AGP Executive Report

Idaho & Sports Spotlight: BYU guard Sydney Benally was honored by the Navajo Nation Council, with the recognition tied to her leadership and outreach through basketball camps and the Native American Basketball Invitational. College Hoops: Michigan is set for a title-defense season under new coach Mike Boynton after Dusty May’s move to the Mavericks, as the 2026 coaching carousel reshuffles high-major programs. Treasure Valley Fun: In-N-Out opened its latest Idaho location in Twin Falls, adding about 90 jobs and seating for 100-plus. Outdoor & Community: Moscow’s “Food for Kids” program keeps more than 200 children fed on weekends through summer, partnering local churches and volunteers. Local Events: The Grant County Fair & Rodeo kicks off with an NPRA-sanctioned rodeo plus live music, belt buckles, and added money. Idaho Business/Health: Surgery Partners placed signature pages in escrow to sell Idaho Falls and Mountain View Hospital facilities to Intermountain Health. Sports & Culture: “The Full Tilts” brings a new guitar-driven rock lineup to the stage in Idaho Springs.

Sports & Local Talent: Colorado Mesa’s men’s recruiting class for 2026-27 includes three Idaho signees—Daxin Holtzen (Jerome), Waylon Legler (Capital High, Boise), and Howie Huffman (Boise High)—as the Mavericks add 12 new men’s athletes. Music & Holiday Planning: Mannheim Steamroller announces a Dec. 15 Christmas concert in Idaho Falls at the Mountain America Center, with tickets going on sale July 24. Community Arts: Coeur d’Alene Street Fair returns for its 34th year Aug. 1-2 (with Friday hours too), bringing 250+ vendors, free admission, and family-friendly art and food downtown. Local Culture on Screen: Idaho Public Television’s “Idaho Experience” debuts “Preserving Our American Memories,” a documentary on how Idaho chooses what historic artifacts and buildings get saved. Outdoors Safety: A Pocatello-area trail safety piece urges hikers and bikers to watch for rattlesnakes and know how to respond. Public Safety: Boise police report a fatal officer-involved shooting after a suicidal suspect advanced with a knife near Overland Road and Cloverdale.

North Idaho Live Music: Sandpoint’s summer festival is back with a stacked lineup, starting with Andy Grammer, then Aaron Lewis & the Stateliners, Portugal. The Man, Joseph, and later George Thorogood & the Destroyers—plus local acts sprinkled throughout. Local Theater: Riverside Productions’ “Mary Poppins” wraps at the Worm Creek Opera House with final performances Friday through Monday. Treasure Valley Fashion: Caldwell’s The Edit consignment boutique spotlights curated secondhand style, with a standout plus-size selection and consignor “rental spaces” to keep fashion circulating. Sports & Community Debate: WNBA’s Sophie Cunningham doubles down on her stance on trans women athletes, saying she wants to protect women’s sports while insisting she’s not against the trans community. Idaho Outdoors: Idaho anglers got a new catch-and-release northern pike record from Lake Pend Oreille, and an East Idaho Outdoor Expo hits Idaho Falls this weekend with free admission and 50+ vendors. Boise Events: Ironman 70.3 returns to Boise Saturday with nearly 2,000 athletes and a finish-line festival at Julia Davis Park.

Idaho Arts & Entertainment: Boise’s summer concert scene gets a jolt as The Beach Boys cancel all three planned Idaho stops (Pocatello, Nampa, Lewiston), with refunds posted through Ford Idaho Center. Local Music & Events: Roaring Springs Waterpark turns up the fun with “Dive-In DJ Night” and TikTok Night, plus big giveaways tied to the Goo Goo Dolls and RedWest Music Festival. Community Arts: Sandpoint’s The Cakery on First opens its doors, bringing small-batch organic cakes, pastries, and espresso to the downtown food scene. Performing Arts: University of Idaho’s Screen on the Green returns with free outdoor movies—this week’s pick is “How to Train Your Dragon” in Moscow. Sports & Culture: Boise State changes how it picks football captains—players apply and teammates vote after fall camp.

