AGP Executive Report

Voting Rights: The U.S. Supreme Court gutted Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act in Louisiana v. Callais, reshaping how racial discrimination claims can be challenged in redistricting—an issue already drawing attention from Montana lawmakers. Local Land Use: Missoula-area residents are organizing against a proposed data center near Bonner, pushing for a moratorium and questioning water use and promised benefits. Wildfire Science: NASA’s ER-2 aircraft based in Great Falls will help study wildfire-driven pyrocumulonimbus storms, aiming to improve forecasting and safety for firefighting and aviation. Public Health & Safety: A report on child drownings highlights how quickly tragedy can strike in places with pools and waterways, with July flagged as a peak risk period. Montana Sports: Missoula lacrosse coach Ryan Hanavan and family are preparing a Guinness attempt for the longest box lacrosse game, with players sought statewide. Agriculture: Northwest cherry shipments are ramping up with strong early quality after weather-adjusted projections.

Bison on the line in court: American Prairie asked a Montana judge to block the state Land Board’s pause on new bison grazing on state trust lands, arguing the moratorium was effectively a new rule that should have gone through proper rulemaking. Opioid prevention funding: Missoula Public Health is expanding overdose prevention and harm-reduction programs with $333,300 from Montana’s opioid abatement trust for 2026-27. Montana health workforce boost: The University of Montana will launch the state’s first public physician associate program this fall, with 24 spots per year. Local public safety: A Fort Peck man was sentenced to nearly 16 years for a fatal shooting tied to a beating of his sister. Business and energy watch: A proposed data center near Sidney would run on “unwanted” Bakken gas to power crypto mining, aiming to reduce flaring emissions. Community and culture: The Montana Festival in Bozeman highlighted art, city challenges, and tenant protections, while Butte’s Miners Union Day brings free museum access and underground mine tours.

FISA Fight: The U.S. House failed to renew Section 702 of FISA, setting up a lapse Friday after a 198-218 vote; 19 Republicans—including Montana’s Troy Downing—voted against the short-term extension despite Trump’s push. Immigration & Safety: New court documents say an ICE detainee escaped a Houston facility in March using a yoga mat to scale a wall, while other reports highlight serious problems at detention sites. Montana Politics: The Montana Supreme Court certified a ballot measure that would restrict corporate election spending, a move tied to the state’s ongoing legal fight over election speech rules. Public Lands & Wildfire: A Senate committee advanced a short-notice push to repeal the Roadless Rule, with Montana Sen. Steve Daines backing the amendment. Local Impact: Sluice Boxes State Park near Great Falls is dealing with graffiti damage, and Fish, Wildlife & Parks is asking for tips. Weather & Agriculture: Montana drought and wildfire risk remain elevated as officials warn conditions can “turn on a dime,” while northeastern farmers report wind-driven damage to early crops. Crime: Authorities arrested three people after finding just over 104 pounds of controlled substances at a truck stop outside Dillon.

Immigration Oversight: A new federal GAO report says Camp East Montana in El Paso was rushed into operation, wasting $11.5 million on meals when no detainees were present and citing safety and medical failures, including missing or destroyed evidence in a detainee death case. Montana Politics: The Montana Supreme Court approved rewritten ballot language for the Transparent Election Initiative after the AG argued the original wording could mislead voters about who is affected by limits on corporate political spending. Ballot Access: Montana election officials are verifying signatures for a judicial election ballot measure, while property tax measures reportedly won’t move forward. Border Security Funding: Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen leads a 22-state coalition urging Congress to pass long-term funding for CBP and ICE. Local Economy: Stillwater Mine is rehiring 150 workers after 2024 layoffs, though parts of the operation remain in maintenance mode. Public Safety & Weather: A winter weather advisory has shut the Beartooth Highway and brought snow and wind across the mountains. Community & Business: A Billings private investigator is forming a statewide association to raise standards and create a network for licensed investigators.

Montana Energy & Environment: The Montana DEQ approved Sentinel Metals’ amended gold exploration license in the upper Blackfoot River headwaters near Lincoln, allowing up to 21 core-drilling holes over 6–8 weeks with no new access roads and no further mining; the company must handle reclamation within two years and posted a $338,792 estimated reclamation bond. Tourism Watch: Flathead Valley travel is holding up despite higher costs, with Kalispell hotel occupancy up 11% year-over-year in April–May and revenue up 18%, plus Glacier National Park visitation up 10% in the first four months of 2026. Public Safety & Accountability: A federal watchdog report says ICE’s Camp East Montana in Texas wasted millions, mishandled medical needs, and involved missing or destroyed evidence tied to a detainee death, alongside serious safety lapses including a loaded firearm that was never recovered. Politics Beyond Montana: Trump signed a nearly $70 billion bill to fund his deportation agenda, while Iran and the U.S. traded threats after strikes. Business & Tech: Alercell, a Bozeman-based diagnostics company, added Harvard researcher Ina Dreschnack to its advisory board.

