AGP Executive Report

AI Lawsuit: Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has sued OpenAI, alleging ChatGPT endangers children and violates state consumer-protection and privacy laws. The case, filed in Lewis and Clark County, seeks to stop the company’s actions. Rural Emergency Care: Montana will receive $8.7 million in federal funding to help 79 rural EMS agencies replace aging ambulances and purchase lifesaving equipment, addressing long distances and volunteer-staffed crews. Data Center Impacts: Yellowstone County commissioners advanced a road-use agreement for Quantica Infrastructure’s work north of Billings, requiring maintenance and improvements; officials stressed it does not approve the data center itself. Mining Expansion: Falcon Copper has proposed 37 additional drill pads on private land near Avon, expanding its exploration project by about a third. Montana DEQ is seeking public comment. Agriculture and Trade: Montana State researchers received a $1.5 million grant to study adaptive grazing with ranches statewide, while Gov. Greg Gianforte promoted Montana pulse crops and other goods during a trade mission to India.

AI Lawsuit: Montana joined seven states suing OpenAI, alleging ChatGPT’s safety claims were misleading and its chatbot put children at risk; the claims have not been proven in court. Dam Safety: The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes expect work on Kicking Horse Dam to begin in early 2027, addressing risks identified in engineering studies. Election 2026: Senate candidate Kurt Alme is emphasizing his Montana roots as critics question the last-minute GOP lineup. In the western House race, Sam Forstag and Aaron Flint are neck and neck, according to recent polling. Indigenous Arts: Missoula celebrated new downtown murals featuring work by 10 Indigenous artists, while its fifth Honoring the People Powwow brought dancers and community members to Caras Park. Defense Plans: Trump’s proposed Montana “super range” could expand weapons testing, amid growing demand for military test sites.

AI Safety: Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen joined seven states suing OpenAI, alleging ChatGPT poses risks to children and misleads consumers. Campaign Trail: President Trump urged Montanans to vote at a Kalispell rally as Republicans campaign in a closely watched House race. Energy: Puget Sound Energy has broken ground on a 130-megawatt solar project near Rapelje, expected to employ about 250 workers during construction. Public Lands: More than 1.6 million comments were submitted on a proposal to repeal the Roadless Rule; over 99% of the roughly 370,000 comments currently available oppose the change, which could affect about six million acres of Montana forest. Agriculture: Montana farmers can enroll in expanded federal crop safety-net programs, with sign-up for the 2026 crop year open through Dec. 11. Culture: Red Lodge hosted its first Neighboring Nations Indigenous Arts and Culture Festival, with teepee raising, music and a community feast.

AI Lawsuit: Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen joined seven other states in suing OpenAI, alleging ChatGPT misled users about safety and exposed children to harm. The states are seeking stronger safeguards and penalties; the allegations have not been proven in court. Campaign Trail: President Donald Trump rallied in Kalispell for Republican Aaron Flint, touting gun rights and tariffs and announcing a Montana “Super Range” for testing advanced weapons. Flint faces Democrat Sam Forstag in a competitive race for the open western congressional seat. Trade and Agriculture: Gov. Greg Gianforte says his recent India and Sri Lanka mission aimed to build markets for Montana crops, including wheat, lentils and peas, and strengthen business and university ties.

Congressional Campaigns: Republican Aaron Flint and Democrat Sam Forstag clashed in a debate for Montana’s western congressional seat, trading attacks over temperament and political experience. In the eastern district, Democrat Brian Miller is making data-center regulation a central issue as Republican incumbent Troy Downing seeks a second term. Winter Weather: Heavy early-season snow dumped up to 18 inches in Montana City, snarling I-90 traffic near Homestake Pass, causing crashes and knocking out power in Jefferson County. Agriculture: Montana’s Growth Through Agriculture program is accepting applications for grants of up to $50,000 and loans up to $100,000; pre-applications are due Nov. 9. Montana State researchers also received $1.5 million for a statewide adaptive-grazing study. East Helena Cleanup: Work at the former smelter site has cut arsenic and selenium in groundwater by more than half since 2016, while crews continue residential lead-soil cleanups and officials explore recycling minerals from the slag pile. Student Well-Being: Jefferson County’s youth mental health council is exploring bringing the peer-support Hope Squad program to local schools as early as next fall.

Trump’s Montana Visit: President Donald Trump is due in Kalispell today for a rally at Majestic Valley Arena. Officials expect traffic on U.S. 93 and say parking opens at noon; early arrivals will be turned away. Election Watch: Yellowstone County voters face a three-way race for an open commission seat as debate continues over a proposed data center, and will choose a new sheriff for the first time in more than 15 years. A statewide ballot measure could also undo a court ruling on corporate political spending. Energy and Agriculture: Gov. Greg Gianforte says the proposed 420-mile North Plains Connector could link the nation’s power grids through Colstrip, improving reliability and opening export opportunities. Montana State researchers received $1.5 million for a statewide study of adaptive grazing practices with ranchers. Wildlife and Community: The Ninth Circuit heard challenges over federal wolf protections, with advocates seeking expanded safeguards and the government arguing states should manage the animals. In Butte, local groups launched suicide-prevention training to help residents recognize warning signs and connect people with support.

