AGP Executive Report

Fashion & Community: Fashion Week Spokane returns for its third show on Sept. 10, built by local designer Sophia Calhoun and model Mackenzie Priest-Nill to spotlight diverse designers, 50+ area models, and performances beyond the runway. Campus Culture: ISU students spent 10 days in Germany, Austria, Czechia and Poland, mixing business visits (BMW, Allianz Arena) with major cultural and historical stops, including Auschwitz. Rural Tech & Health: Idaho is set to tap Rural Health Transformation Program funds, including $6M for cybersecurity and $21.9M for health tech like telehealth and patient portals. Agriculture Economy: USDA’s Ranchers First Initiative aims to rebuild the U.S. beef herd and expand processing capacity, with Idaho ranchers still skeptical. Immigration Enforcement: Idaho Department of Correction signed a 287(g) warrant service officer agreement with ICE, formalizing how prison staff serve federal immigration warrants. Sports & Identity: Boise State’s Oregon opener headlines Week 1 college football coverage, with attention on the Broncos’ big-play potential. Local Lifestyle: Scottie’s Supper Club brings Victor Farmers Market sourdough and limited drop-off meals, with a story behind the name. Public Safety: Adams County Sheriff’s Office held free watercraft and OHV inspection events to boost safety and limit aquatic invasive species.

Tech & Business Leadership: Apple named John Ternus as CEO, with the big question now being whether the company can keep its “discipline” while still delivering the next must-have product shift. Idaho Science & Discovery: University of Idaho researchers identified a new spider species, Hexura vandal, found only in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. Local Governance & Community Life: Boise voters elected Andy Hawes to the school board, while Eagle residents are pushing back on a growing rat problem tied to nearby development. Education Funding Watch: State Superintendent Debbie Critchfield’s budget proposal leans toward K-12 formula modernization over expanding special education funding. Culture & Community Events: Pocatello’s X-Treme Collectibles opened a bigger shop for card and pop-culture fans, and St. Vincent de Paul North Idaho marked 80 years of service. Sports & School Spirit: Teton High School’s cross country teams started strong at the More Cowbell Invitational.

Women in Aviation: The Ninety-Nines’ 2026 Northwest Section fall meeting brought women aviators and aviation fans to Teton Valley, with pilots, scholarship recipients, and International President Terry Carbonell celebrating flight and mentorship. Community Crafting: Portneuf Valley Quilters’ Guild is gearing up for Quilt Fest 2026 in Pocatello (Oct. 2-3), with demos, vendors, raffle, silent auction, and a Sept. 18 quilt-entry deadline. Idaho Science & Discovery: U of I researchers announced a new spider species, “Hexura vandal,” found in Idaho’s mountains near Kooskia, highlighting a remnant habitat worth monitoring. Local Libraries & Youth Programs: Blackfoot and Snake River School Community Library schedules roll into September with storytimes, teen grab-and-go, sensory programming, and art hours. Farm-to-School Planning: Blaine County schools are exploring farm-to-school options with Future Roots, aiming to boost access to local food for students and families. Boise Fraud Case Goes Viral: Federal prosecutors say Daejon Love posed as a 49ers player to scam 26 women out of about $1.3M, with a jail mugshot now circulating. Faith & Education: BYU updated religion graduation requirements for Fall 2026, including a cap of six religion credits per academic year and new transfer credit rules. Sports Culture: A “Murph on Football” column riffs on the season’s most ridiculous announcing moment—RG3’s infamous “lifted him up to the sky” call—setting the bar for this year’s worst.

Idaho Education & Community: Boise’s West Bench keeps growing its urban-ag focus as Spaulding Ranch unveils $1.5M in accessible pathways plus a produce wash station to support on-site harvesting and education. Youth & Agriculture Learning: Grow Idaho brought “Ag Field Days” to nearly 200 sixth graders in Canyon County, pairing hands-on stations with local farms and farmland-protection lessons. Higher Ed & Agriculture Jobs: The University of Idaho hired Erika Consoli as the inaugural Saad Hafez Presidential Endowed Chair for Nematology, aiming to strengthen practical nematode management for Idaho agriculture. Faith & Public Life: Idaho AG guidance says churches can spend on ballot initiatives without disclosing donors in certain cases, a move that could shape how abortion-related campaigns operate. Sports & Scams: Federal prosecutors say a man who posed as a San Francisco 49ers player ran a romance-and-investment scheme that netted about $1.3M from at least 26 women across the Pacific Northwest, with arrests made in Boise. Global Watch: The UN warned that nuclear test-ban holdouts could spark an arms race if testing resumes.

