AGP Executive Report

Dirty Soda Boom: National chains are now selling “dirty sodas,” a trend that started with Utah’s Swig and is now squeezing pioneer soda shops as novelty fades and big brands move in. Water-Smart Lawns: In Pocatello, Canopy Lawn Care is pitching soil-health treatments that claim to cut supplemental watering by up to 40% over time—an Idaho drought-era alternative to just using more sprinklers. Local Spotlight: Rogue Restaurant in Lava Hot Springs got featured by America’s Best Restaurants’ Roadshow, with the owners pitching their Idaho bistro story to a visiting film crew. BLM Policy Shift: The federal government ended a BLM rule that treated conservation as a public-land use on par with development, rolling back a system meant to fund restoration and protection. Idaho Court Case: A federal jury in Pocatello convicted a man of stealing a deceased California teen’s identity to collect about $283,000 in benefits—while his real name still remains unknown.

Oregon Softball Shock: Ducks ace Lyndsey Grein says doctors told her her eye infection was “pretty serious,” later diagnosed as orbital cellulitis—rare, potentially life-threatening, and capable of causing vision loss or worse. Housing Cost Reality Check: New data shows home prices surged far faster than wages over the last decade, with Idaho up 137% in 10 years—the biggest spike in the U.S.—and nearby states also posting steep gains. Idaho Court Fallout: A Pocatello jury convicted an unidentified man of stealing a deceased California child’s identity and using it for 25 years to fraudulently obtain about $283,000 in government benefits. Policy Watch: West-wide wildfire building-code approaches vary widely, and Twin Falls is moving ahead with a $500,000 permanent air scrubber to cut hydrogen sulfide sewer odors. National Business: Senators Risch and Cortez Masto unveiled the SILVER Act to expand precious-metals vault locations beyond the New York area.

Idaho Politics: Idaho Gov. Brad Little cruised to victory in the GOP primary Tuesday, taking about 65% of the vote and setting up the November general election. Local Justice: In Pocatello, a federal jury convicted an unidentified man of stealing a deceased teen’s identity for nearly 25 years, netting about $283,000 in benefits. Public Health: A new WSU study finds hantavirus exposure may be higher than expected in the Palouse region, with nearly 30% of sampled rodents showing past infection. Energy & Industry: Micron began manufacturing its next-gen 1α DRAM in Virginia, adding momentum to U.S. memory production that also ties into Idaho’s broader tech buildout. Regional Watch: Wallowa County, Oregon, voted to repeal a 2023 push to join Idaho—mostly symbolic, but a rare reversal in the Greater Idaho movement.

World Cup Security: Idaho National Laboratory is helping protect World Cup host cities by stress-testing the “behind-the-scenes” systems—power grids, water lines, and communications—so stadiums don’t just look secure, they stay secure. Fraud & Health Billing: A Memphis medical-supply company is tied to complaints across multiple states after people say they were billed for supplies they never ordered or received. Child Support Crackdown: New federal rules add passport revocation for non-custodial parents owing big child-support debts—Idaho officials say about 150 people with $100K+ are being monitored. Idaho Politics: Incumbent Rep. Mike Pohanka won Idaho House District 26 in the GOP primary, setting up a November matchup. Courts: A federal jury convicted a man in Pocatello for using a dead teen’s identity to steal hundreds of thousands in benefits. Public Health: WSU research finds Sin Nombre hantavirus may be more widespread in Pacific Northwest rodents than expected. Wildfire & Safety: Boise Fire is rolling out a risk-based inspection approach, while Idaho Power warns Memorial Day boaters to stay clear of dams and spillways.

Idaho Politics: Idaho’s legislative primaries are showing a clear shift: moderates clawed back seats overall, even as some far-right incumbents lost, and turnout landed around 30% in early figures. Local Governance: A new Idaho law is forcing cities to drop short-term rental restrictions, but Sandpoint is still dragging its feet on compliance—and voters also flipped on a school levy in Kellogg, approving a maintenance measure after rejecting a nearly identical one just six months ago. Public Safety & Health: Meadows Valley’s school board is moving ahead on an eight-lane track plan after standout performances, while Idaho’s Cowgirl Congress highlights local craft culture and a UI study is using virtual fencing to reduce cow-versus-people conflicts on public land. Business & Policy Beyond Idaho: The U.S. is fast-tracking deep-sea mining permits as new companies rush in, and regulators are also under pressure over drinking-water contaminant limits.

