AGP Executive Report

Online Safety: Montana AG Austin Knudsen and the state DOJ are urging parents to talk with kids about online dangers during Internet Crimes Against Children Prevention Month, citing thousands of child sexual abuse material cyber tips and sharp national increases in online enticement and trafficking reports. State Politics & Land Use: A Montana opinion piece warns that federal pressure via a FAST 41 permitting council could strip the state of a voice and weaken Montana sovereignty, urging Gov. Gianforte and DEQ not to sign a related MOU. Public Lands Energy: Sen. Elizabeth Warren is pushing a public lands moratorium on new oil and gas drilling and mining, framing it as a climate and community safety issue. Local Economy: The SBA says low-interest disaster loans are available for small businesses and nonprofits in Wyoming counties hit by drought, including Powder River County in Montana. Wildlife Watch: Yellowstone’s wolf count fell to 84 wolves in eight packs in 2025, with disease and hunting pressures cited; Wyoming is cutting its wolf hunt cap in half after a distemper outbreak. Montana Numbers: Montana’s motor vehicle license taxes rose to $210.7 million in 2024, up from $199.2 million the year before.

Health Care: Cigna is pulling out of Florida’s Obamacare marketplace for 2027, following Aetna’s 2025 exit—raising fears of a “death spiral” as fewer insurers and higher premiums push healthier people away. Montana Politics & Land Use: Montana land swaps are getting more political after the Land Board shifted authority away from DNRC, meaning more deals could move forward with less ability to block questionable trades. Public Safety & Health: Montana officials are warning parents about online threats to children, as the state also faces broader national concerns about outbreaks tied to backyard chicken flocks. Wildlife: Yellowstone’s wolf count fell in 2025, and Wyoming is cutting its wolf hunt by half after a canine distemper outbreak. Local Community: Kalispell City Council is weighing Safe Haven Baby Boxes at fire stations after public lobbying. Business/Community: Whitefish has named a new executive director for its chamber, signaling a leadership change for the Flathead Valley business scene.

Montana Land Swaps: Montana’s Land Board has tightened the process for trading hard-to-reach state parcels, shifting power away from DNRC and making swaps faster but more political. Missoula LDS Temple: Ground broke in Missoula for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ first western Montana temple, with hundreds attending. Wildfire Watch: Gov. Greg Gianforte and partners warned parts of Montana face above-normal wildfire risk from drought, wind, and warmer conditions, with local volunteer departments still stretched. Data Centers vs. Power: Missoula-area groups warned data centers could drive huge electricity demand, with NorthWestern Energy letters of intent tied to 850–1,400 megawatts by 2030. Coal Push: The Trump administration is channeling nearly $700 million to the coal industry, including support for plants and a potential California export terminal. SNAP Court Fight: A federal judge halted Trump SNAP funding conditions, blocking restrictions tied to “gender ideology,” immigration, and women’s athletics. Montana Politics: Alani Bankhead won Montana’s Democratic U.S. Senate primary, setting up a general-election matchup.

Montana Politics: Alani Bankhead surged in the Democratic Senate primary, beating Reilly Neill by nearly 12,000 votes, and will face GOP nominee Kurt Alme and independent Seth Bodnar in the general election. Energy & Courts: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration’s push to attach new conditions to SNAP funding, including limits tied to “gender ideology” and immigration. Wildfire Preparedness: Montana officials warned the 2026 season could bring above-normal fire risk, citing drought, wind, and warmer winter temperatures, while stressing local volunteer departments are stretched. Forest Management: Montana expanded its Shared Stewardship forest partnership, adding a new Lolo National Forest landscape to bring the total to nearly one million acres under coordinated management. Power Demand & Data Centers: Environmental groups packed a Missoula meeting to warn that proposed Montana data centers could consume 850 to 1,400 megawatts by 2030—an electricity load critics say is unprecedented. Public Lands Recreation: A draft federal memo would open millions of acres of national forest land to off-road vehicles, with major impacts expected in Idaho and Montana. Local Business: Janicki Industries announced an $800 million Great Falls manufacturing campus, promising 1,000 jobs in five years and more than 2,000 total.