Idaho Agriculture & Jobs: The University of Idaho named Erika Consoli the inaugural Saad Hafez Presidential Endowed Chair for Nematology, a major hire tied to Idaho agriculture and plant health. Local Schools: Hailey Hatch became superintendent of North Gem School District, aiming for stability after years of turnover. Education & Workforce: Caldwell’s new superintendent laid out goals for stronger academics, safety, and career/technical programs as students head back to class. Community Health: North Idaho College’s dental hygiene clinic offered free care for kids up to age 15, reaching underserved families. STEM for Youth: A new 4-H STEM bus in North Idaho will bring hands-on engineering activities to schools and community events. Culture & Tradition: Pocatello’s Greek Festival returned, drawing thousands for food, dance, and church history. Sports & Community Pride: Soda Springs High School hosts the Cardinal Classic Sept. 5 at Kelly Park, a tough, high-elevation race that packs in top schools. Public Life & Controversy: Boise State says it acted in “good faith” in a public records dispute with an anti-abortion group tied to research about OB-GYN departures. Big National Story With Idaho Links: Daejon Love, accused of posing as a 49ers player to scam 26 women out of $1.3M, was arrested in Boise.

Idaho Justice & Safety: Federal investigators say Daejon Labrayae Love and alleged accomplice Taylor Jamie Chan ran a $1.3 million romance-and-investment scam, posing as a San Francisco 49ers player and targeting at least 26 women across multiple states, with Love arrested at the Boise airport and prosecutors urging he be kept behind bars as a “serious flight risk.” Community Health: North Idaho College’s Dental Hygiene Clinic offered free cleanings, X-rays, and exams for kids up to age 15, with students delivering care through a grant-backed program aimed at underserved families. STEM for Kids: A new 4-H STEM bus in North Idaho is getting a $20,000 boost to bring hands-on engineering activities to schools and community events. Local Culture & Family: The Eastern Idaho State Fair returns Sept. 4-12 in Blackfoot with a patriotic theme and big-name entertainment, while Pocatello’s Greek Festival and Twin Falls’ Latino Fest keep the region’s ethnic celebrations rolling. Sports & Service: Idaho State football kicked off with a Black Hawk helicopter display at the ICCU Dome area as part of a hometown heroes event for military and first responders. Arts & Outdoors: Idaho Botanical Garden opened completed parts of its 10-acre expansion, adding new event and education spaces.

AI in Idaho-adjacent schools: Virginia Beach schools signed up for a more secure ChatGPT setup for staff, with Boise, Idaho also named among districts using OpenAI partnerships. Local culture & community: Idaho Botanical Garden opened the first spaces of its $8M, 10-acre expansion, adding an Event Lawn and new educational arboretum areas. Idaho festivals & heritage: Pocatello’s Greek Festival and Twin Falls’ Latino Fest both drew big crowds for food, music, and cultural traditions. Sports with local ties: Idaho Falls’ Kaylie Kofe is set to join BYU volleyball after a transfer, while Rigby’s Bishop sisters will now team up in college. Public life & debate: A Driggs coffee shop owner faced backlash from anti-abortion activists over a meeting request tied to Idaho’s Prop 1. Court drama with Idaho links: Federal prosecutors say a man accused of posing as a 49ers player scammed 26 women out of about $1.3M; they argue he’s a serious flight risk after arrest in Idaho.

Community & Culture: Twin Falls’ Latino Fest returned to City Park with Aztec dance, food vendors, bounce houses, and music—an event built by the South Central Idaho Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to celebrate Latino culture and boost local networking. Local Philanthropy: Rupert’s Elks Lodge hosted its second “Corgis and Cars” race, growing fast and raising thousands for the Minidoka Animal Shelter. Arts & Nature: The Idaho Botanical Garden opened the first finished spaces of its $8 million, 10-acre expansion—adding a new Event Lawn, Parking Garden, and Borbonus Family Educational Arboretum, plus thousands of new plants. International Exchange: University of Idaho welcomed a group of Hiroshima University students for a Mega-Exchange visit focused on peace and sustainability. Sports (Idaho ties): Idaho Falls setter Kaylie Kofe moved to BYU, and North Idaho’s Sandpoint and Coeur d’Alene athletes posted standout results at regional cross country meets. Greek Heritage: Pocatello’s Greek Festival drew thousands to the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church for homemade food, tours, and folk dancing. Education & Access: A federal judge cleared Idaho State center Alex Ramirez to play, but practice limits keep him sidelined for the opener. Public Life & Rights: A Driggs coffee shop owner, Wydaho Roasters’ Jim Sheehan, faced backlash after a confrontation with anti-abortion activists tied to Idaho’s Prop 1.

