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.
Copyright 2026 KMVT. All rights reserved.
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — Three people overdosed from suspected fentanyl on Tuesday.
The Idaho Falls Police Department reports three people on the 500 block of Ridge Avenue and the 200 block of Short Street overdosed on fentanyl on Tuesday. Two of the overdoses were deadly.
East Idaho News reports police say the deceased individuals were identified as two women, a 24-year-old and a 63-year-old.
Police say they do not believe that the overdoses were connected to a “bad batch” of fentanyl, but rather that the users believed the substance to be a different drug.
It is not clear what drug the fentanyl was mistaken for or made to look like.
According to the release, fentanyl can be found in several forms, including powder, and may appear in different colors and consistencies, making it difficult to identify.
“Because of this, individuals may unknowingly ingest fentanyl while believing they are using a different substance,” according to the release. “These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the dangers fentanyl poses within our community.”
Fentanyl is an extremely potent synthetic opioid that is often mixed into other narcotics, sometimes without the user’s knowledge, says police. Even a very small amount can be deadly.
The Idaho Falls Police Department, along with community partners, is continuing to investigate these incidents and work to identify and disrupt the distribution of dangerous narcotics in our area.
“We encourage anyone struggling with substance abuse to seek help immediately and urge friends and family members to check in on loved ones who may be at risk,” says the release.
Important safety reminders:
Never take pills or substances that are not prescribed directly to you.
Be aware that counterfeit pills may contain fentanyl.
Call 911 immediately if someone is experiencing signs of an overdose, including slowed breathing, unconsciousness, or blue or gray skin coloration.
Carrying and administering Narcan (naloxone) can save lives during an opioid overdose emergency.
Anyone with information related to narcotics distribution in the Idaho Falls area is encouraged to contact the Idaho Falls Police Department at (208) 529-1200 or submit anonymous tips through East Idaho Crime Stoppers.
BOISE COUNTY, Idaho (CBS2) — A traffic stop along the Highway 21 corridor in Boise County led to the arrest of an Idaho City woman on methamphetamine and other drug-related charges, according to the Boise County Sheriff’s Office.
On May 21, 2026, at about 6:40 p.m., a Boise County Sheriff’s Office deputy conducting traffic safety enforcement saw a gray car traveling at a high rate of speed and initiated a traffic stop. While speaking with the driver, the deputy recognized behaviors associated with drug activity.
K9 Sage was deployed for a free open-air sniff and alerted on the vehicle, the sheriff’s office said.
Rochelle Kinney, 46, of Idaho City, was arrested on charges of felony possession of methamphetamine, misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.
“This arrest demonstrates our commitment to traffic safety enforcement and addressing drug possession that endangers public safety within Boise County,” the Boise County Sheriff’s Office said.
Concertgoers heading to see Bailey Zimmerman at the Ford Idaho Center on June 5 will be able to kick off the venue’s amphitheater season early with a tailgate-style pre-show party featuring a live DJ, food and drinks, prizes and giveaways, and photo opportunities.
The Ford Idaho Center is hosting its first-ever amphitheater season kickoff party ahead of Zimmerman’s show, partnering with CBH Homes.
Arielle McCormick, CBH Homes’ Director of brand and vision, said the company has long focused on making people feel welcome at community events.
“As Idaho’s number one home builder, we’ve been welcoming Idahoans home for 34 years,” McCormick said. “Making people feel welcomed and ready for fun at whatever event they are here for.”
Organizers said the pre-show party will include a live DJ to keep the energy up before the concert, along with food, drinks, prizes, giveaways and photo ops. Gypsy Tattoo will also be on site offering free flash tattoos inspired by live music.
“I’ve heard they are real tattoos, real flash tattoos, first come, first serve,” McCormick said. “So get here at four-thirty on June 5th.”
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The kickoff party starts at 4:30 p.m., hours before showtime. The event is only for Bailey Zimmerman ticket holders. Tickets have not sold out, but organizers say supplies are limited.
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