AGP Executive Report

Pac-12 shakeup: Boise State’s early conference surge keeps it near the top, while Washington State’s offense is in crisis—coach Kirby Moore is taking over playcalling after a touchdown drought, setting up a short-week road test at Utah State. Idaho sports spotlight: East Idaho high school action is heating up, with Hillcrest staying on top after its Civil War win and Idaho Falls flipping the script in the Emotion Bowl. Armed staff debate: Marsing and Homedale are considering policies that would train selected staff to carry concealed firearms, modeled on Kimberly’s program. Arts & culture: An Idaho author and writing advocate, Anesa Miller, is bringing a conversation on regional bias and literary visibility to the WANA conference. Community events: St. Mark’s Respect Life Ministry in Boise is hosting “True Colors: A Party with Purpose,” pairing art and wine with discussion of Idaho’s Proposition 1. Public safety: Police are investigating a “disturbing” online threat involving a Timberline High School student. Food recall: PepsiCo is recalling about 122,000 cases of Gatorade across 37 states due to undeclared yellow dyes, including in Idaho.

Downtown Arts in Idaho Falls: The Idaho Falls Downtown Development Corporation is reviving its Downtown Traffic Cabinet Art Program, wrapping eight utility cabinets with original work by local artists—an open-air gallery that first took off in 2018 and returns for 2026. Idaho Arts & Culture: The Josephy Center for Arts and Culture in Joseph hosts “The Wallowas: The Mountains We Share,” a monthlong exhibit by painter Sharol Chandler (Oct. 9–Nov. 7). Folk Dance Spotlight: Francisco “Frank” Rabon, a CHamoru dancer and choreographer from Guam, earns the 2026 NEA National Heritage Fellowship. Community Fitness: College of Southern Idaho kicks off Active Aging Week (Oct. 5–10) with free classes and a public summit. Sports & Entertainment: The Harlem Globetrotters bring their Rivalry Tour to Idaho Falls Feb. 7, with new interactive features and ticket options.

Arts & Culture (Josephy Center): Josephy Center for Arts and Culture in Josephy will host Sharol Chandler’s nature-focused exhibit, “The Wallowas: The Mountains We Share,” running Oct. 9–Nov. 7 with an opening reception Oct. 9, highlighting her decades of painting the Wallowa Mountains and inviting viewers to experience the range as a connected landscape. Music (Idaho Falls Symphony): Idaho Falls Symphony is searching nationwide for a new Executive Director after Carrie Athay stepped away in September, with Marta Smith and Gabriella Roderer serving as co-interim directors as the organization works to stay funded and relevant. Sports (Idaho Falls event): The Harlem Globetrotters’ Rivalry Tour is coming to the Mountain America Center in Idaho Falls on Feb. 7, featuring a new lineup, interactive on-court moments, and premium ticket options. Faith & Community (General Conference): Elder Clark G. Gilbert delivered a Sunday afternoon general conference message on standing for truth with love, emphasizing avoiding needless contention, finding common ground, being a light, and staying anchored in Jesus Christ. Sports (Pac-12 buzz): Boise State’s Pac-12 opener coverage and conference chatter dominated the week’s Idaho sports feed, alongside major national AP Top 25 movement after Week 5.

Idaho Ballot Fight: Abortion rights supporters are shifting their pitch for Prop 1 from procedure to access, arguing Idaho’s doctor shortage is driving longer waits and higher costs after the state criminalized abortion care. Health Watch: Doctors renew warnings that energy drinks are risky for kids and teens, pointing to caffeine levels and heart and nervous-system concerns, with Idaho cardiologist Dr. Matthew Nelson involved in the push to scrutinize youth marketing. Local Arts & Community: Preservation Idaho’s 20th Heritage Homes Tour opens Boise’s East End mid-century modern houses to the public Sunday, highlighting architecture and preservation. Sports Spotlight: Boise State kicks off Pac-12 play with a 37-18 win over Utah State, while Idaho Falls’ Emotion Bowl rivalry turns orange as Skyline falls 28-21. On the Ground: The Idaho Falls Joe Marmo/Wayne Lehto Ice Arena opens for the season, offering hockey, figure skating, public skates, and adaptive programs.