Idaho Arts & Community Spotlight: Emmett’s Cory Holm “Heart & Hustle” Memorial Tournament returns July 31–Aug. 2, honoring a local athlete’s legacy while raising money for youth athletics and scholarships. Local Events & Giving: Pierce’s Jake Jacobson pulled together a fast community benefit concert for Pierce burn victims, raising more than $6,000 through tickets, raffle and donations. Idaho Outdoors & Learning: The Wisconsin “Spudmobile” rolled into Phillips Public Library with hands-on potato education, interactive games and a look at where Wisconsin spuds come from. Arts on Screen: Netflix’s latest “what to watch” list highlights 30 picks, including Godzilla Minus One and Companion. Music Calendar: Hatebreed announced Fatal Paradox (Nov. 6) and shared tour dates that include Boise at Treefort Music Hall Aug. 25. Sports & Culture: Sophie Cunningham’s ESPN comments on transgender athletes sparked fresh national debate, with Idaho readers likely to see the issue ripple into local sports conversations.

Idaho Arts Funding: The Idaho Community Foundation announced $37,760 in arts-focused grants for Southeastern Idaho, backing projects like improv workshops, school arts field trips, and professional theatre support at Idaho State University. Local Performing Arts: From Pocatello to Boise, summer arts keep rolling—Idaho Summer Dance Camp is training young dancers for nearly 50 years, and the Capital City Flute Club is gearing up for a special Aug. 1 concert before heading to the National Flute Association conference. Community Events: Sandpoint’s council moved to define and advance rules to prohibit large-scale AI data centers, while the Treasure Valley also faces unhealthy air quality that’s pushing some sports and outdoor plans indoors. Sports & Entertainment: Boise State’s Albertsons Stadium earned a USA TODAY “Best College Football Stadium” nomination, and local fans can catch more live music and fair fun as the Canyon County Fair kicks off July 23. Idaho Outdoors & Culture: The Snake River Homestead’s Pioneer Day Celebration invites families to step back in time with hands-on frontier activities.

Idaho Community Foundation Grants: The Bistline Foundation awarded $37,760 to arts-focused projects across Southeastern Idaho, including free World Refugee Day programming, scholarship benefit concerts, improv workshops, and support for Idaho State University theatre. Idaho Arts & Culture Spotlight: The Idaho Summer Dance Camp (founded in 1977) is back for nearly 50 years of training, now at Idaho State University, drawing about 100 dancers from across the Intermountain West. Community Celebrations: 5th Street Bagelry marks its 30th anniversary with a 30-cent bagel-and-schmear day Aug. 21 and live music from Spudmother. Local Health & Sports Tech: A local physical therapist is offering 3D gait analysis through Stride 3D to help runners move more efficiently and reduce injury risk. Idaho Events Calendar: Blackfoot and Snake River school community libraries are running Dino-themed summer programs, storytimes, and art hours. Treasure Valley Public Safety: Boise police say a driver was arrested after hitting 129 mph in an Eagle construction zone.

Idaho Sports: The Idaho Vandals released their 2026 cross country schedule, starting Sept. 4 in Spokane and building toward the Big Sky Championships Oct. 30 in Flagstaff and an NCAA goal Nov. 21 in Terre Haute. Idaho Arts & Community: Meridian’s Initial Point Gallery will host “With Water,” opening Aug. 4 and running through Aug. 28, with an artist reception and works inspired by water’s role in landscape and imagination. Local Sports Spotlight: Twin Falls Cowboys are heading to the AA state tournament in Lewiston after finishing 16-15, with coach Tim Stadelmeir urging a high-IQ, hard-charging approach. Youth Sports & Fitness: Razor’s Edge Boxing Club in Idaho Falls is gearing up for its 8th annual “Rumble in the Jungle” July 25, a major fundraiser for the gym and its character-building mission. Health & Safety: Idaho health officials issued advisories for Brownlee and Hells Canyon reservoirs due to toxin-producing cyanobacteria—avoid contact, don’t drink or cook with the water, and keep pets away. Idaho Government Watch: Hagerman City Hall is temporarily closed after a personnel matter, with a public meeting set for Aug. 5.