Election Money: Montana voters will decide I-194 in November, a measure aimed at restricting corporate and other organizations’ money in state elections. Independent Senate hopeful Seth Bodnar also invited President Trump to meet during his Montana visit to discuss costs, housing and support for ranchers. Campaign Trail: Montana’s U.S. Senate hopefuls shared a debate stage, while the western House race between Republican Aaron Flint and Democrat Sam Forstag is reported as a dead heat. Rural Business: Red Ants Pants marks 20 years since Sarah Calhoun founded the women’s workwear company in White Sulphur Springs; it has since grown into a broader effort supporting women in agriculture. As harvest-season diesel costs squeeze farmers, Montana has temporarily suspended dyed-fuel enforcement for some commercial vehicles. News Habits: A new statewide survey finds 71% of Montanans now use social media for news, up from 34% in 2015, raising concerns about algorithm-driven feeds and less discussion of current events. Clean Water: Belt Creek’s new treatment plant has processed nearly 65 million gallons of water polluted by historic mine drainage, earning a regional reclamation award.

Senate Race: Montana’s four major U.S. Senate candidates met for their first joint debate in Bozeman, discussing affordability, the environment, foreign policy and artificial intelligence. Independent Seth Bodnar also pledged not to caucus with either party if elected, drawing Republican accusations that independents are Democrats in disguise. Storm Recovery: NorthWestern Energy says crews have restored power to about 94% of the 15,800 Montana customers affected by heavy, wet snow, though new outages continue as trees damage lines. Agriculture Costs: Montana’s temporary permission for some farm and timber vehicles to use tax-exempt dyed diesel is unlikely to ease high fuel costs much, a ranching leader says. Public Health: A Salmonella outbreak linked to recalled broccoli sprouting seeds has sickened 32 people across six states, including Montana; three people have been hospitalized. Culture: Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrations brought powwows and community events to Missoula and Great Falls. River Restoration: Removing Milltown Dam near Missoula has reconnected the Clark Fork and Blackfoot rivers and helped address decades of contaminated mining sediment.

Senate Race: Montana’s U.S. Senate hopefuls Alme, Bankhead, Bodnar and Austin faced off in a debate on issues affecting the state. Farm and Timber Costs: Lt. Gov. Kristen Juras suspended dyed-fuel enforcement for 45 days for some agricultural and timber vehicles, offering temporary relief to commercial operators. Health Coverage: Montana’s Medicare Advantage options are set to shrink from 32 plans to 23 in 2027, a 28% drop that could force seniors to reassess coverage during enrollment. Fuel Prices: Gas prices fell for a third straight week, averaging $4.49 a gallon statewide—still $1.42 higher than a year ago. Trade Ties: Gov. Greg Gianforte’s Sri Lanka meetings focused on expanding opportunities for Montana agriculture, critical minerals and advanced manufacturing.

Trade and Industry: Gov. Greg Gianforte’s Sri Lanka visit aimed to expand markets for Montana food producers and strengthen ties in agriculture, critical minerals, advanced manufacturing and security. Senate Race: The four candidates met for their first debate in Bozeman, sparring over affordability, housing, health care and other issues ahead of the Nov. 3 election. They’re scheduled to debate again in Billings on Oct. 18. Ranching: A multigenerational family operation in the Blackfoot Valley is tying regenerative grazing to food production, with a focus on improving soil and sustaining the land. Indigenous Culture: Nearly 40 teams gathered in Hardin for Indian relay races celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day, carrying on a family-rooted tradition of horsemanship and speed.

Fuel Relief: Montana has temporarily suspended dyed-diesel enforcement for commercial vehicles hauling agricultural and timber products. The 45-day order, effective through Nov. 23, comes as high fuel costs squeeze producers. Agriculture: A fifth-generation ranching family in the Blackfoot Valley is connecting regenerative grazing with beef sales through the Old Salt Co-op, aiming to improve soil and sustain the land while raising cattle. State officials also warn that Palmer amaranth, a herbicide-resistant weed, was found in Cascade County. Eastern Montana: Bridger Pipeline has proposed a 647-mile crude-oil line from the Canadian border to Wyoming, including 435 miles through Montana, with planned capacity of 550,000 barrels a day. Community and Courts: Nearly 40 teams gathered in Hardin for Indigenous Peoples Day Indian relay races, a tradition passed through generations. Montanans are also weighing a ballot proposal to keep state judicial elections nonpartisan.

