Mountain Home wildfire updates: A fast-moving 300-acre RA 1 fire in Mountain Home injured six first responders, including one deputy still hospitalized but expected to be released soon. Officials say residents who lost homes are accounted for, roads are reopened, and the cause remains under investigation—while some residents report emergency alerts didn’t reach their phones during the chaos. Evacuation preparedness: Idaho emergency agencies are urging people to sign up for local alert systems, turn on wireless emergency alerts, use the Idaho Fire Map, and build go-bags with meds, documents, chargers, cash, water, and pet supplies—plus plan multiple evacuation routes. Community response: Neighbors and volunteers rallied to protect homes and support evacuees as the fire threatened properties. Wildfire cost/benefit research: New research estimates big savings from fuel-reduction work, including billions avoided in fire-related harm when the U.S. Forest Service invests in prescribed burns and mitigation. Public health funding dispute: Commissioners from five northern counties voted 4-1 to deny Panhandle Health District’s FY 2027 budget, raising concerns about planned clinical expansions. Idaho health policy/coverage: Idaho’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit reported $900,756 recovered in FY 2025, with requests to expand access to federal claims data to strengthen prosecutions. Local wellness/health access: A free Sports Physical Clinic is planned at Lewiston High School.