AGP Executive Report

Idaho Arts & Entertainment Spotlight: The National Endowment for the Arts chairman Mary Anne Carter visited Rexburg to highlight how communities keep arts alive after disasters, touring the Tabernacle renovation and the “Higher Ground” 1976 flood collection at BYU–Idaho. Local Culture & Community: The 2nd Annual Pocatello Potato Festival brought live music, food trucks, and potato-themed activities to the Museum of Clean and My World Discovery Museum, raising money for both. Music Releases: Americana/indie-folk singer-songwriter Katie Pruitt shared “The Aftermath,” reflecting heartbreak and wider cultural unease ahead of her Sept. 18 album; Foy Vance announced his three-part album IF with the first single “Feel The Cold.” Idaho Sports on the Arts Page: Idaho’s Vandals fell to Hawaii 2-0 in soccer, while local high school soccer scores rolled in across the Magic Valley. Arts in Motion: Coeur d’Alene’s Cisco’s Gallery marked 30 years downtown, continuing its long-running focus on Native American and Western art.

Idaho Arts & Pop Culture: Sydney Sweeney is turning heads with a Wonder Woman look inspired by Lynda Carter, posting photos from her Idaho lake house “Camp Runamuck” with boyfriend Scooter Braun in matching Superman gear. Local Culture & Community: Eagle’s Old State Saloon—known for politically charged themed events—has been listed for sale at $2.4 million, with its liquor license and “cultural asset” branding part of the pitch. Sports (Idaho-focused): Boise State opens its first Pac-12 game at home against Utah State on Oct. 3, with Utah State’s new QB situation and returning starters setting up a tricky matchup. Outdoor Science: A study says Snake River hatcheries can’t reliably hit chinook goals without major survival improvements through the hydropower system and ocean. Arts on the Ground: Idaho Falls’ Motor Vu drive-in is wrapping up its 79th season with a free community movie night, keeping the classic local tradition alive.

Idaho Arts & Entertainment: Motor Vu Drive-In in Idaho Falls is keeping the summer movie tradition alive with its 79th season and a free community movie night this Saturday, letting locals catch big-screen blockbusters from the comfort of their cars. Local Culture & Community: Idaho State University’s Welcome Back Orange & Black returns Aug. 24 at Lookout Point with food trucks, giveaways, live entertainment, and a downtown trolley loop to help students get to campus. Sports on the Arts Beat: Idaho Museum of Natural History at ISU earned American Alliance of Museums accreditation, a major milestone that signals a stronger public-facing exhibit push this September. Community Events: North Idaho State Fair kicks off its 10-day run at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds, bringing rides, music, exhibits, and critters for families. Civic Life: A Driggs coffee shop dispute tied to Idaho’s Proposition One has sparked national attention, with both sides calling for calm after harassment and threats.

Boise State Game-Day Upgrades: Albertsons Stadium is getting a new 360-degree concourse setup for 2026, with fresh food carts, a draft beer trailer, and a new South Fan Depot under the South End Zone aimed at cutting east-side lines and congestion. Idaho Voter Access Fix: The Idaho Secretary of State’s office says a voter look-up website glitch was tied to search fields like middle names and extra spaces; the tool has been updated after residents reported missing records. ISU Fan Experience Boost: Idaho State’s ICCU Dome will add a new exterior patio area plus added security flow and more concessions, improving how fans enter and exit during events. College Sports Legal Twist: The NCAA scored a federal court win pausing a ruling that would have granted extra eligibility, but Idaho-linked eligibility chaos continues as other lawsuits and court orders remain in play. Moscow Arts & Culture: UI’s AsiaPOP! symposium returns with “AsiaPOP! Dark,” featuring free film screenings, exhibits, and guest lectures exploring horror and darker themes in Asian pop culture. Boise River Weekend Fun: Bluebird Social announces “Bluebird Riverfest” with an end-of-float-season river party plus live music and DJs at the Boise River.

