AGP Executive Report

Idaho Public Records Fight: The University of Idaho and University of Minnesota refused to release controversial course syllabi requested by the American Accountability Foundation, arguing the documents are protected as trade secrets—setting up a likely legal showdown over Idaho’s open-records rules. Local Education Pressure: Across the country, shrinking enrollment is forcing school closures, and Idaho’s largest districts have seen declines too, even as some small districts fight to keep schools open. State Politics & Oversight: Republican attorneys general, including Idaho’s, are urging the EPA to classify the abortion pill mifepristone as a water contaminant, despite experts saying there’s no proof of harm from wastewater. Agriculture & Water: Idaho farmers are pushing Congress to pass an updated farm bill as drought and rising input costs squeeze operations. Energy & Industry: Fervo Energy says Western transmission constraints could slow geothermal rollouts in Idaho, Utah, and Nevada. Boise-Area Growth & Housing: A new earth-friendly straw bale home in the Boise foothills highlights how local builders are marketing lower-energy living as demand for housing continues. Community Spotlight: North Idaho students won awards at the Youth Water Summit, tackling local water issues with hands-on research.

Abortion & Water Policy: Republican attorneys general, including Idaho’s, are urging the EPA to treat the abortion pill mifepristone as a water contaminant, arguing it threatens waterways—while environmental health experts say there’s no proof of harm. AI Regulation: After Trump warned states off AI rules, states are still moving ahead with targeted laws on how AI is used around children, workplaces, and safety. Idaho Economy & Jobs: A new look at the labor market says Idaho’s growth has held up better than the national picture for recent college grads and young workers. Agriculture: Idaho’s agribusiness impact is highlighted in a University of Idaho report showing record sales and major job support across the state. Local Education & Water: The University of Idaho’s Idaho Water Resources Research Institute recognized North Idaho winners from the Youth Water Summit, featuring student projects on local water issues. Community Spotlight: Innovia Foundation is launching a “weaver” initiative to recognize local community builders, with nominations opening June 15. Music: American Aquarium announced its 2026 album “New Ways To Lose,” produced by Shooter Jennings.

Idaho Economy & Jobs: Idaho is still bucking the national trend, with hiring demand up 20.5% since 2020—one of the biggest gains in the U.S.—even as many states, especially across the West, saw job openings fall. Statehouse & Courts: The Idaho Supreme Court is set to decide whether a former Bonneville County clerk overcharged and violated open records law, a fight tied to how public-record fees are calculated. Local Business & Growth: Portneuf Valley Development Corporation named Gynii Gilliam as interim CEO, bringing decades of economic development experience to help with business retention and expansion. Public Safety: Search efforts continue for a Louisiana man swept away in the Snake River near Idaho Falls, with officials saying they’ll keep looking despite difficult water conditions. Idaho Agriculture: The University of Idaho’s Parma Research and Extension Center marked 100 years of agricultural research and outreach, including work on soil health and irrigation testing. Community Events: Idaho Falls is seeking singers for the War Bonnet Round Up national anthem, with auditions due July 1.

Idaho Immigration Politics: Immigration enforcement was a key issue in Idaho’s May primary, with hardline candidates scoring wins in some areas while more moderate Republicans fell in others—setting up the debate for the next legislative cycle. Idaho Courts & Records: The Idaho Supreme Court heard arguments over whether a former Bonneville County clerk overcharged for a public records request, with the case hinging on fee limits and whether immunity applies. State Budget Watch: Idaho revenue came in $21.1 million below forecast in May, though the state still expects a positive ending cash balance as lawmakers close out the fiscal year. Drought Impacts: Farmers face one of the worst water years in decades, with major cutbacks tied to low snowpack and shrinking river reach gains. Local Economy & Housing: Kootenai County’s housing market is heating up, with higher prices, more sales, and faster turnover—especially in the luxury segment. Business & Community: Portneuf Valley Development Corporation named a new interim CEO, and a local car dealership group is hosting a free 60th anniversary celebration for Idaho Falls residents. Idaho Agriculture Research: The University of Idaho’s Parma Research and Extension Center marked 100 years of agricultural work, from soil health to irrigation testing. Health Policy Fight: Republican AGs, including Idaho’s, are urging the EPA to treat the abortion medication mifepristone as a water contaminant, despite experts saying there’s no clear harm to waterways. Invasive Species Alert: Zebra mussels were detected at a Minnesota lake, underscoring the push for prevention and early detection.

