AGP Executive Report

Critical Minerals & Defense Supply Chains: Resolution Minerals was admitted to the U.S. Defense Industrial Base Consortium, aiming to secure domestic antimony and tungsten supplies and opening doors to DoD-linked funding and supply-chain initiatives. Local Retail & Consumer Demand: Spokane retailers are scrambling to restock NeeDoh squish toys after a TikTok-driven surge left shelves empty and backorders piling up. Sports Business: Seven Seven Six, founded by Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, acquired Boise-based ONIT, boosting its college sports trading card footprint while keeping ONIT’s headquarters in Boise. Treasure Valley Growth: Meridian’s Ten Mile Road development effort is moving from dirt to construction, with major retail and industrial space planned as the corridor expands. Idaho Workforce & Early Learning: A new report says fewer Idaho families are getting childcare assistance as eligibility tightens, leaving early learning providers facing funding pressure. Transportation Policy: Idaho’s move toward a uniform 80 mph limit for heavy trucks is drawing safety concerns from truckers and operators. Community & Culture: Twin Falls’ Perrona Fest highlights Latino commerce and family-focused economic impact during Father’s Day celebrations.

Workplace & Legal: A former Salmon School District bus driver, Brooke Monroe, sued the district alleging she was fired after requesting time off for cancer treatment and raising claims of gender discrimination, disability discrimination, FMLA retaliation, and wage theft, including an alleged comment from a transportation supervisor that “you’re a female, and you cannot do maintenance.” Health Care Costs & Coverage: Portneuf Health and Regence BlueCross of Idaho failed to renew their contract, leaving thousands of east Idaho patients—about 3,600 state employees on the plan—out of network for more than routine care while negotiations continue. Marijuana Policy: The DEA scheduled a June 29 rescheduling hearing in Arlington that, according to critics, invites only opponents of marijuana reform, raising concerns for taxation, banking access, and business impacts. Idaho Community & Safety: A North Idaho seniors scam alert highlights rising Medicare phone fraud and other schemes targeting older residents. Local Business/Community: Star’s Great Cardboard Regatta returned for the second year to raise money for the Star Food Bank, with organizers reporting $54,000 raised toward a $60,000 goal.

Healthcare Costs & Transparency: A new federal review finds more than 500 hospitals nationwide missed price-transparency requirements, including 19 in the Mountain West (3 Idaho), keeping consumers in the dark on shoppable charges. Local Health Insurance: Portneuf Health and Regence BlueCross of Idaho failed to renew their contract, leaving thousands of east Idahoans—about 3,600 state employees among them—out of network for non-routine care while talks continue. Idaho Economy & Living Costs: A study says fresh produce is becoming a “luxury,” with Idaho families spending about $52 more per month on fruit and vegetables. Community & Fundraising: Star held its second annual Great Cardboard Regatta at Freedom Park to raise money for the Star Food Bank, bringing in $54,000 toward a $60,000 goal. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Gooding is updating sewer lines funded by American Rescue Plan money, with work expected to wrap within two months, while ITD plans future Highway 46 road work. Business & Markets: The national gas price average slipped below $4 as Independence Day travel ramps up. Sports & Local Talent: Texas Tanner won both hammer and discus at the Iron Wood Classic, setting a meet record in discus. Legal/Accountability: Prosecutors are investigating financial irregularities at Portneuf Valley Soccer Club after a forensic review found more than $100,000 unaccounted for.

Health Care Costs & Medicaid Billing: New data show Medicaid spending shifts across Idaho communities: Caldwell’s “Surgery” bills hit $96,462 in 2024 (+31.8%), Meridian’s Surgery claims rose to $217,092 (+15.3%), and Idaho Falls’ Dental Services jumped to $747,643 (+220.4%). Local Hospital Coverage Crunch: Portneuf and Regence BlueCross of Idaho are still negotiating after their contract expired, leaving thousands of east Idahoans—about 3,600 state employees on the plan—potentially out of network. Downtown Development: Twin Falls is seeking proposals to redevelop two downtown sites along the Hansen Street corridor, aiming for housing, retail, restaurants and entertainment. Workforce & Community Services: Goodwill Industries of the Inland Northwest bought a 36,000-square-foot Coeur d’Alene facility (formerly Sunshine Minting) to expand workforce, retail and ecommerce operations. Idaho America 250 (Business & Tourism): Idaho’s July 4 capstone includes a free Boise Capitol concert and parade, with statewide events listed through America250.idaho.gov. Nuclear Industry Watch: Idaho’s nuclear ecosystem gets a boost as DOE-linked small reactor milestones continue, including Antares’ Mark-0 testing at INL and Valar Atomics’ Ward250 reaching criticality in Utah.

