AGP Executive Report

Space & Native Pride: John Herrington, the first enrolled Native American tribal citizen to fly in space, shared memories of his 2002 Endeavor spacewalk during a Fort Hall stop. Mining & Critical Minerals: Perpetua’s Stibnite project cleared a major milestone with a $2.9B EXIM loan, while NevGold is pushing ahead on its Limo Butte work. EV Buildout: Kempower and Blink are rolling out 92 new fast-charging ports at 14 sites, including Idaho Falls. Local Growth & Jobs: Janicki Industries is down to Twin Falls or Jerome (or nearby Great Falls) for a potential $800M, 2M-square-foot aerospace expansion. Public Works: Canyon County reopened the Celebration Park boat ramp with ADA upgrades and new docks/gangways. Health Watch: A WSU study finds higher-than-expected hantavirus levels in Pacific Northwest rodents, including parts of north-central Idaho. Education: U of I named Brooke Blevins interim provost and executive vice president.

University Leadership: University of Idaho named Brooke Blevins interim provost and executive vice president, tapping the education dean to steer academic and partnership priorities immediately. Federal Courts & Fraud: A federal jury in Pocatello convicted an unknown man of using a deceased child’s identity for 25 years to steal nearly $300,000 in government benefits. Idaho Public Safety: Idaho State Police say a Fargo man led troopers on a high-speed chase near Pocatello before authorities seized fentanyl, meth, cocaine and marijuana. Infrastructure & Access: Canyon County reopened the Celebration Park Snake River boat ramp after nearly $600,000 in upgrades, including ADA access and new docks. Energy & Security: Idaho National Laboratory is playing a behind-the-scenes role in World Cup security, focusing on protecting power, water and communications systems. Local Business & Growth: Boise State launched a new sports and entertainment group to expand year-round events at Albertsons Stadium and ExtraMile Arena. Trade & Industry: Gov. Brad Little’s Japan mission highlighted Idaho’s push into semiconductors, AI, aerospace and logistics.

EV Charging Expansion: Kempower and Blink Charging are rolling out 14 fast-charging sites along the U.S. East Coast in 2026, with two already live—one in Idaho Falls—betting on uptime and smoother installs. Higher Ed Pressure: A new look at colleges warns the system is hitting a structural breaking point as enrollment slips, debt rises, and tuition-only models get harder to sustain. Idaho Housing & Insurance: Idaho’s short-term rental reclassification as “residential” starts July 1, but insurers may still treat guest-hosting as commercial risk—so homeowners may need to double-check coverage. Local Government Watch: Sandpoint is still working through how to comply with the new state STR rules, while Kellogg voters approved a school maintenance levy after rejecting a similar one just months earlier. Community & Schools: Twin Falls High School tennis courts are getting a major rebuild, and Meadows Valley celebrated volunteer firefighters earning Fire Fighter 1 certifications. Energy Permitting Backlash: Utah and Wyoming leaders are pushing back on federal permitting delays, saying they’re driving up costs and slowing projects.

Aviation Modernization: The FAA is moving ahead with new air-traffic control tower replacements, and Idaho is on the list—part of a $750M push to swap aging towers and radar approach systems nationwide. Public Safety: A late-night Idaho State Police pursuit near Pocatello ended with spike strips and a major drug haul—about 1 pound of fentanyl, 2 pounds of meth, and more than 2 pounds of cocaine. Local Land Use: Emmett neighbors are pushing back on a proposed private grass airstrip tied to a 19-home subdivision, arguing the project would bring more traffic and disrupt a quiet area. Politics: Nine Idaho Republican incumbents lost Tuesday primaries, with many defeats tied to hardline conservative stances. Water & Drought: Idaho’s summer outlook is getting darker—officials warn warm weather and low snowpack mean low stream flows and tighter irrigation supplies. Mining Watch: Liberty Gold says its Black Pine drill program is aimed at boosting early production confidence and project readiness.

