges included

• 5 counts of felony injury to a child

• 1 count of felony destruction, alteration, or concealment of evidence

Anthony was convicted by a jury on all counts Friday, August 28, 2026. Sentencing is scheduled for November 2026.

“We believe this was a witch hunt,” said his mother, Lynette Wayland. “They took my son’s freedom and his daughter—and no one in Shoshone County will be held accountable.”

Court documents

Petition for temporary protection order

Temporary protection order initially served by Sheriff Lindsey

Denied temporary protection order

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Shoshone County Jail Death: A Mother Speaks Out Five Years Later

https://rumble.com/v7c0baq-shoshone-county-jail-death-a-mother-speaks-out-five-years-later.html

Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office Medically Neglect Inmate Who Dies - Interview with Latisha Geldreich

https://rumble.com/v79ss7m-shoshone-county-sheriffs-office-medically-neglect-inmate-who-dies-interview.html

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The Utah Sound Money Act was an important legal and conceptual precursor to the Goldback movement. The 2011 proposal sought to restore gold and silver as a usable medium of exchange in Utah—not by eliminating Federal Reserve Notes, but by creating a voluntary parallel system in which citizens and businesses could transact using precious metals.

Last year, Idaho passed House Bill 177, sponsored by Rep. Steve Miller, the Idaho Constitutional Money Act of 2025, reaffirming gold/silver as legal tender. The measure enjoyed popular support, earning approval in the state House with a 66-3-1 vote and unanimous passage, 35-0, in the Idaho Senate.

Idaho goldbacks have recently been released.

Gary Barsdorf of Alpine Gold joined me for a detailed interview about Goldbacks.

Filmed August 26, 2026, in Alpine, Utah.

Visit my new website northidahoexposed.com

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The latest chapter in the long-running legal battle between Dennis and Donna Thornton and Whitefish Credit Union took place in court on August 18, 2026.

The hearing focused on the Thorntons’ request for relief from a prior judgment based on their allegation that fraud was committed on the court. The judge authorized the Thorntons to conduct formal discovery—including requests for documents and up to 10 interrogatories—before an eventual evidentiary hearing.

The credit union disputes the Thorntons’ characterization of the underlying debt and maintains that the debt was released when the warranty deeds were recorded in 2018.

Watch the full hearing and hear the arguments directly from the courtroom as this complicated case moves into its next phase.

We have been following the multiple lawsuits in the ongoing saga between Dennis Thornton of Thorco Inc., and Whitefish Credit Union. I traveled to Kalispell, Montana to document the most recent hearing held on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at the Flathead County Courthouse with Judge Dan Wilson.

Stay tuned as we are continuing to develop updates as they unfold, it appears the screws are finally turning on Whitefish Credit Union. To help understand the breadth of this topic, download the timeline of cases and hearings 2009 to current (click here)

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Five-Hundred Acres In Question

Dennis Thornton of Thorco Inc. had plans to develop a five-hundred acre parcel in Somers, Montana, early 2000’s. Thorton attempted to generate enough money to build Montana’s first brain injury hospital for those who need assistance. His late son had incurred a traumatic brain injury, it was his way of attempting to help his family and others throughout the state. Filmed September 2021.

Montana Senator Joins Call For Investigation Into Whitefish Credit Union

Sen. Mark Noland, a Montana legislator and Whitefish Credit Union member, publicly expressed concerns about potential irregularities in the credit union’s funding, lending, and accounting practices to Brian Heino, Flathead County Sheriff. Filmed May 23, 2023.

Victims Of Whitefish Credit Union Speak Out Against Fraud

A panel discussion held with Flathead County citizens and former Whitefish Credit Union members to share like stories of possible corruption. Filmed in 2023.

