AGP Executive Report

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.

Media Deal: Gray Media has officially closed its cash-free station swap with E.W. Scripps, trading stations in Lansing, Michigan; Lafayette, Louisiana; and Colorado Springs and Grand Junction for Scripps’ Twin Falls, Idaho CBS and Fox low-power stations—reshaping local TV footprints across the Mountain West. Courts & Rights: The U.S. Supreme Court temporarily preserved access to the abortion pill mifepristone by keeping mail and telemedicine options in place while litigation continues. Idaho Politics & Schools: Idaho’s civics push moves forward with new requirements for Western civilization and more American history/government credits, while a late-session special education funding plan cleared the finish line after internal GOP tensions surfaced in leaked emails. Cost of Living: SNAP enrollment fell sharply again, and Idaho homeowners are bracing for higher gas prices and an insurance squeeze as wildfire risk drives cancellations and rate hikes. Local Watch: McCall voters face a new $10M bond vote to cover water plant and storage upgrades after costs rose.

Idaho Politics: A public records email gaffe inside the Idaho GOP’s supermajority reignited the party’s internal divide over special education funding, but the $5 million plan still cleared the Legislature as Senate Bill 1288 passed with House conservative support. Courts & Elections: The Ada County Clerk rejected a voter-registration challenge to Commissioner Ryan Davidson, keeping him on the May ballot. Wildfire Insurance: Idaho homeowners are reporting insurers dropping coverage or hiking premiums as wildfire risk rises, with one resident saying “we’re all being canceled.” Abortion Access: The U.S. Supreme Court let the abortion pill continue via telemedicine and mail for now, restoring a 2023 FDA rule while Louisiana’s challenge plays out. Energy & Trade: President Trump’s China trip spotlights tariffs, oil, and a potential Boeing deal, while Idaho’s Liberty Bell replica is set to tour all 44 counties via a statewide quarter drive. Water: Idaho’s Water Resource Board approved an $8 million Mountain Home Plateau sustainability program to stabilize groundwater.

Boise Downtown’s hotel boom: Pennbridge Hospitality opened the AC Hotel Boise Downtown and Element by Marriott Boise Downtown—Idaho’s first dual-branded property and the city’s largest hotel—adding 296 rooms plus 12 meeting spaces (8,250 sq. ft.) aimed at business travel and events. Privacy vs. policing: A national survey finds 77.9% of Americans back license plate readers, but nearly half want strict oversight, as cities and counties shut down or tighten rules after state privacy laws. Idaho politics, right now: Blaine County voters decide May 19 on a library taxing district that could reshape control of library directors under Idaho’s new law; meanwhile, Power County’s sheriff GOP primary is heating up amid misconduct allegations and pending litigation. Statehouse finance: Idaho revenue collections beat April forecasts, putting the state on track for a possible year-end surplus. Tech and AI in the mix: Work Optional rebranded and opened new Eagle HQ, mapping a path from AI automation toward multi-agent solutions and robotics.

Blaine County Clerk Fight: In the run-up to Tuesday’s primary, Blaine County clerk candidates are trading sharp claims over records handling—incumbent Stephen Graham says the office is functioning, while challengers cite complaints about record-copying fees and slower recording times, plus allegations that some documents were stamped “unofficial copy.” Spokane Fallout: Former patients of the Spokane Allergy & Asthma Clinic say billing kept charging them after the clinic abruptly closed, with frustration spilling onto social media and a website update pointing people to a billing phone number that reportedly routes to voicemail. Idaho Politics: In District 34B, incumbent Rep. Britt Raybould and challenger Larry Golden face off in the May 19 Republican primary. Local Planning: Pocatello residents get a chance Thursday to weigh in on whether an AI data center should receive a conditional-use permit. National Tech/Legal: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s reported $2B+ holdings in companies doing business with OpenAI are back in the spotlight as lawsuits and SEC scrutiny continue.