Idaho Budget Watch: Idaho closed fiscal year 2026 with a positive ending cash balance and plans to transfer about $250 million into the FY 2027 budget, helping the state maintain its AAA credit outlook. Housing & Local Markets: Kootenai County home prices hit a record median of $565,000 in June, with sales up and listings down, signaling steady demand. Construction & Growth: NexGen Steel Framing in Priest River is pitching a faster, engineered steel framing approach for homes, aiming to cut build times and reduce rework. Business Community: Dutch Bros held a Make-A-Wish Idaho giveback day, donating $1 per drink sold across multiple Idaho locations. Real Estate Development: Boise’s Ashby BART-area transit project concept (Idaho-based Pacific Companies among the team) would add hundreds of apartments and commercial space. Environment & Tourism: Sun Valley became the first U.S. resort to earn DarkSky certification, spotlighting efforts to reduce light pollution. Public Safety: Boise police say Collision Cam video helped lead to a drug arrest after suspected meth and paraphernalia were recovered from a storm drain. Local Government & Services: Pocatello opened a revamped Alameda Park playground as part of a broader “retire playground” program to address deferred maintenance. Education & Workforce: Harvest Heroes, a UI Extension farming program for veterans, is underway with a USDA grant to help participants build businesses through agriculture.