AGP Executive Report

Billings Food Scene: A packed August is boosting Billings food truck owners, with 40 trucks drawing big crowds at the 8th annual Food Truck Battle on the Yellowstone and helping keep local vendors thriving despite rising costs and unpredictable weather. Indigenous Causes: A “Coup de Rouge” Indigenous and Western fashion show raised money for Indigenous designers, counseling resources, and Montana’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous People efforts. Mining Watch: Red Mountain Mining has started a 17-hole maiden RC drilling program at its Armidale antimony-gold project in Australia, targeting priority zones at Oaky Creek with results expected early next quarter. Montana Economy: Constellation Brands is investing $100 million over five years to support Montana and northern plains barley farmers. Public Safety & Courts: A family is suing a badminton racket maker after a 6-year-old died when a racket shaft pierced her skull during a Maine vacation. Military Spotlight: Montana Army National Guard Spc. Cole Bechtold was featured after competing in the Region VI Best Warrior Competition.

Montana Agriculture: Constellation Brands is pledging $100 million over five years to back Montana and northern plains barley farmers, aiming to stabilize income and expand acreage. Local Government & Environment: Flathead County commissioners voted to decommission the Whitefish and Kalispell air quality monitoring sites after agencies said they no longer meet regulatory needs, with a shift toward PM2.5 tracking. Housing: Construction has started on Miles City’s Saddlehorn Apartments, a 30-unit affordable project funded by state tax credits after a long wait. Public Lands & Wildlife: Montana hunters and anglers are being urged to speak up on proposals tied to the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, as public land protections face renewed pressure. Legal/Policy: A growing push wants more transparency around hidden litigation funders, raising questions about how lawsuits are financed and steered. Community & Culture: Teton Gravity Research will screen its 31st annual ski film at the Jane Pickens Theatre on Nov. 11, continuing its North American tour.

Passenger Rail Update: Montana’s Big Sky North Coast passenger rail corridor ID work is 95% complete, but FRA review is paused pending policy updates, with changes possible in October. Local Housing: Miles City broke ground on Saddlehorn Apartments, a 30-unit affordable project funded by state tax credits, expected to finish in 10–12 months. Public Lands Fight: The Trump administration’s push to dismantle the Roadless Area Conservation Rule could open tens of millions of acres to logging, drilling and road building, drawing backlash from conservation groups and hunters. Tech & Politics: A Montana-led fight over prediction markets is heating up as states challenge whether sports-event contracts are regulated as gambling, with courts weighing in. Community & Safety: Kalispell’s Northwest Montana Fairgrounds grandstands may need reconstruction or replacement as moisture issues and rising maintenance costs mount. Health Alert: The FDA upgraded a pistachio butter recall to the most serious risk level, warning it could cause serious illness or death from possible salmonella contamination.

Affordable Housing: Construction has started on Saddlehorn Apartments in Miles City, a 30-unit affordable project funded with Montana low-income housing tax credits, with an estimated 10–12 month timeline. Public Transit: Montana’s Big Sky North Coast passenger rail corridor ID work is 95% complete, but FRA legal review is paused pending policy updates. Tech & Labor: Amazon will permanently shut down Mechanical Turk on Sept. 30, 2026, ending a platform that connected hundreds of thousands of workers to small paid tasks. Big Tech & Kids: Montana is among states tied to a major Meta settlement over harms to minors, with Montana expected to receive up to $127 million. Local Politics: A write-in challenge to Sen. Daniel Zolnikov in Billings Heights/Shepherd is tied to data center concerns, with opponents linking his ties to industry stakeholders. Agriculture & Trade: Constellation Brands plans a $100 million investment to boost U.S. farmer profitability, including additional purchases from Montana growers. Public Lands: The Trump administration moves to dismantle the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, raising alarms about logging, drilling, and habitat loss.

