AGP Executive Report

Idaho Air Show Aftermath: Two U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler jets collided mid-air at Mountain Home AFB on Sunday; all four crew members ejected safely and were in stable condition, while the base locked down and canceled the rest of “Gunfighter Skies.” Local Politics/Primaries: Tuesday’s primaries across Idaho and other states are being framed as a fresh test of how much voters follow President Trump’s endorsements, with Kentucky’s Thomas Massie facing a Trump-backed challenger. Idaho Legal History: Mark Fuhrman—the former LAPD detective whose testimony helped define the O.J. Simpson trial—died at 74 in Kootenai County, Idaho, reopening debate over his credibility and the racist language that derailed his witness role. Public Safety: Eagle police say a 15-year-old motorcyclist injured a deputy during a stop, leading to charges including fleeing and eluding. Statehouse Watch: Democratic AG candidate Lori Hickman is pitching a “professionalism over politics” message in eastern Idaho ahead of the primary.

Idaho Air Show Shock: Two U.S. Navy EA-18G Growlers collided midair at Mountain Home AFB during “Gunfighter Skies,” then crashed and exploded—but all four aviators ejected safely and were in stable condition; the rest of the show was canceled and the base locked down while investigators work. Wildlife Policy Fight: The Trump administration has cleared the way for lethal cyanide M-44 devices to return across hundreds of millions of acres of public land after a 2023 ban was removed in a BLM/USDA Wildlife Services MOU, reigniting alarms over pets, endangered wildlife, and public safety. Election Countdown: Idaho’s primary is Tuesday, with polling-location changes in Bonneville County and a reminder to bring proper ID/affidavit paperwork; across the state, multiple GOP and Democratic legislative races are on the ballot. Immigration Crackdown: Gov. Brad Little’s “Operation No Return” says dozens more dangerous undocumented criminals have been removed from county jails for deportation under the 287(g) program. LGBTQ Rights Push: A Seattle-based conservative leader is helping drive a national effort to overturn Obergefell and undo same-sex marriage protections, as IDAHOBIT week ramps up advocacy nationwide.

Idaho Air Show Shock: Two U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler jets collided mid-air during the Gunfighter Skies show at Mountain Home Air Force Base. Safety First: All four crew members ejected safely and were in stable condition; the base locked down and canceled the rest of the event while the Navy investigates. Public Backlash: Online reactions quickly turned to cost and risk, with critics pointing to the reported $134 million price tag for the lost aircraft. Local Fallout: Officials said no injuries were reported on the ground, and a nearby stretch of Highway 167 stayed closed for days as crews cleared the crash area and investigators worked. Bigger Picture: The incident comes as Idaho’s GOP primary politics and national culture-war fights continue to heat up, but Sunday’s crash dominated attention.

Idaho Airshow Shock: Mountain Home Air Force Base locked down after two Navy jets collided midair during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show; four crew members ejected safely, and parachutes were seen deploying as responders rushed to the crash area while an investigation gets underway. State & Local Watch: The incident comes as Idaho’s political calendar tightens ahead of Tuesday’s primary, with multiple contested races in places like Kootenai County and legislative districts drawing attention. IDAHOBIT Spotlight: May 17 marks International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, with Idaho and national voices pushing for safer schools, workplaces, and equal rights. Health & Compliance: Separate from the airshow, an FDA inspection in April found one Power County-area company in line with regulations, “No Action Indicated.”

Idaho Primary Spotlight: Rep. Stephanie Mickelsen (LD 32A) is seeking a third term, facing a GOP primary challenge from Kelly Golden, as Idaho voters head to the May 19 ballot. Public Safety & Accountability: Idaho coroners are pushing for more training for infant death investigations, calling them “the most difficult investigation there is,” while Idaho Falls held a National Peace Officer Memorial Day service honoring fallen officers. Courts & Rights: A new federal lawsuit targets Idaho’s HB 752 restroom ban for transgender residents, arguing it violates constitutional protections. Environment & Enforcement: DEQ has sued Rexburg over alleged wastewater discharges into the South Fork Teton River, including claims tied to a power outage and a construction accident. Campaign Trail: In District 31B, Rep. Rod Furniss faces a primary fight against former lawmaker Karey Hanks’ seat rival Karey Hanks? (coverage frames it as Furniss vs. a challenger), and in District 28, a long-serving senator and National Guard officer face off in another race. Community Events: Thousands turned out for Mountain Home’s Gunfighter Skies air show, blending military aviation with local celebration.

Idaho LGBTQ+ Legal Fight: Six transgender Idaho residents sued over H.B. 752, challenging the new restroom ban in government and public businesses, arguing it violates constitutional rights. Local Safety Watch: Eagle police say a May 12 school-bus incident ended with no arrests or citations after a parent was reported armed with a knife—police later said it was a pocketknife and students exited safely. Public Health Spending: Medicaid billing data shows Idaho Falls hit $2.86M in “Procedures/Professional Services” in 2024 (+21.9%), while Meridian’s total rose 35.8% to $1.03M and multiple communities saw steep jumps in substance-use treatment claims. Invasive Species Push: Twin Falls County reminded boaters and paddlers to stop at Snake River inspection and wash stations to prevent quagga mussels and other hitchhikers from spreading. University of Idaho: U of I named Brian Kane dean of its College of Law, starting July 31, as enrollment climbs.