More articles/videos addressing this story:

https://northwestlibertynews.com/2022/09/19/video-ceo-of-montanas-largest-credit-union-caught-in-unlawful-transfer-of-borrowers-property

https://northwestlibertynews.com/2022/09/15/bombshell-montana-representative-goes-on-record-alleging-unlawful-conduct-by-montanas-largest-credit-union

https://northwestlibertynews.com/2022/09/15/bombshell-montana-representative-goes-on-record-alleging-unlawful-conduct-by-montanas-largest-credit-union

Deanna McAtee jury trial against Whitefish Credit Union lawyer Sean Frampton of Morrison and Frampton PLLC, found guilty of malicious prosecution in 2023 by a jury.

Opening arguments

https://rumble.com/v2paaog-mcatee-v-morrison-frampton-law-jury-trial-opening-arguments-april-24-2023.html

Witness Deanna McAtee

https://rumble.com/v2pctye-mcatee-v-morrison-and-frampton-law-day-3-witness-deanna-mcatee.html

Witness Aaron Archer of Whitefish Credit Union

https://rumble.com/v2pkfhg-mcatee-v-morrison-and-frampton-law-day-witness-aaron-archer.html

Jury Finds Montana Law Firm Liable for $1.5 Million in Malicious Prosecution Claims

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jury-finds-montana-law-firm-liable-for-1-5-million-in-malicious-prosecution-claims-301813472.html

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This is a hot topic where free speech is on the chopping block unless others are willing to speak out and fight back.

See my other prior articles and videos exposing the road to hate crime enhancement, using North Idaho as an example.

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From free markets and personal liberty to economics, politics, artificial intelligence, and the future of America, one of the nation’s largest gatherings of freedom-minded individuals is preparing to return to Las Vegas.

In this exclusive interview, I sit down with Dr. Mark Skousen, economist, author, investment analyst, and founder of Freedom Fest, to discuss the event’s upcoming 2026 conference and why thousands of people from across the country attend each year.

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Dr. Skousen shares the story behind FreedomFest, his journey from economist and educator to founder of what he calls the “World’s Largest Gathering of Free Minds,” and what attendees can expect at this year’s event. We discuss featured speakers, debates, historical presentations celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, the growing influence of artificial intelligence, free-market economics, and the importance of preserving individual liberty in a rapidly changing world.

The conversation also explores why FreedomFest has become more than just a political conference—bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, authors, filmmakers, educators, activists, and everyday citizens who are passionate about the future of freedom.

>>>FREEDOMFEST 2026 - FreedomFest.com

>>>More from Dr. Mark Skousen - mskousen.com

For more unique content visit catchingfirenews.com

After months of digging into allegations involving questionable warrants, disputed court filings, and accusations of law enforcement misconduct, I traveled to Grangeville to hear directly from the people at the center of it all.

In this interview, Jeremy and Michelle Krueger Adkison share explosive claims involving alleged judicial corruption, police intimidation, disputed arrests, and what they describe as years of retaliation after challenging the system.

These are serious allegations that raise serious questions about transparency, accountability, and whether justice is being properly served in Idaho County.

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NEW INTERVIEW | Allegations of Corruption, Retaliation & Judicial Misconduct in Idaho County

In this explosive interview, Michelle Adkison (aka Winkler), Shanon ‘Iron Rose‘ Middleton and others make serious allegations involving Idaho County officials, law enforcement, court staff, prosecutors, and the Idaho court system.

The discussion includes claims of:

• Backdated court records

• Invalid warrants

• Metadata audits and alleged system manipulation

• Retaliation against citizens speaking out

• Questionable arrests and bond practices

• Alleged denial of due process

• Ongoing federal lawsuits and tort claims

The individuals interviewed describe what they believe is a deeply corrupted system operating inside Idaho County and are calling for more citizens to come forward.

These are allegations made by the interview participants and have not been independently proven in court.

More Idaho County Residents Speak Out About Alleged Corruption, Retaliation & Abuse of Power

The stories keep coming.

