AGP Executive Report

College Football Kickoff (Idaho matchups): Week 1 hits Thursday, Sept. 3, with Idaho set to open at No. 21 Utah (9 p.m. ESPNU). Boise State spotlight: Boise State starts its season Saturday at No. 2 Oregon (3:30 p.m. CBS), a marquee test for the Broncos’ CFP hopes. Local courts: The Idaho Supreme Court set oral arguments for Lori Vallow Daybell’s appeal for Nov. 2 in Boise. Public safety: Idaho Falls firefighters Travis Adams and Jeremy F. Newman received the Idaho Medal of Honor for rescuing crash victims from a partially submerged vehicle. Road tragedy: Idaho State Police are investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash near Emmett where a 45-year-old man died and a second occupant was airlifted. Community health: Pocatello plans to proclaim September Chronic Pain Awareness Month at City Council. Business/industry: Perpetua Resources says it’s making progress on the Stibnite Gold Project, including long-lead equipment fabrication and workforce housing work.

Idaho Public Health: Idaho has logged 24 rabid bats so far this year—more than in the past three years—prompting reminders to avoid handling bats and to contact local health officials after any direct contact. Local Government & Planning: Bannock County is drafting a template ordinance for AI data center rules, starting with a work group meeting Tuesday and aiming for a final draft by December. Weather & Safety: The National Weather Service issued a flash flood watch for Baker County burn scars from Thursday afternoon through Friday evening, warning heavy rain could trigger debris flows. Treasure Valley Watch: Ada County leaders are gathering to tackle a growing rat problem, with Central District Health already approving $250,000 for response efforts. Community & Access: A new Shoshone Falls overlook in Jerome County opens Sept. 17 with parking, safety fencing, and planned audio features for visitors with visual impairments. Sports (Idaho): Boise State’s home opener is Sept. 12, with new Freak Alley-inspired murals unveiled in the north end zone.

College Football Preview: Boise State opens its season at No. 2 Oregon on Saturday, with Oregon a heavy favorite but Boise pointing to big-play potential after a tight 2024 matchup. Idaho Sports (Prep): Box Elder’s football team starts 3-0 after a 31-19 win over Highland, while THS girls soccer begins 0-2 with losses to Marsh Valley and Teton High’s cross country posts early success at the More Cowbell Invitational. Local Growth & Housing: Boise’s North End Lofts highlights continued momentum in the North End neighborhood. Idaho Science: University of Idaho researchers named a new spider species, Hexura vandal, discovered in northern Idaho. Consumer & Tech: The FTC and 22 states sue Amazon over alleged deceptive ad-auction practices that they say inflated costs for advertisers, including Idaho. Public Safety & Privacy: Nampa police are showing residents how license plate readers and surveillance cameras work amid growing privacy concerns.

Idaho Courts: The Idaho Supreme Court set oral arguments for Lori Vallow Daybell’s appeal for Monday, Nov. 2, in Boise, as she challenges key legal decisions from her 2023 convictions. Local Government: Emmett City Council approved a $12.26M fiscal year 2027 budget, with public safety taking the biggest slice and property taxes projected to rise. Community Support: Sneakers for Kids delivered 100 pairs of shoes to Emmett School District students, aiming to remove barriers to youth sports. Water & Wastewater: Teton County opened talks with valley municipalities over wastewater failures statewide and the oversubscribed state loan program, as a regional treatment plant plan stretches to 2028. Wildfire Risk: A fuels and fire behavior advisory warns southwest Idaho fire danger stays above normal due to drought-stressed vegetation and critically low fuel moisture. Business & Growth: Mosaic Quarter secured naming rights with Idaho Central Credit Union, and Victor Emporium in Teton Valley is expanding under new owners. Public Safety: Boise police say a woman killed in a Sunday drive-by shooting was likely not the intended target, and detectives are seeking witnesses and rideshare info.

