Idaho
Idaho Legislature begins 2026 session with budget deficit focus
BOISE, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — Idaho lawmakers completed their first week of the 2026 legislative session, with budget concerns dominating discussions at the statehouse.
Gov. Brad Little kicked off the session Monday with his State of the State address, outlining his priorities for the year. “We must commit ourselves to preserving our state as the place where opportunity thrives,” Little said.
The state faces a looming budget deficit, prompting difficult decisions about spending priorities. Little said he wants to preserve funding for K-12 education, Idaho Launch and water programs.
Proposed cuts target Medicaid, online education
The governor’s proposed cuts include Medicaid, online education and one-time reductions to certain state agency programs.
Lt. Gov. Scott Bedke explained the budget process ahead. “That process starts so the legislature in effect is saying thank you governor for your recommendations we got this,” Bedke said. “They will go back and forth. They are under the same constraint as the governor. We have to balance the budget in Idaho. Period.”
The Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee sets the state’s budget. During their Tuesday meeting, Finance Director Lori Wolff addressed the state’s financial position.
“This is a balanced budget. It reflects early action, disciplined spending decisions, and confidence in Idaho’s economic future,” Wolff said.
Legislative priorities emerge beyond budget
Bedke compared the current situation to past recessions, though he noted the state is not currently in a recession. He said lawmakers must ask tough questions about state spending.
“We went through everything the state did and we put them into categories. Is this nice or is this necessary,” Bedke said. “If it was necessary we kept it if it was just nice we didn’t keep it. If it was somewhere in the middle then we tried to prioritize what we would do.”
JFAC will continue hearing from departments and programs until they are ready to set the budget, which must be balanced and approved before the legislative session can end.
“When we get out of whack the balanced budget amendment kicks in immediately and so we never get too far our of water here,” Bedke said. “In fact it’s unconstitutional to get under water. Now we bump up against that line sometimes and I think you’re seeing that now.”
As lawmakers focus on the budget, other committees began working on their legislative priorities. Magic Valley lawmakers have proposed bills on issues including reckless driving and wearing masks during a crime.
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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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