Your Daily Briefing – 02/05/2026

IDAHO & REGIONAL NEWS HEADLINES

Immigration & Healthcare

A North Idaho lawmaker has introduced a bill requiring some hospitals to report how many undocumented patients they serve. Hospitals would submit that data to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. The bill now moves forward for a public hearing.

Fire & Emergency Response

Fire crews responded to a blaze at the Pheasant View Townhomes yesterday morning. Smoke was discovered in the attic, and crews believe an electrical issue may be responsible. No injuries were reported.

Crime & Courts

A man who skipped court on robbery and kidnapping charges has been arrested in San Diego. Alberto Canchola will be returned to Jerome to face charges.

Education & Civil Rights

A former West Ada teacher has filed a federal lawsuit challenging Idaho’s classroom flag law. Sarah Inama says her “Everyone is Welcome Here” sign was wrongly removed by the West Ada School District. The lawsuit seeks to block enforcement of the law.

Immigration Law

Idaho lawmakers are moving to revise the state’s immigration crime law amid an ongoing lawsuit. Senator Todd Lakey says the new bill strengthens ties to federal law.

Public Lands & State Policy

A new proposal could change how Idaho manages state lands. Representative Britt Raybould is backing a constitutional amendment aimed at reducing pressure to sell endowment lands while focusing more on long-term revenue and public access.

Medicaid & Budget Cuts

More than 500 people packed the Idaho Statehouse to oppose proposed Medicaid cuts. Senate Minority Leader Melissa Wintrow helped lead the forum after budget leaders declined to allow public testimony. Governor Brad Little has proposed 45 million dollars in cuts, which families say could be devastating.

Transportation & DMV

Idaho lawmakers advanced a bill from Representative Jon Weber that would eliminate license plate stickers. Another proposal would tighten vehicle registration rules for new Idaho residents.

Boise Airport Expansion

The Boise Airport has unveiled new dining and shopping options beyond security, featuring a mix of local favorites and national brands. The additions follow a 17 million dollar renovation.

Law Enforcement Standards

Idaho State Police Forensic Services has renewed its national lab accreditation through 2029, confirming high standards for forensic testing statewide.

SPORTS

High School Boys Basketball

In Declo, the Hornets were on fire, jumping out to a 24-point lead after the first quarter and cruising past Aberdeen, 78 to 36. Carter Robertson led the way, while the Garrard brothers, Dacx and Dane, made key plays. Declo improves to 10 and 8 and sits second in the conference.

Around the boys’ scoreboard, Sun Valley edged Hagerman 59 to 56, Shoshone slipped past Oakley 49 to 46, Raft River beat Murtaugh 64 to 53, Thunder Ridge topped Canyon Ridge 77 to 69, and Wendell knocked off Soda Springs 60 to 50.

Girls Basketball

In District Tournament semifinals, Filer beat Wood River 52 to 40, and Kimberly rolled past Gooding 70 to 50. In other action, Richfield topped Castleford 46 to 35, Hansen cruised past Camas County 56 to 18, and Jerome knocked off Minico 56 to 35.

High School Basketball Tonight

Thursday, February 5th is a busy night on the hardwood. On the boys’ side, Camas County is on the road at Carey, Richfield heads to Dietrich, Castleford travels to Hansen, Jerome is at Mountain Home, Burley and Twin Falls square off in conference play, and Minico takes on Wood River on the road.

On the girls’ side, it’s district tournament time. At six o’clock, Shoshone faces Glenns Ferry at Raft River. At seven, Declo plays at Aberdeen, Canyon Ridge is in Pocatello taking on Highland, Hagerman meets Oakley, and Soda Springs visits Wendell. Wrapping things up at 7:30, Valley takes on Raft River.

Winter Olympics

The 2026 Winter Olympics are almost here, and five athletes with Idaho ties will represent Team USA starting Friday in Milan. Sun Valley standouts Chase Josey and Breezy Johnson return, while Sammy Smith, Ryder Sarchett, and John Steele Hagenbuch make their Olympic debuts. Opening ceremonies are Friday at noon Mountain on NBC and Peacock.

College Basketball

The Boise State Broncos women stayed hot with a 70 to 61 road win over Nevada. Libby Hutton scored 16 as the Broncos rallied from 11 down to extend their winning streak to eight. Boise State now sits at 18 and 5 and hosts New Mexico Saturday at one o’clock.

College Softball

The Idaho State Bengals softball season opens this weekend at the Fresno State Kickoff Classic in California. The Bengals will face SIUE and Fresno State from Friday through Sunday. Idaho State enters the year as the Big Sky preseason favorite and is ranked 21st nationally among mid-major programs.

WEATHER

Extended Forecast

Sunshine Thursday with a high near 58 and clear, chilly conditions overnight. Friday brings increasing clouds with highs in the upper 50s. The weekend stays mostly sunny near 60. Rain chances move in late Sunday, followed by cooler conditions Monday and Tuesday with possible rain and snow. Highs drop back into the 40s.