AGP Executive Report

Fire Safety & Leadership: Pocatello has appointed Shane Grow as its new fire chief, effective Aug. 8, bringing nearly 25 years with the Pocatello Fire Department. Wildfire Watch: The Big Grass Fire in Owyhee County has burned 466,326 acres and is 41% contained, with level 3 evacuations in multiple areas as gusty, dry conditions threaten growth. Local Fire Response: A chemical fire at a Star construction site briefly shut part of State Street and triggered level-of-area evacuations after a drill ignited methyl methacrylate drums; no injuries reported. Idaho Falls Community: A car crashed into the Bonneville Humane Society and Thrift Store, damaging the building but injuring no people or cats; repairs reopened it Saturday. Space & Energy: NASA’s administrator visited Idaho National Laboratory to highlight nuclear power in space, including microreactor testing and plans for a compact space reactor. Public Health & Kids: Idaho Foodbank’s Back to School Month campaign is back to support weekend meals and school pantry programs for food-insecure children. Crime & Courts: Prosecutors in the Tahoe avalanche case have received a heavily redacted report as they consider whether to pursue criminal charges. Road Safety: Idaho State Police are investigating a fatal head-on crash on US-95 near Viola that killed a Moscow man.

Idaho Public Safety: Idaho State Police warns northern Idaho’s trooper pipeline is thinning, with only 7 applicants for Coeur d’Alene and 3 for Lewiston meeting minimums as the January academy nears. Traffic Update: A two-vehicle injury crash on eastbound I-84 near milepost 66 east of Boise left one driver hospitalized and briefly closed lanes; crews have since reopened travel. Wildfire Watch: The McPherson Fire near Grace is at about 225 acres and threatening homes and outbuildings, with red-flag conditions complicating containment. Community & Records: Moscow says it’s on pace for more than 2,100 public records requests tied to the 2022 UI murders, straining staff and prompting a request to hire temporary help. Local Health: Kuna Lions Club is set to host a free community screening for vision, hearing and diabetes on Oct. 10. Online Safety: Meridian Police urge parents to stay involved as online grooming risks rise, including on gaming platforms. Idaho Outdoors: A look at how monsoon-driven storms can affect hunting and fishing conditions across parts of the region.

Idaho Public Health: Panhandle Health District and state agencies issued advisories for harmful cyanobacteria in Fernan Lake and the upper end of Hayden Lake, urging residents to avoid contact and keep pets away. Twin Falls Safety & Justice: Police released newly detailed video from the Aug. 1 In-N-Out drive-through shooting that left three dead and seven wounded; investigators still seek a motive. Courts & Crime: A federal grand jury indicted an Idaho Falls man on charges tied to sexual exploitation of a minor and coercion/enticement. Local Alerts: Bannock County warned seniors about a fake “property tax freeze” form circulating online. Community & Economy: Westmark Credit Union named Derik Nielsen its new president/CEO in Idaho Falls. Aviation Tragedy: A Blackfoot pilot celebration flight ended in a crash that killed one and seriously injured two; the FAA and NTSB are investigating. Wildfire Mental Health: Idaho mental health leaders say wildfire smoke and heavy skies are worsening anxiety and depression for many residents.

Idaho Public Safety: Idaho State Police are investigating a serious two-vehicle crash on SH-75 south of Stanley that sent multiple people by air and ground ambulance, with the southbound lane blocked for hours. Idaho Falls Traffic: A 20-year-old motorcyclist died Thursday in a collision with a pickup at S Yellowstone Highway and S 15th W; the northbound lane was closed during the response. Animal Welfare: Snake River Animal Shelter in Idaho Falls received a grant from The Grey Muzzle Organization to help keep senior dogs with families and reduce unnecessary surrenders. Civil Rights & Schools: California AG Rob Bonta joined a coalition backing a federal challenge to Idaho’s transgender restroom law, arguing it violates equal protection and threatens student safety and privacy. Local Community: Star Food Bank secured land for a future 5,000-square-foot home in Star, with construction likely about a year out. Tech + Privacy: Caldwell’s police use of Flock automated license plate readers is drawing privacy concerns and public pushback at city council.

