AGP Executive Report

Women’s sports fight: Riley Gaines says the Supreme Court’s decision upholding Idaho’s Title IX protections is a “win,” but she’s still pushing for Congress to codify the rules. Local planning: ITD is taking public comment on Rathdrum Prairie transportation alternatives and on changes to its seven-year road and bridge investment plan through July 31. Energy demand: Washington County commissioners heard how Idaho’s rapidly growing electricity needs could reshape local land-use decisions. Idaho executions: Idaho’s firing-squad policy is now recruiting trained officers willing to volunteer as shooters, after lethal injection problems. Education updates: Idaho school districts are preparing for new July 1 laws, including parent notification rules tied to social transitions. Boise State hoops: Boise State hired former BYU assistant Will Voigt as the program’s new associate head coach. Community & culture: Pocatello’s Chopstick Cafe neon sign is set to glow again as Neon Fest returns. Public safety: Police are asking for help identifying a motorcyclist wanted for reckless driving and felony eluding.

Idaho Water Watch: Boise passed an ordinance that can limit how much residents water lawns and other outdoor use as drought pressure grows, with phased steps ranging from voluntary guidance to required restrictions. Public Safety & Law: Idaho is moving to a firing-squad execution method for condemned inmates, with the state’s new chamber and procedures set to take effect July 1. Sports & Community: Boise State hired David Hahn as its new president, effective immediately, and the Broncos are also in the middle of their Pac-12 transition. Holiday Planning: Idaho and nearby states are tightening fireworks rules for the Fourth, with “safe and sane” limits in Idaho and stricter bans in parts of the Inland Northwest. Local Crime Update: A Payette mother has been indicted on two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of 18-month-old twins. Outdoors: Inland Northwest guides are sharing tips for wild mushroom foraging and low-cost summer outdoor workout classes.

Boise State Leadership: The Idaho State Board of Education voted to hire David Hahn, dean at the University of Arizona, as Boise State’s new president, effective immediately, after a public finalist review. Pac-12 Shakeup: San Diego State officially joined the rebuilt Pac-12 alongside Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Utah State, plus Texas State and Gonzaga, with Oregon State and Washington State as holdovers. Idaho Courts & Sports: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld Idaho’s ban on transgender girls and women competing in girls’ and women’s sports, reinforcing states’ ability to define eligibility by biological sex under Title IX. Public Safety & Justice: A 24-year-old man, Lukes Birch, received a sentence of 12 years fixed and 18 years indeterminate (up to 30 years) for molesting a child and possessing more than 4,000 child sexual abuse images. Local Government: Boise’s new ordinance targets unlicensed e-moto use, and Idaho’s July 1 law ends most license plate registration stickers while keeping rules for off-road and park passes. Business/Mining: Idaho Copper priced an $18 million public offering and NYSE American listing, aiming to advance its CuMo project studies. Weather/Travel: A wildfire shut down westbound I-84 near Ontario, Oregon, prompting detours and delays.

Supreme Court & Idaho Schools: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld Idaho’s ban on transgender girls and women competing on school sports teams aligned with biological sex, rejecting equal-protection and Title IX challenges and setting up more state-by-state fights. Medicare & Weight-Loss Drugs: Medicare coverage expands in WA, OR, and ID for obesity drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound with a flat $50 monthly copay under a temporary federal bridge program. Idaho Law Changes Today: New Idaho rules take effect July 1, including updates tied to transgender bathroom access and other statewide changes. Idaho Executions: Idaho moves forward with a new execution chamber and the firing squad as its primary method, as critics raise concerns about pain and botched procedures. Local Governance (Ketchum): Ketchum City Council advances water-use restrictions and is also shaping an all-or-nothing tax measure path for voters this fall. Energy Grid (Regional): Western governors, including Idaho’s, back a multi-state task force to plan transmission-line upgrades across the region. Idaho Business/Community: The first In-N-Out in Idaho is taking shape in Meridian, with construction underway and opening timing still being finalized.