Craft Beer Calendar: Washington ranks 4th in the U.S. for craft breweries, while Idaho sits at No. 31 overall but is 10th per capita—so the Inland Northwest’s beer events keep coming. Highlights include Spokane Lilac Festival Brewfest (May) and Coeur d’Alene’s downtown beer festivals, including a July Brewfest and September Oktoberfest. Historic Homes Tour: Preservation Idaho’s 20th Heritage Homes Tour opens six mid-century homes in Boise’s East End on Sunday, Oct. 4, spotlighting Mobley Drive near Warm Springs Ave and featuring architect Charles Hummel’s residence and the Art Troutner-designed Klein House. Local Sports Spotlight: Idaho stunned No. 1 Montana State in Moscow on ESPN, scoring late for a 35-34 win and ending the Bobcats’ 19-game streak. Community Arts & Culture: Ballet Folklorico Heritage expanded to Idaho Falls, teaching Mexican music and dance to kids and adults and building cultural roots through performance. Wildlife Safety: A young bear attack near Salmon left two people injured; authorities tracked the animals and euthanized the bear family.

Health & Safety: Doctors are urging families to limit energy drinks for kids after a coalition highlighted caffeine risks tied to rare but deadly heart events, including an Idaho cardiologist’s involvement in pushing schools and leagues to rethink youth marketing. Idaho Sports Shock: Idaho stunned No. 1 Montana State 35-34 at the Kibbie Dome on a last-second touchdown and two-point conversion, snapping MSU’s 19-game winning streak. Local Sports Spotlight: Highland kept its Black and Blue Bowl streak rolling, while Friday’s prep roundup brought big Inland Northwest results and firsts. Community & Food Fun: Idaho set a new Guinness World Record for the largest serving of French fries—1,474 pounds—at the Idaho Botanical Garden’s Potato Days. Music: Greta Van Fleet announced 2027 “Into The Beginning” tour dates across North America, the UK and Europe. Opinion/Local Campus: A UI student government resolution on racist harassment is drawing pushback over what supporters say is missing from the public record.

Boise State Football Homecoming: Boise State kicks off its first Pac-12 game at Albertsons Stadium Saturday vs. Utah State, with CBS Sports Network coverage and a big stadium moment: NFL All-Pro Ryan Clady returns to raise the “Blue Chaos” flag. College Sports Spotlight: Utah State’s men’s cross country team posted a perfect 15 points to win the Bengal Invitational at Idaho State, while the women finished second. Local Arts & Community: Pocatello’s Portneuf Valley Farmers Market Harvest Festival and the Great Pumpkin Fest team up Saturday with live music, food trucks, vendors, and an Apple Pie Bake-Off. Idaho Faith & Culture: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints highlights its global temple count—385 total—and lists upcoming dedications, including the Montpelier Idaho temple. Sports Media & Music Notes: Riverbend Communications flips Idaho Falls’ “The Hawk 105.5” to “The Goat 105,” and country star Jon Pardi postpones two tour dates due to illness. Outdoor/Trail Update: The Foothills Trail at Mud Mountain Road closes Monday for the Boise X Connection Bridge project.

Idaho Arts & Entertainment Picks: Boise Public Art: Freak Alley keeps evolving since 2002, turning a downtown alley into an open-air mural gallery where local artists’ work changes block by block. Music & Film: Oasis’ reunion tour gets the spotlight in “Oasis: Don’t Look Back in Anger,” plus a TV-week roundup of standout films to watch. Local Music Video: Comeback Kid premiered “Yesterday’s Gone,” featuring Incendiary’s Brendan Garrone, ahead of their upcoming album “Chosen Hell.” Community Creativity: Granny’s Fabric House in Rexburg is building a quilting community with classes, “Open Sew,” and charity sewing days. Idaho Sports Culture: Idaho State is pushing fans to fill the ICCU Dome with a discounted October ticket pack, while Boise State honors its 2007 Fiesta Bowl era with special uniforms for the Pac-12 opener. Transit for Seniors: GIFT expanded on-demand rides into Ammon, adding door-to-door service for residents and shoppers.

