February 8, 2026
TPUSA’s long-anticipated half time show will air tomorrow at around 8 PM EST/6PM MST. The show will feature performances by American music icons Kid Rock, Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett.
TPUSA will stream the show on X, Rumble, and YouTube. It will also air on the Daily Wire, Real America’s Voice, TBN, CHARGE, The National News Desk, NTD, and One America News.
(Attorney General’s Office Press Release, February 5, 2026)
BOISE, ID — Attorney General Raúl Labrador is warning Idaho families about scammers impersonating law enforcement and court officials to steal money from relatives of incarcerated individuals.
Bail bond agents and court officials across Idaho report that scammers are using publicly available jail rosters to identify targets, then contacting family members with false claims that immediate payment is needed to secure a loved one’s release. The scammers make their schemes appear legitimate by faking caller IDs, using official-looking logos, and referencing names of local sheriffs, judges, and court staff. Many direct victims to pay through cryptocurrency ATMs.
“These scammers target families at their most vulnerable moments,” said Attorney General Labrador. “They exploit a parent’s or grandparent’s instinct to help by manufacturing fear, creating false urgency, and demanding immediate payment. It’s cruel, deliberate, and wrong. Idaho families deserve to be protected from those who would steal hard-earned money through lies and intimidation.”
To confirm information about an incarcerated family member, always verify information by calling the jail directly by finding an official number online rather than using one provided by the caller.
The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division offers the following tips to Idahoans looking to avoid typical scams:
If you encounter this scam, hang up and contact the jail directly. Report scams at ReportScamsIdaho.com.
(White House Office of the First Lady Press Release, February 6, 2026)
First Lady Melania Trump is pleased to announce initial details for the 148th White House Easter Egg Roll. The Easter Egg Roll will take place on Monday, April 6, 2026, on the South Lawn of the White House. Families with children 13 years old and younger are invited to join the President, First Lady, White House staff, and their families for a day of festivities.
The White House Easter Egg Roll is a timeless White House tradition, dating back to 1878 during the Presidency of Rutherford B. Hayes. This year, the White House Easter Egg Roll will honor America’s 250th birthday by incorporating patriotic themes throughout the event. The President and First Lady look forward to continuing this entertaining tradition and making it a truly memorable experience for all.
For more information regarding the 2026 White House Easter Egg Roll, please click here.
ONLINE TICKET LOTTERY
White House Easter Egg Roll tickets are free to the public and can be requested through an online lottery opening on Thursday, February 26, 2026, and closing on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 12:00 PM ET. Entering the lottery is free of charge, and winners will be notified via email no later than March 10, 2026. Tickets are not for sale or resale. Those interested in attending may enter the lottery here.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
As in previous years, the White House will select volunteers for the Easter Egg Roll through an online application. Prospective volunteers may submit their names here. The deadline for applying to become a volunteer is Friday, February 27, 2026.
COMMEMORATIVE EGGS
This year’s official White House Easter Egg Roll commemorative eggs will be available to the general public. More information will be available soon by visiting the lottery’s website.
(U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Press Release, February 5, 2026)
Washington, D.C.–Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration took additional steps to support the transition of our nation’s food supply from the use of artificial petroleum-based colors to alternatives derived from natural sources. Companies will now have flexibility to claim products contain ‘no artificial colors’ when the products do not contain petroleum-based colors. In the past, companies were generally only able to make such claims when their products had no added color whatsoever — whether derived from natural sources or otherwise.
The agency sent a letter to industry providing notice of the FDA’s intent to exercise enforcement discretion related to these voluntary labeling claims.
“This is real progress,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “We are making it easier for companies to move away from petroleum-based synthetic colors and adopt safer, naturally derived alternatives. This momentum advances our broader effort to help Americans eat real food and Make America Healthy Again.”
Additionally, the agency today also approved beetroot red, a new color option, and approved the expanded use of spirulina extract, an existing color additive derived from a natural source. These actions were initiated by two petitions and will further help the industry transition from petroleum-based food colors. This brings the total number of new food color options approved under the current administration to six.
“We acknowledge that calling colors derived from natural sources ‘artificial’ might be confusing for consumers and a hindrance for companies to explore alternative food coloring options,” said FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H. “We’re taking away that hindrance and making it easier for companies to use these colors in the foods our families eat every day.”
This work builds on previous HHS and FDA actions to encourage companies to phase out the use of petroleum-based colors in their food products. In April 2025, HHS and the FDA first announced a series of new measures to work with industry to phase out use of all petroleum-based synthetic colors from the nation’s food supply—a significant milestone in the administration’s broader initiative to Make America Healthy Again. Ongoing progress in removing petroleum-based colors from the food supply is being publicly tracked by the FDA at Tracking Food Industry Pledges to Remove Petroleum Based Food Dyes.