Wildlife & Roads: Idaho is nearing completion of a new Rocky Point wildlife underpass on US Highway 30 south of Montpelier, built to cut deer-vehicle crashes by guiding animals with fencing and three underpasses. Big Tech Watch: The FTC and 22 state attorneys general, including Idaho’s, sued Amazon over alleged “secret ad surcharge” practices that they say inflated advertising prices for more than a million sellers and brands. Idaho Safety: Idaho State Police reported a semi-truck fire on I-84 near Boise that shut down lanes for about five hours; the driver wasn’t hurt. Missing Person: Bear Lake County is asking for help locating Matthew Darnell Dustin, last seen in St. Charles, Idaho, with a known cardiac condition. Boise State Football: True freshman Rasean Jones will start at wide receiver for Boise State at Oregon, with coach Spencer Danielson praising his maturity and work ethic. Local Community: A West Linn rescue team helped reunite an Idaho family with their lost dog, Peaches, after 12 days.

Snake River Tragedy: Two Idaho Falls men, Robert Martineau (73) and Brandon Rainey (39), died after a jet boat overturned below Palisades Dam; divers found one man trapped under the boat after minutes underwater. Invasive Species Watch: Idaho State Dept. of Agriculture is running another quagga mussel treatment near Twin Falls, with boat ramp closures while work targets the river stretch. Local Business & Safety: Shoshone Ice Caves owner Shane Wallace unveiled a $900K rebuild plan after a suspended walkway collapse last year, and launched a public fundraiser. Consumer Protection: Idaho is among 22 states joining the FTC lawsuit against Amazon, alleging a “secret ad surcharge” scheme that inflated advertising prices for years. Housing & Costs: Mortgage payment affordability improved slightly in July, but remains higher than a year ago. Idaho Courts: A Pocatello man accused of killing his uncle allegedly used an electric flyswatter, according to court documents. Rural Health: Idaho is accepting applications for Healthcare Infrastructure Support funding for rural providers, due Sept. 13.

Idaho Courts: Bryan Kohberger’s bid to overturn his University of Idaho murder conviction took a new turn as his attorneys filed a motion to disqualify the judge, arguing past comments could undermine impartiality. Religious Construction: Ground broke for the new Coeur d’Alene Latter-day Saint temple, a major milestone for local members and a sign of continued growth in Idaho’s temple footprint. Public Safety: Idaho State Police investigated a late-August rollover on I-84 near Jerome County; the driver was not hurt, but eastbound lanes were blocked while crews cleared the scene. Rural Health: Idaho’s Health and Welfare Department is offering grants aimed at improving rural health care access, with workforce and equipment gaps highlighted as key targets. Community & Sports: The Pocatello Greek Festival returned, drawing crowds with food, dance, and church history; and Boise State women’s soccer bounced back with a 3-1 win over Idaho State. North Idaho Wildfires: Crews are battling multiple fires across Boundary, Bonner, and Shoshone counties, with several still at zero containment.

Eastern Idaho State Fair: The 124th Eastern Idaho State Fair kicks off Sept. 4-12 in Blackfoot with a patriotic theme tied to America’s 250th anniversary, plus big-name acts like Flo Rida, Gabriel Iglesias and Nate Smith. Boise Crime: Boise police are investigating a fatal drive-by shooting on W. Clement Drive where a woman was killed; investigators say a party was happening and the suspect fled in a sedan-type vehicle. Federal Fraud Case: FBI says two men arrested at Boise Airport—Daejon Love and Taylor Jamie Chan—ran a $1.3M romance-and-investment scam targeting women across multiple states, including Idaho, by allegedly posing as an NFL player and using fake financial records. Wildfire Updates: Crews are working to contain the Crooked Fire near Idaho City (8,433 acres, 12% contained) with road delays and closures at nearby recreation sites. Northern Lights: NOAA forecasts a low chance of aurora visibility Sunday night, including Idaho, with a Kp index of 4. Local Safety/Weather: Authorities warn people not to fly drones near the Dudley Fire area near Wallace due to a temporary flight restriction. Community Events: The Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic returns to Ann Morrison Park Sept. 2-6 with free public access and weather-dependent launches.

