Idaho
Learning how to be an Idaho Lawmaker
BOISE, Idaho — How do you become an Idaho legislator? First, you win your election in November. Then before the gavel is dropped in January you’re asked to attend a three-day orientation here at the Statehouse.
- A three-day orientation session this taking place this week at Idaho’s Statehouse.
- 2025 freshmen legislators have a lot to take in before the upcoming session.
(Below is the transcript from the broadcast story)
The 2025 Idaho Legislature will welcome the 68th Idaho Legislature that includes two dozen freshman. According to official numbers, it’s 7 new Senators and 18 new House members, including retired businessman Kent Marmon from District 11A in Caldwell. I asked Mr. Marmon what the challenges are of a crash course.
“A lot of information,” Marmon said. “We’re busy visiting all of these departments finding out what they do how they serve the legislature and the people of Idaho and it’s a lot of information to take. Thankfully we have a nice notebook with power points and people we can call on for help.”
There is a lot of important information coming at the freshmen class — things like how bills are drafted, the Idaho Code, session laws, and constitutional laws. There’s a lot to learn before January.
Representative John Shirts from House District 9A is Air Force J.A.G. officer and still lives on his family farm in Weiser.
“Agriculture was a big issue for me,” Shirts said. “I wanted to have an impact on our farmers and ranchers. Water rights, fentanyl is something that inspired me, as you guys know, it’s killing so many people across our state.”
Representative Rob Beiswender agrees that you have to think fast on your feet.
“There are a lot of pieces to put together working on your issues,” Beiswender said. “You have to be on a committee and take up their issues you’re trying to mish-mash it all together who can trust, who can you team up with, not team up with. There’s a lot of things playing out.”
The 2025 Idaho Legislature will officially kick off with the Governor’s State of the State Address in January, and we will be there.
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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