Community & Health: Cheyenne Empty Bowl returns Sept. 24 in Wyoming, raising money for VOA Northern Rockies programs including mental health care, addiction treatment, housing and veteran services. Agriculture & Food Prices: Montana ranchers are reacting to Trump’s tariff-free beef import plan, warning it could undercut domestic producers—especially as drought forces cattle to market earlier than planned. Public Safety Funding: Laurel Fire Rescue received a $20,000 grant from the Town Pump Charitable Foundation to buy firefighter safety gear and equipment. Native Education: The ACLU of Montana announced a settlement to properly implement “Indian Education for All,” aiming to ensure Montana’s constitutional promise is enforced in public schools. Local Politics: Libertarian U.S. Senate nominee Kyle Austin is campaigning across Montana’s open seat, arguing the race isn’t just a three-way contest. State Costs: Montana providers say Blue Cross Blue Shield downcoding is cutting reimbursement, while state employees are also bracing for higher healthcare costs next year. Environment & Drought: Drought conditions remain severe in parts of Montana, with officials discussing possible emergency action as feed supplies and topsoil moisture take hits. Public Lands History: Great Falls’ museum unveiled archival records tied to St. Peter’s Mission Boarding School, spotlighting Native voices and past record-keeping gaps.

Meta Settlement: Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced a landmark deal with Meta over Facebook and Instagram practices that allegedly made the platforms addictive for minors, with Montana guaranteed about $89 million and potentially up to $127 million. Pipeline & Local Government: Carter County commissioners signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Bureau of Land Management tied to the Bridger Pipeline Expansion, a 36-inch line proposed to move heavy crude from the U.S.-Canada border to Guernsey, Wyoming, with all route options crossing Carter County. Roadless Rule Fight: Montana hunters and anglers are urging public comment against a federal plan to rescind the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, warning it could open road building and development in areas they rely on for hunting and fishing. Public Health Warning: A resurgence of wild mushroom foraging is being linked to serious poisonings, including cases reported in Montana near Yellowstone National Park. Outdoor & Community: Big Sky Biggie drew more than 600 riders to local trails, continuing a community tradition tied to longtime outdoor leader Taylor Middleton. Business in Montana: Ironwood-based Stormy Kromer is expanding its collegiate hat line as it works to grow its customer base.

Critical Minerals: Stillwater Critical Minerals says its Stillwater West project’s mineral resource estimate nearly doubled, adding 805.1 million tonnes of inferred material plus 29.4 million tonnes of indicated, strengthening the case for future expansion in Montana. Montana Energy Costs: The Montana Public Service Commission is pushing NorthWestern Energy to fix major gaps in its 20-year power plan after an independent review found deficiencies, while Avista’s proposed rate hike would add about $17 a month to electric bills in 2027. Tech & Politics: A Billings-area Senate race is heating up over a proposed data center near Broadview, with Sen. Daniel Zolnikov facing write-in challengers. Child Safety Online: Montana is expected to receive a guaranteed $89 million (up to $127 million) from a multistate Meta settlement aimed at new protections for minors on Facebook and Instagram. Agriculture: The Montana Stockgrowers Association announced 2026 roadshow dates for its Producer Profitability Initiative, bringing ranchers together statewide. Public Safety & Justice: A Kalispell bail bondsman’s insurance license was permanently revoked after a state investigation found abuse of authority. Local Infrastructure: Prairie County’s Milwaukee Bridge rehab is moving forward after the lowest bid came in around $8.54 million.

Beef Backlash in Montana: Farm-state lawmakers and ranchers are urging Congress to investigate Trump’s plan to temporarily import up to 300,000 metric tons of foreign beef trimmings tariff-free, arguing it won’t lower prices much while risking ranchers’ already fragile finances and raising public-safety concerns. Big Tech, Big Money: Montana is among states tied to a sweeping $17.1 billion multistate Meta settlement that forces new youth-safety rules for Instagram and Facebook, with Montana expected to receive up to $127 million. Native Education Accountability: Montana reached a settlement over the Indian Education for All program, with changes aimed at K-12 accreditation requirements and more direct tribal involvement in curriculum. AI Infrastructure in Montana: Vision Net launched an “AI-Ready” Discovery Network linking Billings and Bozeman with a high-capacity fiber corridor built for data-intensive research and AI workloads. Wildlife and Public Lands Fight: A new push by federal agencies would narrow protections for threatened species and reshape grizzly management, while other coverage warns that roadless and public-land rules are under pressure. Tourism Economy: Nonresident spending in Montana hit about $5.6 billion in 2025, supporting thousands of jobs and record-level local economic activity.

