Idaho
Disability advocates gather at Idaho Capitol to support Medicaid expansion
BOISE, Idaho — Disability advocates gathered at the Idaho State Capitol on Wednesday for Fred Riggers Disability Awareness Day, an annual event aimed at raising awareness and advocating for policies that support people with disabilities.
For Ian, a longtime attendee, the event is a highlight of his year.
“This is one of my highlights of the year… I’m here basically to help, to give cheer, and to show other people that living by yourself with a disability is possible,” he said. “People with disabilities can do anything they put their mind to.”
One of the day’s key focuses was the impact of Medicaid expansion on Idahoans with disabilities. Medicaid expansion, approved by voters in 2018, has provided healthcare coverage to more than 80,000 Idahoans.
For Nole, who has cerebral palsy, Medicaid is critical to his ability to live independently.
“If I lost my Medicaid coverage, that would not be good, and that would make my anxiety go through the roof,” he said.
However, as lawmakers consider measures to cut or cap Medicaid expansion, advocates warn of the potential consequences for people with disabilities.
State Rep. Marco Erickson (R) pushed back against the argument that Medicaid expansion is a financial burden for Idaho.
“There’s a narrative around here often that says it’s costing us a lot more money than it really is… It’s really a wash for us, and we’re getting $1.85 an hour back for every dollar we’re spending. So I think that’s a good investment for the state of Idaho,” Erickson said.
For Ian and Nole, Medicaid is more than just a program—it is a lifeline to independence.
“People with disabilities are in the community, and they’re just like you and me,” Ian said. “Understanding this population is the first step toward acceptance.”
MOUNTAIN HOME, Idaho (CBS2) — A joint investigation by the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office and the Mountain Home Police Department has led to the arrest of a man accused of multiple sexual offenses in Elmore County and the city of Mountain Home.
An arrest warrant was issued on June 10, 2026, for Dillon Thorpe following an investigation conducted by Elmore County Sheriff’s Office detectives. Thorpe was taken into custody on June 11, 2026, on a warrant by the Idaho State Police.
Thorpe is charged with rape, child enticement, lewd conduct with a minor, and sexual abuse of a child under the age of 16.
Authorities said additional details about the investigation will not be released at this time because of the nature of the crimes and to protect the privacy of victims and witnesses.
Law enforcement believes there may be additional suspected victims and/or witnesses who have not yet been identified. Anyone with information or evidence relevant to the investigation is encouraged to contact the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office or the Mountain Home Police Department to make a report.
DENVER (KDVR) — Three Colorado motorcyclists died on Tuesday in northern Idaho after a pickup truck driver, also from Colorado, hit all three while trying to pass another vehicle, according to the Idaho State Police.
The crash happened at about 4 p.m. Tuesday outside the town of Kooskia on U.S. 12, police said. The pickup truck driver, identified as a 60-year-old Colorado Springs woman, was headed west on the highway when she crossed the double yellow line in a no-passing zone while trying to pass another vehicle.
She then collided head-on with the three motorcycles that were headed east on the highway.
The three motorcyclists died at the scene. The Idaho County Coroner identified the motorcyclists as: Ethan Powers, 35, of Timnath, Jeremy Coleman, 45 of Berthoud, and Nathan McCormick, 26, of Loveland.
The Colorado Fraternal Order of Police later identified Coleman and Powers as a sergeant and deputy with the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office and McCormick as Coleman’s son-in-law.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with their families, friends, coworkers, and the members of FOP Lodge 4 as they face the difficult days ahead,” the union said. “The law enforcement profession is built on service, sacrifice, and commitment to others. Sgt. Coleman and Deputy Powers dedicated their lives to protecting their community, and their impact will continue to be felt by those who had the privilege of serving alongside them.”
The truck driver was taken to a hospital for medical evaluation before being released then arrested. She was booked into the Idaho County Jail on probable cause for three counts of vehicular manslaughter, police said.
The following is a press release from the Idaho State Police:
The Idaho State Police (ISP) is investigating a three-fatality crash that occurred at approximately 4 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, on U.S. Highway 12 near milepost 113 east of Kooskia.
The preliminary investigation indicates a 2019 Ford F-150 was traveling westbound on U.S. Highway 12 when the driver attempted to pass another vehicle in a marked no-passing zone. The pickup crossed the double yellow centerline and collided with three motorcycles traveling eastbound.
The three motorcyclists sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene.
The 60-year-old female driver of the Ford, from Colorado Springs, Colorado, was transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation. Following her release, she was arrested and booked into the Idaho County Jail on probable cause for three counts of vehicular manslaughter.
The Idaho County Coroner’s Office will identify the deceased and determine the cause and manner of death.
U.S. Highway 12 was closed for approximately six and one-half hours while emergency responders assisted at the scene and investigators processed evidence.
ISP was assisted by the Idaho County Sheriff’s Office, the Idaho County Coroner’s Office, the Idaho Transportation Department, and local fire and EMS personnel.
The crash remains under investigation.
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