Idaho Politics: Idaho’s GOP primary is called for Gov. Brad Little, setting up the November general election against Democrat Terri Pickens, who won her party’s nomination on an affordability message. Local Infrastructure: ITD is lining up short, high-impact road moves—one-day Highway 75 lane work near St. Luke’s Wood River Medical Center and a proposed 26-day Elkhorn Road closure in Sun Valley (July 13–Aug. 7) tied to the Highway 75 intersection rebuild. Water & Irrigation: Bellevue’s Big Wood River dam structure feeding Diversion 45 is set for a later-summer rebuild costing about $1.1 million to protect delivery to roughly 9,000 acres. Tech & Energy: The week’s biggest Idaho business flashpoint remains AI data centers—Pocatello’s proposal drew heavy public pushback, and the national debate over costs and local impacts is only intensifying. Community & Economy: A new EBR-I Atomic Museum season opens May 22 near Idaho Falls with free admission, while Idaho’s housing market keeps showing a mismatch: more listings, but not at prices buyers can afford.

AI Backlash: A Gallup-backed wave of public pushback is growing against local AI data centers, with universities and voters increasingly booing and resisting new projects—Pocatello’s AI data center hearing drew protests as enthusiasm turns into “existential fear.” Idaho Primary Fallout: Idaho’s May primaries are now closing in, with AP calling key GOP races (Gov. Brad Little, Sen. Jim Risch, Rep. Mike Simpson) and Democrats David Roth and Kaylee Peterson winning their federal bids. Nuclear Innovation in Idaho: Idaho National Laboratory’s historic EBR-II dome has been refurbished into a microreactor test bed, positioning Idaho as a hub for private fueled microreactor trials. Energy & Costs: Gas prices stay volatile statewide (Bonner County’s regular hit $4.29 in the May 9 week), while Idaho craft breweries report pressure from aluminum, fuel surcharges, and tariffs. Water & Wildfire: ARS scientists in Boise are using prescribed cattle grazing to curb invasive, wildfire-prone grasses—while drought concerns keep Palisades’ power generation on the radar.

Election Day Pressure: Idaho voters head to the polls today as primaries in six states test how far President Trump’s endorsements can reshape GOP races, with Kentucky’s Thomas Massie vs. Trump-backed Ed Gallrein drawing national attention. Local Campaign Finance: In Idaho Falls and Rexburg-area districts, reporting on who’s paying for contested races is still fluid as ballots are counted. Drought & Water Stress: Idaho’s dry conditions are tightening the screws on daily life, with fresh concerns that new water-hungry projects—like AI data centers—could collide with an already strained system. Energy & Agriculture Support: The USDA has restored a $59M grant for University of Idaho regenerative farming and marketing trials, aiming to help producers test new practices and sell smarter. Industry Watch: Idaho craft breweries say tariffs, fuel, and aluminum costs are squeezing margins. Community & Faith Growth: Site work is underway for the Coeur d’Alene Idaho LDS Temple, while the Church also announced open house and dedication dates for a Wyoming temple.

AI Data Center Debate in Pocatello: A packed May 14 hearing left residents focused on water, with an opinion piece arguing Lex Developments’ “closed-loop” cooling should be judged by what Pocatello gets in return—not just whether the project is allowed. Aviation Safety: Two U.S. Navy EA-18G Growlers collided midair at Idaho’s Gunfighter Skies show at Mountain Home; all four crew ejected safely, with only one minor injury reported. Logistics/Industry: Woodland Industrial Park in Woodland is getting its first confirmed tenant—Consolidated Supply Co.—and developers say there are no data-center plans there. Local Infrastructure: ITD is closing the Lower Lewiston Port of Entry for construction until early 2027, while I-15 near Blackfoot will shut at night for the Riverton Road bridge rebuild. Energy Costs: GasBuddy reports Twin Falls diesel hitting a weekly low of $5.35 (May 9 week), while Shoshone regular bottoms out at $4.57. Religion/Construction: Coeur d’Alene’s LDS Idaho Temple is moving into preliminary grading and underground utility work.