Wildfire Smoke & Health: Idaho’s air quality has slid into the Red/Unhealthy range in parts of the state, with ER physician Ethan Sims saying more patients are showing up—especially kids and babies—after smoky skies from regional fires. Twin Falls Shooting Update: Authorities are still seeking a motive after a mass shooting at a new Twin Falls In-N-Out left three dead and seven wounded; police say the gunman, 24-year-old Chad Williams, acted alone and died by self-inflicted gunshot. Idaho Transportation: Elkhorn Road reopened in Ketchum two days early, though drivers should expect intermittent shifts and lane closures through late 2026. Local Business Spotlight: Boise’s Soft Landing soft-serve shop is expanding with a second location in Eagle. Community Events: Elk River Days returns Aug. 7-9 with the town’s famous cardboard boat races. Workforce & Visas: Idaho’s reliance on H-2A/H-2B seasonal workers remains among the highest in the nation, underscoring how employers are filling seasonal gaps. Grants: Idaho Fish and Game is taking applications for shooting range development grants, due Nov. 2.

Twin Falls In-N-Out Vigil: Hundreds gathered at Twin Falls City Park for a candlelight vigil honoring the three people killed in Saturday’s In-N-Out shooting, with police still working to determine a motive. Public Safety & Health: Idaho State Police investigated a fatal two-vehicle crash on SH55 near Donnelly, while separate wildfire smoke coverage urged residents to limit exposure and use trusted air-quality info. Local Government: Adams County commissioners voted 2-1 to put Meadows Valley Ambulance District dissolution and redistricting on the November ballot. Firefighting Updates: Spokane-area crews reported progress against multiple wildfires, but officials warned hotter, drier weather could bring setbacks. Community & Culture: Festival at Sandpoint will add donation stations for Spokane-area fire relief, and a Spokane Valley ferret rescue highlighted the region’s need for specialized animal support. Idaho Courts: Twin Falls sentencing news included a man getting 90 days for sending non-consensual explicit images and another receiving 35 years for rape of a minor.

Idaho In-N-Out shooting: Twin Falls police say the suspect in the deadly In-N-Out attack died by self-inflicted gunshot, while bystanders and an off-duty trooper are credited with helping stop more harm; investigators continue to seek motive and identify victims. Courts & Idaho murders: New court filings and media coverage continue to follow Bryan Kohberger’s bid to withdraw his guilty plea, including details about his prison finances and renewed arguments about how the plea was reached. Health care policy: After an insurer dropped an East Idaho hospital, Idaho lawmakers created a new Health Insurers Working Group to study denials, prior authorization, and provider disputes. Rural health funding: Idaho’s Department of Health and Welfare is rolling out major rural health transformation funding opportunities aimed at expanding access beyond hospitals. Community & local life: Kuna Lions Club plans a free Oct. 10 screening for vision, hearing, and diabetes; Orofino’s Farmers Market Week party is set for Aug. 6; and Clearwater County Solid Waste outlined rising costs and a planned fee adjustment. Public safety & weather: Wildfire smoke and evacuations continue to affect parts of the Northwest, with Idaho residents urged to monitor air quality.

Twin Falls In-N-Out shooting: Police identified three people killed in the Saturday attack, including Ashley Garibay, a Stockton worker who traveled to help open the new Idaho restaurant, and Dale Schultz and Christopher Claunch; authorities say the suspect, Chad Williams, died by self-inflicted gunshot and they’re still seeking a motive. Community response: Idaho law enforcement and residents rallied with vigils, fundraisers, and support efforts for victims and families. Wildfire pressure in the region: In Spokane, fast-moving fires have destroyed hundreds of buildings and forced tens of thousands to flee, while Idaho’s Tartar Fire continues to threaten Weiser-area neighborhoods with evacuation orders still in place. Idaho transportation: ITD says Meridian’s variable speed signs on Eagle Road are finally set to activate after months of delays. Agriculture deadline: Forage Production Revenue Protection crop insurance sales close Sept. 30 in Idaho and other states, with enrollment-related dates and a webinar coming up in August.