Idaho Arts & Entertainment Picks: Museum Spotlight: The Museum of Idaho is rolling out a new interactive Galileo exhibit (Oct. 3–Jan. 10), with hands-on experiments on motion, math, gravity and timekeeping. Local Arts & Community: OCDRC Hobby Shop in Pocatello is back in gear under new ownership, pushing free indoor crawler-course fun to help kids get off screens. Music & Performance: Idaho State Civic Symphony kicks off its 2026–27 season Friday, Oct. 2, with “The Sea and the Seasons,” featuring guest soprano Kristin Renee Young. Crafts & Events: The Strawberry Mountain Quilt Guild’s Best of the Old West Quilt Show lands Oct. 16–17 in John Day, with demos, vendors and a garden-themed quilt challenge. Food & Local Culture: Twin Falls’ Historic Depot Grill says it will bring back its dinner menu in November (Wed–Sat evenings). Sports (Boise): Meridian native Zeke Martinez, a Boise State walk-on, scored a key two-point conversion in the Broncos’ win over Western Michigan.

Idaho Education & Environment: Idaho DEQ is launching AIR-FAIR, a statewide high school air-quality competition where teams collect and analyze local data (using DEQ-provided PurpleAir sensors or existing sources), then submit projects by April 15, with awards including “Best Art Project” and top teams serving as Air Ambassadors. Boise Community & Housing: Boise marked a milestone in its fight against homelessness with the ribbon cutting for New Path II, adding 95 affordable homes next to the original New Path. Downtown Boise Revitalization: After months of construction, 8th Street’s south block between Main and Idaho reopens Oct. 1, paired with a First Thursday celebration featuring music, pop-ups, and local vendors. Local Arts & Culture: The Rialto Theatre unveiled an interactive AR mural fundraiser that turns the theater’s wall art into a phone-based game tied to donations. Idaho Sports & Campus Life: Idaho State University announced a new esports arena, adding to the growing push for competitive gaming spaces in the region. Music Spotlight: Canadian hardcore band Comeback Kid released “Yesterday’s Gone,” featuring Incendiary’s Brendan Garrone, previewing their upcoming album.

Pac-12 hoops dominoes: Gonzaga released its full 2026-27 men’s schedule for its first Pac-12 season, with 16 conference games and a Jan. 6 opener at Washington State, plus a Feb. 17 home date vs. WSU and a Feb. 20 nonconference trip to Duke. Local esports boost: Idaho State unveiled the Direct Communications Esports Arena at the Pond Student Union, funded by a $520,000 gift, giving varsity teams (Valorant, Overwatch, Call of Duty, Smash Bros, Rocket League) a permanent home. Idaho arts spotlight: Lauren Edson’s LED performance company is getting a permanent home in Garden City’s transformed historic Dixon Container building, blending dance, film, original music, and storytelling. Community culture: Portneuf Valley Brewing and Pizzeria reopens Oct. 30 under new owner Tyson Hinz, shifting the menu toward New York-style pizza and a 72-hour cold-fermented dough. Outdoor fun for families: Idaho Fish and Game plans to stock about 210,000 catchable rainbow trout across the state this October, with highlights including Deer Creek and Deyo reservoirs. Music on the move: Mei Semones announced her album “Howl” (Jan. 15, 2027) and a North American tour, with Boise listed on the run.

Boise Weekly Art Auction: After canceling its in-person Oct. 8 event, Boise Weekly is moving its long-running art auction online—36 works up for bid starting Oct. 8 at boiseweeklyartauction.afrogs.org, with bids starting at $100 and closing Oct. 25. Local Food & Wellness: Garden City’s Ritual Cafe is drawing attention with locally sourced, intention-driven drinks and pastries, plus a boho, plant-filled space. Idaho Arts & Gaming: Idaho State University opened a new Esports Arena in Pocatello, adding 30+ setups and “Open Play” hours for non-Esports students starting in 2027. Community Film: The Pocatello Film Society marks 20 years of indie screenings at ISU’s Bengal Theater, built by volunteers and kept alive by a “village” of movie lovers. Treasure Valley Recreation: Eagle Island State Park is seeking proposals for a new winter sports operator for the 2027-28 season, with ideas beyond snow tubing welcome. Idaho Sports Spotlight: West Side stayed undefeated at 5-0 after a 21-14 win over Declo, while Anslea Mumford won the Eagle Swoop Twilight Edition in Marsh Valley. Meridian Business: Idaho Seamless Gutter opened a Meridian office to serve Boise and the Treasure Valley, keeping fabrication and crews based in Greenleaf.

