AGP Executive Report

Historic Preservation: The University of Idaho Historic District nomination advanced after the Idaho Historic Sites Review Board voted to send it to the National Park Service, a potential National Register listing for dozens of Moscow campus buildings and landscapes. Transportation Safety: Twin Falls police are investigating a late-night crash that sent a child to a Boise hospital after being hit by a car. Road Safety: Idaho State Police reported four fatal crashes over the Father’s Day weekend, including a deadly I-84 rollover near Mountain Home and a multi-vehicle crash on US-95 near Sandpoint. Local Planning: Star’s Moyle Junction development is headed to a public hearing July 7, aiming to add retail, offices, and medical services. Transit Funding Fight: Valley Regional Transit held a public hearing on proposed Canyon County service cuts tied to Nampa’s reduced funding request, with riders worried about lost routes. Community & Culture: Idaho Falls’ St. Paul’s United Methodist Church and Trinity UMC plan a third annual worship service and barbecue June 28. Business: Albertsons Media Collective is integrating Criteo to bring sponsored product discovery into AI-powered conversational search.

Fish & Wildlife: Idaho Fish and Game is warning anglers about illegally released walleye showing up in the wrong waters, saying the predator can shrink prey and displace popular fisheries. Local Government: Bellevue leaders will revisit a Karl Malone dealership appeal over using four shipping containers for storage, plus consider a proposed 9% hike in development impact fees. Public Safety: A suspect remains at large after a Belgrade subdivision shooting left a man wounded; investigators executed a search warrant nearby. Courts: A judge in the Charlie Kirk murder case ruled a roommate of the accused Tyler Robinson won’t testify in person at a preliminary hearing. Idaho Crime: A Chubbuck church leader facing child sexual abuse allegations is expected to plead guilty under a plea deal that would avoid sex-offender registration. Sports: East Idaho baseball highlights include the Gate City Grays’ doubleheader sweep and Idaho Falls Chukars’ Garret Ostrander hitting a cycle. Community: Boise marked its 25th World Refugee Day with music, food, and cultural events. Business/Local Life: Duck Donuts at State College permanently closed after eight years.

Defense & Mining: Resolution Minerals was admitted to the U.S. Defense Industrial Base Consortium, aiming to strengthen U.S. antimony and tungsten supply chains and opening doors to defense-linked funding and partnerships. Local Business: Seven Seven Six, founded by Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, bought Boise sports-card maker ONIT, keeping HQ in Boise and naming a new CEO. Growth & Development: Meridian’s Ten Mile Road corridor is moving fast, with a major 220-acre project tied to new retail and industrial space. Wildfire Watch: Crews responded to the Gap Fire near Pocatello, with evacuation orders later lifted as the blaze stayed around 200 acres; officials also issued a fresh evacuation order near Inkom as another fire grew. Public Safety & Community: A three-story house fire in Hayden Lake triggered a multi-agency response, while local groups marked Juneteenth and Go Skateboarding Day. Idaho Sports: CSI softball player Adi Hansen committed to Oklahoma, and Idaho added new girls wrestling divisions plus a separate 1A track state meet. Roads & Costs: AAA reports Idaho gas averages around $4.24 a gallon, still above the national average.

Wildlife & Community: Intermountain Bird Observatory is running public hummingbird banding sessions at Bogus Basin near Idaho City, including a look at how researchers confirm site “fidelity” and track migration—like Calliope hummingbirds that travel about 2,000 miles to Mexico and back. Road Safety: Idaho State Police report a 21-year-old Boise woman died in a single-vehicle crash on I-84 in Elmore County early Sunday after her Subaru left the road, overturned, and came to rest on the shoulder. Courts & Workplace Rights: A former Salmon School District bus driver is suing, alleging gender discrimination, wage theft, and retaliation after she sought time off for cancer treatment. Fire Update: The Gold Run Fire near Kellogg is at 75% containment, with Idaho Department of Lands saying crews strengthened firelines and knocked down hot spots despite gusty winds. Wildlife Management: Idaho Fish and Game relocated a yearling moose from a Rupert neighborhood after it wandered into a residential area, urging residents to keep distance and make noise if moose are nearby. Sports: Boise State’s Ahmed Hassanein, a 2025 sixth-round pick, is chasing a historic NFL moment as the first Egyptian to play a regular-season game.