Election Tech Fix: Idaho’s voter look-up tool was glitchy on phones, briefly showing some residents no registration; the Secretary of State says it’s been updated and the underlying registrations weren’t affected. Treasure Valley Weekend Picks: The Western Idaho Fair kicks off Friday at Expo Idaho with food-donation free entry, plus Caldwell Night Rodeo, Bogus Basin live music, Nampa food trucks, and Boise’s Idaho Jewish Festival. Pickleball Boom: Boise-area courts keep multiplying, and Post Falls just opened The Flying Pickle—an 83,000-square-foot, year-round hub with 24 pro-standard courts. Big Tech in Boise: Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra announced a $10B Micron Research Labs push in Boise to drive next-gen memory and AI breakthroughs. Arts & Community: Sun Valley Ballroom returns to The Argyros with pro Latin and American Smooth couples, while Pocatello’s Creative Chameleon is celebrated at a ribbon-cutting for its murals and art nights. Sports on the Ground: Rigby unveiled a new Broulim’s Field House with track, courts, and multiple sports facilities.

Boise State Community Spotlight: Punter Oscar Doyle is keeping the “punts for a cause” tradition going by donating $50 to St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital for every punt he lands inside the 20-yard line, with personal family ties to the mission. Local Sports Roster Watch: Boise State men’s hoops reportedly adds Georgia Tech transfer Lamar Washington after he secured an extra year of eligibility. High School Football Buzz: A new prep football preview lays out Boise’s 6A SIC outlook and conference standings predictions, with Rocky Mountain, Bishop Kelly and Fruitland highlighted as top contenders. Idaho Fair Season: The Western Idaho Fair returns Aug. 21–30 at Expo Idaho with five Grandstand concerts (Brantley Gilbert, Skillet, Third Eye Blind, Ice-T’s “Art of Rap,” and Lee Brice) plus rides, livestock and daily entertainment. Meridian Public Safety Upgrade: Idaho State Police breaks ground on a new 20,000-square-foot forensic lab, a $29 million project slated for completion in January 2028. Zoo News: Idaho Falls Zoo is gearing up to open its new “Islands” exhibit Sept. 3. Arts & Entertainment Education: Southern Oregon University’s Digital Cinema program makes MovieMaker Magazine’s “30 Best Film Schools” list for the third straight year.

Idaho Arts & Entertainment Spotlight: Boise State is rolling out fresh fan-facing football culture, from a hand-painted 40th anniversary “The Blue” helmet for the Sept. 12 home opener to Maddux Madsen landing on the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm watch list. Local Music & Events: Metal band Sicksense released the “A Moment Of Violence” video and announced Boise as a stop on its “Guilty Pleasures Tour.” Community Arts for Kids: Sandglass Theater received a commission to remount “Rock the Boat,” a touring puppet show about refugees and inclusion, with new relevance after COVID delays. Film Night (Eastern Idaho): Idaho Falls’ Motor Vu drive-in closes its summer season with a free “Clue” screening plus a themed party and contests. Outdoor Recreation & Civic Tech: onX launched a free app to help people submit public land comments to federal agencies. Idaho Life & Leisure: Payette Brewing’s “Dog Days of Summer” returns with vendors and dog-focused activities at its Boise patio. Sports on TV (Idaho): ESPN will broadcast three Idaho Vandals games this fall, including matchups at Cal Poly, at Utah, and a home game vs. Montana State.

Boise State Blue Turf 40th: Boise State will honor the 40-year legacy of The Blue with a hand-painted specialty helmet in its Sept. 12 home opener, featuring turf-era hashmarks and “EST. 1986” details. College Sports Culture: Progressive is also stepping onto Idaho football fields—its logo deal will debut at Boise State’s midfield this season, part of a wider push across 13 programs. Idaho Talent on the Rise: Oregon State women’s basketball landed Eagle, Idaho four-star Berkley Jones (No. 67 in the class), adding local momentum to the Beavers’ 2027 recruiting. Local Arts & Entertainment: Coeur d’Alene’s MODUS Fine Art is keeping the art-space spirit alive after The Art Spirit Gallery closed, with an artist-owned, community-focused gallery model. Community Events: The 124th Eastern Idaho State Fair runs Sept. 4–12 in Blackfoot, with Flo Rida, Gabriel Iglesias, and Nate Smith on the grandstand lineup. Tech Meets Idaho: Amazon says Prime Air drone delivery will expand to Boise by year’s end, aiming for nearly 500 cities and towns nationwide. Pop Culture: “Dune: Part Three” ticket sales are tied to new IMAX footage introducing the Spacing Guild Navigator Edric.