Greek Festival: Pocatello’s Greek Festival returns this Saturday, billed as Idaho’s largest ethnic celebration, with 5,000–6,000 expected attendees and all-homemade, generations-old food from the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church. Education Policy: A new look at Idaho’s school funding debate highlights the stakes of paying based on enrollment versus actual attendance—small gaps can translate into millions in dollars. Abortion Rights & Local Backlash: A Driggs cafe owner, Wydaho Roasters’ Jim Sheehan, is still in the national spotlight after a confrontation with anti-abortion activists over a meeting tied to Idaho’s 2026 Prop 1; he says sales surged even as he faced doxxing and threats. Water Quality: An international Elk-Kootenai/y watershed pollution study is nearing its final stage, aiming to pinpoint sources and impacts across the U.S.-Canada border with Indigenous partnership. Sports & Community: North Idaho College enrollment climbs 6.2% to 4,955 students, while Coeur d’Alene is set to lock in a three-year Ironman contract through 2029. Fraud Case: FBI arrests in Boise follow a romance-and-investment scam in which a man allegedly posed as a San Francisco 49ers player to steal about $1.3 million from 26 women across multiple states. Local Lifestyle: Portneuf Valley Trails Alliance installs seven new pet waste stations on City Creek and Cusick Creek trail systems.

Idaho Abortion Fight: Idaho’s attorney general is appealing a federal ruling that found a “right” to abortion in the state constitution, arguing Idaho can still enforce its pro-life laws. Local Politics & Community: A Driggs coffee shop owner says he’s been hit with doxxing and death threats after pushing back on anti-abortion activists—while sales reportedly surged. Sports Fraud Shock: FBI says a Boise-arrested man posed as a San Francisco 49ers player and wealthy investor, using dating apps and fake investment pitches to scam about $1.3M from 26 women across multiple states. Education & Access: Gonzaga is launching a “student success initiative” with a $7M gift, including scholarships and support for students affected by Washington College Grant cuts. Health & Safety: Idaho’s Behavioral Health Council flagged several counties as high-risk for opioid use disorder to guide spending of opioid settlement funds. Arts & Lifestyle: A Caldwell coffee shop, Café Rivera, opened with Mexican-inspired drinks and jarros de barro mugs, built on community buzz. Campus & Growth: North Idaho College reported 7 straight semesters of enrollment growth, topping 5,000 students. Outdoors & Local Care: Pocatello’s Portneuf Valley Trails Alliance installed seven new pet waste stations to protect trail ecosystems. Community Events: Coeur d’Alene is set to keep Ironman contests in the city through 2029 under a new contract.

Idaho Crime & Safety: Federal prosecutors charged Daejon Labrayae Love and Taylor Jamie Chan with wire fraud after allegedly posing as a San Francisco 49ers player and a fake financial adviser to scam at least 26 women out of about $1.3 million across Oregon, Washington, Idaho and California. Idaho Politics & Civic Life: Gov. Brad Little ordered flags half-staff and issued a half-staff directive for Maj. Gen. Darrell Manning, honoring the longtime Idaho National Guard leader and former state lawmaker. Idaho Law & Policy: Idaho lawmakers took aim at drone use near correctional facilities with HB 522, while HB 560 adds a new jury-duty substitution option via poll worker service. Community & Culture: Idaho State University will honor Alan and Bonnie Frantz with the President’s Medallion during Homecoming week for decades of teaching, leadership, and arts support. Sports & Local Life: A Treasure Valley weekend guide highlights the Western Idaho Fair’s final stretch plus major arts and family events around Boise and Meridian. National Tech & Kids: A multistate settlement would require Meta to add stronger protections for teen Facebook/Instagram use, including daily limits and nighttime blocks, with Idaho readers watching how Big Tech rules may ripple into local policy.

Idaho in the global spotlight: The University of Idaho opened a Hiroshima campus with a four-year semiconductor-focused MESA program, aiming to grow a pipeline of engineering talent across Idaho and Japan. Local education & safety: Carey School finally got its first school resource officer after years of requests, while Twin Falls launched a free preschool program that filled up in under two weeks. Community culture: Pocatello’s Greek Festival returns this Saturday with homemade food, big crowds, and a big end-of-summer sendoff. Tech, jobs, and sports: Boise State’s Mikaio Edward is set to start on the defensive line, and the Idaho Vandals open the season at Cal Poly in a nationally broadcast matchup. Civic life: United Way of North Idaho is seeking volunteers for its Sept. 24 Day of Action. Politics & public debate: An Idaho abortion initiative group sued over “misleading” ballot language, and Trump’s approval in Idaho dipped to 49% in new polling. Everyday life: Western Idaho Fair exhibitors say harsh weather cut yields, and Snake River Animal Shelter is partnering with ASPCA for free adoptions.