Idaho Politics: Nine Republican incumbents fell in Tuesday’s primaries, with losses hitting the hardline “Gang of Eight” most—leaving Idaho’s legislature a step closer to the middle as moderates claw back seats. Local Governance: Kimberly voters rejected a $57 million school bond by a wide margin, a reminder that big facility plans can collide with tax-burden concerns in smaller communities. Energy & Cost of Living: A new national affordability map shows the biggest gas-price burden isn’t necessarily in the states with the highest pump prices—it’s where lower household incomes make a “normal” fill-up take a bigger bite. Mining & Industry: Liberty Gold outlined a Black Pine drill program aimed at boosting early production confidence and project readiness, while Resolution Minerals reported early Golden Gate drilling results at its Idaho antimony-tungsten-gold-silver project. Health & Community: A pilot program could help rural hospitals in the Mountain West secure steadier access to generic drugs, and CMS data ranks Creekside Transitional Care as Ada County’s No. 3 nursing home by size in Q1 2026.

Politics—Idaho Primary Results: Gov. Brad Little cruised to the GOP nomination for a third term, winning about 60% in a seven-candidate field, while Democrat Terri Pickens won her party’s gubernatorial primary with about 61%, pitching an affordability-focused campaign. National Politics—Trump’s GOP Purge: The biggest national signal came from Kentucky, where Rep. Thomas Massie lost his GOP House primary to Trump-backed Ed Gallrein, reinforcing how much sway Trump still has inside his party. Polling—Trump Underwater: New national polling puts Trump at 38% approval vs. 58% disapproval, with him trailing in every major swing state. Idaho—Lost Graves Search: Two Idaho schools used ground-penetrating radar to help locate unmarked graves at the former Nampa Mennonite Church cemetery, aiming to preserve local history. Housing—Market Mismatch: A new housing metric says many buyers can’t find homes priced for their income, leaving entry-level and middle-income options too scarce. Tech/Youth—Energy Pouches on TikTok: Flavored caffeine pouches are spreading online, raising worries that teens are getting pulled in.

Idaho Primaries: Idaho voters headed to the polls Tuesday, with David Roth winning the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate and Kaylee Peterson taking the District 1 Democratic nomination, setting up November matchups against GOP winners. Trump’s GOP Purge: Across the country, Tuesday’s biggest political signal came from Kentucky, where Thomas Massie was ousted in the GOP House primary by Trump-backed Ed Gallrein, another high-profile win in the president’s push to punish Republican critics. Local Idaho Outdoors: In North Idaho, BLM recreation fees kicked in at three Coeur d’Alene-area sites, with day use now costing $5. Wildfire Science: In Boise, ARS prescribed grazing is being used to curb invasive, flammable grasses and reduce wildfire risk. Health & Care: Idaho’s health system coverage also included a look at teen residential treatment in Boise and new ISU health sciences programming aimed at expanding training and care access.

Election Day: Idaho voters head to the polls Tuesday as primaries decide nominees for federal, state and local races, with polling open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and absentee ballots due by 8 p.m. Trump vs. GOP: Across the country, the biggest test is Kentucky, where President Donald Trump is backing challenger Ed Gallrein to try to unseat Rep. Thomas Massie in what’s already being billed as the most expensive House primary ever. Black political power: In Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Oregon and Idaho, voters are also casting ballots while legal fights over the Voting Rights Act and congressional maps play out in real time. Local Idaho watch: In eastern Idaho, coverage is focused on who’s funding contested legislative races, while Idaho’s governor and U.S. Senate contests remain the headline statewide matchups. National shock: Meanwhile, investigators are treating a deadly San Diego mosque shooting as a possible hate crime, with two teen suspects found dead nearby.

San Diego Mosque Attack: Two teenage gunmen opened fire at the Islamic Center of San Diego, killing three people including a security guard, before both suspects died by suicide; police say the case is being investigated as a hate crime. Idaho Politics: Democratic attorney general candidate Lori Hickman is campaigning in eastern Idaho on a “professionalism over politics” message, pitching the AG role as traditionally nonpartisan. Reproductive Rights: A new study finds miscarriage care options shrink in states with abortion bans, with more patients steered toward less effective approaches. Healthcare & Jobs: Starbucks plans to cut 252 corporate roles in Seattle and remote positions. University of Idaho: Brian Kane, former Idaho deputy attorney general and CEO of the National Association of Attorneys General, is set to become dean of the U of I College of Law on July 31. Business/Local: A Pocatello lawn-care startup says it can cut supplemental watering by up to 40% by focusing on soil health.

VA Housing Finance: VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans in Oregon averaged $453,819 in Q1 FY2026, up 3.1% from the prior quarter—Idaho’s average also rose to $456,868. Reproductive Health: A new study links abortion bans to worse miscarriage care access, including less use of the most effective medication approach. Idaho Safety & Military: Two Navy jets collided during an air show at Mountain Home Air Force Base; all four crew ejected safely, and an investigation is underway. Public Health Watch: WHO declared a global health emergency over a new Ebola outbreak in Congo. Local Compliance Checks: FDA inspection counts in Ada County fell sharply in 2025, while Jerome County saw a big jump—most results were “No Action Indicated.” Education & Culture: Boise State’s Andrus Center is launching “History Harvest” to collect Cecil D. Andrus materials for a new book project. Politics: Trump’s DOJ move would reinstate federal firing squad executions and target faster inmate appeals.