Supreme Court Sports Ruling: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld Idaho and West Virginia laws barring transgender girls and women from girls’ and women’s school sports, saying the bans don’t violate Title IX or the 14th Amendment—an outcome that’s likely to embolden similar state efforts nationwide. Idaho Law Changes July 1: Idaho’s new rules take effect July 1, including updates tied to housing and short-term rentals, plus other changes lawmakers passed during a busy session. Local Public Works: Twin Falls is installing permanent sewer odor scrubbers and asking residents to report foul smells online as crews work to reduce hydrogen sulfide odors. Boise Arts & Community: Boise’s Gem Center is highlighting local artists in “Facets of the Gem,” while Jaialdi continues to draw creative takes on Idaho culture and history. Idaho Transportation Update: Idaho is dropping license plate registration stickers starting this week, changing how officers spot expired registration. High School Rodeo: Firth’s Ryder Wallace is headed to the National High School Finals Rodeo after winning Idaho’s state bareback title.

Idaho Lawmakers’ July 1 Rollout: The Legislature passed 350 new laws, and a big batch kicks in July 1, including changes to execution procedures, drone limits over prisons, and new rules tied to sex-segregated spaces. U.S. Supreme Court Watch: The high court is set to decide major cases affecting Idaho and the nation, including birthright citizenship and transgender student-athlete bans. Boise Mobility: Two e-scooter companies, Lime and Bird, have launched dockless scooters in downtown Boise, with a third (Spin) applying for more. Public Safety & Wildfire Tragedy: Three firefighters were killed fighting the Knowles Fire in western Colorado as the Mountain West battles dozens of wildfires. Local Economy & Housing: Silver Valley leaders are wrestling with how to grow while keeping affordable workforce housing on track, after past proposals sparked community pushback. Idaho Business Spotlight: Idaho Falls’ BioLogiQ won gold for sustainable non-woven material innovation. Weather: Southern Idaho expects isolated mountain storms Tuesday and Wednesday, then drier, warmer conditions heading into the Fourth of July weekend.

U.S. Supreme Court Watch: The justices are set to decide major cases this week on President Trump’s power, including birthright citizenship limits, firing independent agency heads, and removing a Federal Reserve governor—plus disputes involving Idaho and other states’ transgender sports rules and election-related ballot and spending issues. Idaho Public Safety: Zoo Idaho in Pocatello reopened Tuesday after a bomb threat investigation found no credible threat; the scare also canceled a local band concert. Wildlife Health: Idaho Fish and Game says a canine distemper outbreak is spreading among raccoons in Pocatello and Chubbuck after residents reported sick animals in daylight. Health Awareness: Gov. Brad Little declared Idaho a “Stroke Smart State,” kicking off July Stroke Awareness Month with a push for faster treatment via EMS. Local Sports & Community: Boise State hired BYU assistant Will Voigt for men’s basketball, and Boise State’s Allie Ostrander made NCAA history with a third straight 3,000-meter steeplechase title. Idaho Crime: A Pocatello woman was arrested on felony stalking charges after police say she violated an active protection order by yelling death threats through a shared wall.

Transgender Sports Bill: The Idaho House advanced HB 500 to bar transgender girls or women from competing on female teams in public schools, with supporters calling it “fair” and opponents warning it could effectively block participation. Supreme Court Watch: Opinion day is here as the U.S. Supreme Court nears major rulings on Trump’s power, election rules, and transgender sports cases tied to Idaho and West Virginia. Idaho Politics & Elections: A lawsuit over a medical marijuana ballot initiative highlights how signature-counting decisions can derail Idaho efforts, even when organizers turn in far more than required. Local Education & Community: Inspire Connections Academy opened enrollment for 2026-27, while Teton Valley school board seats saw new trustees stepping in. Outdoors & Economy: A new study says Idaho’s guides and outfitters industry contributes up to $600M to the state’s economy, and Fish & Game urged caution as moose sightings rise in Magic Valley. Weather: Unseasonal snow and cold are hitting parts of the Rockies, with wildfire risk also increasing.