Nuclear & Energy: Valar Atomics says its Ward 250 advanced reactor hit fueled criticality in Utah, the second U.S. advanced reactor to do so and a milestone under the DOE Reactor Pilot Program. Mining: Bunker Hill Mining announced director Mark Child has resigned as the company pushes ahead with restarting its historic Idaho mine. Downtown Development: Twin Falls is asking developers for proposals for two downtown redevelopment sites along the Hansen Street corridor, aiming to add housing, retail, restaurants and entertainment. Agriculture & Food Safety: OSU researchers, with University of Idaho involvement, identified native microbes that could help protect Oregon wine grapes from a damaging dieback fungus. Workforce Training: North Idaho College Workforce Training highlighted a 90.2% apprenticeship completion rate for 2024-25, with graduates across electrical, HVAC, plumbing, heavy equipment and construction. Policy Watch: A federal judge has blocked Idaho’s transgender bathroom law, keeping the dispute in court. Local Economy & Community: Idaho’s America 250 capstone event in Boise will feature a free concert with Josh Ritter and other Idaho talent, plus parade and festivities.

Advanced Manufacturing & Tech Bets: Monarch Tractor’s robotractor dream for wine country fizzled fast—shutting its Livermore HQ, laying off staff, and selling its tech to a competitor after the system couldn’t deliver. Food & Household Pressure: SNAP enrollment fell by about 5 million people nationwide from early 2025 to March 2026, with steep drops in states including Arizona and Florida—another sign of squeezed budgets. Idaho Local Economy & Tourism: Ketchum is tightening its fiscal 2027 budget math and using credit-card data to map who spends in local-option tax categories; the city is also adjusting short-term rental rules after Idaho’s HB 583 limits how much cities can regulate. Waste & Infrastructure: Republic Services reopened the Sawtooth Regional Landfill in Elmore County after buying it from receivership and completing major cleanup and infrastructure work. Small Business & Veterans: Idaho Sen. Jim Risch asked the SBA to create Idaho’s first dedicated Veteran Business Outreach Center to help veterans and military families start and grow businesses. Healthcare Workforce: Idaho Business Review hosted a panel on solving Idaho’s medical staffing crisis, focusing on what it will take to attract and retain providers. Business Finance: Ensign Group declared a quarterly dividend of $0.065 per share, payable by July 31.

Women in Business: Idaho Business Review named 50 women as its 2026 Women of the Year honorees, spanning banking, wineries, nonprofits and more, with the Sept. 10 ceremony set for Boise Centre West. Career Milestones: The publication also honored 52 Idaho professionals under 40 and in its ICON Awards for legacy and late-career impact, with Boise Centre as the backdrop. Health Care Staffing: A panel discussion on Idaho’s medical workforce shortage highlighted the state’s physician-per-capita gap and the economic stakes of fixing staffing. Advanced Nuclear: Valar Atomics’ Ward 250 reactor hit criticality in Utah, with power operations targeted for July 4 under a federal pilot program that also includes Idaho National Laboratory’s Antares milestone. Local Business & Growth: Scentsy plans to shed a Meridian warehouse after pandemic-era expansion; Boise Cascade earned Forbes’ “Best Large Employers” recognition. Wildfire & Risk: The U.S. House passed a wildfire fuels measure aimed at clearing hurdles for prescribed fire and mitigation across jurisdictions. Idaho Economy Watch: Headwaters Economics found dam removals don’t usually trigger long-term local economic decline, a finding relevant to Lower Snake River debate.

Idaho Tax Policy: A Boise nonprofit says Idaho’s state and federal income tax cuts since 2018 have largely helped the top earners, with 73% of the benefits going to the top 20% of households, while the lowest-income Idahoans saw their taxes rise on average. Courts and Trans Rights: A federal judge blocked key parts of Idaho’s transgender bathroom law, limiting enforcement and keeping some access intact while the legal fight continues. Wildfire and Labor: As the Upriver Fire burns in eastern Washington, coverage highlights how wildfire risk could disrupt farmworkers’ work and safety. Local Business Growth: Senske Family of Companies is acquiring Idaho Falls lawn, tree care and pest provider Turfco., expanding its home-services footprint in Eastern Idaho. Higher Ed and Agriculture: The University of Idaho’s Parma Research and Extension Center marked 100 years, with hiring underway to fully staff research and extension work. Tech and Water Debate: A commentary argues Idaho’s data-center water-use concerns are often overstated, pointing to local numbers as the industry faces scrutiny. Community and Housing: A new CBH Homes community is opening in Jerome, signaling continued demand for move-in-ready housing in Southern Idaho.