“We are working diligently to facilitate industry’s phase out of petroleum-based colors and speed up authorizations for colors that are derived from alternative sources,” said Kyle Diamantas, J.D., Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods. “The actions announced today give companies even more ways to transition to the use of alternative colors derived from natural sources.”
While the FDA encourages manufacturers to transition to alternative colors, including those derived from natural sources, the agency is also reminding manufacturers of their responsibility to ensure color additive safety. Therefore, the agency is issuing a letter that, among other things, highlights resources that may assist manufacturers of authorized color additives in maintaining high standards of safety and purity.
(Idaho Fish and Game Press Release, January 28, 2026)
The Idaho Fish and Game Commission approved the purchase of 280 acres during its November meeting, expanding the Tex Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in eastern Idaho. Funding for the acquisition was provided by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, onX, and Idaho Department of Fish and Game license dollars. The Department took ownership of the property in early December following Commission approval.
The newly acquired property is located approximately 16 miles east of Idaho Falls and is directly adjacent to the existing Tex Creek WMA. The 280 acres consist of two parcels that will provide important habitat benefits for big game winter range and Columbian sharp-tailed grouse year-round.
The southern parcel includes one of the few remaining juniper stands in the area, which has been shown to be critical winter habitat for mule deer following the Henry’s Creek Fire in 2016. Protecting this parcel helps maintain secure winter range for deer and other wildlife during harsh conditions.
The northern parcel is primarily grassland habitat, consistent with much of the former agricultural landscape within the WMA. This habitat supports Columbian sharp-tailed grouse throughout the year and contributes to the long-term conservation of the species.
Tex Creek WMA is managed to help wildlife when they are most vulnerable, while also providing unique hunting and recreational opportunities for the public. “Thanks to Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and onX for helping to make this acquisition possible,” says Ryan Walker, Tex Creek Habitat Biologist. “Adding these additional acres will protect them in perpetuity and allow the wildlife populations that depend on these landscapes to thrive.”
February 6, 2026
American Falls, Idaho — [On Friday,] Conservative Republican James Lamborn announced his candidacy for the Idaho House of Representatives in District 28, saying the district deserves clear, principled leadership that reflects the conservative values of its voters.
“I’m running because District 28 deserves a true conservative,” Lamborn said. “Families here believe in faith, freedom, and personal responsibility, and they deserve a representative who will defend those values without compromise.”
Born in Auburn, Washington, Lamborn grew up moving frequently due to his stepfather’s military service. Lamborn and his wife Misty ultimately chose to put down their roots in Idaho, seeking a safer and freer place to raise their family.
Since moving to Power County, Lamborn has become deeply involved in Republican grassroots activism. He helped revive the Power County GOP Central Committee and currently serves as its Vice Chairman, while his wife Misty serves as a State Committeewoman. Together, they have worked to strengthen local party organization and build a base of conservative volunteers.
Lamborn built his career from the ground up, working in the restaurant industry, as a route sales representative and Teamsters union member, later as a general manager, and now as a self-employed investor. He says that background gives him a practical understanding of the challenges working families and small businesses face.
“As conservatives, we need representatives who will stand firm for school choice, parental rights, fiscal responsibility, the Second Amendment, and the sanctity of life,” Lamborn said. “Idaho must never become the kind of state families feel they have to flee.”
James and Misty Lamborn have been married since 2013 and are proud parents and grandparents. They are active in church, community life, and Republican politics.
For more information, visit www.LambornForIdaho.com.
Editor’s note: This article originally appeared in the Gem State Chronicle. I encourage our readers to visit their website and consider subscribing. Find this and other informative articles at the Gem State Chronicle here: About – Gem State Chronicle
(Idaho National Laboratory Press Release, February 5, 2026; Cover image credit: INL FB)
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — The Idaho National Laboratory is launching SparkLab, a new student-centered and mentor-supported research experience for high school juniors and seniors. These research scholars will engage in immersive, cutting-edge science research projects and help INL work to change the world’s energy future.
SparkLab connects students with INL researchers for project-based research aligned with INL mission areas. Over three months, participants will build research skills, explore STEM careers and tackle authentic scientific challenges, taking their classroom learning to the next level.
The program runs from 1-3 p.m. Fridays from March 20 through May 30 at the Critical Materials and Energy Systems Innovation Center (formerly known as the Center for Advanced Energy Studies). Students will work closely with mentors to develop a research project. They will present their findings during a culminating research showcase open to the public where projects will be judged by INL experts.
Apply here. Applications are due Feb. 27.
If you have questions, contact Cait McGraw, K-12 STEM Education & Outreach.
By Brandon Hallmark, INL Communications
About Idaho National Laboratory
Battelle Energy Alliance manages INL for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy. INL is the nation’s center for nuclear energy research and development, and also performs research in each of DOE’s strategic goal areas: energy, national security, science and the environment. For more information, visit www.inl.gov. Follow us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.