Idaho Attorney General race: Lori Hickman, a first-time candidate, is pitching the AG job back to “sound legal advice” and away from culture-war politics, with a focus on consumer protection—cracking down on scams, Medicaid fraud, and price-fixing—while tying the office’s enforcement power to housing and cost-of-living relief. Local accountability: A Rathdrum police report on alleged domestic violence involving former mayor Mike Hill is heavily redacted, and Hill resigned after the incident became public. Public safety rules: Twin Falls County is reminding boaters and paddlers that all watercraft must stop at Snake River inspection/wash stations to prevent quagga mussels and other invasive species. Rights and backlash: A woman removed from a Coeur d’Alene legislative town hall is suing Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris and others, arguing her First Amendment rights were violated. Community politics: Pocatello’s AI data center proposal drew hours of public comment, with most speakers opposing a conditional use permit. Culture and inclusion: IDAHOBIT events continue across the country, including prayer vigils and Idaho-area celebrations.

Elections & Money: Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane says the 2026 primary is “topsy-turvy,” with out-of-state PAC cash rising fast and legislative races now looking like $100,000 contests. Water & Agriculture: IDWR ordered curtailment for junior Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer groundwater users unless they’re covered by an approved mitigation plan, as Snake River shortfalls tighten the squeeze. Local Infrastructure: DEQ awarded Sandpoint more than $40.5M for wastewater upgrades. Higher Ed: University of Idaho named Brian Kane dean of its College of Law as enrollment climbs. Public Safety: A Bear Lake rollover left two injured, including one ejected. National Politics: Democrats are increasingly backing independents in red states to dodge the party brand—while the Supreme Court temporarily preserved access to the abortion pill through mail and telemedicine. Culture & Community: UI and Idaho’s Shakespeare partners launch a five-year expansion of modern verse Shakespeare translations.

Idaho GOP Civil War, Up Close: A North Idaho woman, Teresa Borrenpohl, filed a federal lawsuit claiming she was dragged out and threatened with arrest and pepper spray after criticizing speakers at a 2025 Kootenai County GOP town hall—alleging a coordinated effort by Sheriff Bob Norris, party chair Brent Regan, and a security contractor to silence dissent. Public Lands Fight: The U.S. Forest Service approved an Idaho group’s request to use chainsaws to clear nearly 550 miles of trails in the Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness, drawing backlash from conservation groups warning it could erode wilderness protections. Local Governance & Water: McCall voters face a $10M bond to cover water infrastructure upgrades after costs rose, including expanding treatment capacity and adding storage. Veterans Policy: Sen. Jim Risch pushed to raise federal veteran burial benefits and bring a new veterans cemetery to North Idaho. Courts & Culture Wars: The U.S. Supreme Court let abortion-pill mail access continue for now, while Idaho’s primaries near with early voting ending Friday.

Education Fight: Republican opponents for Idaho’s July 21 superintendent primary are trading fire over the state’s universal voucher program, with State Treasurer Kimberly Yee accusing Tom Horne’s Department of Education of failing to account for more than $500 million in “high risk” spending and Horne not disputing the audit’s core findings. Courts & Transparency: Wyoming lawmakers are drafting anti-frivolous-lawsuit rules and pushing to keep court records more open, echoing Idaho’s own anti-SLAPP approach. Idaho Public Safety: St. Maries schools reopened after a Wednesday threat triggered a district-wide lockdown; investigators say the case is ongoing and absences will be excused. Local Elections: Bear Lake County District 2 and clerk races are underway, with multiple candidates filing for May 19 primaries. Statehouse Watch: Idaho revenue is running ahead of projections, while the Idaho Supreme Court says a 2025 public-defense change could delay some adoption and parental termination cases. Business & Industry: Relevant Solutions is expanding in Idaho Falls after acquiring Automation Werx, and the PUD is delaying a large-load policy while revisiting how to handle rising demand.

HOA Crackdown: Idaho AG Raúl Labrador’s settlement over illegal HOA transfer fees is colliding with local politics in Star, where nearly 100 homeowners showed up for a rulebook fix—but the amendment failed to pass because too few voted. Courts Under Pressure: As threats against judges rise, Idaho is part of a national push to harden court security, with a new Safer Courts effort aimed at standardizing threat reporting and response. OpenAI Fallout: In the Elon Musk vs. Sam Altman fight, court filings spotlight Altman’s $2B+ stake in companies that did business with OpenAI, while attorneys general press the SEC to scrutinize OpenAI ahead of an expected IPO. Medicare Shockwaves: A six-month Medicare enrollment freeze for new hospice and home-health providers is drawing alarm from Idaho hospice agencies, who fear rural access will get worse. Idaho Politics Next Tuesday: With the May 19 primary looming, local races and ballot logistics are already heating up, including a Blaine County clerk contest and a Stateline Speedway shooting investigation. Education & Tech: U of I is launching a Hiroshima University pathway to build a semiconductor workforce pipeline.