Election Integrity: Election officials across the U.S. are scrambling to rebut Trump’s claims about “floating ballots,” foreign interference, and faulty tabulation, including Georgia’s audit finding just one noncitizen on voter rolls. Big Sky Football Buzz: Eastern Washington is picked No. 8 in the 2026 Big Sky preseason polls, while Idaho lands No. 6 in the media poll and No. 7 with coaches as the Vandals return key starters and overhaul their staff. Idaho Sports Photos: Eastern Idaho summer baseball keeps rolling through brutal heat, with Gate City and the Grays chasing playoff positioning. Local Arts & Culture: A new exhibit, “Buffalo Nation,” explores the history and art of American buffalo at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. Community & Events: Idaho Falls and beyond keep it moving with local gatherings, including a Pioneer Day stretch in Bancroft and a new Indian Head TV production filming with Saskatchewan talent. Wildlife & Outdoors: Idaho Fish and Game Commission awards $100,000 in grants for habitat, education, and recreation projects statewide. Music & Touring: Jon Pardi announces fall arena and amphitheater dates for the “Gamblin’ Man Tour.”

Idaho True Crime on Netflix: Netflix released a trailer for The Idaho Murders: College Nightmare, covering the 2022 University of Idaho killings and set for July 29. Local Arts & Community: Idaho Falls marked World Watercolor Month with local artist Sally Ellis sharing tips and teaching watercolor techniques. Sports Spotlight (Idaho): College of Southern Idaho named Brendan Wheeler as women’s basketball head coach, replacing Randy Rogers after 24 years. Idaho Outdoors & Safety: Search teams rescued a hiker after a 300-foot fall on Mt. Idaho near Mackay, using a helicopter hoist and air paramedics. Small-Town Fest: Hansen Hay Days returned with music, vendors, and family activities in Hansen. Regional Pride: Rathdrum’s parade rolled out “All American Summer,” while Portland Pride Waterfront Festival drew big crowds celebrating LGBTQ+ community. Wildfire Update: Turner Hill Fire evacuation orders were downgraded from Level 3 to Level 2.

College Sports Shake-Up: A new “Protect College Sports Act” debate is heating up as lawmakers and fans weigh how rules could affect conference realignment, media rights, and even the idea of a football super league. Wildfire & Health: Smoke from Canadian wildfires is still triggering air-quality alerts across parts of the U.S., including some Idaho regions, with health warnings for kids, seniors, and anyone with respiratory issues. Mountain West Football in Vegas: The Mountain West is settling into its Las Vegas era with media days, new matchups, and a fresh look for the 2026 football season. Idaho Sports Spotlight: Boise State alum Alex Mattison mentored youth at a free Boise camp, while CSI softball added two signees ahead of the 2026 season. Idaho Arts & Community: The Tabernacle Choir spotlights a four-generation family legacy behind singer Leslie Johnson, and Idaho Falls unveiled a new art bench honoring Carrie Scheid. Local Events: Rathdrum’s parade brought heartwarming community moments, and Twin Falls is gearing up for its long-awaited In-N-Out opening.

Idaho Sports Spotlight: Former Boise State NFL running back Alexander Mattison returned to Boise High to mentor kids at a free youth football camp, teaming up with current Broncos players to teach fundamentals and the mental side of the game. College Softball: College of Southern Idaho added two signees—Scotti Powell (Needles HS) and Brooklyn Van Renselaar (Clackamas CC)—ahead of the 2026 season. High School Athletics: Magic Valley special teams standouts earned top-10 honors, while CSI softball and other local signings keep the pipeline moving. Swimming: Boise Sectionals delivered a breakout moment for 15-year-old Naomi Weibel, winning the 400 IM and placing high in the 100 back. Community & Culture: Rathdrum’s “All American Summer” parade brought heartwarming local stories, including a community-backed dirtbike reunion for a veteran’s family. Arts & Entertainment: Ingrid Andress announced a fall 2026 tour stop in Boise at the Knitting Factory. Wildfire Watch: Turner Fire evacuation orders were downgraded to Level 2 “set,” with residents allowed to return at their discretion.