Idaho Nuclear Plans: The Air Force says Oklo’s 5-megawatt micro-reactor at Eielson Air Force Base is now targeted to be built and operating in 2029, with Idaho National Laboratory and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission involved. UI Campus Access: University of Idaho will close the Perimeter Drive/State Highway 8 bridge starting Aug. 31, with detours and SMART Transit changes, expected to run until May 2027. Boise Valley Culture & Growth: Idaho Botanical Garden opened the first spaces of its 10-acre expansion, adding a new Event Lawn, Parking Garden, and educational arboretum plus 3,000+ new plants. Wildfire Worker Housing: A national report highlights how federal wildland firefighters struggle with low pay and a housing crisis, with some living in vans. Local Sports: Idaho State routed VMI 38-10 behind a big defensive effort and QB Jordan Cooke’s four TDs; College of Idaho beat Eastern Oregon 37-7. Community Events: Latino Fest returned to Twin Falls, bringing food, music, and cultural performances.

Idaho Public Safety: Idaho State Police are investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash in Burley where a 59-year-old motorcyclist died after his bike crossed the center line and hit a Jeep; the roadway was closed for about two hours. Wildfire Response: The Idaho National Guard posted an update on its aviation role in suppressing the Big Grass Fire, including Black Hawk crews dropping nearly 300,000 gallons of water and medevac standby support. Public Health: Canyon County plans mosquito spraying over 46,545 acres Sunday night to curb West Nile risk after the state reported its first human case. Local Life & Community: A new Jacuzzi hot tub dealer opened in Ammon, and Pocatello’s Greek Festival returns as the “largest ethnic celebration in Idaho.” Courts & Crime: Federal authorities say a Boise-area arrest of Daejon Love and Taylor Jamie Chan followed a yearslong romance-and-investment scam targeting 26 women, allegedly posing as a 49ers player; a “last victim” is now sharing details online. Sports: Idaho high school score updates and a roundup of regional action filled the weekend sports pages.

College Football (Idaho): The Vandals opened the season with a heartbreaking 38-34 loss to Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, rallying from a 21-10 halftime deficit but falling on a fourth-and-8 touchdown with nine seconds left. Local Sports (High school): Eagle cruised past Timberline 32-14 in a SIC championship rematch, while West Side beat Firth 35-7 in rainy road action and Box Elder topped Highland 31-19 in the Rocky Mountain Rumble. Public Safety: Idaho State Police are investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash in Burley where a motorcycle crossed left of center and hit an oncoming SUV; the rider died at the scene. Fraud Case (Idaho ties): Federal authorities say a man who posed as a San Francisco 49ers player ran a dating-app scam that netted about $1.3 million from 26 women across Oregon, Washington, Idaho and beyond; arrests were made at the Boise Airport. Housing & Tech: Coeur d’Alene is among cities looking at AI tools to speed up housing permitting by catching incomplete applications earlier. Community & Culture: Box Elder County Fair and Golden Spike Rodeo wrapped up another big crowd year, with entertainment and family events drawing visitors from Idaho and beyond.

Cremation rules fight: A Boise-area funeral home says Bannock County’s new extra cremation identification form oversteps Idaho law, arguing the state’s process should stay consistent statewide. Public health: Canyon County mosquito officials plan an adult-control aircraft application Sunday night to reduce West Nile risk across parts of the Boise River corridor. Idaho courts & elections: Proposition One supporters sue Idaho officials over alleged misleading ballot language, continuing a legal fight over how “Yes” and “No” are described. Wildfire politics: Sen. Ron Wyden and others demand an investigation into whether a Trump USDA official diverted firefighting resources to a small wildfire near his Idaho ranch. Consumer safety: Idaho hunters get updated chronic wasting disease rules for 2026, including new mandatory testing units near Idaho Falls. Fraud crackdown: FBI arrested two men in Boise tied to a romance-and-investment scam posing as a San Francisco 49ers player, accused of bilking at least 26 women out of about $1.3 million. Local infrastructure: ITD and Teton Valley officials move to ease Highway 33 traffic bottlenecks with a long-range study and near-term intersection improvements.