Highway Disruption: ITD has started demolition for the new Riverton Road bridge near Blackfoot, forcing full overnight closures of I-15 at River Road (detours through Blackfoot from Exit 89 to 93) with work expected to wrap by November. Aviation Safety: Two U.S. Navy EA-18G Growlers collided midair during Idaho’s Gunfighter Skies air show at Mountain Home; all four crew ejected safely and the rest of the show was canceled while the crash is investigated. Farm & Food Funding: USDA reinstated a $59M, five-year University of Idaho grant to help about 200 growers test regenerative practices and new marketing, including direct payments for participating producers. Energy & Cost Pressure: Boise gas prices jumped to an average of $4.59 (+12.1 cents), while Kootenai County solar interest is rising after KEC’s 2026 Peak Use Charge—prompting new homeowner guidance on timing, batteries, and load management. Local Business Moves: Twin Falls’ In-N-Out has begun hiring ahead of its summer opening, with wages reported as comparable to some hospital jobs.

Midair Crash at Mountain Home: Two U.S. Navy EA-18G Growlers collided during the Gunfighter Skies air show at Mountain Home Air Force Base. All four crew members ejected safely and were in stable condition; the base locked down and the rest of the show was canceled while an investigation gets underway. Election Politics: In Nigeria, the ruling APC’s primaries left the party with fresh internal fractures, with parallel results and shock defeats reported across states. Sports: Spokane Velocity jumped to third in Group 1 of the USL Cup after a 1-0 win over Las Vegas Lights, powered by an early free-kick goal and a defense that limited chances. Aviation Safety Context: The incident follows a long pause since the base’s last air-show fatality in 2018, when a hang glider pilot died.

AI in the kitchen: Culinary students at the National Restaurant Association Show say they’re using AI for chores like counting inventory from photos—but staying cautious about accuracy when it comes to food. Energy costs: GasBuddy reports show diesel prices still run high and uneven in Idaho, with Washington County’s lowest diesel at $5.29 (week ending May 9) and Latah County’s lowest at $5.59. Northern Lights: A geomagnetic storm could push aurora visibility into Idaho and other northern states this weekend, with a chance of faint sightings farther south if activity ramps up. Wildfire funding squeeze: Northwest fire officials warn USDA’s new conditions are hampering federal wildfire support, adding red tape right as fire risk rises. Local building news: Sandpoint’s library expansion bid was awarded to Dardan Enterprises for $2.272M. Public health: CDC links a salmonella outbreak to backyard poultry and hatcheries, with Idaho among the states reporting more than 10 cases.

Idaho Cost-of-Living Pressure: A new letter says it’s getting “hard to survive” in Idaho as job searches stall for longtime residents while housing and basics keep climbing. Community & Military: Thousands packed Mountain Home for the Gunfighter Skies air show, with pilots putting on public demos and celebrating 250 years of air power. Local Politics: Incumbents Stephanie Mickelsen (LD 32A) and Jim Guthrie (Senate) face primary challengers, while District 31B’s Rod Furniss and other Madison County GOP races head to May 19 voting. Water & Environment: DEQ sued Rexburg over alleged wastewater pollution into the South Fork Teton River, and Twin Falls County reminded boaters to stop at Snake River inspection/wash stations to prevent invasive species spread. Insurance Watch: Idaho’s Department of Insurance launched a data call focused on wildfire impacts on homeowners’ and dwelling-fire coverage. Roadwork Disruption: Motorists faced detours tied to Colorado’s Floyd Hill bridge work affecting I-70 access near Idaho Springs. Gas Prices: GasBuddy reports show pockets of lower premium and diesel prices across counties, but statewide averages remain elevated.