Billings-area politics: Opposition to a proposed Broadview data center is now a central issue in the Montana Senate District 22 race, with a write-in challenger accusing Sen. Daniel Zolnikov of benefiting from the project while voters push for more local control. Local community: The Billings Community Seed Library is hosting a Seed Saving Workshop Sept. 12 at the Billings Public Library, teaching residents how to collect and store heirloom and native seeds. Statehouse tax fight: California lawmakers advanced a bill aimed at closing the “Montana Loophole,” targeting shell-company purchases of luxury vehicles that avoid California sales taxes and fees. Native education: A proposed settlement would tighten oversight of Montana’s “Indian Education for All” program, requiring more frequent monitoring and proof of implementation. Online safety: Meta agreed to a massive multistate settlement over alleged harm to minors on Facebook and Instagram, including new youth-safety features. Public lands: Montana sportsmen and women are urging comments against rescinding the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, warning it could open up road building and harm habitat.

Big Tech Accountability: Montana is among states in a sweeping $17.1 billion multistate settlement with Meta over alleged child-safety failures on Facebook and Instagram, with Montana officials saying the state could receive about $89 million guaranteed and up to $127 million, plus required safety upgrades like teen time limits and overnight access blocks. Local Politics: The Montana Plan is hosting a community roundtable in Miles City on Sept. 2 to explain I-194, aimed at ending dark money and corporate spending in Montana elections. Public Lands & Wildfire Risk: The U.S. Forest Service has moved to fully rescind the 2001 Roadless Rule, a change that would affect millions of acres including about 6.4 million in Montana, with supporters warning it could worsen wildfire risk and opponents citing harm to wildlife and recreation. Energy & Landowner Rights: Split-estate landowners in Montana and other Western states are pushing back on proposed Interior changes that would reduce notice and public input on oil and gas leasing. Trade & Ranching: As Trump’s plan to lower ground beef prices via temporary foreign imports draws backlash, Montana ranchers and farm groups warn it could undercut local producers. Business & Industry: Janicki Industries named Bob Devoe vice president for contracts, supply chain and government compliance as it expands aerospace and defense manufacturing, including a Great Falls campus.

Energy Policy: Gov. Greg Gianforte’s “Unleashing American-Made Energy Task Force” unveiled 20 recommendations, including reforming the Montana Public Service Commission and boosting Montana’s role in western energy decisions, with nuclear and geothermal on the table. Utility Oversight: The top proposal would shift PSC commissioners from elected to appointed roles, as lawmakers weigh draft legislation. Public Lands & Timber: A federal judge cleared the way for the Forest Service to move forward with the Gold Butterfly Project in the Bitterroot National Forest, allowing thousands of acres of commercial timber harvest plus thinning, prescribed fire, and replanting. Wildlife/Environment: The EPA is sampling three Western Montana rivers for PCBs to map sources and impacts across watersheds. Firearms Industry: ATF director Robert Cekada visited Helena with AG Austin Knudsen to highlight Montana firearms innovation and the importance of federal-state law enforcement partnerships. Agriculture: Montana ranchers and ag groups criticized Trump’s plan to import 300,000 metric tons of tariff-free ground beef for 90 days, saying it could disrupt markets and undercut herd rebuilding. Community/Local: Yellowstone Forever unveiled a new Yellowstone specialty license plate design, with proceeds supporting park projects.

Roadless Rule fight: The Trump administration moved forward with rescinding the Roadless Rule, starting a final public comment period that runs through Sept. 21, as Montana groups warn roadbuilding would worsen wildfire risk and human-caused ignitions. Forest Service access change: A proposed Forest Service Travel Plan rule would allow motorized vehicles on most Forest Service roads unless specifically closed, with comments due Sept. 23. Beef and trade pressure: Trump’s plan to allow up to 300,000 metric tonnes of foreign beef into the U.S. is drawing pushback from ranchers and cattle groups, while the U.S.-Canada trade fight threatens ripple effects for Montana agriculture. Montana jobs and economy: Montana’s unemployment rate fell to 3.2% in July, with total employment rising by more than 600 jobs. Mining update (Stibnite Hill): United States Antimony says it’s continuing antimony mining at Stibnite Hill, reporting faster 2026 haulage rates than last year. Local politics: Kalispell’s chamber says I-194 could limit its ability to advocate on school funding and other ballot issues. Public safety: A Billings-area federal case ended with a California man sentenced to 3 years in a meth trafficking scheme.