Fuel Costs: Montana has suspended enforcement of dyed-fuel rules for some commercial vehicles hauling agricultural and timber goods. The 45-day order, effective through Nov. 23, aims to ease pressure from high diesel prices. Indigenous Culture: Nearly 40 teams gathered in Hardin for Indian relay racing, a fast-paced tradition that brought family crews and riders together for an Indigenous Peoples Day celebration. Pipeline Proposal: Bridger Pipeline is proposing a 647-mile crude-oil line from Phillips County to Wyoming, including about 435 miles across eastern Montana. The company says it could carry 550,000 barrels a day; environmental review is underway. Election Watch: Missoula County mailed absentee ballots to more than 64,000 voters ahead of the Nov. 3 election and urged residents to check their registration and ballot status. Agriculture: State officials are warning landowners to watch for Palmer amaranth, a herbicide-resistant weed confirmed in Cascade County for the first time and now recorded at six sites in Montana.

Farm and Timber Relief: Montana has suspended enforcement of dyed-fuel rules for certain commercial vehicles hauling agricultural goods, livestock feed and timber. The 45-day order, effective through Nov. 23, aims to ease pressure from steep diesel costs. Invasive Weed Alert: State officials are urging landowners to report Palmer amaranth, a herbicide-resistant weed recently confirmed in Cascade County. It is the sixth confirmed occurrence in Montana and could threaten several crops if it spreads. Trade Mission: Gov. Greg Gianforte wrapped up meetings in Sri Lanka focused on agricultural exports, critical minerals, industrial hemp and security cooperation, building on Montana’s National Guard partnership with the country. Wolf Protections: The 9th Circuit will hear arguments Tuesday in cases over federal gray wolf protections, including a Montana case directing wildlife officials to reconsider their decision on protections in the Northern Rockies.

Livingston Film Dispute: Filming of Pawn Shop has resumed under revised permit conditions after protests over the production’s impact on the town. Actor Danny Trejo said he is pro-immigrant, not pro-ICE. Montana Politics: A super PAC has put another $1.9 million into the close 1st Congressional District race, Democrat Sam Forstag said as he campaigns against Republican Aaron Flint. Utility Bills: The Public Service Commission says its review of roughly 500 complaints about high NorthWestern Energy bills found no wrongdoing, though some customers reported bills more than doubling. Trade and Industry: Gov. Greg Gianforte’s India mission is seeking partnerships in quantum technology, aerospace and agriculture. Technology Security: Attorney General Austin Knudsen joined a multistate push for federal scrutiny of TP-Link and is among states suing the router maker over alleged security and consumer-protection concerns. Billings Business: Senmai, a downtown cafe serving matcha, Thai tea and Vietnamese coffee, grew from owner Victoria Keutla’s pop-ups into a permanent spot at Frae Collective.

Youth and Conservation: Glendive eighth-graders explored agriculture, wildlife and outdoor skills at Dawson County Conservation District’s annual hands-on day. Invasive Species: A 10-year-old’s report led Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks to confirm freshwater jellyfish near Canyon Ferry Reservoir; officials say they pose little apparent harm but aren’t native. Weed Control: Montana opened grants of up to $75,000 for noxious-weed research, management and education; applications are due Jan. 7. Billings-Area Training: The National Guard is seeking approval to use a Yellowstone County gravel pit near Huntley for occasional heavy-equipment training, keeping Billings-based engineers closer to home. Farm and Ranch: Montana Farmers Union will offer 75-cent cheeseburgers at Pearson’s Pumpkin Patch near Big Sandy Saturday to highlight farmers’ and ranchers’ share of food prices. Consumer Protection: Attorney General Austin Knudsen joined a 21-state call for federal scrutiny of TP-Link routers and sued the company, alleging misleading claims about privacy and security.

National Guard: Montana and Yellowstone County are working on a plan for soldiers to train at a county gravel pit near Huntley, giving the Billings-based engineering unit a nearby place to practice heavy-equipment skills. Weekend use is proposed; county approval is still pending. Housing: Big Sky has broken ground on Cold Smoke, a workforce project planned to add 389 homes near Meadow Village. Film Controversy: Livingston officials have allowed filming of the Daily Wire movie Pawn Shop to continue after residents objected to road closures and a scene they said echoed Renee Good’s killing. Agriculture: Montana Stockgrowers Foundation is accepting cattle or donations for its 2026 Cattle Drive program through Dec. 15; proceeds support scholarships and leadership programs. Wildlife: FWP says freshwater jellyfish found near Canyon Ferry Reservoir are invasive but appear to pose little environmental harm. Business and Technology: Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has sued router maker TP-Link over alleged security and privacy concerns, while Gov. Greg Gianforte’s India visit is promoting partnerships in technology, aerospace and agriculture.