Twin Falls In-N-Out Aftermath: Police say the shooter in Saturday’s Twin Falls In-N-Out attack acted alone; victims and survivors are still recovering, and officials are urging people to stop spreading misinformation as the community rallies with counseling and donations. Public Safety & Accountability: A civilian says the gunman “immediately crumbled” when shots were fired back, while Twin Falls police credit an off-duty trooper and a citizen for helping prevent more harm. Idaho Courts: Bryan Kohberger has been appointed a new attorney as he pursues post-conviction relief and tries to withdraw his guilty plea in the Idaho murders case. Statehouse/Health Policy: Idaho Attorney General Griffin joined a letter to Congress urging passage of the STOP FRAUD in Medicaid Act, expanding Medicaid fraud enforcement beyond provider cases. Local Life: Boise’s historic Julia Davis Park Rose Garden reopened after a roughly $300,000 renovation. Wildfire Neighbors: Eastern Idaho residents are also watching regional fire impacts, including smoke and evacuation pressure across the Northwest. Business & Jobs: Premier Technology marked 30 years in East Idaho, growing from a small start to 400 employees.

Twin Falls In-N-Out shooting: Police say 24-year-old Chad Williams killed three and injured seven before dying by self-inflicted gunshot; investigators still seek a motive, while multiple bystanders and an off-duty trooper are credited with stopping the attack. Spokane-area wildfires: Authorities arrested 37-year-old Aaron Farinacci on suspicion of arson in connection with the Old Trails Fire; the blazes have destroyed 700+ structures and displaced about 65,000 people as crews assess damage. Idaho air quality & smoke: Treasure Valley residents are slowly getting back outside as conditions improve, though forecasts warn smoke could worsen again. Idaho tourism boost: The Idaho Travel Council awarded $11M+ in tourism grants statewide, with funding aimed at marketing and regional promotion. Agriculture research: U of I researchers identified a naturally occurring wheat mutation linked to a 5%–10% yield increase, with molecular markers to speed breeding. Idaho National Laboratory: INL developed a vacuum attachment to speed fallout sample collection after nuclear events.

Twin Falls Shooting: Investigators say 24-year-old Chad Williams acted alone in the In-N-Out Burger attack that killed three and injured seven; police credited an off-duty trooper and an armed citizen with firing back and helping divert him. Big Rock Fire: North and South Fremont fire crews joined the response as the Heise Road blaze burned about 2,500 acres, with smoke, rockfall, and road closures affecting the area. Spokane Wildfires Spillover: Washington’s fires forced evacuations of about 60,000 and destroyed hundreds of structures, while Idaho saw worsening smoke and an air quality advisory for multiple eastern counties. Air Quality: Idaho DEQ extended advisories through Wednesday, urging people—especially sensitive groups—to limit time outdoors as conditions ease in some areas but remain hazardous in others. INL Workforce Cuts: DOE contractor Battelle Energy Alliance is reducing staffing at Idaho National Laboratory’s tank-armor work, affecting up to 50 jobs, with completion expected by Sept. 30. Gas Prices: AAA reports Idaho regular averaging $4.30 a gallon, up six cents from last week. Consumer Tech: Idaho AG Brenna Bird leads a coalition demanding OpenAI preserve records after an alleged Hugging Face hack.

Twin Falls In-N-Out Shooting: Police say 24-year-old Chad Williams died from a self-inflicted gunshot after killing three people and injuring seven at the newly opened Idaho location; authorities credit an off-duty trooper and an armed citizen with exchanging fire that helped divert him, and they warn against misinformation that falsely named another suspect. Community Response: Free crisis counseling and therapy dogs were offered in Twin Falls as residents process the attack, while families of victims pushed back on online rumors. Wildfire Pressure in the Region: Eastern Washington wildfires near Spokane forced evacuations of about 60,000 people and destroyed at least 600 structures, with officials warning conditions may stay dangerous. Idaho Heat & Fire Risk: East Idaho just saw its hottest July on record, and forecasters say the dry, hot pattern is carrying into August. Idaho Business/Industry: Resolution Minerals says it’s advancing its Horse Heaven critical-minerals work in Idaho with federal permitting support and a major drilling push.

