Idaho
New bill aims to address doctor shortage in Idaho, bring changes to WWAMI program
BOISE, Idaho — A new bill aims to bring changes to Idaho’s partnership with the University of Washington and expand more education options for medical students. House Bill 368 also addresses the doctor shortage in Idaho.
“We do have a physician shortage in the state of Idaho, and I love that the legislature is recognizing that and they’re motivated to make changes,” says Boise-based Doctor Joie Florence.
The bill would require the State Board of Education to create a plan to address the shortage. Specifically, it would remove 10 seats reserved for Idaho medical students at the University of Washington by 2027 while adding up to 30 new seats at the University of Utah.
“We know WWAMI produces good doctors, that’s not the issue. The issue is if we’re gonna invest more, how do we make that investment? How do we diversify our interests and how do we prioritize dollars being in Idaho,” says bill sponsor Representative Dustin Manwaring (R).
Manwaring says that though the bill would pull seats away from the existing WWAMI partnership, overall it means growth for Idaho.
“We’re going to net at least 20 new undergraduate medical education seats that the state would invest in in Idaho. So we’re not contracting, we’re expanding the opportunities, we’re expanding the program partners,” says Manwaring.
“I got to train here in Idaho, in my home state,” says Dr. Joie Florence, who attended medical school at Idaho WWAMI.
“I was part of a class of 30 so I watched the expansion take place… now we’re at 40. I’m very concerned at moving backward,” added Florence.
Now, she helps teach Idaho WWAMI medical students and feels the program is in a unique position to train new Idaho doctors.
“The University of Washington partnered with Idaho WWAMI has this excellent infrastructure, this network of doctors, all through the state of Idaho, and throughout the whole WWAMI region… University of Utah doesn’t have that yet,” Florence explained.
Representative Chris Matthias (D) — who voted no on Wednesday morning — argued the bill, as it is currently written, likely won’t address Idaho’s shortage.
“It is not going to lead to more physicians, removing medical education seats prematurely, before we know whether the University of Utah is ready to bring on all these students and make sure they have clinical sites in Idaho to train them,” says Matthias.
“Now is not the time to potentially disrupt our pipeline of physicians to Idaho,” says Florence.
House Bill 368 is now on its way to the house floor for consideration.
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.”
BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT
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.
-
Lifestyle16 minutes agoTrump’s name must come off of the Kennedy Center, judge rules
-
Technology28 minutes agoAcer’s launching a Linux handheld for streaming your PC games
-
World34 minutes agoPentagon hosts first-ever Israeli–Lebanese military talks aimed at curbing Hezbollah
-
Politics40 minutes agoFederal judge orders Trump’s name removed from Kennedy Center, says only Congress can rename it
-
Health46 minutes agoSingle infusion of controversial drug changed severe depression symptoms within hours, study finds
-
Sports52 minutes ago2026 World Cup Odds: Spain Narrowly Favored Over France
-
Technology58 minutes agoFake grant email promises $4.5 Million but could steal your identity
-
Business1 hour agoAnother tech company says it will cut hundreds of jobs amid pivot to AI