Wildfire oversight probe: Three Democratic senators are demanding a federal investigation into claims that a senior U.S. Forest Service official used his position to pull firefighting resources toward a fire near his Idaho ranch. Idaho politics: A lawsuit challenges Idaho’s Proposition One ballot “Yes/No” statements as biased and misleading, asking the Idaho Supreme Court to step in. Idaho courts: A federal appeals ruling says a New Hampshire school district improperly punished parents for protesting transgender athletes—an issue likely to echo in other states’ sports and school policy fights. Local infrastructure: Preston is seeking voter approval for a new 6.5-million-gallon water tank as growth strains emergency storage needs. Public safety: Idaho State Police reported two fatal crashes in Eastern Idaho, including a semi rollover and an ATV-van collision. Sports (Idaho): Idaho football opens its 2026 season Friday at Cal Poly on ESPN, while Boise High beat district rival Capital 42-27 and Idaho State begins its season Saturday vs. VMI. Tech/education: The University of Idaho opened a Hiroshima campus with a semiconductor-focused program.

AI & Jobs: Bill Gates says AI and robots will permanently wipe out many white- and blue-collar jobs and urges “human reserved” protections, plus taxes on AI/robots to cushion disruption. Wildfire Preparedness: Teton Valley residents are raising money to fund a local wildfire mitigation coordinator, aiming to push fuels reduction on private and public land. Idaho Roads: ITD warns of weekend I-84 ramp closures at Ten Mile (Exit 42) and Garrity (Exit 38), with drivers urged to plan extra time. Public Safety: Rexburg businesses evacuated after a WWII-era hand grenade was turned in at the police station; the device was destroyed and traffic later reopened. Crime & Courts: A federal judge sentenced an Idaho-linked meth trafficker to 30 years after 215+ pounds were seized in a Mexico-linked operation. Health & Environment: Quagga mussel treatment is set to resume on the Snake River near Twin Falls, with boat ramp closures and safety cautions. Idaho Politics: An abortion-rights ballot initiative faces a lawsuit over alleged misleading “Yes/No” wording. Local Life: Idaho Fish and Game reported record-setting catches, including a 24-inch brown trout from the Boise River.

Idaho Court Update: Bryan Kohberger has been granted a new evidentiary hearing date—June 17, 2027—as he tries to withdraw his guilty plea in the 2022 University of Idaho murders; the move doesn’t overturn his life sentences, but it sets up a closer look at claims his plea was coerced and that key information wasn’t fully disclosed. Meta Settlement Impact: Idaho is set to receive up to $127M as part of Meta’s roughly $17B child-safety settlement, with required changes aimed at reducing addictive design and improving protections for teens on Instagram and Facebook. Local Safety & Traffic: Idaho State Police are investigating a serious two-vehicle crash in Minidoka County where a wrong-way driver caused a head-on collision near Rupert, sending one driver by air ambulance. Community & Culture: The Artists’ Studio in the Foothills in Idaho is hosting “EMBODIED,” a multi-medium exhibition opening Aug. 28 and running through Sept. 26. Sports (Idaho Focus): Idaho football’s season opener is paired with a creative twist—Vandals players are being reimagined in oil-painted game-week posters before artwork is auctioned.

Idaho Courts: Bryan Kohberger’s bid to undo his guilty plea in the University of Idaho murders is moving forward, with an evidentiary hearing set for June 17, 2027, after a petition for post-conviction relief. Big Tech & Kids: Idaho is set to receive up to $127.7 million from Meta’s $17.1 billion multistate settlement tied to Instagram/Facebook child-safety changes, with funds headed to the Consumer Protection Fund and then the General Fund. Water & Drought: Hydrologists say Idaho’s dry year is hitting the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer hard, with about 600,000 acre-feet lost and reservoirs running low. Local Business: Dave’s Hot Chicken opens its first Boise location on 17th and State Street. Community & Safety: Bannock County coroner allegations over cremation delays are addressed after a funeral home’s emergency petition, with required identification forms submitted and cremations authorized. Weather/Travel: Idaho State Police are investigating a US-30 vehicle vs. pedestrian crash near Twin Falls that sent a pedestrian to the hospital. Sports & Culture: Whitney Cummings brings her comedy tour to Boise, and Edson Fichter Nature Talks returns to Pocatello in September.