Olympic Dream Path: Boise State beach volleyball’s Emilia Guerra-Acuna is exploring dual citizenship with Mexico after a tryout with the Mexican national team, a move that could open an Olympic track. Supreme Court Watch: The U.S. Supreme Court is nearing the end of its term with major Trump-related rulings still due, including cases tied to presidential power, election issues, and transgender athlete crackdowns. Idaho Schools Start: Treasure Valley districts kick off the new school year with new financial literacy requirements and a fresh Idaho Career Ready Students push to expand career-technical education. Local Sports: Owyhee’s football program looks to build on a playoff appearance under a new season, while Green River’s Knights wrapped up a wood-bat tournament with mixed results. Idaho Weather & Fire: Eastern Idaho braces for a cooler stretch after lightning-sparked wildfires in the Caribou-Targhee area. Community & Safety: Zoo Idaho in Pocatello was evacuated after a bomb threat hoax, with authorities asking the public to stay away while they check the site.

Supreme Court Watch: The U.S. Supreme Court is set to wrap up its term soon, with major rulings pending on President Trump’s power claims, election cases, and a crackdown on transgender athletes. Treasure Valley Safety: Ada County Highway District crews are responding to flooding and hazards after storms brought heavy rain, hail, and downed trees, with left lanes on I-84 near Eagle Road closed. Local Politics: Meridian City Council District 3 is headed to a November showdown between former White House adviser Doug Taylor and Meridian businessman Bill Chandler. School Board Race: Three candidates are competing for a West Ada School District trustee seat in zone 4. Idaho Budget Pressure: State leaders say Idaho must implement spending cuts as it faces a forecasted shortfall tied to recent tax cuts. Community & Culture: Boise’s Created in Chaos opens as a queer, neurodivergent-owned salon, and Meridian’s Raising Cane’s draws huge crowds at its Idaho debut. Sports: Boise State women’s soccer prepares for an NCAA Tournament opener vs. BYU in Provo.

Severe Weather: Treasure Valley residents dealt with torrential rain, severe winds, hail and flooding Friday night, with scattered thunderstorms continuing into the weekend and a Flash Flood Watch for parts of the Boise Mountains. Prep Sports: Emmett High’s tennis program is sending a school-record eight players to the Idaho State Championships, showing depth across singles and doubles. Outdoor & Fishing: Idaho Fish and Game plans to stock more than 133,000 catchable-size trout across Southwest Idaho in May, including tiger trout at Esther Simplot Pond. Local Sports Spotlight: Boise State’s Landon Helms, an Emmett alum, wrapped up the NCAA Indoor Championships with second-team All-America honors in the heptathlon. Community & Culture: Garden City’s new Laissez Faire Wine Co. opens with Idaho’s first “wine window,” a walkable drive-thru style ordering setup. Business Watch: Nampa’s Pub & Putt pairs craft beer with indoor miniature golf, adding another entertainment option to the Treasure Valley.

Livestock Protection: Idaho’s agriculture department added new entry requirements after the U.S. confirmed the first New World screwworm case in Texas, aiming to keep the pest from spreading to Idaho’s animals and wildlife. Local Elections: Boise voters head to a Dec. 3 runoff between Mayor Dave Bieter and City Council President Lauren McLean, with The Idaho Daily editorial board backing McLean. School Funding Fight: A Caldwell lawmaker is pushing a bill to raise Idaho’s sales tax to 7% and route money to schools, as districts keep leaning on property-tax levies. Legislature vs. Voting Access: Multiple editorials criticize new election rules that could restrict participation, including proposals affecting unaffiliated voters and remote voting. Idaho Community Watch: Meridian expands fire coverage with two new stations, and Broulim’s is extending store hours to Sundays. Statewide Public Health: Editorials also slam intimidation of health officials and argue leaders should follow expert guidance over politics.