Idaho Drought Impacts: Farmers in southern Idaho are facing major water cutbacks as the Twin Falls Canal company reduced normal allocations by 33.3% amid the worst water year in nearly 50 years, with irrigators already abandoning fields and communities bracing for lost crops and income. State Budget Watch: Idaho revenue collections came in $21.1 million below forecast in May, driven by weaker income tax receipts, though the state still projects a positive ending cash balance as the fiscal year nears June 30. Courts & Public Records: The Idaho Supreme Court will decide whether a former clerk overcharged and violated Idaho’s open records law, after a dispute over a $352 fee tied to a 2017 administrative order. Local Governance: Grangeville officials say the city can’t waive double building permit fees under current code, and they’re now discussing whether airport-area city land should be leased instead of sold. Energy & Growth: Avista paused processing for energy service requests tied to a proposed 500 MW data center, citing the need for a clearer, more coordinated planning process with stakeholders. Public Safety: Search teams continue for a Louisiana man swept away in the Snake River near Idaho Falls, with harsh conditions slowing recovery efforts. Business & Community: Visit Idaho won its first Emmy for a rivers-focused project, and the Support Local Gems initiative returns June 12 to encourage Idahoans to shop and dine locally.

Boise Schools Settlement: The Boise School District reached a $500,000 settlement with the family of a Cynthia Mann Elementary student, tied to concerns about former special education employee Gavin Snow, who died by suicide in January 2025 as police moved to arrest him. The family says the case is about accountability and lasting safety changes, not money. Idaho Health Access: A report says about 30,000 Idahoans dropped coverage on the state exchange this year after subsidies ended, raising fears of more uninsured residents. Eagle Noise Permit: Eagle City Council approved Old State Saloon’s “Trad Fam Fest,” an event framed as a wrap-up to “Heterosexual Awesomeness Month,” allowing amplified sound from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. June 27. Childcare Funding Gap: New data finds Idaho puts no extra state money into childcare and preschool beyond required minimums, a situation that can shrink supply. Wildlife Under Drought: A Mountain West study links severe drought to shrinking preferred habitat for mule deer, black bears, and cougars, with the biggest impacts on predators and fawn survival. Wastewater Monitoring in Boise: Boise is using wastewater testing to track multiple viruses beyond COVID-19, sharing results with local health officials through a grant-funded program.

Boise Schools Settlement: The Boise School District reached a $500,000 settlement with a family tied to former employee Gavin Snow, after the family said the district failed to protect students and respond to concerns; Snow died by suicide in January 2025 amid a Boise Police investigation. State Education Watch: Boise State’s presidential search is nearing a key step, with the State Board set to name a sole finalist Tuesday and hold a public forum next week. Foster Care Savings Push: First Lady Melania Trump launched “Fostering the Future Accounts,” letting states open Treasury-backed savings and investment accounts for foster youth, with a $1,000 seed contribution for eligible newborns; Idaho is among participating states. Idaho Animal Health: Idaho’s agriculture department added new animal entry requirements after new world screwworm detections, tightening rules for animals coming from affected states. Public Safety: A North Dakota man was charged with trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana across east Idaho. Local Economy/Real Estate: Idaho vacation-home purchases fell sharply since 2021, signaling pressure on discretionary housing demand. Tech & Energy: Researchers including Boise State designed a new sodium-ion battery cathode aimed at fast charging and better cycle life for grid storage.

Idaho Agriculture & Animal Health: Idaho issued new requirements for animal entry after New World screwworm detections in Texas and New Mexico, including tighter health-certificate timing for animals moving into the state. Federal Surveillance Fight: The U.S. House failed to renew FISA Section 702, with 19 Republicans breaking with President Trump; the authority is set to lapse Friday. Energy & Industry: Aqua Metals was named an industrial partner on an Idaho National Laboratory DOE program aimed at improving battery-recycling separation of nickel and cobalt. Local Business & Community: La Fresita Loka opened in Jerome, bringing homemade Mexican desserts and aguas frescas to the community. Public Health & Justice Planning (Spokane): Spokane’s Safe and Healthy Taskforce is set to release recommendations on public health and criminal justice, including whether to seek public funding for new correctional facilities. Research & Tech: Boise State University is part of a new sodium-ion battery cathode effort reporting fast charging and strong capacity retention after 250 rapid cycles. Environment & Wildlife: Researchers detected the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis in Pacific Northwest coyotes, raising concerns for dogs and people.