Mountain West Football Buzz: Wyoming and North Dakota State are leaning into a new “Bohl Bowl” rivalry after NDSU’s Craig Bohl-era ties, with Mountain West media days spotlighting the conference’s reshaped lineup and fresh matchups. Idaho Education Debate: A Coeur d’Alene school funding listening session reignited the question of what “enough” education money actually looks like, as Idaho’s formula hasn’t been overhauled since the 1990s. Local Food & Culture: Twin Falls is getting an In-N-Out Burger, with construction nearly done and locals watching for an opening date. Outdoor & Community Life: English Point trails near Hayden Lake reopened after wind damage cleanup, and volunteers helped renovate Sandpoint Junior Academy ahead of the fall term. Music & Live Shows: Country singer Ingrid Andress announced a fall tour stop in Boise. Public Safety & Training: Multi-agency SWAT training in Pocatello focused on preparing officers for high-stress, dangerous situations. Sports on the Ground: The Idaho 200 at Stateline Speedway brings late-model racing excitement, including local contenders like Haeden Plybon.

Courts & Elections: A federal judge blockaded Trump’s push for access to state voter rolls, rejecting demands for personal data and warning that states run elections, not Washington. Wildlife Management: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is preparing to shift grizzly management back to states, reopening a public comment period on a revised rule. Idaho Outdoors: English Point Recreation Area near Hayden Lake is back open after wind damage cleanup, with more caution urged for St. Joe River trails. Local Development: Fremont County commissioners advanced a controversial Henry’s Lake Flats subdivision plan despite wildlife and habitat concerns. Community Arts: Idaho Falls installed a new “Carrie On” bench on the River Walk honoring arts leader Carrie Getty Scheid. Sports & Events: The Idaho 200 returns to Stateline Speedway in Post Falls with Kevin Harvick and local racers, while Rexburg’s Neutral Zone hosts a “Learn to Play” youth hockey camp starting in September. Health Watch: Eastern Idaho Public Health reported a measles case in Teton County, advising possible exposure at Broulim’s Grocery in Driggs.

Idaho Falls Public Art: A new “Carrie On” bench was installed on the Idaho Falls River Walk to honor community leader Carrie Getty Scheid, continuing her “Art You Can Sit On” legacy and adding another arts stop for locals and visitors. Boise Summer Fun: Roaring Springs is turning its wave pool into a “Dive-In DJ Night” dance floor for a full-on Taylor Swift takeover, with Friday evening DJ sets and Taylor giveaways. BYUI Music: Gentri and guest jazz vocalist Emma Nissen are set for BYU-Idaho’s annual Christmas concert this December, with an orchestra and a 200-person choir planned. Sports Spotlight: North Star Charter is launching a football program this fall in 8-man ranks, building from scratch with coach Nick Hagiperos and a growing roster. Northern Idaho Arts & Culture: The Idaho Department of Labor named Lorren Morgan as the new regional labor economist for northern Idaho—an update that also highlights arts-and-recreation job growth in June. Food Safety Watch: Federal officials traced a cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations to a Mexico supplier, prompting nationwide supply-chain action. Local Road Safety: A runaway RV incident on Teton Pass near Wilson is a fresh reminder to check brakes after a close call captured on video.

Idaho Sports & Community: Pocatello’s USR Showcase is coming July 29, bringing NFL-Combine-style testing (max velocity, acceleration, change of direction, power) to local athletes. Local Soccer: Athletic Club Boise returns to USL League One action Friday, hosting Portland Hearts of Pine after a strong USL Cup run. Rodeo Culture: Idaho native Kade Rogge teams up with Doug Mathis as co-show masters for the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo, leaning into the “inform, entertain, excite” vibe. Arts & Entertainment: Warner Bros. has postponed “The Batman Part II” to 2028, releasing a first teaser with Robert Pattinson. Idaho Business Spotlight: Nampa’s Mustard Seed Home Decor & More marks 13 years with a major expansion celebration this Saturday. Sports Governance: The Supreme Court ruling on trans athletes leaves states with choices—Connecticut can keep its existing policy, while Idaho communities keep watching what comes next.