Idaho Politics & Courts: AG Raúl Labrador is accused of improper campaign help tied to Idaho’s Public Integrity in Elections Act, while other commentary argues Idaho’s congressional delegation has failed its constitutional checks. Civics in Idaho Schools: New state civics requirements kick in July 1, adding more American history/government coursework and a graduation test. Immigration Enforcement Lawsuit: An ACLU case over a Wilder horse-track raid seeks dismissal, with defendants arguing the suit doesn’t name specific responsible actions. Water & Drought Watch: Local reporting warns winter snowpack shortfalls could mean a tough drought year for Idaho. Boise State Football: Broncos open spring practice with major position-battle focus, including a new defensive-backs setup and QB Maddux Madsen’s push for a final legacy; Boise also mourns former safety Jeremy Ioane. Local Sports: Preston’s softball season ends with a semifinal loss to Kimberly; Bear Lake Memorial hosts healthcare career days; AC Boise edges Union Omaha 1-0.

Wrongful Death Lawsuit: Doug Martin’s parents filed a federal wrongful death suit against Oakland police and an ambulance provider, alleging excessive force and delayed medical care during a mental health crisis. Idaho Housing: Idaho led the nation in housing unit growth in 2025, but the data still shows it isn’t enough for a fast-growing population. AI Education: The University of Idaho is launching new AI degree programs this fall, expanding training for students across Idaho and online. Nuclear in Idaho: U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright visited Idaho National Laboratory as new advanced reactors move toward the “golden age” push. Public Safety: ITD says Meridian’s long-delayed variable speed signs on Eagle Road are one step closer to activation after power/easement work is finished. Wildfire Watch: Firefighters are urging caution with fireworks as conditions raise wildfire risk in North Idaho. Food Safety: USDA issued a health alert for a boneless chicken breast product sold at Kroger and Fred Meyer due to misbranding and undeclared allergens. Local Business: A Pocatello company is offering luxury bathroom trailers for outdoor events where restrooms are hard to find. Sports: Whitman College pitcher Julien Hernandez signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks organization.

Wrongful Death Lawsuit: Parents of former NFL star Doug Martin sued Oakland, alleging police used excessive force and paramedics delayed medical care during a mental-health crisis that preceded his death. Idaho Higher Ed Data: New federal enrollment figures show white students were the largest ethnic group at Canyon County universities in 2023-24, with Hispanic students second. Sports & Community: The Idaho Foodbank and Athletic Club Boise teamed up for World Cup watch parties that raised donations while building community around soccer. Idaho Education Tech: University of Idaho plans new bachelor’s and master’s AI degree programs this fall at Moscow and Coeur d’Alene, with graduate options fully online. Public Safety & Health: Idaho residents can prepare for capped elk zone tag sales on GoOutdoorsIdaho.com, and a new guide explains what to do if you find a bat in your home. Energy & Policy: DOE Secretary Chris Wright visited Idaho Falls for a nuclear power event highlighting the push for a new generation of reactors.

Idaho National Lab & nuclear fuel: Lightbridge says its first batch of fuel material samples removed from INL’s Advanced Test Reactor have been taken out for cooling ahead of post-irradiation exams later this year. Local industry: Bunker Hill Mining reports its new Kellogg processing facility is on track to produce first concentrate for sale by the end of the month. Tech & jobs ripple: Boise-based Micron posted record results on surging AI memory demand, sending chip stocks higher and signaling supply tightness may last into 2028. Energy costs in the region: A Pacific Northwest coal plant dispute is back in focus as utilities argue customers could be stuck paying for a plant kept on standby. Idaho community & safety: One person was hurt in Gooding County after a concrete truck overturned, closing an intersection for hours. Health tech: DeepHealth received FDA clearances for new AI breast imaging features, including prior exam integration. Local culture: Meridian kicked off Dairy Days with this year’s junior and senior dairy princesses crowned.