Idaho Arts & Entertainment Wire Picks: Local Music & Community: Pocatello Free Clinic marks 55 years with a Silent Auction and Raffle Aug. 20 at Jim Dandy Brewing, featuring live music by Walther’s Wallpaper and supporting free medical, dental, and psychiatric care. Local Arts & Culture: Rexburg gets a big night of live performance Oct. 6 as pianist Marvin Goldstein and vocalist Vanessa Joy bring their “audience favorites” concert to the Romance Theater. Idaho Sports Spotlight: Boise State Athletics projects a major FY2027 deficit as costs rise with revenue sharing and the Pac-12 move—an Idaho sports business story with real ripple effects. Idaho Community Events: 5th Street Bagelry celebrates its 30th anniversary Friday with a 30-cent bagel-and-schmear deal plus live music from SpudMother and local food trucks. Idaho Outdoors & Heritage: The Ernest George Bates Farm earns Idaho Century Farm recognition for more than a century of family ownership and stewardship. Entertainment Buzz: A new “Dune 3” teaser and ticket push keeps the franchise in the spotlight.

Idaho Arts & Entertainment Spotlight: Meta Trial (Idaho angle): A coalition of 29 states, including Idaho’s AG Raul Labrador, kicked off a federal trial accusing Facebook/Instagram of addictive design and improper data collection from kids—setting up major potential changes for how social media is built and regulated. Film & TV: Amazon MGM is developing horror “Seasons” starring Jack Reynor and Lily James, based on a viral Reddit story set at an Idaho ranch. Netflix’s “My Life with the Walter Boys” quietly returned for Season 3, while “The Idaho Murders: College Nightmare” continues to draw attention as true-crime fascination stays strong. Local Screen Culture: Boise Schools’ “Good Neighbor” campaign hit the big screen in a new district marketing push. Idaho Outdoors & Music: A classical pianist is bringing “Classical Music in the Wild” to Drake Park in Bend/La Pine-area landscapes. Community Events: The Eastern Idaho State Fair announces a big-name lineup (Flo Rida, Gabriel Iglesias, Nate Smith) ahead of its Sept. 4–12 run. Sports/Entertainment Crossover: Hatebreed and Dixxon Flannel drop a limited-edition “Supremacy” flannel celebrating 20 years, with Boise on the tour calendar.

Western Idaho Fair: The annual Western Idaho Fair opens Friday, Aug. 21 at Expo Idaho and runs 10 days through Aug. 30, with 4-H/FFA exhibits, arts and crafts, local food, family attractions, and five concerts (Aug. 24-28) featuring Brantley Gilbert, Skillet, Third Eye Blind, Ice-T, DJ Evil E, Sir Mix-A-Lot, Lee Bric and DJ Kevie Kev Rockwell. Local Planning & Safety: Fair-goers should note outside food/drinks aren’t allowed except one sealed bottle of water, and a separate Idaho Falls-area update includes a trooper-involved fatal shooting near Heyburn under a Critical Incident Task Force investigation. Community & Sports: Boise’s concert scene gets a boost with a limited-time BOGO ticket deal for seven shows, while Idaho high school football programs like Jerome, Hagerman, Wendell, and Kimberly all kick off 2026 with big expectations. Arts & Culture: North Idaho Philharmonia brings “Carmina Burana” to the Panida Theater on Aug. 18-19. Entertainment Buzz: Netflix’s trending top 10 highlights include “Tires” (season 3) as the No. 1 workplace comedy.

Idaho Arts Spotlight: Switchfoot is bringing major love to Idaho, with the band posting its “surfing” trip to Lake Pend Oreille and teasing a Garden City stop on Nov. 20. Boise Live Music: Dillon Francis is set to perform at Blue Bird Social in Boise on Oct. 30, a Halloween-timed booking for the city’s fast-growing DJ scene. Local Sports Courts: Weston City Council approved a $225,000 grant to redo park tennis courts into a combined tennis/pickleball/basketball setup, with officials weighing how to best fit the courts. High School Football Preview: West Side’s Pirates head into 2026 with a young roster but a deep pipeline, aiming to keep their long run of district success going. Idaho Falls Fitness + Therapy: The Physioshop Idaho opened in Idaho Falls with a 24/7 gym plus physical therapy and personal training under one roof. Community Events: Nampa’s 18th annual Pooch Party returns Aug. 29 at Lakeview Park with a one-mile walk, dog swim, foam party, contests, and proceeds supporting local dog parks. Big-Time College Football Buzz: The AP preseason Top 25 is out—Ohio State No. 1, Oregon No. 2—with Boise State getting “receiving votes” attention and Maddux Madsen landing on the Walter Camp watch list.