Immigration Oversight: A new GAO report says Camp East Montana at Fort Bliss wasted up to $11.5 million before detainees arrived and flagged serious safety and medical failures, including missing records tied to a death and a loaded firearm lost inside the facility. Montana Politics: Montana AG Austin Knudsen urged the state Supreme Court to dismiss a dispute over his takeover of the Gallatin County Attorney’s Office, arguing the issue is “political” rather than legal. Wildfire Preparedness: Gov. Greg Gianforte proclaimed Montana Wildfire Smoke Ready Week, urging residents to monitor air quality and improve indoor filtration. Public Safety & Health: Montana’s wildfire smoke risk is rising as drought and heat continue, while a separate national story highlights clinicians at major Washington cancer centers filing to unionize over patient-care time and staffing changes. Local Justice: Three people were arrested in a Beaverhead County drug bust near Dillon after deputies seized just over 104 pounds of Schedule 2 substances. Elections: Montana’s June primary drew more than 300,000 voters statewide, the highest raw vote total for a midterm primary.

Wildfire Smoke Preparedness: Gov. Greg Gianforte proclaimed Montana Wildfire Smoke Ready Week, urging residents to check air-quality forecasts, plan for cleaner indoor air, and protect kids, older adults, pregnant people, and those with asthma or COPD as smoke can travel hundreds of miles. Local Government & Environment: Environmentalists warned a Trump push to end the Roadless Area Conservation Rule could open up federal forests to more roads and development, potentially harming habitat and recreation in places including Montana. Public Health & Policy: A new GAO report says federal officials wasted tens of millions and violated internal guidelines while opening Camp East Montana, the nation’s largest migrant detention center in Texas, including missed inspections before detainees were sent there. Montana Politics: Bill Mitchell says he’ll run for Florida House District 60 after Lindsay Cross leaves; in Montana, I-194’s “dark money” limits face criticism over loopholes and how influence could shift. Community & Culture: Downtown Bozeman’s 2026 Art Walk season kicks off June 12, and the Emerson Center will host food trucks, receptions, and open studios. Business & Jobs: Montana labor data suggests more businesses are opening than closing statewide, even as owners still struggle with staffing and costs. Arts & Media: The Source earned a regional journalism award from SPJ, and production has begun on “Marshals,” the Yellowstone spinoff’s Season 2.

Montana Economy: Montana’s business picture stays steady, with state labor data showing more openings than closures and above-average long-term survival, even as owners still struggle with staffing and rising costs. Big Sky Jobs: Janicki Industries is moving forward on an $800M manufacturing campus in Great Falls, promising 1,000 jobs in five years and 2,000+ after buildout—while locals weigh the upside against possible housing pressure. Agriculture & Food Security: Livingston’s Food Resource Center is launching “21 Cows” to replace lost protein after federal food cuts reduced pantry supplies, with demand rising sharply. Public Lands & Wildlife: Western Watersheds Project has appealed BLM’s decision to revoke American Prairie’s bison grazing permits in northeastern Montana, arguing the agency changed its standard for politics, not law. Health & Science: Two NIH scientists in Montana face federal charges tied to alleged mpox sample smuggling and misstatements to customs. Community & Culture: Missoula’s Western Montana Food and Farm Trail is expanding agri-tourism across 200 miles, linking farms, restaurants, and breweries. Local Media: The Anaconda Leader shut down after 55-plus years, citing inflation and rising operating costs.

Local Community: Bozeman is set to open the I-Ho Pomeroy Peace Park this summer, honoring the longtime community leader and Korean Grill owner with a new memorial space at Mendenhall Street and Black Avenue. Montana Business & Tech: Mobix Labs has signed a binding letter of intent to acquire Montana drone maker Vision Aerial, aiming to expand into U.S.-built drones for defense, public safety, and critical infrastructure. Public Safety: Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen is 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 received by the state. Water & Outdoor Economy: Montana State and partners launched FishCast, a new online tool to forecast drought impacts on trout and help managers plan potential fishing closures. Education: Kalispell Public Schools Superintendent Matt Jensen was named regional Superintendent of the Year by Northwest Montana school superintendents. Drought Relief: SBA disaster loans are available for small businesses and nonprofits in drought-impacted counties, including Montana’s Powder River County. National Policy Watch: A new analysis warns Social Security trust fund depletion could cut benefits nationwide, with Florida facing an average $500-per-month loss.

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.