AGP Executive Report

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.

Deal & Manufacturing: Relevant Solutions just bought Automation Werx in Idaho Falls, expanding systems integration and automation controls—and keeping the Werx team in place while widening service coverage across Idaho, Wyoming, Montana and beyond. Water Infrastructure: The Idaho Water Resource Board committed $8 million to stabilize the Mountain Home area’s overdrawn aquifer by routing more surface water into the region. Education & Workforce: College of Western Idaho’s River District project won $2.165M in Community Project Funding to support the Micron Academic Center, with steel work underway and completion targeted for fall 2027. Local Politics: Two candidates are running for Bear Lake County clerk; one incumbent didn’t answer a questionnaire. Tech & AI: Work Optional rebranded and opened new Eagle headquarters, mapping a path from AI automation into multi-agent solutions and robotics. Health Access: A new survey finds many Idahoans skip eye exams despite potential links to broader health issues. Business & Community: Garden City’s Boise River Boardwalk is adding new restaurants and bars, aiming to turn the area into a year-round destination.

Software & Shareholder Fight: A federal judge largely rejected Lamb Weston’s bid to toss a proposed suit claiming the company mishandled its enterprise software rollout, keeping investor allegations in play. Infrastructure Disruption: Wyoming’s Teton Pass suffered a major earthen embankment collapse, triggering the “Big Fill” rebuild and a fast detour—another reminder that Idaho-area travel corridors can be one failure away from chaos. AI & Conflict Questions: Court filings say OpenAI CEO Sam Altman holds more than $2B in stakes tied to companies that did business with OpenAI, as regulators and lawmakers press for conflict-of-interest scrutiny. Local Government Watch: In Blaine County’s clerk race, candidates trade claims over record-copying fees and recording delays. Energy/Industry Angle: Bayan Mining and US Critical Materials signed a “mine-to-magnet” MoU aimed at rare-earth processing tech. Community & Growth: Garden City’s Boise River Boardwalk is lining up new restaurants and bars for a year-round push.

AI in Groceries: Albertsons says its new Gemini-powered “Intelligent Quality Control” tool is already improving consistency and speed for produce inspections at select distribution centers, starting with strawberries and grapes. Idaho Nuclear Tech: Oklo and Idaho National Laboratory are teaming up to use INL’s Prometheus AI platform to speed advanced reactor and fuel system design for Oklo’s Pluto project. Critical Minerals Race: NevGold is pushing a near-term antimony-gold resource milestone tied to U.S. defense supply worries after China’s antimony restrictions. Local Governance & Growth Pressure: In Pinon Hills, residents are still fighting a proposed Maverik fueling station near an elementary school, arguing traffic and safety risks—while supporters say it’s needed convenience. Politics on the Move: Three newcomers are seeking a Bannock County Commission seat in a May 19 primary, as the race for North Idaho’s District 1 senate seat stays in focus. Workforce Readiness: A new look at Idaho’s low industry-recognized credential rate keeps career and technical education in the spotlight.

Legal & Consumer Protection: A couple suing in Idaho federal court says Bitcoin Depot’s ATM network helped carry out a crypto scam that cost victims thousands, while a separate Ninth Circuit ruling orders a new tax-fraud trial after a juror’s racial bias tainted deliberations. Education & Accessibility: Payette School District is asking voters for a $1.95M levy to modernize its aging, dim, and non-ADA-compliant Payette High dome and outdated classrooms. Wildlife & Agriculture: Idaho Fish and Game moved 34 elk from Big Willow Creek to the Panhandle in an “experimental” effort after reported crop damage topped $1M. Energy & Industry: TerraVolt signed a natural gas supply deal to power an onsite plant for a planned Idaho data center campus. Local Economy & Community: Happy Day launched a direct purchasing program linking regional growers with area restaurants. Outdoor & Tech: NASA and USGS are mapping West minerals from high altitude, including Idaho. Markets Watch: Gas prices stayed volatile statewide, with multiple counties reporting single-station “cheapest” lows for the week ending May 2.

SEC Scrutiny Push: Montana AG Austin Knudsen and a coalition of 10 states asked the SEC to closely review OpenAI’s IPO filings, warning of potential self-dealing and conflicts tied to Sam Altman that could put public investors and state retirement funds at risk. Energy Resilience: Avista Utilities started operations on the region’s first community microgrid at Spokane’s MLK Center, using solar, batteries, and natural-gas backup to keep services running during long outages and cut bills. Power Line, Less Visual Impact: Idaho Power is adjusting its Boardman-to-Hemingway line near Oregon Trail sites by using less conspicuous “H-frame” towers near the Interpretive Center. Local Politics: Oneida County voters will decide District 1 commissioner races in the May 19 primary, with multiple candidates on the ballot. AI Hardware in Idaho: Micron sampled 256GB DDR5 RDIMMs for server ecosystems, aiming to boost AI data-center capacity and power efficiency. Mining Watch: Bunker Hill reported new high-grade silver-lead vein results from underground drilling at the Cate-Eight target.

Road Closures: ITD says I-84 will close intermittently this week for bridge and ramp work tied to the Burley/Heyburn interchange replacement, with Exit 211 affected starting Monday night and intermittent ramp closures plus SH-24 repaving and Centennial Drive impacts running through Friday, May 15. Energy Watch: GasBuddy reports Idaho regular prices averaged $4.37 for the week ending May 2, with the lowest in Oneida County at $4.39; midgrade and premium lows also popped up in multiple counties as national fuel prices stay volatile on global oil risk. Healthcare Expansion: Encompass Health plans a 50-bed inpatient rehab hospital in Post Falls, targeting a 2028 opening. Politics & Immigration: A leaked video of Gov. Brad Little’s campaign sparked backlash after he said some opponent backers “hate Mexican people,” as the May 19 GOP primary nears. Workforce & Growth: LendingTree finds only 5.7% of U.S. employer firms are owned by people under 35—Idaho at 7.9%—highlighting how uncommon young ownership remains. Science: Boise State researchers are sending engineered “bone” structures to orbit to study microgravity effects.