Idaho Health Policy: Blue Cross says a North Idaho hospital is using a Congress-created arbitration tool to stay out of network, arguing the approach drives up costs and could mean higher premiums for patients—while the Idaho Department of Insurance still hasn’t publicly updated its investigation status. Boise Community & Schools: Boise Schools’ “Good Neighbor” campaign is rolling into movie theaters and YouTube to show how public education supports the whole community amid enrollment declines. Local Sports Spotlight: Boise Open Junior Day put kids in the driver’s seat with hands-on golf activities and First Tee Idaho programming during Championship Sunday. Idaho City Growth: Basin School District cut the ribbon on the Elite Athletic Den weight room, built with community support and an “whatever it takes” message. Tech & Privacy Backlash: As Pennsylvania lawmakers weigh guardrails on automatic license plate readers, Flock Safety says it will shorten default data retention from 30 days to seven amid misuse concerns. Entertainment & Streaming: Netflix’s Harlan Coben adaptation “I Will Find You” keeps climbing in weekly top-10 viewing, extending its run on the platform.

Community Fitness Upgrade: Idaho City’s Basin School District cut the ribbon on the Elite Athletic Den, a brand-new weight room built with help from an anonymous donor and designed to match the town motto, “whatever it takes,” as students head back to school. Local Media & Public Service: Boise Schools’ “Good Neighbor” campaign is now playing in theaters and online, using a big-budget marketing push to show how public schools support the whole community. Arts & Family Fun: Bricks & Minifigs opened in Twin Falls at Magic Valley Mall, bringing new and retired LEGO sets plus build-your-own minifigure options. Idaho Creative Scene: South Fork Fest in Ririe marked its fifth year with music, film screenings, workshops, and open mics for emerging artists and filmmakers. Sports Spotlight: Boise State punter Oscar Doyle earned a spot on the Ray Guy Award watch list, while Gonzaga coach Mark Few was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Entertainment Streaming: Netflix’s Harlan Coben adaptation “I Will Find You” hit a major weekly top-10 milestone.

Idaho Arts & Entertainment Spotlight: South Fork Fest marks its fifth year near Ririe, blending live music, film screenings, open mics, and workshops for emerging creators—plus hands-on activities like kids’ fly-fishing instruction. Local Community & Wellness: In North Idaho, Empower Therapy Services is expanding in-home, community-based occupational therapy for teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Boise Culture & Sports: The Albertsons Boise Open leans into fan-friendly viewing with distinct zones like the Heroes Outpost, pairing golf with community support. North Idaho Roads: Construction season is hitting hard across I-90 and surrounding corridors, with officials pointing to capacity and safety upgrades as drivers deal with delays and lane changes. Pop Culture Moment: Bruce Willis made a rare public appearance at daughter Tallulah’s Idaho wedding amid his dementia battle, drawing major attention for the tender family photos. Sports Headlines: Gonzaga coach Mark Few was enshrined in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, capping a long, storied run.

Idaho Arts Spotlight: Bruce Willis made a rare public appearance in Idaho for daughter Tallulah’s wedding to Justin Acee in Sun Valley, with Vogue sharing black-and-white photos showing the actor smiling and embracing his daughter as she tied the knot. Local Sports & Community: Seahawks DE DeMarcus Lawrence, a Boise State alum, confirmed this 2026 season will be his last in the NFL. Outdoor Wonder: A massive blue fireball meteor streaked across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho early Friday, captured on home cameras and dashcams during the Perseid peak. Idaho Events: Deli Days—Idaho’s Jewish Festival—returns to Boise on Aug. 23 at Congregation Ahavath Beth Israel with food, music, dancing, and synagogue tours. Music Calendar: Uncle Acid & the Deadbeats released “House By The Grave” ahead of their September album, with a Boise stop at the Knitting Factory on Sept. 24.