Workforce & Education: Gov. Brad Little signed an executive order creating Idaho’s State Workforce Pell Coordinating Council to roll out the new Workforce Pell program, aiming to steer short-term training toward high-demand credentials. Local Economy & Housing: Idaho labor economists say “unprecedented moves” drove 2020-2024 migration gains, adding pressure to housing costs as rent and mortgages rise in multiple counties. Immigration Backlog: Idaho has 938 pending family green card cases as USCIS shifts processing priorities. Job Market Watch: Idaho’s recent college grads still face elevated unemployment, with the Idaho Department of Labor flagging a 5.6% rate for ages 22-27. Public Health Spending: Medicaid billings for medical and surgical supplies jumped 55.4% in Chubbuck in 2024, reaching $140,888. Community Support: Joint School District 171’s food pantry earned an Idaho Food Bank award, and it’s set to kick off summer pantry hours June 17. State Policy & Taxes: Clearwater County commissioners outlined how commercial property assessments are set and what residents can do if they disagree. Business Spotlight: Survival Garden Seeds in Rigby won the SBA Pacific Northwest Small Business of the Year.

Animal Health: Idaho’s Department of Agriculture is tightening entry rules after New World screwworm was detected in Texas and New Mexico, requiring certificates of veterinary inspection and travel documentation for animals coming from designated zones. Energy & Infrastructure: Idaho National Laboratory published results from more than 50 tests on next-generation power line materials, giving utilities open access to performance data under extreme heat, cold, wildfire simulation, and mechanical stress. Forensics: Idaho State Police Forensic Services helped advance forensic genetic genealogy, contributing to a national peer-reviewed guide on hiring and using qualified FIGG practitioners. Local Community: Plains Day drew big crowds, with a 5K winner, a packed pancake breakfast, and a new laser tag attraction bringing hundreds of kids and adults downtown. Business/Tech: Boise State researchers are part of a new sodium-ion battery cathode design using a high-entropy mix of metals that reportedly holds about 84% capacity after 250 rapid cycles. Politics/Policy: GOP attorneys general are pushing the EPA to add the abortion pill mifepristone to wastewater monitoring lists, arguing for water safety tests.

Boise Property Taxes: Boise scaled back its proposed FY 2027 property tax increase after new financial info improved the city’s outlook by about $2.9 million, cutting the increase from the maximum 4% plan to 2.7% after residents raised concerns. Idaho Courts & Accountability: A new look at judicial accountability follows multiple federal judge misconduct stories, including an Idaho appeals court judge under internal investigation after an alleged parking-lot incident. Trans Rights: Six transgender Idahoans sued to block Idaho’s sex-segregated bathroom law, arguing it unlawfully restricts access to public spaces ahead of a July 1 start date. Cybersecurity Training: A federally backed program brought free, hands-on cybersecurity training to Twin Falls public-sector workers to help protect local systems. Energy & Data Centers: Avista confirmed its “large load customer” deal is for a data center, with 125 megawatts starting in 2029 and up to 500 megawatts by 2032. Agriculture & Food Safety: Idaho’s potato virus testing highlights long-running seed certification work, while FDA expanded a pet food recall tied to low thiamine levels. Gov. Little Tax Relief: Idaho reported a record 826,370 tax refunds totaling about $579.1 million. Local Governance & Tourism Taxes: Ketchum held a pop-up info event on its Original Local Option Tax ahead of the November ballot.

Idaho Public Safety: A 70-year-old man, Daniel Fuentes of Firth, was identified after being found dead near the Snake River; deputies believe he died from injuries after a fall, while crews continue searching for a Louisiana man swept into the river. Agriculture & Environment: A USDA scientist says growers are experimenting with ways to manage herbicide-resistant weeds, warning against relying on chemicals alone and urging more cultural and mechanical changes. Treasure Valley Housing: As Idaho’s population keeps climbing, some homebuyers are stretching farther out for better value, accepting longer commutes as prices rise closer in. Idaho Business & Community: The Boise Metro Chamber named finalists for its 2026 Small Business and Excellence Awards, with winners set for a June 23 luncheon. Energy & Growth: Idaho’s only certified installer is marketing integrated solar shingle installs as an alternative to traditional rooftop panels. Politics: The Idaho Legislative Council approved ballot language to limit legalization powers to lawmakers, setting up a new fight over marijuana and other drug policy. National Tech/Markets: A proposed NextEra-Dominion deal raises the question for Virginians: will electricity get cheaper or cost more?