Idaho Road Safety: Idaho State Police is investigating two fatal crashes on US-26 near Ririe, including a left-turn collision that killed a 44-year-old woman from Idaho Falls; a 2007 Toyota Tundra with three juveniles was also involved. Wildfire Watch: Shoshone County’s Gold Run Fire is at about 227 acres with 40% containment; Highwater Road remains closed and winds could stress containment lines. Local Fire Response: Hayden Lake crews battled a three-story house fire that also sparked a hillside wildland blaze, with fire contained to one home. Community & Pride: Hundreds turned out for Rexburg Pride despite high winds, with vendors, performances, and a unity walk. Sports & Community Youth: Ashton Jeanty returned to Boise to host a youth football camp at Bishop Kelly High School. Public Safety Fundraiser: Cassia County held a Carnival and Cornhole K9 fundraiser to support its sheriff’s K9 unit. Weather: Spring showers wrapped up in the Treasure Valley, with summer heat building toward possible triple digits.

Wildfire Watch (Hayden Lake): A house fire near Waverly Loop in Hayden Lake spread to the hillside Friday evening, but Northern Lakes Fire Protection District says firefighters contained it to the one home. Fatal Crash (Latah County): An 86-year-old Deary man died early Friday in a single-vehicle rollover on SH-8 after his Dodge Ram crossed the center line, left the road, hit a driveway entrance, and overturned. Public Safety (Idaho road trips): Idaho’s “100 deadliest days” are underway, with officials warning that summer brings a spike in fatal and serious crashes, especially involving younger drivers. Health Care Spending (Medicaid): New local Medicaid billing figures show continued growth in multiple Idaho communities, including surgery-related claims in Caldwell and Mountain Home and dental spending increases in Burley and Idaho Falls. Community & Culture: Idaho is also gearing up for America’s 250th anniversary with statewide events and a Capitol concert.

Local Safety: Idaho State Police logged four fatal crashes in a week, killing six people, including a deadly SH-8 crash near Deary and a multi-motorcycle collision near Kooskia. Road Work & Travel: I-90 widening in Coeur d’Alene triggers new westbound ramp closures and trail detours, with some pedestrian/bike paths shut for about a month. Community & Culture: Boise Valley tribes marked a three-acre land gift at the Return of the Boise Valley People gathering, while Idaho Falls gears up for its America 250 Capitol celebration with a free Josh Ritter concert. Housing & Local Government: Caldwell and Canyon County continue talks over a new women’s jail site, with a possible $800,000 city cost if the location shifts. Social Issues: A Nampa couple says a neighbor posted racist notes targeting Black residents, leading to a police report and prosecutor review. Sports & Events: Boise River float season opens June 20, and the Idaho Regatta runs June 27-28 on the Snake River in Burley.

Community Health & Safety: In Rigby, the family of Janelle Palmer—who died in 2025 from sudden cardiac arrest—will dedicate a bright yellow, all-weather AED at Rigby South Park on June 20, with the Aliver Foundation and Field of Hearts partnering with the city. Fire Update (Gem County): Crews are working to contain a roughly 300-ton hay fire near Little Rock Road in Emmett, with public asked to avoid the area while multiple departments assist. Wildlife Management: Idaho Fish and Game euthanized a yearling black bear near Emmett after it repeatedly moved through residential areas and showed little fear of humans. Idaho Power Grid: The Idaho Public Utilities Commission is taking written comments through Aug. 21 on Gateway West Segment E-8, a proposed 500-kilovolt line from near Jerome to Melba. Local Public Safety: Idaho Falls police are searching for a missing 14-year-old runaway, Joseph Junior M. Gallegos. Food Insecurity: A JustServe/America250 truck delivered 37,000 pounds of shelf-stable food to southeast Idaho pantries. Roads & Travel: ITD says resurfacing U.S. Highway 30 in Twin Falls/Kimberly Road starts June 22, with one-lane traffic and signal upgrades. Local Events: Star’s Great Cardboard Boat Regatta returns Saturday at Freedom Park to benefit the Star Food Bank’s building campaign.