Equine Health in Blackfoot: Animal Health Clinic is building a new ~12,000-square-foot equine surgery facility next to its current clinic, with foundation and walls already in place and a tentative spring 2027 opening—adding a surgery room, padded recovery space, exam rooms, and climate-controlled intensive care stalls for sick horses. Watercolor in Pocatello: The Idaho Watercolor Society’s 46th annual Juried Membership Exhibition is now at the Pocatello Art Center Gallery for Friday Art Walk (5-8 p.m.), featuring 20 selected works from 67 entries by guest artist JJ Jiang, with the show traveling from Boise, Twin Falls, and Idaho Falls before ending in Lewiston. Local Sports Spotlight: Idaho Falls volleyball’s Leah Thomas is driving the Tigers to the top of the 5A rankings, sitting second in the state with 319 kills and earning East Idaho Sports District 6 Athlete of the Week honors after standout performances. Hard MTB League Finals: The Hard Mountain Bike League announces its 2026 Finals in Boise on Oct. 24, featuring four stages on one bike, equal prize money, and a free YouTube livestream. Boise Downtown Arts Night: Boise’s First Thursday returns Oct. 1 (5-7 p.m.) on a reopened stretch of 8th Street between Main and Idaho, with live music, pop-ups, and local vendors celebrating the final phases of 8th Street improvements.

Boise Arts & Community: Boise Open Studios Collective is opening working spaces for 125 local artists across two weekends in October, with the first leg this weekend and a second run Oct. 10–11, giving Treasure Valley residents a behind-the-scenes look at how art gets made. Idaho Food & Drink: Boise Brewing’s Hoptober returns Oct. 10 with fresh-hop ales and ciders, including the seasonal return of its Mr. Freshy Fresh Hop Ale made with Mosaic hops from Jackson Hop Farm in Wilder. North Idaho Business Spotlight: Coeur d’Alene business owner Beth Rich is highlighted for “the Golden Rule” approach—using community give-back events to funnel a share of sales to local nonprofits. Local Sports (Boise State): Boise State jumped to No. 22 in the AP Top 25 after a 32-7 road win over Western Michigan, and now turns to Pac-12 play vs. Utah State. College Sports Policy: The U.S. Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act by a 77-22 vote, aiming to rein in college sports “chaos,” with House action still uncertain. Tech & Environment (Idaho region): Lawmakers are pressing for more transparency on data center approvals on public lands, including potential projects in Idaho.

Idaho Arts & Community: Boise’s First Thursday is bringing back the reopened 8th Street block (5–7 p.m., between Main and Idaho) with live music, games, and vendors after the 8th Street Improvement project. Local Sports Spotlight: Boise State’s blue-turf fame hit national TV again as “Jackass” Johnny Knoxville stirred up Boise State fans during ESPN coverage of the Broncos’ Western Michigan game. Outdoor & Recreation: Idaho Fish and Game announced a big October rainbow trout stocking plan—210,000 fish statewide—highlighting family-friendly waters like Blackfoot Reservoir, Lake Walcott, and the Snake River. Arts in the Treasure Valley: BYU-Idaho alumna Marissa Albrecht’s exhibit “In Passing” opens at the Jacob Spori Art Gallery, turning found objects into new stories about relationships and compromise. Community Memory: Caldwell Veterans Memorial Hall dedicated a new monument honoring 39 Idaho Gold Star families, recognizing loved ones lost to active-duty service.

Boise Arts & Culture: The Coeur d’Alene Public Library is hosting “Well-Read and Slightly Improper: The Songs and Satire of Tom Lehrer,” an adult-only night of witty, dark political music with local performers (tickets $45). Idaho Community History: Dry Creek Historical Society’s Old Time Farm Day returns as its biggest fundraiser, with hands-on farm life, demonstrations, and family-friendly activities at the Schick Ostolosa Farmstead. Idaho Music/Scene: Korn’s Brian “Head” Welch and bassist Fieldy reunited onstage in Boise as part of The Whosoevers’ new facility opening, with other Christian rock acts joining in. Idaho Sports Spotlight: Boise State’s football momentum keeps building—after a dominant win over Western Michigan, the Broncos cracked the AP Top 25 at No. 22, setting up a big Pac-12 matchup vs. Utah State. Regional Climate Watch: Record-breaking West heat this summer is backed by NOAA data, with Idaho the only regional state that didn’t hit a statewide temperature record.