AGP Executive Report

Data Center Backlash in Montana: More than 100 people packed a Missoula meeting to warn that proposed data centers could drive a power crunch, with NorthWestern Energy letters of intent pointing to 850–1,400 megawatts by 2030—enough to reshape the grid and strain local resources. Broadview Power Fight: New records tied to Quantica’s Broadview plan suggest natural gas could be part of the electricity mix, even as neighbors worry about more gas infrastructure after past fights like the Laurel plant. Healthcare Cuts: Intermountain Health says it will close the Lewistown Clinic Family Medicine on July 24, eliminating six jobs, and “shift the model of care” at four clinics in Bozeman and Billings, cutting 35 more. Infrastructure Watch: A TRIP report flags Billings-area bridges—seven in poor condition and 186 rated fair—while residents question what happens if aging structures fail. Tech/Politics: A crypto-linked PAC, the Blockchain Leadership Fund, announced 10 endorsed candidates for the 2026 midterms, including Montana’s Jon Husted for Senate.

ICE Health Crisis: An immigrant detainee in ICE custody, Andrea Pedro-Francisco, is pleading for surgery she says she was denied at a Texas detention center, with attorneys saying her condition has worsened while she waits. Montana Land Policy: The Montana Land Board overhauled its land-swap process after limited public notice, cutting red tape but drawing backlash from wildlife groups over transparency. Airport Security Shift: The TSA is rolling out “Gold+,” aiming to expand private contractors’ role in airport screening, as staffing shortages and passenger experience pressures mount. Drought Pressure: A new U.S. Drought Monitor map shows “exceptional” drought in parts of the West and Plains, including areas of Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Nebraska, and Texas. SNAP Changes in Montana: USDA approved Montana’s waiver to restrict candy, soft drinks, and junk food from SNAP purchases. Border Wall Scrutiny: Federal scrutiny continues over billion-dollar Texas border wall contracts tied to a controversial builder. Local Culture & Growth: Trader Joe’s announced dozens of new store openings across 14 states, while the Montana Historical Society won a national museum impact award for its Heritage Center.

Airport Security Shake-Up: The TSA is rolling out “TSA Gold+,” a new public-private screening program that would lean more on private contractors at participating airports, aiming to cut wait times and dodge staffing headaches. Montana SNAP Overhaul: Montana’s SNAP waiver is approved—starting this fall, shoppers can’t buy soft drinks, candy, and other junk foods with benefits. Energy & Data Center Pressure: Emails and filings show Quantica’s Broadview data center push for a massive power boost—up to 7,235 MW—while critics warn it could mean big gas generation plans. Drought Relief for Farmers: USDA designated 10 Montana counties as primary drought disaster areas, unlocking emergency loan help, with more counties added as contiguous. Public Lands Leadership: The Senate confirmed Steve Pearce to lead the Interior Department’s land agency as drilling and mining expand. Local Watch: A Butte Chinatown carwash proposal is sparking transparency and cultural-preservation questions. Health & Food: Providence plans to exit most Oregon insurance next year, and a pilot program could bring steadier generic drug supply to rural hospitals.

School Board Swearing-In: New Fairfield School Board winners Chelsea Banis and Bryan Warden were officially sworn in after a May 11 canvass, with a clerk-flagged tally-mark difference ruled not to change the outcome. Local Schools & Sports: Dutton/Brady Public Schools shared updates on its Hall of Fame ceremony and student testing, while Choteau High School set its May 24 graduation for 23 seniors and its boys golf team earned a spot at the Class B state meet in Billings. Community Spotlight: Great Falls’ Voyagers and Every Paw Counts team up for “Bark In The Park” May 23 to raise money for shelter animals. Montana Policy: Montana received federal approval to restrict SNAP purchases—banning soft drinks, energy drinks, candy, and other junk foods—joining a growing list of states. Border News: Alberta will replace “Wild Rose Country” signs with “Welcome to Alberta. Strong and Free” at 22 border crossings starting this fall.

SNAP Shake-Up in Montana: Montana just got federal approval to block SNAP purchases of soda, candy, and certain sugary processed foods, joining 22 other states under the “Make America Healthy Again” push—milk and 100% fruit juice stay allowed, and protein bars and some baked goods are exempt. Local Politics & Schools: In Colorado’s Western Slope, a Montrose school-board hiring fight over attorney Brad Miller’s firm spilled into Delta County’s search for legal services, though Miller Farmer Carlson ultimately didn’t bid. Montana Ballot Push: The Transparent Election Initiative launched a new site that lets voters self-submit signatures for “The Montana Plan” to curb corporate political spending. Bozeman Housing: Tenants at King Arthur Park and Mountain Meadows Estates ended a rent strike after new management promised infrastructure fixes. Culture & Entertainment: Cardi B led the 2026 BET Awards nominations with six nods, while Afrobeats stars Wizkid, Asake, Tems and Burna Boy also scored nominations.