Wildfire Funding Crunch: Gov. Little said Idaho’s wildfire suppression fund ran out of money, so the state will lean on deficiency warrants while hiring 260 seasonal firefighters and keeping 36 engines staffed. Gold Run Fire Update: Crews finished building a fire line around the Gold Run Fire’s perimeter in Shoshone County; the Highwater Road area remains closed and the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes is expected to reopen Friday. Public Safety Prep: Boise Fire urged homeowners in wildfire-prone areas to “home harden” and clear defensible space ahead of embers and wind-driven fires. Idaho Crime & Courts: A Pocatello man, Joelseph Jenkins, lost hunting privileges for life after poaching and an illegal guiding scheme; he also faces 2 years in prison. Crash Tragedy: Three motorcyclists died in a Kooskia-area crash after a Ford F-150 crossed the yellow line; the driver was arrested on probable cause for vehicular manslaughter. Wildlife Management: Fish and Game relocated a yearling moose from a Rupert yard to safer habitat. Community & Culture: Post Falls will host a Juneteenth “Freedom Walk” after the city removed Juneteenth as a holiday earlier this year. Jobs & Economy: Idaho’s unemployment rate ticked up to 3.7% in May.

Idaho Court Watch: A federal judge partially blocked Idaho’s transgender bathroom law, keeping bathroom access tied to gender identity while restricting locker rooms and showers, and the state’s enforcement hinges on how officers assess exceptions. Public Safety: Idaho State Police say three Colorado motorcyclists died in a crash near Kooskia after a driver attempted to pass in a no-passing zone; the driver was arrested on vehicular manslaughter charges. Local Construction: Starting next week, SH-54 near Athol will shift to single-lane alternating traffic with temporary signals for about two weeks, creating commute delays. Community & Sports: Kendrick High School won the Idaho academic state baseball title with a 3.4 GPA; Highland’s Bybee and Thunder Ridge’s Sorg earned first-team all-state softball honors. 4th of July Update: In Idaho Falls, Frank VanderSloot says Melaleuca Freedom Celebration may be ending after this year unless a new venue is found. Wildfire/Weather: Northern lights could be visible in northern Idaho tonight, and officials continue tracking wildfire impacts across the region.

Offshore Wind Backtrack: The Trump administration says it will pay $765 million to buy back Invenergy’s early-stage offshore wind leases for four projects, redirecting money toward faster-to-build fossil and geothermal plans. Wildfire Watch in North Idaho: Evacuation orders remain in Shoshone County as the 235-acre Gold Run Fire burns near Elizabeth Park and Big Creek, with power restored in Kellogg and Osburn but residents told not to bypass barricades. Another Idaho Fire Update: Crews report 75% containment on the Mile Marker 315 Fire north of Lewiston, with no evacuations or structure losses so far. Fatal Crash Charges: Idaho State Police say a Colorado woman has been charged with three counts of felony vehicular manslaughter after a U.S. Highway 12 no-passing-zone crash killed three motorcyclists near Kooskia. Local School Fallout: Middleton School District leaders say a failed $1.9 million levy is driving cuts, including transportation for some extracurriculars and changes to athletics. Trans Bathroom Ruling: A federal judge put key parts of Idaho’s transgender bathroom law on hold, limiting criminal enforcement while the case proceeds. Treasure Valley Community: Treasure Valley shoppers donated baby essentials during Idaho News 6’s Community Baby Shower, supporting local family and foster-care programs.

Idaho Courtroom Win for Trans Residents: A federal judge temporarily blocked parts of Idaho’s transgender bathroom access law, limiting enforcement while the legal fight continues. Wildfire Watch in North Idaho: The Gold Run Fire near Kellogg grew to about 235 acres and is 10% contained; evacuations remain in place for Big Creek and Elizabeth Park, with Osburn under Level 2 “be ready” orders. Local Emergency Preparedness: Osburn residents were told to stay ready as containment changes; shelters and animal support are available. Community Events: Kamiah hosts “Go Skate Day, Upriver Edition” June 20, and White Bird Days and rodeo run June 19-21. Idaho Sports & Culture: Prime Video renewed “One Night in Idaho: The College Murders” for Season 2, promising new law-enforcement perspectives. Treasure Valley Business: Asana Climbing Gym in Boise’s area announced it will close permanently this winter. Public Safety & Health: St. Mary’s Health schedules sports physicals late July at multiple clinics across the region.