Twin Falls Shooting Update: Police say the suspect in Saturday’s deadly In-N-Out attack, 24-year-old Chad Williams, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities believe he acted alone, and they credited an off-duty trooper and a citizen with returning fire and helping stop the rampage. Casualties: Three people were killed and seven injured; two were released after treatment, three are stable, and two remain in critical condition. Investigation: Investigators are still working to determine victims’ identities and the suspect’s motive, with the FBI assisting. Wildfire Smoke Advisory (East Idaho): Idaho DEQ issued an “Unhealthy” air advisory for multiple East Idaho counties, urging residents to limit time outdoors as smoke worsens through Tuesday. Idaho Business/Mining: Elk Range Mining announced a $10 million raise ahead of listing to advance its Idaho gold project near Elk City.

Twin Falls In-N-Out Shooting: A gunman opened fire at the newly opened In-N-Out Burger on Blue Lakes Boulevard, killing three people and injuring seven others, some critically. Twin Falls Police Chief Matthew Hicks said the threat to the public is over and the suspected shooter was found dead at the scene, while investigators work to confirm identities and motive and notify families. Police also asked residents to avoid the area and refrain from sharing unconfirmed details as roads and the nearby Perrine Bridge remain closed. Local Public Safety: A separate late-night drive-by shooting on Trotter Drive was reported hours later; police said it appears isolated and not connected to the In-N-Out incident. Wildfire Watch (Heise): The Big Rock Fire near Heise surged to about 2,400 acres, prompting new Level 3 “Go” evacuation orders for homes and campgrounds north of Heise, with firefighters again defending structures as winds and dry conditions drive rapid spread.

Wildfire Watch: The Big Rock Fire near Heise exploded overnight to about 1,000–1,200 acres, but firefighters say no homes were lost as crews built containment lines and defensive backfires; a Red Flag Warning is in effect for East Idaho with hot, dry, windy conditions that could drive new growth. Public Safety & Health: Officials also report Idaho’s hottest July on record, with triple-digit heat in places like Pocatello and Idaho Falls, adding pressure to an already dangerous fire season. Idaho Outdoors: Idaho Fish and Game closed a sturgeon-fishing section of the CJ Strike Reservoir starting Aug. 2 after dead sturgeon were found from low oxygen and high water temperatures; the closure runs through Sept. 25. Local Sports: Boise State’s Banana Ball event sent seven people to hospitals, and the school says it’s adding shade, water stations, and other steps for Saturday’s second game. Idaho Statehouse/Policy: Idaho’s Medicaid work requirements are set to start next year for more than 80,000 people, with “medically frail” exemptions requiring proof. INL & Energy: Idaho National Laboratory is partnering on antimony processing for domestic military supply, opening a modular pilot plant to test production from Idaho ore.

Wildfire Emergency: The Big Rock Fire near Heise has burned past 200 acres and triggered mandatory evacuations from the Heise bridge to Kelly Canyon, with roads sealed and a shelter set up in Ririe as crews race to stop fast-moving flames. Fire Weather Alert: Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho face a rare “particularly dangerous situation” fire weather warning, driven by strong winds and dry conditions that could also worsen existing blazes. Local Safety & Crashes: Idaho State Police report a two-vehicle crash north of Shelley that sent a Rexburg woman and an Idaho Falls man to hospitals, and Highway 91 lanes were blocked during the response. Idaho Sports & Courts: A federal judge’s NCAA eligibility ruling could affect Idaho athletes from the 2022 college class, while Boise State forward Javan Buchanan’s NCAA waiver for a fifth season at West Virginia was denied. Community & Events: The Idaho State Journal’s Readers’ Choice Awards drew hundreds to celebrate top local businesses and professionals in Pocatello. Public Health: Costco shoppers were warned about a burrito product sold with an undeclared egg allergen due to a packaging error.