BLM Leadership Confirmed: The U.S. Senate confirmed Steve Pearce as head of the Bureau of Land Management in a party-line vote, a move that conservation groups warn could accelerate the Trump oil-and-gas agenda while supporters say it brings “guardian” experience to public lands. SNAP Sugar Ban: Montana won federal approval to restrict SNAP purchases of soda and certain high-sugar processed foods, aiming to push families toward higher-nutrition options. Trucking Crackdown: In Billings, a multi-agency operation on I-90 led to the apprehension of 13 undocumented commercial drivers, reigniting fights over road safety, immigration enforcement, and hiring practices. Housing Push in Missoula: The Missoula City Council approved the sale of city-owned land behind Bob Wards for the Midtown Commons affordable housing project. Local Business & Culture: Dave’s Hot Chicken opens in Great Falls this week, while a free Palisades chamber concert is set for May 30.

Utah Climate Push: Even as Washington pulls back, a coalition of conservative Utah communities is building a renewable power plan—aiming to add clean electricity by 2030 and offset power use in nearly 300,000 homes and businesses. Medicaid Work Requirements: Montana health advocates are sounding alarms as “community engagement” rules for Medicaid expansion roll in earlier than planned—starting July 1, 2026—potentially forcing many adults to meet 80-hours-a-week activity requirements to keep coverage. Federal Lands Shake-Up: The U.S. Senate confirmed Steve Pearce to lead the Bureau of Land Management in a party-line vote, as drilling and mining expand and conservation plans are rolled back. Montana Politics: In Butte, Pete Buttigieg rallied more than 1,000 people for Montana Initiative 194, targeting corporate dark money in elections. Local Watch: Spring sports are in qualifier mode, with key baseball, softball, tennis, and track matchups this week. VA Housing Numbers: New VA refinance-loan figures show Montana averages around $441,027 for Q1 2026, up from the prior quarter.

Ethics Questions Swirl: Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s family road-trip reality pitch is drawing fresh scrutiny as sponsors won’t say how much they paid, even as the project’s “platinum” deals reportedly reach $1 million. Local Business & Growth: Gravity Haus bought Missoula’s former LOGE hotel and plans to relaunch it this summer, adding to its expanding adventure-lodging footprint. Montana Politics: Pete Buttigieg packed Butte to back the Montana Plan, pushing volunteers to gather signatures to curb corporate election spending. Housing Watch: Missoula City Council is set to vote on selling a 13-acre parcel behind Bob Ward’s for $5.9 million, aiming to boost housing supply. Courts & Public Lands: Two access groups sued Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks over its corner-crossing stance. Reentry Spotlight: A Great Falls panel highlighted the hurdles people face after prison, from housing to rebuilding support networks.

Navy Crash Update: Two EA-18G Growler jets collided mid-air at an Idaho air show, but all four crew members ejected safely; the base locked down and canceled the rest of the show while investigators work to determine what happened. Public Lands: The Public Lands Rule has been rescinded, keeping public lands in public hands and rolling back a policy that would have shifted conservation to the top of the priority list. Montana Politics: Pete Buttigieg drew a big Butte crowd for the Montana Plan (I-194), arguing the measure is the “best path” to curb corporate money in elections. Mining Watch: Red Mountain Mining won approval to drill up to 32 antimony-target holes at Oaky Creek in NSW, with an IP survey already completed to guide the work. Local Business/Infrastructure: A $700M Heartland Fiber Project is set to expand high-capacity fiber across seven states, including Montana, aiming to support growing data-center demand. Health & Safety: Fresh disclosures raise new questions about biosafety oversight at NIH’s Rocky Mountain Laboratories in Montana after a worker was reportedly exposed during experiments.

Farm Bill Pressure: Montana producers say the House’s 2026 Farm Bill is “skinny” and too slow to fix rising costs and lost markets, urging the Senate to make real changes after the last full bill passed in 2018. Defense Cost Fight: The Pentagon is pushing back on a $1.2 trillion estimate for Trump’s “Golden Dome” missile shield, while Montana Sen. Tim Sheehy warns the price could still top $1 trillion. Wildfire Reality Check: A Montana drought prayer for rain comes as fire risk climbs, and elsewhere a wildfire grant is stuck over new federal requirements that critics say have little to do with burning safely. Yellowstone Spin-Off Buzz: “Dutton Ranch” keeps drawing attention with Episode 2’s new “train station” replacement and a growing wave of fan talk. Local Build Skills: In Billings, an asphalt company ran hands-on training for women in construction and high school students.

Wildfire Funding Friction: A conservation group says federal wildfire money is stuck behind new “America First” partner rules, leaving a land manager unable to do planned controlled burns as drought and heat raise fire risk. Drought Watch: Montana’s governor has declared Sunday a statewide Day of Prayer for Rain, citing nearly 60% of the state in drought and warning of wildfire impacts. Reproductive Rights: Abortion providers are bracing for the next legal fights after the Supreme Court kept nationwide access to mail-order mifepristone while lawsuits continue. Sheridanverse Buzz: Paramount+’s “Dutton Ranch” is rolling out with Beth and Rip’s Texas restart—and fresh drama around who carries John Dutton’s legacy. Local Life: Laurel’s La Taqueria is moving from food truck to a permanent storefront, and Miles City’s Bucking Horse Sale is drawing crowds for its 75th anniversary. Health Scare Update: Olympic National Park is reportedly clear after a “brain-eating amoeba” study flagged other parks.