Forest & Fire Preparedness: Montana is expanding its Shared Stewardship forest management deal with the U.S. Forest Service, adding the Lolo National Forest and pushing the total to nearly one million acres under shared stewardship. Climate Courts: A federal appeals court refused to revive a youth climate lawsuit targeting Trump energy orders, dealing another setback to Montana-linked climate litigation. Energy & Jobs: President Trump announced nearly $700 million for coal investment, but Montana is left out of the plan; local coal leaders still say the broader policy shift could open doors. Public Safety Online: Montana’s attorney general is urging parents to stay alert during Internet Crimes Against Children Prevention Month as cyber tips and reports continue to rise. Business Expansion: Janicki Industries will build an $800 million manufacturing campus in Great Falls, aiming for 1,000 jobs in five years and more than 2,000 long-term. Wildlife & Social Media: A viral video shows dozens of grizzlies gathering high in the Absaroka Range to feed on moths, sparking debate over wildlife hype and habitat pressure. Social Security Warning: A new report says the retirement trust fund could run out by 2032, triggering automatic benefit cuts averaging about $500 a month.

Montana Agriculture: Montana is bracing for a new livestock threat after the state issued an emergency order restricting animal imports following a New World Screwworm detection in Texas, requiring permits, veterinary checks, and treatment for animals from affected zones. Local Economy: Billings Hardware in Montana is closing for good, with a liquidation sale starting June 11 after the store shuts its doors June 9. State Finances: Montana collected $536 million in individual income taxes in Q3 2025, down 31.9% from the prior quarter, according to Census Bureau data. Public Safety: A Waite Park man pleaded guilty to felony threats and related charges in a domestic incident that prosecutors described as kidnapping and assault. Politics & Policy: The Trump administration scrapped plans for a nearly $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund, a move that could affect immigration and deportation funding talks in Congress. Cost of Living: A new map shows electricity prices vary wildly by state, with Hawaii far higher than North Dakota.

Montana Politics: Tuesday’s GOP legislative primaries ended with eight incumbent lawmakers losing renomination, the biggest such shakeup in at least 20 years, as factions battled with millions in outside spending; in a key Senate race, Rep. Llew Jones beat Rep. Zack Wirth after a barrage of attacks. Montana Community & Culture: Missoula’s Two-Spirit Powwow is set for June 19 at Caras Park, welcoming everyone for Two-Spirit culture, social dancing, games, and pride. Tribal Child Welfare: The ICWA Legal Summit in Polson brought tribal leaders, attorneys, and advocates together to strengthen Native families and protect tribal youth. Environment & Water: Warm May temperatures pushed Montana snowpack well below median for June 1, with early snowmelt raising concerns for summer water planning. Business & Jobs: Mobix Labs announced plans to acquire Montana-based drone maker Vision Aerial, aiming to expand into global mission-critical drone and aerial intelligence markets. Public Safety: A lawsuit targets ICE’s Camp East Montana at Fort Bliss, alleging months of medical neglect and unsafe conditions. Local Life: A Bozeman realtor’s racist social media post sparked backlash and was deleted; meanwhile, a Dillon family renamed its jewelry store as a memorial for their son Enoch Haworth.

Shared Stewardship Expansion: Montana is nearly doubling its forest-management partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, adding a third Shared Stewardship site in the Lolo National Forest for 345,000 acres and bringing the total to about 745,000 acres, with leaders pointing to lower fuel loads and better wildfire resiliency. MYCA Death Investigation: Montana National Guard officials say a Montana Youth Challenge Academy cadet died June 2 in Dillon, with the investigation ongoing and no details released yet as families prepare for a June 20 graduation. NIH Mpox Smuggling Case: Two NIH researchers tied to the Rocky Mountain Laboratory in Montana face charges tied to allegedly smuggling 113 virus vials into the U.S., including deactivated mpox samples, after an interception at Detroit Metro. Montana Jobs Push: Janicki Industries selected Great Falls for an $800 million tooling and manufacturing campus expected to create about 2,000 jobs, with construction planned over the next decade. Ag & Rural Economy: USDA issued a second Supplemental Disaster Relief Program payment, boosting support for producers with 2023-2024 losses, and Montana State Extension warned fertilizer costs are being driven by global shocks and tight margins. State Politics: A supermajority of Montana senators called on Sen. Jonathan “Windy Boy” to resign over sexual abuse allegations, saying the pattern is disqualifying for office.