Capital Markets: Sunshine Silver Mining & Refining Co. completed a $270 million IPO on the NYSE, trading as SSMR, to fund a restart of Idaho’s historic Sunshine Mine with production targeted for late 2028. Local Business & Community: Pocatello’s Cornelison Funeral Home marked its 110th anniversary with a chamber ribbon cutting and open house, highlighting how the long-running business has adapted to hospice and training needs. Regional Economy: Spokane Pride drew tens of thousands downtown, boosting hotels, restaurants and retailers over the weekend, with organizers estimating 50,000+ visitors. Energy & Infrastructure: Idaho Power is proposing a new South Hills Power Plant near Milner in Twin Falls County—222 megawatts of natural gas capacity—aimed at meeting rising Magic Valley demand. Public Policy & Regulation: States are moving ahead with AI rules despite federal pushback, focusing on how AI interacts with children and workplaces. Health Care Industry: Lifepoint named Aaron Lewis president and COO, a leadership shift for the private equity-backed hospital operator. Local Land Use/Water: Victor is suing Driggs over a wastewater treatment agreement, alleging contract and audit failures. Business/Tech Risk: Chelan County says some services remain disrupted after a malware incident shut down its network over Memorial Day. Wildfire Impact: A fast-moving eastern Washington wildfire forced evacuations of about 1,500 residents and destroyed at least 15 homes.

Wildfire Readiness: Idaho Gov. Brad Little says the state is staffed and prepared for a tough fire season, but the wildfire suppression fund has already run out, leaving agencies in deficiency spending. Water & Agriculture: Eastern Snake irrigators are feeling the low-supply pinch as snowpack stays under 40% of normal, forcing difficult decisions on what fields to abandon. Local Business & Growth: CenterCal Properties is expanding The Village at Meridian in Boise with new retail and dining tenants slated to open in September, with full buildout expected by February 2027. Construction & Delays: Records from Idaho Transportation Department show utility relocation and undergrounding work contributed to delays on the Highway 75 widening and reconstruction near Ketchum, pushing completion toward June 2027. Local Governance: Ketchum is nearing a ballot decision on renewing and increasing its local-option “tourist” tax to fund capital improvements and infrastructure. Public Health & Policy: A federal judge partially blocks Idaho’s criminal transgender bathroom ban, limiting enforcement while legal challenges continue. Sports Business: Boise’s Asana Climbing Gym says it will close permanently this winter after property-management decisions jeopardized a long-term lease.

Idaho Business & Economy: Elk Range Mining is pursuing up to a $10 million ASX IPO to advance its Idaho gold portfolio, anchored by the Friday gold mine and the Orogrande processing plant, with early post-listing work focused on exploration and resource growth. Courts & Policy: A federal judge blocked key parts of Idaho’s HB 752 transgender restroom law from full enforcement, limiting it while the lawsuit proceeds—an early win for plaintiffs challenging the measure’s constitutionality. Public Safety & Risk: Gov. Brad Little says Idaho is “prepared” for wildfire season even as the state’s wildfire suppression fund balance has dropped to $0, with officials pointing to staffing, partnerships and monitoring tech. Higher Education: Boise State named David W. Hahn as the lone finalist for its next president, setting up a final vote in about 10 days. Local Development: Twin Falls is seeking developers for Hansen Street South parking-lot sites to extend downtown revitalization beyond Main Avenue. Agriculture: The Idaho Wheat Commission approved a tighter $2.98 million budget amid warm, dry conditions and freeze risk to spring wheat. Tech & Security: Boise State’s CORe cybersecurity program is bringing hands-on protection work to rural Idaho organizations with limited resources. Energy: A $1.1 billion Green River Energy Center in Emery County is set to power up next week, with the project expected to generate major tax revenue over time.

Federal Courts: A judge blocked Idaho’s transgender restroom law (HB 752) from taking effect, issuing a statewide injunction less than three weeks before the July 1 start date. Boise State Leadership: The Idaho State Board of Education named University of Arizona engineering dean David W. Hahn as the sole finalist for Boise State’s next president, with a public forum scheduled this week. Energy & Industry: Oklo and Standard Nuclear announced a collaboration to explore nuclear fuel recycling and advanced fuel manufacturing, building on DOE selections tied to surplus plutonium. Agriculture Finance: The Idaho Barley Commission approved a fiscal 2027 budget of $961,583, down about 1.4%, shifting spending toward market development as barley income expectations soften. Local Business Moves: Beaver Coach Sales opened its first Idaho dealership in Garden City, bringing luxury RV sales and service to the Treasure Valley. Community & Events: McCall will add about $27,000 in private security for its Fourth of July celebration, aiming to reduce public intoxication issues. Idaho Economy & Growth: Tenacity Wealth Management launched in the Boise area with a focus on helping families and business owners plan for retirement, transitions, and sales. Business & Culture: Liberty Lake’s first independent bookstore, Paragraphs and Pages, opens Saturday with plans for recurring book clubs.