Entertainment Buzz: “Dutton Ranch” is back with Episode 2, picking up right after Rip and Beth’s Texas move—this time explaining how they ended up buying the Edwards Ranch in Rio Paloma, with Beth’s Texas clashes and Rip’s loyalty themes already in motion. Local Culture: Butte is bracing for the possible closure of the historic Pekin Noodle Parlor after more than 115 years, a loss residents say would feel like losing a living piece of the city. Weather & Safety: In North Dakota’s Stutsman County, high winds and low humidity are driving “extreme” fire behavior, with officials urging residents to avoid open burning during red-flag conditions. Montana Policy: Montana’s Land Board is set to consider a new land-exchange policy that would let third-party consultants—paid by interested landowners—broker trades, drawing criticism over fairness. Health Care: Abortion providers are preparing for the next legal fights after the Supreme Court kept nationwide access to mail-order mifepristone in place.

State Budget Clash: Former Gov. Christine Gregoire is warning Washington lawmakers that the state’s ballooning $80B budget isn’t an “income problem” but a “spending problem,” challenging the usual push for more taxes and more government. Montana Sports & Business: At Washington-Grizzly Stadium, Montana Knife Company is becoming a permanent on-field logo sponsor in an eight-year deal. Entertainment: Paramount Network’s Yellowstone spinoff “Dutton Ranch” launches with Beth and Rip restarting in Texas after a wildfire—filmed on location in Montana and Texas. Viral Montana Moment: Fishtail Coffee Cabin’s thank-you post to Starlink went viral after Elon Musk reshared it. Local Economy: Montana’s brewing industry is highlighted as a major statewide driver, with the Montana Brewers Association counting 94 breweries. Health & Policy: Montana’s DPHHS hosted a disability employment summit aimed at helping businesses hire and support workers with disabilities. Water Watch: Wyoming water managers are preparing for what could be the driest year on record.

Arctic Warfare Timeline: New research dates the bow-and-arrow’s arrival in North America to about 1,400 years ago, showing it spread fast and largely replaced the atlatl in the Southwest—while northern groups held onto the older dart-throwing tech longer. Rural Trade Pressure: Montana Farmers Union President Walter Schweitzer says he’s worried after Trump’s China trip ended without a major agriculture deal, with soybean markets and rural mental health in the spotlight. Public Lands Reset: The BLM is fully rescinding the “Public Lands Rule,” removing conservation from being treated as an equal “use” on federal land—an abrupt shift that will ripple through grazing, recreation, and energy plans. Abortion Telehealth: The U.S. Supreme Court allowed telehealth access to the abortion pill mifepristone to continue—for now—while the legal fight goes on. Montana Spotlight: Montana recorded $2.2 billion in individual income tax collections in 2024, and a new opioid-funded family healing center aims to keep Apsáalooke children out of foster care while parents recover.

Data Center Power Fight: The Montana Public Service Commission is holding its hearing on the $15.4B Northwestern Energy–Black Hills merger, and the loudest question is whether the deal will pave the way for data centers that drive up costs and strain future power. Public Lands Rule Reversal: Gov. Greg Gianforte welcomed BLM’s rescission of the Biden-era conservation rule that would have treated conservation as a “use” on public lands. Rare Earths Rush: The U.S. is racing to secure rare earths for weapons rebuilding, with analysts warning supply-chain stress could take years to unwind. Montana Courts & Access: Conservation groups sued over Montana “corner crossing,” arguing the state’s stance conflicts with a recent federal ruling. Local Life: Butte’s Clean and Dry Laundromat is hosting a free laundry day May 16, and Miles City’s Bucking Horse Sale drew crowds for its 75th anniversary.

Helena Valley Business Move: A new building at 6714 Green Meadow Dr. (near Norris Rd.) is going to be the new home of Pappas Insulation, with owner Trevin Pappas saying the company has outgrown its Montana City lease and now has eight employees. Northeast Montana Travel Warning: Blowing dust from Phillips County eastward has pushed visibility to near zero at times, with Highway 2 from Dodson to Wolf Point closed to non-emergency travel and crashes reported near Nashua and Frazer. Statehouse Watch: Kansas became the 13th state to pass a “Reasonable Childhood Independence” law, aiming to stop neglect claims when parents let kids play outside without constant supervision. Aviation Tragedy: A small medical plane crash in New Mexico’s Capitan Mountains killed all four aboard and sparked a wildfire as investigators work to determine the cause. Local Culture: Missoula’s Maggot Fest is back for its 50th year, with rugby and a downtown street party planned. Business & Growth: Montana’s Growth Through Agriculture program awarded $806,596 to 17 value-added projects statewide.