Your Daily Briefing – 02/05/2026

IDAHO POLITICS & STATE GOVERNMENT

HB 559 Advances: Tax Cuts vs. Budget Reality

An Idaho House of Representatives committee has advanced House Bill 559, which would align state tax policy with recent federal tax cuts.
Sponsor Jeff Ehlers argues the bill would provide relief for Idaho taxpayers. Critics, however, warn the change could cost the state an estimated 155 million dollars, raising concerns about potential impacts on public schools and Medicaid funding.
The bill now moves to the full Idaho House for consideration.

HB 557: Blocking Local LGBTQ Protections

Another House committee has advanced House Bill 557, legislation that would prevent cities and counties from enforcing local LGBTQ nondiscrimination ordinances.
Sponsor Bruce Skaug says the bill protects businesses from a patchwork of local rules. Opponents argue it undermines local control and weakens civil rights protections.
This bill also heads to the full House for debate.

School Funding Pushback Amid Budget Cuts

State Superintendent Debbie Critchfield is pushing back against proposed education budget cuts, telling lawmakers she will not recommend further reductions for public schools.
Her stance comes as Governor Brad Little has ordered most state agencies to trim spending, as Idaho faces an estimated 80-million-dollar budget deficit.

INFRASTRUCTURE & UTILITIES

Power Outage in Gooding County

More than 2,400 Idaho Power customers lost electricity yesterday around 3:40 p.m.
The outage affected areas between Hagerman and Wendell and was attributed to an equipment issue.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC SAFETY

Hailey Targets Reckless E-Bike Riding

The Hailey City Council is moving to crack down on reckless e-bike use, proposing to upgrade violations from an infraction to a misdemeanor.
Police Chief Steven England says speeding and ignoring traffic signs are the biggest problems.
At the state level, lawmakers including Chris Mathias are backing House Bill 500, which would strengthen e-bike regulations statewide.

ECONOMY & CONSUMER COSTS

Gas Prices on the Rise

Gas prices continue climbing across Idaho.
According to AAA Idaho, the statewide average is now $2.85 per gallon, up seven cents from last week.
Officials cite colder weather, increased demand, and rising oil prices as the main drivers.

BALLOT INITIATIVES

Medical Cannabis Initiative Moves Forward

The Boise-based Natural Medicine Alliance of Idaho says it has collected more than 45,000 signatures for a medical cannabis ballot initiative.
Supporters aim to qualify the Idaho Medical Cannabis Act for the November 2026 election.
Signature submissions are due by April 30.

CRIME & COURTS

Twin Falls Child Sex Abuse Case

A Twin Falls man is facing serious charges following a police investigation.
Scot Roberts, 62, has been charged with three felony counts of child sex abuse and is being held on $75,000 bond.
Twin Falls Police say a preliminary hearing is scheduled for February 6th.

SPORTS

High School Girls Basketball Results

Jerome beat Twin Falls 40–30 on the road.
- Jerome improves to 12–8
- Twin Falls falls to 7–14, with only a couple regular-season games left
Gooding defeated Buhl 60–28
Burley beat Mountain Home 67–49
- The Bobcats now prepare for district tournament play, starting Monday, February 9th

High School Boys Basketball Results

Sun Valley over Glenns Ferry 71–62
Hagerman topped Oakley 57–44
Murtaugh rolled past Shoshone 66–27

High School Boys Basketball Tonight (7:30 PM Tip-Offs)

Dietrich at Camas County
Carey at Castleford
Buhl at Filer
Burley vs. Minico
Hansen at Richfield
Kimberly at undefeated Sugar-Salem (non-conference)
Jerome at Twin Falls
Mountain Home at Wood River

Girls District Tournament Action

4:30 PM – Hagerman vs. Murtaugh at Raft River
6:00 PM – Glenns Ferry vs. Valley
7:00 PM – Canyon Ridge at unbeaten Rigby
7:30 PM – Shoshone vs. Raft River

CSI Softball

The College of Southern Idaho split again with Arizona Western:

Lost Game 1: 4–1
Won Game 2: 6–2, with strong pitching and timely hitting

CSI is now 2–2 and heads to Florida on February 12th.

CSI Basketball Rankings

Both CSI Golden Eagles teams are ranked in the latest NJCAA poll:

Women: 21–3
Men: 22–2, ranked No. 7

CSI hosts North Idaho College Saturday:

Women tip at 1 PM
Men tip at 3 PM

Idaho Basketball Remembers Bus Connor

Former Boise State Broncos coach and Burley native Bus Connor has passed away at 93.
Connor led Boise State to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 1976.
Current coach Leon Rice called him a great coach and person.
That 1976 team will be honored February 21st against San Jose State.

Boise State Men’s Basketball Tonight

The Boise State Broncos return home after two road games to host the Nevada Wolf Pack at ExtraMile Arena.
Tip-off is set for 7 PM.
Boise State has won seven of the last ten in the series and remains one of the toughest home teams in the Mountain West Conference.

Women’s College Basketball

The Idaho State Bengals beat the Portland State Vikings 69–57 last night.
Head coach Seton Sobolewski earned his 300th career win, and Tasia Jordan scored 30 points.
Idaho State improves to 14–7 in Big Sky Conference play.