Nuclear Fuel & Power: Oklo says the U.S. Department of Energy has approved the preliminary safety analysis for its Aurora fast-fission plant at Idaho’s INL, a step toward a new domestic nuclear power fleet. Higher Ed & Sports Business: Gov. Brad Little launched a College Athletics Working Group to shape policy and investment ideas for Idaho universities’ athletics programs, chaired by Idaho Falls real estate executive Cortney Liddiard. Agriculture Health: Idaho dairies reported 32 more bird flu cases in the past 30 days (as of June 10), with 70–80 dairies under quarantine—another hit to farm operations and costs. Energy Efficiency Spending: Kimberly School District is replacing about 39 windows and two door fronts at Kimberly Middle School with a $177,839 DOE grant, aiming to cut utility bills. Local Economy & Development: Twin Falls is weighing a proposal for a whitewater park at Auger Falls Heritage Park after a Denver firm pitched the idea; city officials say it’s early and depends on multiple agencies’ jurisdiction. Business Services: Coeur d’Alene CPA firm Kane Tax & Accounting says its second full tax season delivered strong client results and more clients moving to year-round planning. Housing Market Watch: Realtor.com’s housing report cards show Midwest and Southern states leading on affordability and homebuilding, while Boise is among markets that have surpassed pandemic peaks.

Nuclear & Energy: Antares Nuclear hit criticality with its Mark-0 reactor in Idaho Falls, a milestone that moves private small modular nuclear power closer to commercialization. Advanced Fuel Supply: Quadrant Nuclear Industries is positioned as a prospective HALEU supplier for Natura Resources’ domestic fuel strategy, aiming to strengthen U.S. fuel security for advanced reactors. Local Business & Workforce: University of Idaho Extension is launching a Boise farm program for veterans through a USDA-funded effort, pairing hands-on training at a city incubator farm with online coursework and market access. Agriculture & Markets: Idaho ranchers are bracing for the new world screwworm, which could add uncertainty and delay herd rebuilds even as cattle prices stay strong. Idaho Economy & Housing: A report highlights how month-to-month lease fees in Idaho can sharply raise costs and worsen housing insecurity for low-income renters. Public Safety & Courts: A Coeur d’Alene-area woman was sentenced to federal prison for acting as a “money mule” in business email fraud, ordered to pay restitution. Environment & Outdoor Economy: Severe drought is shrinking habitat for Mountain West predators and is also expected to reduce Idaho fishing opportunities, with Fish and Game weighing salvage harvest, relocation, or letting conditions resolve. Tech & Business Services: LenderDock expanded its partnership with Idaho Farm Bureau to streamline insurance verification and lienholder processes.

Geothermal Grid Crunch: Fervo Energy’s 42-gigawatt geothermal pipeline across Nevada, Utah and Idaho is running into Western transmission bottlenecks that could slow projects or force contract changes. Public Records Fight: The University of Idaho and University of Minnesota refused to turn over controversial course syllabi, arguing they’re protected as trade secrets—setting up another test of Idaho’s open-records rules. Farm Bill Pressure: Idaho farmers and producers are urging Congress to move an updated farm bill as input costs, tariffs and fuel prices squeeze margins faster than farm prices. Water & Schools: Idaho’s enrollment decline is still driving school-closure pressure nationwide, even as the state grows—highlighting how funding and district planning can lag demographic reality. Local Economy & Jobs: A new look at Idaho’s labor market for recent graduates finds the state still growing while the national job market cools, with unemployment rising for young workers. Housing & Design: A Boise-area straw-bale “earth-friendly” home hits the market at more than $2.5 million, spotlighting niche building trends and local contractor ecosystems. Community Spotlight: Innovia Foundation’s “weaver” awards seek to recognize the Inland Northwest residents quietly rebuilding trust and belonging.

AI Policy Fight: After Trump urged states to hold off on AI rules, states are moving ahead with more targeted laws focused on how chatbots affect kids, how employers use AI, and developer duties to prevent AI-caused harm. Food Safety: Alfredo sauce sold in 41 states is recalled at the FDA’s highest risk level after possible salmonella contamination tied to a dry milk powder ingredient. Idaho Economy & Jobs: A new look at the college-to-career transition finds Idaho’s labor market is holding up better than the national picture, even as demand cools. Agriculture: Idaho’s agribusiness impact is highlighted by a University of Idaho report showing record sales and major job support across the state. Local Business & Community: A new Post Falls thrift store, Mad Baby Thrift and Consign, opens with a mission to bring back lower kids’ clothing prices. Idaho Water & Infrastructure: Coverage from West Virginia underscores how failing water systems are driving costly workarounds for residents. Energy Costs: AAA reports gas prices are easing nationally, with California’s average down week over week.