(From the Desk of Idaho Senator James E. Risch, February 5, 2026)
Idahoans are raised on a basic truth: “Hard work pays off.”
Yet, every grocery run and utility bill have made it more difficult to get ahead. Republicans are committed to reversing this.
In 2026, my focus is simple: lower costs, protect family budgets, and create an economy that rewards hardworking Idahoans.
In a recent OpEd, I outlined our efforts to bring down the cost of living, including:
These reforms will not only bring down inflation and restore taxpayer accountability, but create jobs, strengthen supply chains, and reduce prices
Lower costs. Responsible spending. More freedom. As your Senator, I will continue working to deliver on these goals and make Idaho affordable for this generation and the next.
For the latest press releases and constituent services visit risch.senate.gov.
To receive email updates on what I’m working on as your Senator, click here.
To connect with me on Twitter, visit my Twitter page.
To connect with me on Facebook, visit my Facebook page.
February 6, 2026 (Cover Photo Credit: Karyn Simmons)
Dear Friends,
[On Thursday], the Idaho Supreme Court unanimously rejected a constitutional challenge to HB93, Idaho’s School Choice Tax Credit, allowing families who have already applied to move forward with the program. My office successfully defended the law, with my Solicitor General, Michael Zarian, arguing the case before the Court last month.
This decision confirms that Idaho’s constitutional requirement to maintain a system of public schools does not prevent the Idaho Legislature from doing more to expand educational opportunities. The Court rejected the petitioner’s narrow reading of the people’s dually elected representative’s power to legislate education matters. This ruling is a victory for Idaho families and affirms their freedom to choose the educational path that best fits their children’s needs and futures.
A group of petitioners, including the Idaho Education Association, the Latah County school district, and the Committee to Protect and Preserve the Idaho Constitution, filed a petition asking the Court to block the Tax Commission from implementing the program which opened for public applications last month. They argued that Article IX, Section 1 of the Idaho Constitution prohibits the legislature from funding any K-12 schools that are not public schools, and that the tax credit primarily serves private rather than public interests.
The Court dismissed those arguments. Chief Justice Bevan, writing for the unanimous Court, held that Article IX, Section 1 “establishes a floor, and not a ceiling” on legislative authority over education. When the Constitution mandates the legislature “establish and maintain” a system of public schools, the Court stated, “it is not reasonable to read that mandate as restricting the legislature’s broader power to do something more.”
On the public purpose challenge, the Court deferred to the legislature’s stated objective of expanding parental choice, finding the purpose neither arbitrary nor unreasonable. The Court noted that education is universally regarded as a public purpose and that incidental benefits to private entities do not change that.
The decision was unanimous, and the Court awarded attorney fees to the State and costs to both the State and the Idaho State Legislature.
This ruling aligns with what Idahoans have consistently said they want. Three independent statewide polls show consistent support from Idahoans on school choice tax credits.
That number jumps even higher among parents, with polling by EdChoice and Morning Consult showing 78 percent of Idaho parents support the tax credit.
The School Choice Tax Credit provides up to $5,000 per student in refundable tax credits for qualified educational expenses including tuition, tutoring, curricula, and assessments. Families with children who have certain disabilities can receive up to $7,500. The program gives priority to families earning less than 300 percent of the federal poverty level and allows advance payments so families can afford educational options immediately. Like other tax credits in Idaho law, the program reduces a family’s tax liability based on how they spend their own money. The program does not take funding from public schools, does not grant government authority over nonpublic schools, and does not require schools to alter their admissions policies, curriculum, or practices.
Since taking office, I have always made defending parental rights and protecting Idaho families a top priority. I am proud of the work our team did defending this law and I’m grateful that Idaho families now have more choices for their children’s futures.
Best regards,
ABOUT THE OFFICE
The Attorney General’s Office provides legal representation to the State of Idaho. The Attorney General and his deputies represent state agencies and offices, to better the lives of Idahoans.
For more information about the Office, visit our website here.
(White House Press Release, February 5, 2026)
HISTORIC LAUNCH TO LOWER DRUG PRICES FOR AMERICAN PATIENTS: Today, President Donald J. Trump announced the launch of TrumpRx.gov. Through the website, patients will be able to access large discounts on many of the most popular and highest-priced medicines in the country, paying prices in line with the lowest paid by other developed nations (known as the most-favored-nation, or MFN, price).
DELIVERING LOWER COSTS ON THE MOST POPULAR DRUGS: As of today, patients purchasing directly through TrumpRx.gov will be able to see massive price reductions on 40 of the most popular and expensive branded medicines in the nation. Select examples include:
DELIVERING LOWER COSTS ON THE MOST POPULAR DRUGS: President Trump is delivering on promises to ensure American patients no longer pay high prices to subsidize low prices in the rest of the world, something the political establishment did not believe was possible.