Montana Water Rights Fight: A court challenge to Montana’s “exempt wells” law could force ranchers to get full permits for small stockwater wells, raising costs and delays if the statute is struck down. Montana Politics: After Reilly Neill’s Democratic Senate primary loss, a former campaign staffer publicly backed Kurt Alme, underscoring how quickly Montana races are turning into general-election messaging. Local Government: Laurel’s council president says he’ll keep serving as mayor until the city fills the vacancy after Mayor Dave Waggoner’s resignation. Wildfire Readiness: Gov. Gianforte and state agencies briefed on the 2026 fire outlook, warning conditions can “turn on a dime” even with some rain. Federal Courts: The Ninth Circuit upheld dismissal of a Montana climate lawsuit against Trump energy orders, citing lack of legal standing. Public Health & Immigration: An ACLU lawsuit targets alleged “inhumane” conditions at ICE’s Camp East Montana, while officials report nearly 180 detainees quarantined for possible measles exposure. Social Security Warning: A new analysis says Social Security could cut benefits by about $500 a month on average nationwide if lawmakers don’t act by 2032, with Montana among states facing pressure. Workforce & Education: Montana’s role in a regional semiconductor workforce pipeline is highlighted as Boise State leads a nine-state education network spanning Montana.

Montana Politics: Missoula smokejumper Sam Forstag pulled ahead in the Democratic primary for Montana’s 1st Congressional District, edging out Ryan Busse as ballots were counted early Wednesday; the GOP western district nomination was already secured by Aaron Flint. Public Safety: In Missoula, an FBI task force officer says a man was arrested after admitting he had fentanyl powder during a drug-trafficking stop tied to meth and fentanyl distribution. Health & Federal Courts: Two NIH researchers—one based in Hamilton, Montana—were charged in federal court after prosecutors allege they smuggled deactivated mpox vials into the U.S. and lied to investigators at Detroit Metro Airport. Energy & Utilities: The Montana Public Service Commission is taking public comment on NorthWestern Energy’s 2026 electric plan, including a near-term winter capacity need emerging in 2027. Wildfire Watch: Montana leaders and fire officials discussed the 2026 wildfire outlook as forecasts warn of above-normal significant fire potential across parts of the West. Business in Montana: Janicki Industries announced a major $800 million expansion in Great Falls, adding large-scale manufacturing capacity over the next decade.

Montana Primary Results: Former Helena attorney Brian Miller is projected to win the Democratic U.S. House primary in eastern Montana, setting up a November matchup with incumbent GOP Rep. Troy Downing. On the Republican side, conservative radio host Aaron Flint is projected to win the Western District House primary, while Kurt Alme is projected to win Montana’s GOP U.S. Senate primary after Sen. Steve Daines withdrew and endorsed him. Public Safety: A swatting call triggered a lockdown at Little Big Horn College in Big Horn County; officials later said there was no ongoing threat. Northeast Montana Water: The U.S. House passed a bill extending authorization for the Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water System through 2028, keeping the project moving. Wildfire Prep: Montana leaders held a wildfire outlook briefing, warning of above-normal large-fire potential in parts of western Montana and northern Idaho later in summer. Health & Courts: Two NIH-linked scientists from Montana’s Rocky Mountain Laboratories were charged in a mpox smuggling case tied to deactivated virus vials and alleged misstatements at a Michigan airport. Mental Health Facility Debate: Opponents of a proposed forensic mental health facility near Laurel packed a Billings public hearing, criticizing the process and location.

Business & Jobs: Janicki Industries will invest $800 million to expand manufacturing in Great Falls, adding 2 million square feet and targeting 1,000 new jobs in five years (and 2,000+ long term). Montana Politics: Montana voters are in the middle of a key primary day across six states, with Montana contests part of Democrats’ push to keep momentum heading into November. Child Welfare: Gov. Greg Gianforte announced Montana will join the federal “A Home for Every Child” initiative to boost foster-home and kinship placements and improve outcomes for kids in care. Military: A Montana Army National Guard tank crew was honored after a historic Sullivan Cup finish, with the unit also marking a redesignation shift to a lighter infantry mission. Local Life: Billings’ longtime burger spot Stacked is closing its restaurant doors June 6, though catering and special events will continue.