Reproductive Rights: Idaho’s abortion-access ballot initiative fight is headed to the Idaho Supreme Court after Idahoans United for Women and Families sued over “yes” and “no” ballot language they call confusing and misleading, with the state pausing production of 850,000 voter guides to meet deadlines. Public Health & Training: The Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine donated two high-fidelity emergency medical simulators to expand rural EMS training, including for Three Rivers STAR and the Idaho Civil Air Patrol. Consumer Protection: Idaho AG Raúl Labrador announced a settlement against Tactical Traders LLC over alleged deceptive day-trading marketing, after complaints from consumers who say they were misled about profits. Culture & Community: Nampa’s Harvest Classic Fun Run returns Sept. 12 at Liberty Park, with multiple race distances and proceeds supporting youth PE and recreation scholarships. Arts: Carbon County Arts Guild & Depot Gallery announced two exhibitions—Bonnie Zahn-Griffith’s western plein air work and Jason Elliott Clark’s prints exploring legends and Native stories. Crime & Safety: Federal charges allege two men posed as a San Francisco 49ers player and a financial adviser to scam more than two dozen women out of $1.3 million across Idaho and other states.

Idaho Education & Youth: Boise School District is rolling out eight electric school buses for 2026-27, aiming for cleaner air and prioritizing routes serving underserved neighborhoods. School Policy & Privacy: Albuquerque Public Schools will keep using an AI reading program but will limit student voice recordings and delete data more often after parent pushback. Community & Culture: Sandpoint approved a record $92M FY ’27 budget, including $34M for wastewater treatment plant reconstruction and downtown/stormwater upgrades. Public Safety: Newly obtained 911 audio details the frantic early moments of the deadly Bite of Seattle festival shooting. Local Sports Spotlight: Cal Poly opens its season with a nationally televised ESPN game vs. Idaho, with new coach Tim Skipper promising a different on-field identity. Idaho Business: Texas Born hired former Stinker Stores president/CEO Nate Brazier as its new president to drive expansion across Texas and Oklahoma. National Legal/Identity: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld West Virginia’s ban on boys playing girls’ sports, a decision that also intersects with Idaho’s similar fights. Tech & Kids: Meta agreed to a massive settlement with states over teen social media addiction, including child-safety changes. Crime: A man accused of posing as a 49ers player allegedly scammed women out of $1.3M across multiple states, including Idaho.

Local Government & Public Safety: Clearwater County commissioners signed a MOA with ICE for a Warrant Service Officer Program, alongside routine county updates and juvenile pass-through agreements. School & Youth Wellbeing: Boise School District is rolling out eight electric school buses for 2026-27, while West Ada weighs making much of the school day screen-free for elementary and middle students. Back-to-School Safety: Idaho experts urge parents and educators to talk boundaries and trusted adults as kids return to class. Digital Safety: Multi-state Meta settlements require major child-safety upgrades on Instagram and Facebook, including age checks and default limits on teen use. Idaho Culture & Community: Rotary Club of Orofino highlights youth-focused work with Northwest Children’s Home, plus upcoming speakers and fair-related volunteer needs. Environment & Health: Idaho considers wildfire smoke impacts on asthma as wildfire season progresses, and a rangeland forum in Twin Falls and Hailey will focus on post-wildfire recovery. Sports & Local Life: Boise State merges education and public service colleges, and Idaho Falls’ Chukars’ playoff chase takes a hit after a 14-9 loss.

Idaho Education & Equity: Idaho’s K-12 ISAT results show low statewide proficiency in English and math, with big gaps between districts and charters—plus a separate report on how Idaho’s public school funding formula hasn’t seen meaningful updates since 1994. School Finance Stress: Districts are scrambling after the Idaho School Benefit Trust’s $13 million shortfall, with Lewiston facing a payment over $1 million that could hit reserves. Higher Ed & Workforce: Idaho State University kicks off fall classes with campus events, while Idaho State’s PaCT program helps paraprofessionals earn bachelor’s degrees and move into teaching without leaving their jobs. Community Safety & Privacy: Bonneville County warns parents about oversharing kids’ details online as back-to-school photos roll in. Culture & Media: A true crime podcasting/content creation class is now offered at WSU, aiming to teach more respectful storytelling. Environment & Outdoors: The U.S. Forest Service proposes rescinding the Roadless Rule, drawing support and opposition. Local Sports: Rigby takes over the No. 1 spot in Idaho’s 6A rankings, and Idaho opens its season with a Week 0 matchup at Cal Poly.