Idaho
Idaho Medicaid reform bill moves to the governor's desk
BOISE, Idaho — Changes could be coming for Idahoans on Medicaid. House Bill 345, which has already cleared the Idaho House and Senate, focuses on creating a Medicaid plan where one managed care organization is in charge of all state Medicaid.
While some Idahoans express concerns about how this will impact them, lawmakers say the bill aims to reduce costs and ensure sustainability.
Lawmakers in the Idaho House approve Medicaid bill with new oversight measures
The bill’s sponsor, republican state representative Jordan Redman said, “We’ve had a number of different bills come up this year that address everything from full repeal to significant sideboards. This kind of meets in the middle and gives some sideboards and sustainability as far as access goes. We’ve had provider protections in there.”
The bill also targets Medicaid reform and expansion. One key aspect is that the bill creates work requirements for people between 19 and 64 years old, requiring them to work, volunteer, or attend some type of school or training for at least 20 hours a week to receive Medicaid benefits.
“There are a number of exceptions in there as well… I think there’s a lot of value and dignity in doing something outside of your community, whether it’s work or volunteering, and so I think that’s a benefit. But there was some opposition, saying that people were going to lose coverage based on that,” said Redman.
Angela Lindig is the executive director for Idaho Parents Unlimitedand testified against the bill.
She said, “There are so many various components that it’s hard to know what to even focus on.”
The organization works with families who have children with disabilities or who need special health care. Although this legislation won’t directly impact the nonprofit, Lindig says she could personally be affected as her daughter, Amber, uses Medicaid services to live independently.
She worries this bill could impact the growing provider shortage across the country.
“We want to make sure that any changes made to Medicaid don’t create even greater strains on that provider shortage problem because it’s already at a place where people have been displaced,” said Lindig.
If Governor Little signs the bill, lawmakers say it will save the state $15.9 million in the fiscal year 2026 and even more in 2027— $27.2 million.
The bill will soon be on its way to the governor’s desk.
Idaho
Cattle ‘suffered’ after being shot, left to die on Idaho rangeland, police say – East Idaho News
GOODING (Idaho Statesman) — Idaho law enforcement agencies are investigating the killing and mutilation of livestock across southern Idaho in recent weeks, according to a news release that Idaho State Police shared Friday.
The agency said the State Brand Inspector, which verifies livestock ownership through brands, and multiple county sheriff’s offices are investigating incidents of cattle shot and killed in Jerome and Gooding counties. Officials said three cattle deaths have been confirmed as illegal killings, while five others are under investigation.
The news release said the killings happened in “remote grazing areas” and included multiple incidents near Wendell, and cases in Jefferson and Payette counties.
Idaho State Brand Inspector Cody Burlile told the Idaho Statesman in an email that investigators don’t believe the killing of a calf that was found “dead and partially mutilated” near New Plymouth in late April or the killing of a calf in Jefferson County are related to the other cases.
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Killing livestock that are valued at $1,000 or more is a felony under Idaho law.
“This is a serious crime that directly impacts Idaho ranching families and their livelihoods,” Burlile said in the Idaho State Police news release. “These producers invest significant amounts of time, money and effort into caring for their livestock. The losses associated with these incidents are in the thousands of dollars.”
Burlile told the Statesman that five ranchers have reported suspicious cattle deaths, and the three confirmed illegal deaths were each linked to a different ranch.
“The other deaths were suspicious and in near proximity to the confirmed deaths in Gooding County, but we have not been able to positively determine foul play was involved,” Burlile said in an email.
Officials said some of the cattle were partially butchered, while others were left untouched where they died. They said it appeared some of the animals suffered before they died. Some of the cattle were cows with calves.
“When people hear about livestock being shot, they often think only about financial loss,” Burlile said in the news release. “What they don’t see is the suffering these animals endure, the impact on calves that depend on their mothers, and the effect on the livelihood of those who care for them. These aren’t just property crimes we are investigating.”
Anyone with information related to the killings is urged to contact local law enforcement or the State Brand Inspector at 208-884-7070 or ContactBrands@isp.idaho.gov.
The Idaho Cattle Association is offering a reward for tips that lead to the successful identification and prosecution of the person or people responsible, officials said.
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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.
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