Primary Election Push in Montana: Yellowstone County is urging voters to walk in absentee ballots rather than mail them, with turnout at 31% and rejected-ballot fixes due by 5 p.m. Wednesday. Stadium Progress in Billings: Daylis Stadium renovation hit a major milestone as new grandstands’ substructure went up; turf and track work are next. Energy Costs: Montana gas prices are still above the national average, even as the national average dips amid shifting oil-market expectations. Foster Care Expansion: Gov. Greg Gianforte says Montana is joining a federal effort to grow safe foster homes, aiming to push the home-to-child ratio above 1:1. Conservation Fight Near Yellowstone: A proposed Forest Service logging project near Yellowstone is drawing backlash from residents and businesses as public comment closes. Business/Health Access: Touro University plans a Great Falls law school campus and nursing program, citing an attorney shortage in rural Montana. Sports & Community: Miss Montana and Miss Montana’s Teen for 2026 were crowned in Butte.

Montana Primary Preview: Tuesday’s state primary will pick nominees to replace departing GOP incumbents in Montana’s U.S. Senate and House races, with party divisions showing up in several legislative contests. Energy Costs: A watchdog warns Montana ratepayers could pay more to keep Michigan’s J.H. Campbell coal plant running longer, despite claims closing it would save customers $30 million a year. Federal Land Management: Federal agencies finalized a long-term management plan for the Flathead River’s Three Forks wild and scenic stretch, moving the project toward a new conservation-and-recreation era after years of review. Mining & Jobs: American Pacific Mining has started a large drilling program at its Madison copper/gold project in Montana, while Klondike Gold reported royalty payments and warrant/option proceeds tied to its Montana Creek placer work. Public Health & Rights: Civil rights groups filed a federal lawsuit over alleged human-rights abuses at Camp East Montana, citing deaths and challenging conditions at the detention center. Local Fire: Crews battled a major fire at a recycling lot west of Missoula, with flames reaching about 50 feet and ongoing hot-spot cleanup expected overnight.

Montana Health Care: PacificSource is shutting down all Montana operations, leaving about 42,000 members to scramble for coverage with only two carriers likely available in 2027. Public Safety & Justice: A Bozeman man pleaded guilty in federal court to threatening to assault or murder Gov. Greg Gianforte and Rep. Jim Jordan, after threats were traced to him through social media and emails. Mental Health: Billings family and friends are pushing for more suicide-prevention resources after a teen’s death, including a June 6 awareness car show to fund local counseling and teen support. State Politics: Billings City Council dropped “Magic City,” plus “diverse” and “welcoming,” from its vision statement, sparking debate over whether the change reflects real priorities. Health Lab Scrutiny: Sen. Tim Sheehy is seeking an HHS inspector general review of Rocky Mountain Laboratories after allegations involving pathogen handling and a reported monkey bite. Wildlife & Land Use: Montana’s bison grazing fight continues as federal decisions and lawsuits swirl around public land management and protections. Local Culture: Bozeman’s Garden of Beadin’ marks 22 years, highlighting how small shops keep thriving by offering hands-on service.

Medicaid Work Requirements: States are pushing back on higher costs tied to Medicaid work rules, warning budget crunches could mean cuts to health care and education. Health Insurance Shakeup in Montana: PacificSource is shutting down all Montana operations, leaving about 42,000 members to choose between just two carriers starting in 2027. Public Health & Safety at Montana Lab: Sen. Tim Sheehy is demanding an HHS inspector general probe after reports of an infected monkey bite at Rocky Mountain Laboratories and alleged mishandling. Behavioral Health Funding: Montana secured federal money to expand mental health and substance use treatment through Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics. Immigration Detention Lawsuit: Human rights groups sued ICE over alleged “inhumane” conditions at Camp East Montana in El Paso, citing beatings, medical neglect, disease outbreaks, and solitary confinement. Local Governance: Billings dropped “Magic City,” “diverse,” and “welcoming” from its vision statement, replacing it with a new mission-focused line. Community & Culture: A Montana 250th initiative called “Two Lights Montana” is urging residents to learn, engage, and serve.