Native Arts in the Inland Northwest: A new permanent Indigenous art market opened in Airway Heights, with Spokane-area artist Jeff Ferguson saying it will eventually host up to 50 artists from across the Pacific Northwest. Federal Court on ICE Protest: Three Spokane defendants arrested after last June’s ICE protest are headed to federal trial May 18, with the judge setting up overflow seating and warning the case could carry broader fallout if conspiracy charges stick. North Idaho Crime Case: A man accused in a 2017 Coeur d’Alene-area sexual assault investigation was arrested in the Philippines and returned to Kootenai County for prosecution. Stateline Speedway Shooting: Investigators say the fatal shooting near Post Falls began as a dispute involving people leaving the Lantern Festival and a suspect trying to drive through the crowd; the scene remains under processing. Idaho Policy Watch: Kootenai County is weighing more nuanced kratom rules, and the public will also weigh in on dissolving the Kootenai Health District. Campaign Trail: The race for North Idaho’s District 1 Senate seat stays hot as challenger Scott Herndon takes his turn against incumbent Jim Woodward in a fourth face-off.

Idaho Courtroom Showdown: A federal judge said Longhorn IP and Katana Silicon Technologies must post an $8 million “patent troll” bond after losing a bid to avoid it, setting up a high-stakes fight tied to claims that Micron infringed their semiconductor patents. Yellowstone Watch: Wildlife managers warn grizzlies are active unusually early after a light-snow winter, with recent attacks sending victims to Idaho Falls and raising concerns for a busy summer on trails that are opening sooner than usual. Consumer Fraud in Idaho: A proposed class action says Bitcoin Depot’s ATM network helped enable crypto scams, after a couple claimed they were targeted and lost thousands. Local Politics & Policy: House Democrats are weighing a floor amendment that would let Idaho impose a progressive income tax with school funding tied to the change—an issue likely to shape the May 19 primary conversation. Public Safety: Idaho State Police reported a three-vehicle crash on US-26 near N 45th E involving a stopped school bus; no students were hurt.

OpenAI IPO scrutiny: Montana AG Austin Knudsen joined a push for the SEC to “strictly scrutinize” OpenAI’s filings, arguing Sam Altman’s conflicts could endanger investors and even state retirement funds. Abortion pill fight: Idaho is among 23 states backing Louisiana in a Supreme Court bid to keep a stay blocking mail-order mifepristone, warning federal rules could override state authority. Cyber and defense: At Gowen Field, Idaho’s Airmen highlighted intelligence work and cyber exercises aimed at defending critical networks. Local politics: Oneida County voters head to a May 19 primary for commissioner seats, with candidate questionnaires spotlighting competing priorities. Community and culture: Western Idaho Fair announced “Art of Rap” with Ice-T and Sir Mix-a-Lot for Aug. 27. Public safety: Twin Falls identified a man killed in an officer-involved shooting, with a critical incident task force now investigating.

Idaho Politics in the Spotlight: A leaked video from Gov. Brad Little’s campaign is reigniting the Republican primary fight after Little said some of Mark Fitzpatrick’s backers “hate Mexican people,” with critics calling it “cheap-labor politics.” Elections: Ada County’s early voting is off to a strong start, with more than 5,000 ballots cast in the first week and voting open through May 15. Education & Culture Wars: Idaho’s Parental Choice Tax Credit still has about $7.09 million unclaimed after the first application window, and the debate over school choice remains a live wire. Public Safety: A Moscow man, Devin Terrance Pickler, was sentenced to 210 months for child pornography offenses. Health Care Growth: Encompass Health announced a 50-bed inpatient rehab hospital planned for Post Falls, targeting opening in 2028. Local Community: Canyon County will honor 77 fallen officers at its annual memorial ceremony May 15.

Abortion After Roe, Idaho’s next fight: A new wave of state constitutional protections keeps the abortion business humming, with chemical abortion increasingly routed through mail-order pharmacies—while Idaho remains in the “full ban” bucket and telehealth access battles keep courts busy. Public Health Pressure: The CDC has paused key rabies and pox testing, leaving Idaho more exposed as diagnostic capacity shrinks. Land Use Clash: The Trump administration has quietly green-lit “cyanide bombs” on public lands, reviving a tactic Idaho residents have seen controversy around. Idaho Politics, Election Heat: Three Democrats are vying for the U.S. Senate seat held by Jim Risch, while a Boise Democrat, Rep. Steve Berch, leads legislative fundraising. Wildfire Readiness: Idaho adopted a statewide “Ready, Set, Go” evacuation system as low snowpack raises fire-season stakes. Local Life & Costs: Boise gas prices jumped to $4.47/gallon, and a Rathdrum crash involving an officer sent both drivers to the hospital.