AGP Executive Report

Montana Hemp Industry: IND HEMP is investing in a new secondary fiber processing line at its IH Fiber decortication facility in Fort Benton, aiming to refine hemp fiber to “ready-to-spin” quality at the source. Local Film & Immigration Tensions: Livingston officials suspended and then approved permits for Danny Trejo’s “Pawn Shop,” a Daily Wire-linked ICE-themed movie, after residents raised concerns about disruptions to businesses and a nearby food bank. Tech & Retail Push: ExtraMile is rolling out Vroom Delivery’s digital commerce tools, letting convenience stores update online menus and pricing in real time based on what’s actually in stock. Montana Politics & Civic Life: Montana’s 3 7 77 Highway Patrol symbol is back in the spotlight, with historians still debating what the numbers mean. State Leadership in Agriculture: The Montana Grain Growers Association named Shawna Severson executive vice president, continuing her interim leadership. Education & Youth Innovation: A Baker Junior High student is comparing banana and plantain starch to build stronger bioplastic. Culture & Community: An Anaconda theater company is staging “War of the Worlds” for its fifth anniversary.

Election & voting access: A Lewis and Clark County judge struck down Montana’s requirement that voters list their birth year on absentee ballots, setting up fresh confusion as overseas ballots are already moving. State politics & local government: Dawson County voters will weigh changes that could shift county commissioner elections from partisan to nonpartisan, plus Glendive city council structure questions. Cost-of-living pressure: A Montana Free Press-Eagleton poll finds affordability—especially housing, healthcare, gas and groceries—drives how voters decide in the Nov. midterms. Montana economy & agriculture: Gov. Greg Gianforte is leading a trade mission to India to expand markets for pulse crops and grow education and research ties. Community spotlight: Allies in Aging in Billings is running a “Feed the Family” raffle with two $500 grocery gift-card prizes to support meals, transportation and care navigation for seniors. Local business: Marks Lumber in Clancy says it will retire and close after more than 75 years.

WWE & Courts: A police order of protection was issued against WWE NXT star Keanu Carver after allegations of unwanted visits, dozens of unwanted calls, and threats; no charges are filed yet and the investigation is ongoing. Family & Health Costs: A new look at “filial responsibility” laws warns some adult children could be forced to pay parents’ medical or burial bills, with penalties in several states. Drought Relief for Ranchers: USDA designated Carter County a primary natural disaster area due to drought, expanding eligibility for emergency credit for Montana producers and nearby counties. Montana Workforce: Labor Commissioner Sarah Swanson was elected chair-elect of NASWA, boosting Montana’s role in national workforce and jobs policy. Local Government & Youth: Kalispell City Council will consider seeking funds from Montana’s Meta settlement to help build an indoor recreation facility tied to youth programs and mental health. Agriculture in Schools: Montana Farm Bureau opened its “Ag in Color” drawing contest for K-6 students, with local and statewide winners. Billings Community: Students and local groups biked 20 miles for “Ride for Their Lives,” pushing for a cleaner environment. Sports: Butte Central’s week includes football, a major volleyball tournament, and cross country as teams gear up for late-season action.

Trade Mission: Gov. Greg Gianforte is leading a delegation of more than 30 Montanans to India and Sri Lanka (Oct. 5-9) to expand trade, education and business ties, with Montana pulse crops—chickpeas and lentils—front and center. Local Environment: Billings high school students joined a 20-mile “Ride for Their Lives” to push for a cleaner environment, biking from Meadowlark Brewing to MSU’s nursing college and back. Agriculture & Tourism: Lewistown’s first Harvest Train (Oct. 2) brought passengers aboard a vintage rail ride for hands-on Central Montana agriculture demos and local food. Recreation Access: A local effort is trying to reopen public recreation access at Fort Keogh, after gates and vehicle limits tightened in recent years. Tech & Jobs: The governor and Montana Chamber will host a Big Sky, Bright Future Economic Summit in Bozeman (Oct. 15) focused on technology innovation, including AI and photonics. Media/Community Impact: Livingston officials suspended filming of a Daily Wire movie over disruption to businesses and lack of communication about closures. Sports: Montana rolled past Northern Colorado 36-14 on Homecoming, improving to 5-1.