AI Data Center Clash: Pocatello’s proposed AI data center at the former Hoku Materials site drew a packed, heated public hearing—most speakers opposed a conditional use permit, while the applicant said key design details hinge on an Idaho Power study. Water & Recreation Rules: Twin Falls County reminded boaters and paddlers to stop at Snake River inspection/wash stations to prevent invasive species spread, after reports of groups bypassing checks. Insurance Watch: Idaho’s Department of Insurance launched a new data call to track wildfire impacts on homeowners and dwelling fire coverage—aimed at understanding affordability and availability as insurers scale back. Local Energy/Infrastructure: Coeur d’Alene approved early utility work for the future LDS temple, while BLM finished upgrades at multiple North Idaho recreation sites. Gas Prices: Idaho’s week ending May 9 showed mixed lows by county, with diesel in Lemhi County reported as low as $5.47 and midgrade in Kootenai County as low as $4.56.

AI & Local Planning: Pocatello’s AI data center fight hit a boiling point Thursday as hundreds packed City Hall to oppose a conditional use permit for a proposed 1800 River Park Way facility on the former Hoku Materials site—most speakers raised concerns about water use and the still-unsettled project design, including power needs that hinge on an Idaho Power study. Public Safety & Waterways: Twin Falls County’s sheriff is cracking down on Snake River watercraft compliance, reminding boaters and paddlers that all vessels must stop at inspection and wash stations to prevent quagga mussels and other invasive hitchhikers. Energy Infrastructure: Twin Falls crews launched a construction barge to support upgrades at the Pillar Falls small hydro plant, aiming to keep the public trail access open. Local Governance & Growth: Caldwell City Council approved Silverleaf Subdivision, a large mixed-use development off Karcher Road. Recreation & Access: BLM wrapped upgrades at multiple North Idaho recreation sites, including new ADA amenities and campground openings.

Boise State Facilities Watch: Boise State has hired MMQ Group to run feasibility studies for possible upgrades to Albertsons Stadium and ExtraMile Arena, with a report due by the end of summer—looking at everything from concourses, restrooms and concessions to premium seating and “back of house” concert space. Aviation Infrastructure: The Trump administration says it’s spending $835.8M to upgrade air traffic control facilities at eight airports, including Pocatello, as part of a broader push to modernize aging towers and radar systems. Water & Property Response: Northern Idaho restoration firm All Star Restoration is spotlighting start-to-finish water damage work—drying, repairs and mold prevention—amid spring runoff and seasonal failures. Idaho Water Rights: IDWR ordered curtailment for junior groundwater users on the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer unless they’re covered by an approved mitigation plan, tied to Snake River shortfalls. Transportation Planning: ITD will hold a May 21 open house on the new Rainbow Bridge design near Cascade, with construction eyed for 2028 if funding lands. Local Economy & Health: Pioneer Federal Credit Union plans to add earned wage access via Veep, aiming to offer a payday-loan alternative. Community Notes: A 3.8 quake near Montpelier rattled parts of southern Idaho and northern Utah with no reported damage.

Veterans & Public Lands: Idaho Sen. Jim Risch is pushing two moves for veterans—raising federal burial benefits from $2,000 to $3,000 (with inflation indexing) and seeking a new veterans cemetery in North Idaho. Local Governance: In Washington’s 6th Legislative District, three Republicans are vying for an open seat—Jennifer Morton, Alan Nolan, and Isaiah Paine—setting up a tight candidate filing week. Historic Preservation vs. Growth: The Boise VA’s Fort Boise expansion is set to cut historic trees after the project cleared federal historic-land review requirements. Water Infrastructure: McCall voters will decide on a $10M bond to cover water treatment and storage upgrades after costs rose. Mining Fight: Conservation groups are asking a federal judge to pause early work on Perpetua’s Stibnite-linked Burnt Log Route, arguing it threatens water and protected fish. Health & Safety: A CDC update reports an antibiotic-resistant Salmonella outbreak tied to backyard poultry has grown to 184 cases across 31 states, with one death. Business & Community: Habit Burger and Grill opened in Coeur d’Alene, bringing its flame-grilled “charburger” menu to North Idaho.