Transgender Rights in Court: A federal judge in Boise blocked Idaho from fully enforcing HB 752, pausing parts of the law that could send transgender people to prison for using restrooms aligned with their gender identity, while allowing enforcement for some multi-user areas and locker/shower provisions. Wildfire Watch: Idaho leaders warned of a potentially severe fire season as drought and wind-driven conditions raise risk; in Shoshone County, the Gold Run fire triggered evacuations and left thousands without power in Kellogg/Osburn, while crews also battled a separate wildfire near Highway 95 north of Lewiston. Boise State Leadership: David W. Hahn was named the sole finalist for Boise State’s next president, with a final vote expected soon. Local Public Safety Tech: A Caldwell resident filed a tort claim alleging the city’s Flock Safety license-plate camera program violates Idaho privacy law. Business & Growth: Elk Range Mining is pursuing an ASX IPO to raise up to $10 million to advance its Idaho gold projects, including the Friday mine and Orogrande processing plant. Idaho Sports: Idaho Falls Spud Kings and other teams are set to move into the NAHL’s new Mountain Division.

Transgender bathroom ban blocked: A federal judge issued a statewide preliminary injunction stopping Idaho’s House Bill 752 from taking effect July 1, saying key parts are likely unconstitutional and too vague to enforce consistently. Boise State leadership: The Idaho State Board of Education named Dr. David W. Hahn, dean of engineering at the University of Arizona, as the sole finalist for Boise State’s next president, with an open forum set for this week. Drug bust near Twin Falls: Idaho State Police seized about 11.6 pounds of methamphetamine worth roughly $90,000 during a traffic stop on U.S. 93, arresting three people. Public safety in the news: A Rexburg man was arrested after police say he shook a 4-month-old baby, causing a skull fracture and brain bleed; and Lewiston police are investigating an officer-involved shooting near Weippe in which a suspect died. Idaho agriculture budget: The Idaho Barley Commission approved a fiscal 2027 budget of about $961,600, slightly lower than last year, shifting spending toward market development. Local culture: The 91st Emmett Cherry Festival runs June 17-20 in Emmett City Park.

Idaho Tax Relief: Gov. Brad Little says Idaho issued a record 826,370 refunds totaling $579.1 million, with both the number of refunds and total dollars up from last year. Power & Water: Idaho Power is moving to relicense the Cascade Dam power plant, aiming to keep its turbines running for decades. Public Safety: A missing Idaho Falls man’s body was recovered from a canal, while Post Falls investigators are probing a homicide that has neighbors demanding answers. Health & Agriculture: Idaho dairies reported more bird flu cases, with USDA noting a surge in H5N1 detections in the state’s livestock herds. Wildfire Readiness: Twin Falls fire officials are warning residents to use only “safe and sane” fireworks this Fourth of July as dry conditions raise wildfire risk. Community & Local Life: Gov. Little also announced a new College Athletics Working Group, and Idaho schools and cities continue upgrades and planning—from jail expansion work in Ada County to window and door replacements at Kimberly Middle School. National Watch: Republican AGs are urging the EPA to treat the abortion pill mifepristone as a water contaminant.

Idaho Drought & Fisheries: With severe drought and heat looming, Idaho Fish and Game warns anglers may lose fishing opportunities and says it will weigh options like salvage harvest, trapping and relocation, or letting conditions play out—depending on whether water levels can support fish. Wildlife & Water Stress: A new study finds drought is shrinking high-quality habitat across the Mountain West, hitting mule deer, black bears, and cougars—and the impacts may hit predators hardest. Public Safety: Idaho State Police will re-dedicate the Corporal Linda Huff Memorial Rose Garden in Coeur d’Alene on June 17, restoring a memorial created after her 1998 line-of-duty death. Idaho Crime: A former Idaho resident, Susan White (Susan Milne), was sentenced to federal prison for acting as a “money mule” in business email fraud, ordered to pay restitution. Local Economy & Growth: Northwest Nazarene University is joining a regional semiconductor workforce initiative, and UI Extension is launching a veterans-focused small-scale agriculture program in Boise. Agriculture & Livestock: Idaho cattle leaders say the new world screwworm may push more ranchers to sell during a hot market, even as prices stay strong.