Montana Sports: The Montana Grizzlies kept rolling on Homecoming, routing Northern Colorado 36-14 behind Brooks Davis’ career day and Keali’i Ah Yat’s five TD passes, while the defense shut down the Bears for nearly three quarters. Frontier Football: Montana Western fell 28-27 to Southern Oregon in a Frontier West opener, despite a late push that included a key interception and scoring drive. Local Culture & Tourism: Glendive’s 100-year-old grain silo is getting a big mural upgrade, funded through a Montana Department of Commerce tourism grant, aiming to pull travelers off the interstate and into downtown. Indigenous Community: Blackfeet Community College hosted Days of Piikani, bringing elders and speakers together across Blackfoot territory to share language, treaty history, and land-based teachings. Business & Trade: Gov. Greg Gianforte will lead a 30-member delegation to India and Sri Lanka to expand partnerships in agriculture, bioscience, photonics, energy, and education. Tech & Economy: The Montana Chamber and Gov. Gianforte plan a Big Sky, Bright Future Economic Summit in Bozeman focused on technology innovation.

Frontier football: Montana Western opened Frontier West play with a 28-27 road loss to Southern Oregon, despite a late rally that included a 48-yard kick return by Billings product Maclain Burckley. Montana in the world: Gov. Greg Gianforte is leading a 30-member delegation to India and Sri Lanka to court business deals and expand education and research ties, with Montana pulse crops a key focus. Local business/retail: TJ Maxx says it’s still expanding—opening a new store in Montana in August—while noting only three 2026 closures tied to recent reports. Health care costs: A new look at ACA marketplace enrollment shows fewer plan selections and higher premiums heading into 2026, as enhanced subsidies fade. Education funding: MSU-Northern was awarded about $2.5 million over five years to strengthen student support and help more students finish degrees. Energy prices for farmers: Farm Bureau analysis points to tight fuel markets and supply disruptions driving higher diesel costs during harvest. Public safety/tech: A growing backlash to automated license plate readers is pushing candidates and local governments to demand limits on surveillance tech.

Montana Sports: Idaho stunned No. 1 Montana State in a nationally televised ESPN finish, scoring late and winning 35-34 after a clock controversy set up one final play. Local Outdoors: A floating closure on the Blackfoot River near Milltown was lifted after BNSF bridge construction wrapped, though parts of the Milltown State Park Gateway Trail remain closed. Education & Workforce: MSU-Northern won about $2.5 million over five years to strengthen student support and pathways to graduation and jobs. Community & Culture: Red Lodge hosts the Neighboring Nations Indigenous Arts & Culture Festival Oct. 9-12, spotlighting Native artists, food, and entrepreneurs. Ag & Local Economy: Miles Community College says a Lightcast study found it contributes $17.7 million annually to the local economy, supporting hundreds of jobs. Health Coverage: ACA marketplace plan selections fell 4.9% as premiums rose 19.7%, reshaping how Montanans may shop for coverage.

Blackfoot River Access: A floating closure in the Milltown area was lifted after BNSF railway bridge construction wrapped up, though a nearby Milltown State Park trail segment stays closed for cleanup; another temporary closure is possible in 2027 for I-90 bridge work. Montana Officials & Community: Montana’s officials are dealing with a growing shortage of sports referees, forcing game changes across eastern Montana. Livestock & Agriculture: Montana Stockgrowers Association opened registration for its 142nd Annual Convention & Trade Show in Billings (Dec. 3–5), with a Water Symposium planned ahead of committee meetings. State Leadership: Gov. Greg Gianforte announced a trade mission to India (Oct. 5–9) to strengthen ties, including stops tied to Montana industries and a Sri Lanka partnership for disaster response. Public Health: CDC reported measles cases rising to 3,887 nationwide as of Oct. 1, including new cases in Montana. Culture & Events: Red Lodge will host the Neighboring Nations Indigenous Arts & Culture Festival Oct. 9–12, highlighting Native arts, food, and film. Local Projects: Kaala’s Village Family Healing Center is moving forward in Lodge Grass to keep Crow families connected during recovery.