In this latest interview, multiple Idaho County residents describe what they believe is a long-standing pattern of intimidation, selective enforcement, retaliation, and misconduct involving local government officials, law enforcement, prosecutors, and city leadership.

Idaho County resident Jeff Baldwin describe disputes involving hunting access, court proceedings, alleged conflicts of interest, missing records, and what they believe is a “good old boys” network operating within Idaho County.

Ron details a years-long dispute with the City of Kooskia over a trailer placed on property he says is legally divided into two lots — despite claims from officials that it constitutes an “illegal RV park.” According to the interview, after challenging the city’s interpretation of ordinances, sheriff deputies allegedly began conducting repeated drive-bys and surveillance of the property.

The allegations made in this interview are serious and remain claims by the individuals speaking. However, the growing number of residents willing to publicly come forward raises important questions about transparency, accountability, and public trust inside Idaho County government.

As more citizens speak out, one thing is becoming clear: People want answers.

Not talkin’ eh?

While out filming and gathering content, Sgt. Quintal and another man scurry inside the Grangeville PD, and lock the doors.

Speaks volumes, doesn’t it???

Update for May 22, 2026

During a May 22, 2026 preliminary hearing in Idaho County Magistrate Court, Magistrate Judge David Judd presided over nine criminal cases involving Michelle Winkler, including two felony cases and multiple misdemeanor matters.

Judge Judd explained he had only recently been assigned to the cases after prior magistrate judges were disqualified and acknowledged he was handling the hearings on short notice via video conference from Clearwater County.

Michelle Winkler appeared by video and repeatedly stated she was appearing “by special divine appearance,” claiming she was under “threats and duress” and asserting that numerous Idaho County officials, including prosecutors and courthouse personnel, were compromised and involved in ongoing lawsuits and tort claims filed by her family.

Throughout the hearing, Winkler alleged that the charges, warrants, and court proceedings against her were fraudulent and invalid, claiming she had evidence of corruption and that the FBI was investigating the matter. Judge Judd repeatedly cautioned her not to discuss case facts in detail in order to protect her right to remain silent and encouraged her to obtain legal counsel.

Winkler informed the court she was actively seeking a private attorney and requested approximately one month to secure representation and allow counsel time to review the extensive case materials.

Judge Judd explained that granting a continuance beyond 21 days would require Winkler to waive her right to a speedy preliminary hearing on the felony cases. After discussion and clarification from the judge, Winkler voluntarily waived that right so the hearings could be rescheduled.

The court ultimately reset the two felony preliminary hearings for June 23, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. in Idaho County and continued all related misdemeanor matters to the same date.

One of the most notable moments of the hearing occurred near the conclusion when Winkler again raised concerns about what she described as a “federal warrant” allegedly used in her arrest. Judge Judd responded directly on the record, stating:

“It’s my understanding there’s no warrants outstanding.” (including federal warrants)

Judge Judd further stated he was not addressing any active warrant issues because, according to his understanding of the case status, prior warrant matters had already been handled in earlier proceedings.

The hearing concluded with the court entering recess after confirming future scheduling and arrangements for discovery materials to be sent to Winkler by mail until counsel is retained.

Update for May 25, 2026

I will be back in Idaho County in the near future and planning another meet-up with locals.

More details soon.

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All video shot in 4k on location in Grangeville, Idaho by Casey Whalen.

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Shoshone County Republicans packed the room for this year’s Lincoln Day Dinner, turning what used to be a routine political gathering into something that felt more like a rally for accountability, constitutional government, and local control. Between candidate speeches, legislative updates, and a steady stream of auction items, the message was clear: voters here are paying attention, and they’re tired of being treated like they aren’t.

Several candidates and officials took the microphone to outline what they believe the county and state need moving forward. The crowd heard from Shoshone County Sheriff Shawn Wehr, who emphasized “constitutional policing” as not only a moral obligation but also a practical safeguard against liability, lawsuits, and taxpayer-funded settlements. His remarks struck a chord in a county where distrust of government overreach runs deep.