Idaho Business Spotlight: BoiseDev is inviting eastern Idaho businesses to apply for its “43 fastest-growing companies” list, spotlighting Idaho’s growth with an October event for interviews and features. Antitrust & Tech: Nevada AG Aaron Ford joined a bipartisan amicus brief backing the FTC in its Meta monopolization case, arguing the court’s ruling lets dominant platforms dodge antitrust rules. Local Economy & Community: Bluebird Social opened along the Boise Greenbelt with free live music and events, aiming to be “Boise’s coolest backyard” for all ages. Agriculture & Water Infrastructure: Burley and Minidoka irrigation districts plan to replace the South Side Gravity Canal F-Waste Structure over three off-seasons starting this fall, targeting a new structure by the 2029 irrigation season. Public Safety: Search continues for a Louisiana man swept into the Snake River near Idaho Falls, while a separate man was found dead along the river south of Idaho Falls. Idaho Pride & Inclusion: Boise’s Pride flag display controversy continues to draw attention as lawmakers and auditors clash over government speech rules.

Idaho Marijuana Ballot Fight: Idaho lawmakers approved ballot language for a constitutional amendment that would block voters from legalizing marijuana via initiative, reserving that power for the Legislature—while a separate medical marijuana initiative is also in play. Supreme Court Watch: The U.S. Supreme Court is nearing decisions that could shape Idaho’s transgender athlete ban and other major national disputes, with advocates pushing for narrower rulings. Rural Healthcare Pressure: A new report warns hundreds of rural hospitals are at risk of closing, citing thin margins and slow payer reimbursement—an issue Idaho rural systems say can’t be easily absorbed. Idaho Water Tensions: Commentary and reporting highlight anger over watering grass during drought, with Idaho residents debating conservation rules and what counts as fair use. Local Business & Community: Kuna’s “Fence & Lumber” event pumped more than 2,000 gallons of free gas, while Boise’s Zen Pet Care Services won international honors for GPS-tracked dog trail running. Semiconductor Workforce: Boise State is named as the lead for a CHIPS & Science Act regional node expanding semiconductor education and training across the country.

Idaho Courts: A Trump-appointed federal judge in Idaho, Ryan D. Nelson, faces misdemeanor battery and malicious injury to property charges after an April parking-lot confrontation in Idaho Falls that allegedly involved snatching and stomping on a man’s glasses. Snake River Safety: Bonneville County Sheriff’s officials identified John Green, 54, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, as the man swept away near Broadway Bridge; search efforts continue as officials ask the public to stay clear of operations. Local Housing: Sen. Mike Crapo’s office released a 2025 survey of 5,000+ Idahoans showing renters report immediate affordability pressure (including fees, deposits, and rent) while homeowners cite long-term concerns tied to property taxes and insurance. North Idaho Wildlife: Payette National Forest shared trail-camera photos of wolverines, sparking viral attention and raising questions about what research is showing about a localized population. Energy Watch: Idaho National Laboratory researchers reported a key milestone for a small modular reactor, with the Energy Department saying it reached criticality—an early step toward generating electricity.

Snake River Tragedy: A 70-year-old man died after police say he likely fell down a rocky embankment along the Snake River south of Idaho Falls; his body was found Saturday evening and investigators say he wasn’t connected to a separate earlier river search. AI Adoption in Idaho’s Neighborhood: Microsoft data ranks Vermont near the bottom for AI tool use, with Chittenden County highest in the state—an Idaho-relevant reminder that tech adoption varies sharply by local workforce and age. Nuclear Milestone at INL: The U.S. Energy Department says a small advanced reactor at Idaho National Laboratory reached criticality, a step toward generating electricity in the next few years. Wildfire Preparedness Funding: Canada’s federal government is investing $47.8 million over five years to strengthen wildfire response in national parks and historic sites as seasons grow longer and harsher. Idaho Housing Survey: Sen. Mike Crapo’s office released results from a 2025 survey of more than 5,000 Idahoans, highlighting renter affordability pressures and homeowner concerns about taxes and insurance. Teton Dam Anniversary: Idaho officials marked the 50th anniversary of the Teton Dam collapse with a commemorative overlook and remarks focused on both remembrance and future dam-safety work. Local Business Watch: Dave’s Hot Chicken is expected to open its first Boise location in mid-August, bringing another big-name chain to the Treasure Valley.