Credit Union Merger: Sky Federal Credit Union and On Tap Credit Union announced plans to merge, creating a combined Montana-and-Colorado credit union with about $671 million in assets and no planned branch closures. Housing & Policy Debate: New research is raising questions about whether inclusionary zoning—policies that require or incentivize developers to build affordable units—may be worsening the national home shortage. Election Transparency Push: Montana groups are urging voters to back I-194, arguing it would curb dark money by limiting corporate spending on ballot issues and candidates. Glacier Tourism Proposal: A hospitality company is seeking approval for a year-round aerial tram near Glacier National Park, with the Forest Service reviewing public need and the proposal’s ability to operate. Local Culture in Eastern Montana: Glendive is building what’s billed as Montana’s largest mural on a historic grain elevator, funded through a state tourism grant. Housing Costs Watch: Mortgage rates jumped to their highest level in nearly three years, pushing the typical 30-year fixed rate to 7.28%. Broadband Expansion: Vero Fiber completed its merger with MontanaSky, aiming to accelerate fiber growth across Northwest Montana. Fuel Pressure: Montana’s high gas and diesel prices are being linked to higher costs for farmers and ranchers, with ripple effects on grocery prices. Livestock Research: University of Wyoming researchers say more work is needed on how soil carbon sequestration could offset cattle methane emissions. Montana Ballots: Prairie County voters will weigh a Terry public schools improvement bond and a county road levy increase.

Dark Money Fight: A new Montana Plan push targets “dark money” in elections, arguing 501(c)(4) groups can spend heavily without naming donors, while opponents warn it could silence small Montana businesses. Local Arts & Culture: Livingston’s ArtWeek and the Big Bend Fine Art Auction wrapped up, with auctions featuring dozens of Montana artists and most proceeds going to creators. Wildlife & Federal Policy: Montana wildlife officials say proposed federal grizzly-bear management changes likely won’t change day-to-day work on the ground. Tech & Privacy: AI-powered license-plate cameras are expanding across Montana, raising accuracy and privacy questions as universities add more systems. Health & Community: Bozeman kicked off Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a downtown “pink” campaign supporting Cancer Support Community Montana. Business & Development: Missoula confirmed a Whole Foods location for the Midtown Market project, expected to open in April 2028. Energy Oversight: MEIC says NorthWestern Energy’s IRP revisions should address specific PSC-flagged gaps in resource adequacy, risk, modeling, and load forecasting.

Energy & Environment: Montana officials praised the Trump administration’s repeal of federal power-plant emission rules, while watchdog groups criticized the move as a step backward for air quality. Politics & Elections: A new Montana ballot measure, I-194, is drawing sharp backlash for being “dangerously overbroad,” with critics warning it could chill ordinary speech by Montana nonprofits and businesses. State Government: The state says accessibility upgrades for the new executive residence at the Samuel T. Hauser Mansion are in the concept/design phase, after questions about ADA compliance. Agriculture & Water: The Montana Stockgrowers Association announced a four-part fall webinar series on Montana water law and water-right administration ahead of the 2027 legislative session. Public Safety: Rangers say October is peak bear-activity season in national parks, with rules aimed at preventing avoidable encounters. Business & Jobs: A Senate-passed bill would expand access to capital for rural small businesses, with Montana’s Rep. Troy Downing leading the House companion. Local Notes: Cascade students attended a career and college fair in Great Falls, exploring universities, trade schools, and military options.

Montana Agriculture: A Sunburst family shared what’s worked on their farm after years of soil testing, stopping fallowing, expanding rotations, and using composting and biological products to cut fertilizer risk. State Politics: Montanans are set to vote on three statewide ballot measures—CI-132, CI-133 and I-194—with I-194 aimed at curbing “dark money” and corporate spending in elections. Tribal Affairs: President Trump plans a Choctaw Nation rally in Oklahoma, a rare move since most presidents seldom visit Indian Country while in office. Local Business & Community: First Interstate Bank employees completed nearly 400 volunteer projects during its ninth annual Volunteer Day across 10 states, including Montana. Public Safety: Billings plans to tackle graffiti on the Rims with firefighters rappelling down to paint over affected areas. Cost Pressures for Farmers: Diesel prices in Montana are near record highs, squeezing farm budgets as equipment runs can’t easily pause. Weed Control Funding: Montana’s Noxious Weed Trust Fund grant cycle for FY2027 is open, with applications due Jan. 6, 2027. Sports: Freshman Zoe Bar-Or earned Big Sky co-Golfer of the Week honors after a strong showing at the Sun Mountain Intercollegiate.