Idaho GOP leadership and lawmakers also used the night to push a familiar theme: the Republican brand must mean something. Kootenai County Republican Central Committee Chair Brent Regan warned against so-called “Republicans” who campaign as conservatives but vote like Democrats once they reach Boise.

Idaho State Rep (District 2A) Heather Scott gave a rundown of the Idaho Freedom Caucus agenda and touted recent legislative victories, including bills aimed at limiting digital IDs, expanding state sovereignty authority, and pushing back against federal influence.

Rep. Dale Hawkins (District 2B) followed with a blunt focus on illegal immigration costs, warning Idaho taxpayers are footing the bill without even having accurate numbers on the scale of the issue.

As the event wrapped up, the tone shifted after news broke of an apparent shooting involving President Donald Trump at a Correspondents’ Dinner event in Washington DC. The room paused for prayer, reinforcing the seriousness and intensity of the political moment the country is in.

Lincoln Day in Shoshone County wasn’t polished or scripted. It was rural Idaho politics in its raw form: a room full of people who believe their county matters, their votes matter, and their Constitution still means something. Whether you agree with every speaker or not, the takeaway is simple: Shoshone County is not asleep, and the people here are preparing for a fight at the ballot box.

Sheriff Mack endorsed Shawn Wehr for Shoshone County Sheriff.

For more information about the Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association visit CSPOA.ORG.

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I’m launching a documentary project that examines the life, work, and controversies surrounding Dr. James H. Fetzer—a philosopher, author, and public intellectual who has spent decades challenging mainstream narratives and defending the principle of open inquiry.

This film is not designed as an endorsement or a rebuttal, but as a serious, long-form exploration of a complex figure whose ideas, academic career, and public battles raise important questions about free speech, dissent, censorship, and the boundaries of acceptable debate in modern society. At a time when platforms, institutions, and media increasingly decide which viewpoints may be heard, Fetzer’s story offers a compelling case study in the cost of intellectual independence.

Funding for this project will support archival research, interviews, travel, production, and post-production, allowing the documentary to be completed without institutional or corporate influence. Contributions are being collected through GiveSendGo, ensuring transparency and direct support for independent journalism and filmmaking.

If you believe in preserving historical records, protecting open discourse, and telling stories that others are unwilling to tell, I invite you to consider supporting this documentary and helping bring this important story to the public.

I am planning this trip for early April 2026.

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Drawing on years of firsthand research, undercover reporting, and thousands of hours reviewing activist trainings and conferences, Dr. Borysenko explains why focusing solely on historical thinkers like Marx or the Frankfurt School misses what today’s activists are actually doing and planning. From DEI trainings and critical theory to attacks on capitalism, parental rights, and the nuclear family, she lays out a framework for understanding the language, subcultures, and strategic goals of modern radical movements—and why she believes many on the right are unprepared for what comes next.

More of her ongoing analysis and original reporting can be found at karlyn.substack.com and decodetheleft.com.

For more content visit catchingfirenews.com and americanpolicy.org.

More from this expose.

https://caseywhalen.substack.com/p/the-canfield-shooting-police-report

On June 29, 2025, 20 year old Wess Val Roley was named as primary suspect in the fatal shooting and murder of Battalion Chief Frank Harwood, 42, of Kootenai County Fire & Rescue, and Battalion Chief John Morrison, 52, of the Coeur d'Alene Fire Department. Dave Tysdal, a 47-year-old Coeur d'Alene Fire Department engineer was injured.

Sheriff Bob Norris gave a press conference that same day.

At approximately 1:21 p.m., dispatch received a report of a fire near the Nettleton Gulch trailhead. Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and Kootenai County Fire & Rescue units responded. There were no scheduled controlled burns in the area.

Fire personnel arrived and began staging equipment. Within minutes, gunfire erupted.