Cold Snap Watch: Utah fruit growers are bracing for another round of freezing weather after a rough start, with farmers saying damage has been wider than expected and urging shoppers to back local stands and markets. Idaho GOP Platform Pressure: Ahead of Idaho’s primaries, the Idaho Republican Party is asking candidates to publicly back its 20-page platform—revealing cracks over issues like abortion exceptions. Death Row Appeal: A Texas death-row inmate is fighting his conviction, arguing a hypnotized witness’s testimony helped convict him. Severe Weather Alert: Millions across the U.S. are on alert for dangerous storms, including hail, strong winds, and possible tornadoes. Idaho Air Show Crash: Two Navy jets collided during an air show at Mountain Home Air Force Base; all four crew ejected safely and are being evaluated, with an investigation underway. LGBTQ Rights Spotlight: The WHO declared a global health emergency over a new Ebola outbreak, while LGBTQ-focused campaigns and IDAHOBIT events continue to push equality messages worldwide.

Idaho Cost-of-Living Reality Check: A new state-by-state analysis shows “middle class” income thresholds swing wildly—ranging from about $59,000 in Mississippi to roughly $104,000 in Massachusetts and New Jersey—meaning what counts as “middle class” depends heavily on where you live. Local Business Spotlight: In North Idaho’s region, the Blue Cow Car Wash is expanding with a new “touchless” Blue Calf location in Evergreen, aiming for 24/7 convenience and room for taller vehicles. Idaho Politics, Near Term: With Tuesday’s primary looming, multiple Idaho races are heating up, including contested GOP commissioner and legislative primaries across counties, as voters weigh growth, local control, and affordability. Health & Public Records: New FDA inspection updates list one Ada County food business flagged for voluntary action and one Bannock County firm showing “no action indicated,” underscoring ongoing regulatory scrutiny. Community Giving: In Utah, 100 Women Who Care says it’s put $1 million into local nonprofits over 11 years—$100 at a time.

Idaho Primary Spotlight: Rep. Stephanie Mickelsen, seeking a third term in Legislative District 32A, is facing a GOP primary challenger, Kelly Golden, after Mickelsen’s two-term run. EastIdahoNews.com says Mickelsen returned a short candidate questionnaire; Golden did not. Statehouse Race Watch: In District 31B, incumbent Sen. Jim Guthrie is up for reelection against Idaho National Guard officer David Worley in the May 19 primary. Insurance & Wildfire Pressure: Idaho’s Department of Insurance launched a new data call to homeowners and dwelling-fire insurers to track wildfire impacts on availability and pricing. Health Care Dollars: Medicaid billing is rising in multiple Idaho cities—Caldwell radiology claims hit $196,963 in 2024, Meridian procedures/professional services jumped to $1.03M, and Idaho Falls procedures/professional services totaled $2.86M. FDA Checks: Ada County’s Treasure Valley Food Holdings got a “Voluntary Action Indicated” FDA inspection in April, while Bannock County’s Great Western Malting Company received “No Action Indicated.” Community Notes: KRCL in Salt Lake unveiled its new “third space” for live community events after moving studios earlier this year.

Amazon Logistics: Amazon is making steady progress toward moving into a Kelso warehouse, part of a broader Southwest Washington warehouse push that already landed a big tenant in Woodland. Idaho Insurance Watch: The Idaho Department of Insurance has launched a new data call to track how wildfire risk is reshaping homeowners and dwelling-fire coverage statewide. U of I Leadership: University of Idaho named Brian Kane dean of its College of Law, stepping in as enrollment climbs across Boise and Moscow. Idaho Politics: A Democratic candidate for Idaho attorney general, Lori Hickman, is pitching consumer protection and fraud enforcement as her top priorities. Local Courts: A Post Falls woman is suing over her forcible removal from a Coeur d’Alene legislative town hall, arguing her constitutional rights were violated. Wildlife Management: North Dakota set its 2026 deer season with fewer licenses due to a lower deer population. Business & Community: Main Auction is holding its final live auction before relocating from its long-time Boise facility.

Idaho Politics Under the Microscope: A Post Falls woman, Teresa Borrenpohl, has filed a federal lawsuit after she says she was forcibly removed from a Coeur d’Alene legislative town hall in February 2025—naming Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris and others, with claims tied to her First, Fourth, and 14th Amendment rights. Local Business Change: Main Auction will hold its final live auction this weekend before closing its long-running Boise facility and moving to a new spot south of town. Community & Work: A new Grow and Gather craft festival is bringing hands-on learning to North Idaho, while a Wood River Valley school job fair shows how worker shortages are pushing employers to recruit from high school. Statewide Civic Focus: Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane is laying out how elections and campaign money are shaping the May 19 primary. Sports: Sandpoint edged Skyview in a 5A state baseball playoff game to advance.