Wildfire Watch: Nevada’s Hawk Fire has burned past 15,000 acres near Reno, with about 23,000 people still under evacuation orders and dozens of homes damaged or destroyed. Montana Economy & Trade: A U.S.-Canada trade fight is escalating, and Montana—where Canada is the biggest export market—could feel ripple effects as tariffs and uncertainty spread. Beef & Ranching: The U.S. beef import plan and tariff moves are drawing pushback from cattle groups, with Montana ranchers watching for impacts on prices and demand. Public Safety & Courts: A Billings bail bondsman was sentenced to prison after prosecutors said he pressured an inmate for sex in exchange for reduced bond. Energy Costs: NorthWestern Energy customers are questioning sudden summer power bill spikes after meters were checked with no issues found. Health & Food Safety: Multiple U.S. food recalls and a Salmonella outbreak tied to imported jalapeños have included Montana among affected states. Local Spotlight: The Grizzlies and UM Foundation are launching a “For Montana” scholarship jersey patch for Montana-resident students, debuting at the season opener. Agriculture Alert: Montana’s first eastern heath snail detection in Gallatin County raises concerns for crops and hay.

Montana Energy & Land: Montana’s wildfire fight and public-lands rules are back in the spotlight as the U.S. Forest Service moves to rescind the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, a change that could open millions of acres to road building and development. Fishing & Wildlife: Record heat is driving new fishing restrictions across the West, and Montana has expanded afternoon limits to about 1,200 miles of rivers to protect trout stressed by warm, low-oxygen water. Mining & Jobs: Silver Bow Mining signed a definitive deal to buy the Jefferson County Metallurgical Complex in Montana, adding two processing circuits tied to the historic Montana Tunnels M-Pit. Tribal & Agriculture: Commercial huckleberry picking bans are easing for tribal gatherers, but enforcement challenges remain as harvest season continues. Local Culture: Opera Montana is staging “A River Runs Through It” with shows in Bozeman and Missoula this fall. Business & Community: Bozeman’s long-running Joe’s Parkway Market is closing after 57 years, marking another shift in the town’s changing local landscape.

Beef Tariff Fight: President Trump says up to 300,000 metric tons of ground beef can enter the U.S. tariff-free for 90 days and be sold 25% below market prices, but he won’t name suppliers—prompting backlash from cattle groups and ranch-state lawmakers who warn it could undercut herd rebuilding and hurt producers. Montana Economy: Montana’s unemployment rate ticked down to 3.2% in July as employment rose by about 625 jobs and the number of unemployed fell by nearly 600, with Gov. Gianforte pointing to business growth and workforce initiatives. Drug Crackdown: Operation Windmill wrapped up with 13 prosecutions tied to a fentanyl trafficking network reaching Montana and other states, with sentences including 20 years for the alleged Netherlands-based leader and 15 years for a Phoenix-area partner. Energy & Industry: Tallgrass and Bridger announced a 30-day open season for incentive tariff rates on crude oil transportation from Bridger’s Guernsey Hub. Local Culture: The Little Shell Tribe held its 15th annual powwow in Great Falls, drawing hundreds of dancers and growing participation.

Beef Price Fight: President Trump says up to 300,000 metric tons of imported ground beef will enter the U.S. for 90 days without out-of-quota tariffs, with a promise it’ll be sold 25% below market prices—but he won’t name the supplying countries or companies, leaving ranchers and lawmakers asking how the savings reach shoppers. Montana Economy: Montana’s unemployment rate edged down to 3.2% in July as employment rose by about 625 jobs and the number of unemployed fell by nearly 600. Drug Crackdown: “Operation Windmill” ended with 13 prosecutions tied to a fentanyl trafficking network that moved drugs into Montana and other states, with major sentences handed down to the leaders. Public Lands/Forests: The Trump administration’s road-building push in national forests—linked to rescinding the 2001 Roadless Rule—could open new motorized networks in roadless areas, drawing conservation backlash. Wildlife Safety: Glacier National Park visitors recently encountered eight grizzly bears during the animals’ hungriest period, underscoring the need for bear-aware hiking. Energy/Infrastructure: Tallgrass announced an open season for incentive tariff rates on the Pony Express Pipeline for crude oil transportation from Bridger’s Guernsey Hub.