Montana State University Research: MSU says annual research spending is up 7% and has topped $300 million for the first time, underscoring the university’s growing role in Montana science and jobs. Agriculture & Water Policy: Montana Stockgrowers will host a four-part fall webinar series on water law and water-right administration ahead of the 2027 legislative session. Outdoor Access & Public Lands: Missoula-area protesters gathered to oppose rescinding the 2001 Roadless Rule, arguing roadless areas protect wildlife, wildfire risk, and clean water. Conservation Easement: FWP is seeking public comment on a proposed 99-year conservation easement for 3,652 acres on Hannah Ranch near Moore, aimed at protecting wildlife habitat while keeping ranching in place. Energy & Local Data Centers: Fergus County residents are asking for a data-center working group to set guidelines on size, water use, noise, and roads. Workforce & Industry: Sibanye ratified a new wage agreement for East Boulder workers, while strikes continue at Stillwater East. Health & Food Safety: FDA assigned the highest risk level to a Salata salad dressing recall over possible Salmonella contamination.

Montana Sports: The Grizzlies’ offensive line looks steadier after major offseason turnover, helping power a 40-point road win over UC Davis and giving Eli Gillman room for a record-setting day. Montana Education & Culture: The Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia shut down after nearly 200 years, while in Bozeman the Museum of the Rockies opens “Popnology,” linking sci-fi to real tech with hands-on activities. Conservation & Land: Ted Turner’s Flying D Ranch—113,000 acres south of Bozeman—remains a major wildlife haven for wolves, bears, bison and more. Local News & Community: Lee Enterprises is acquiring the Great Falls Tribune, expanding its Montana footprint. Public Safety: Town Pump Charitable Foundation awarded nearly $1.2 million in grants to volunteer fire departments statewide, including $20,000 for Cut Bank’s training facility. Health & Policy: Montana state employee healthcare costs rise in January, with negotiated changes easing some of the earlier increases.

Trade & Industry: A new analysis says the U.S.-Canada trade war is hitting some states harder than others, with Illinois, Texas, Michigan, New York and Ohio accounting for the biggest slices of Canada-linked goods trade as fresh import restrictions take effect. Montana Agriculture: The USDA has issued a federal drought disaster designation for much of Montana, unlocking emergency credit and low-interest loans for eligible counties as extreme dryness stretches through the growing season. Tribal Water: President Trump signed a law extending funding authority for the Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water System through 2028, keeping key northeastern Montana water projects moving. Local Environment: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on a proposed 99-year conservation easement for 3,652 acres at Hannah Ranch, plus additional environmental assessments tied to prescribed fire and state park improvements. Energy & Grid Policy: A new policy paper lays out how states can measure grid utilization over time, as Montana and other states move toward similar regulatory frameworks. Business & Community: Lee Enterprises’ acquisition moves continue, with the Great Falls Tribune set to be acquired as local media portfolios realign. Sports & Politics: The Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act, a major step in the ongoing fight over college athlete rules and compensation.

Food & Community: The Big Sky Food and Wine Festival donated hundreds of pounds of leftover food to local food banks, turning a weekend of cooking into real help for neighbors. Cancer Advocacy: Volunteers with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network brought Montana’s cancer fight to the Capitol, stressing disparities for rural communities and American Indian patients. Water & Ranching: The Montana Stockgrowers Association roadshow in Glendive highlighted producer concerns over taxes, water rights, and a court fight over well-permit rules. Public Lands & Access: A proposed repeal of the 2001 roadless rule could reshape wildfire, water, and wildlife protections around Big Sky, with comments due Oct. 6. Local Economy & Industry: Gov. Gianforte toured the Graymont limestone operation near Townsend, underscoring its jobs and role in construction and water treatment. Media Business: Lee Enterprises agreed to acquire the Great Falls Tribune, expanding its Montana newspaper portfolio. Infrastructure: Crews began major replacement work on the 110-year-old St. Mary Diversion Dam near Babb, including fish-protection upgrades. Jobs Watch: Montana’s unemployment rate held at 3.2% in August, with Dawson County at 2.7%.