Full radio dispatch leading up to the discovery of the victims shoot.

Suspect Wess Val Roley

He was found deceased near the upper parking lot with a 12-gauge Maverick 88 shotgun. Investigators determined his death appeared to be self-inflicted.

A search of his vehicle uncovered:

• A .22 caliber rifle (not documented as used in the shooting)

• Additional 12-gauge ammunition

• Fire-starting materials

• Forest maps

• A handwritten note indicating violent intent

The Maverick 88 had:

• Dent in magazine tube.

• Likely limited to single round loading.

• If magazine was limited to one round at a time, that affects:

  • Rate of fire

  • Timeline

  • Perceived number of shooters (slower cycling vs rapid fire perception)

Investigators concluded the fire had been intentionally set, likely to draw first responders into the area.

While there do seem to be inconsistencies about suppressed fire and mention the windows of the fire fighters responding vehicles shot by a large caliber rounds, nothing in the report suggests there were other shooters.

Vehicle Evidence

At the upper parking lot of Canfield trailhead:

• Ford Ranger (linked to suspect)

• Subaru station wagon

• Battalion vehicles damaged by gunfire

• Windshield strikes consistent with large caliber firearm

• Multiple shotgun hulls and .223/5.56 casings observed

List of agencies who responded

A portion of 911 audio calls acquired through public record requests.

One caller mentions his son witnessed multiple people in fatigues a few days prior the shooting and arson.

»»»Download the full 80+ page police report here«««

More public record requests have been filed in this case and will be available soon.

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VIDEO: Rep. Ilana Rubel (D) and Rep. Judy Boyle (R) urged for a no vote on HCR 25, February 6, 2026. Allowing Idaho to join a Constitutional Convention of States. Regardless, the bill was adopted 36-34 and now heads to the Idaho Senate.

The COS ‘Con Job’ and the Real Motive Behind It - by Rich Loudenback

WHY SHOULD ANYONE BELIEVE THAT NEW LAWS CREATED BY A CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION (CON-CON) WOULD MAGICALLY BE FOLLOWED ANY MORE THAN PRESENT LAWS?

FEW STATE LEGISLATORS SEEM TO REALIZE THAT OUR NATION’S DISASTROUS BUDGET DEFICITS HAVE ACCRUED OUT OF DISREGARD FOR CONSTITUTIONAL RESTRAINTS IN THE FIRST PLACE. BECAUSE HAD GOVERNMENT BEEN HELD ONLY TO ITS CONSTITUTIONALLY AUTHORIZED ACTIVITIES, NO BUDGET CRISIS COULD HAVE DEVELOPED. NOR WOULD ANY OTHER OF THE MANY FIXES FOR OTHER ISSUES PROPOSED BY THE CONVENTION OF STATES OR OTHER CON-CON GROUPS TO OPEN AN ARTICLE V CONVENTION.

And for the sake of your grandchildren don’t believe the folly about this not being an Article V Convention. It most certainly would be as it must follow Article V explicitly. Black’s Law Dictionary is America’s most trusted law dictionary. Its definition of a constitutional convention: “A duly constituted assembly of delegates or representatives of the people of a state or nation for the purpose of framing, revising, or amending its constitution.” Renaming it a “Convention of States” doesn’t change what it is.

There are very bad people (The World Economic Forum) and the (Council on Foreign Relations) and nefarious people of the Convention of States Action (Mark Meckler/Rick Santorum) and their propagandist minions) who want to have their way with our bedrock Constitution which is responsible for all our freedoms and the sole reason the United States of America has succeeded at more than any other country for 250 years.

Legislators are being duped into thinking that a Convention of States is a marvelous avenue to pursue in quelling what’s wrong in Washington, DC. And, their agenda is NOT grassroots! It is a nefarious con job.

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Full article here »»» The COS 'Con Job' and the Real Motive Behind It by Rich Loudenback.