AGP Executive Report

Beef Prices, Politics in Montana: Polling shows President Donald Trump’s net approval slid in 10 major beef states over the past month, including Montana, as the White House weighs lower grocery costs against ranchers’ fears about more imported beef. Native History Settlement: A Montana schools lawsuit over Native American history teaching is nearing an end, with a judge preliminarily approving a settlement that would require clearer oversight and more tribal input, followed by a public comment period. Exxon vs. Montana Roads: ExxonMobil’s fight with the Montana Department of Transportation over cleanup costs continues, with the company arguing the state agency violated rights tied to a clean and healthful environment. Data Centers Debate: Eastern Montana officials say developers are eyeing the region, but residents and opponents worry about electricity, water, and disruption—especially as projects advance elsewhere in the state. Public Health Alert: A salmonella outbreak linked to broccoli sprouts has expanded to 32 cases, now including Minnesota and Oregon, with Montana among affected states. Local Justice: A Billings man already in prison for assaulting a baby is now accused of insurance fraud tied to allegedly overstated stolen lawnmowers.

Capitol Restoration: Montana’s iconic “Montana” statue on the Capitol dome is being replaced after 125 years, with rust and corrosion found once it came down; the new statue is expected to cost about $790,000. Billings Justice: A Billings man already serving time for assaulting an infant is now accused of criminal insurance fraud, allegedly overstating the value of stolen lawnmowers that State Farm paid out on. Homelessness & Housing: Great Falls reports 231 people experiencing homelessness, up more than 10% from last year, as organizers point to high housing costs, low vacancy, and limited vouchers. Education Staffing: Rural Montana districts say they’re struggling to hire, including Malta starting the year without a band teacher and using after-school programs to keep music going. Courts on the Ballot: The Kalispell Chamber backs CI-132, a measure to keep Montana judicial elections nonpartisan. Public Safety/Environment: Montana’s predator policy is in focus as the FWP commission backs changes and drops trap checks. Local Culture: The Billings Symphony kicks off its Classic Series season with auditions for new music director candidates.

Montana Politics & Policy: A Helena town hall put flat-tax advocates on the education trail, arguing Montana should drop its two-bracket income tax and tax all income at 4.7%. Local Governance: Yellowstone County approved a second attempt at a ballot initiative that would regulate data centers and require interim zoning, with drought cited as the “emergency” backdrop. Consumer & Health: Montana’s Office of Public Instruction won federal grants to strengthen the MAST assessment system and expand student nutrition supports. Courts & Work: Three former Hi-Country Snack Foods employees won judgments for unpaid wages, while the bank is suing owners over millions in unpaid loans. Public Safety: A Salmonella outbreak tied to recalled broccoli sprouts has grown to 32 confirmed cases across six states, including Montana. Montana Justice: Yellowstone County investigators say a 1978 Billings-area homicide—Corina Contreraz—has been solved using forensic genealogy, identifying Angelo James Stallsmith Sr. as responsible. Business & Agriculture: BASF and Bunge announced Bunge will process BASF’s InVigor Gold canola seed, with commercialization planned for Montana growers starting in 2027.

Flat Tax Push: Flat. Fair. Montana. Initiative advocates held a Helena town hall to argue for a single 4.7% income tax rate, replacing Montana’s two-bracket system. Data Center Fight: Yellowstone County’s revised ballot initiative would require interim zoning rules and a two-thirds vote for data center expansions, after drought and water concerns fueled opposition. Education Funding Gap: A new state study says Montana’s K-12 funding is $213 million short of what’s needed for a “quality education,” with lawmakers facing a budget decision. Utility Oversight: The Montana Public Service Commission sent NorthWestern Energy’s long-term plan back over deficiencies in modeling, forecasting and assumptions. Workplace Pay Dispute: Three former Hi-Country Snack Foods workers won judgments for unpaid wages totaling more than $20,000 as the bank sues owners for about $5.8 million. Public Health: A Salmonella outbreak tied to recalled broccoli sprouts has grown to 32 confirmed cases across six states, including Montana. Capitol Statue Update: The state Capitol’s “Lady Montana” statue will be replaced after structural damage made repairs infeasible, with a replica estimated around $790,000. Native Colleges Under Strain: A report says tribal colleges face chronic federal funding cuts and inconsistent support, threatening programs and services. Food Recall Alert: Walmart shoppers in Montana were warned about a frozen pasta recall due to possible listeria contamination.

Data Center Fight in Yellowstone County: Yellowstone County commissioners asked Montana lawmakers for more power to regulate data centers, saying the 2025 Right to Compute Act limits local enforcement, including emergency zoning. PSC Merger Vote: The Montana Public Service Commission voted to let a newly seated member participate in the NorthWestern Energy–Black Hills merger decision, even as a court challenge is pending. Water, PFAS, and Cleanup: Columbia Falls removed a municipal well from service after PFAS (“forever chemicals”) were detected; the EPA also began cleanup at the Rumsey Mill mercury site near Philipsburg. Local Economy and Costs: Diesel prices hit record highs, squeezing northeast Montana farmers and ranchers; Montana’s unemployment held at 3.2% in August. State Land Revenue: The Montana Land Board approved an oil and gas lease sale on state trust lands expected to generate more than $2.1 million for public schools. Tribal News: Fort Peck Tribes repatriated and reburied remains of three Carlisle-era relatives. Food Safety: Walmart shoppers in Montana were warned about a frozen pasta recall tied to possible Listeria contamination.

I-194 Fight in Billings: The Billings Chamber of Commerce is opposing I-194, arguing the “Montana Plan” would block businesses and other groups from speaking up on local ballot issues, including levies and public safety measures, as election debate heats up. Data Centers on the Ballot: Montana Supreme Court ruled Butte citizens can vote on whether data centers move forward in the county, a win for the 406 People First group after a signature deadline dispute. Butte’s Berkeley Pit Pumping Restarts: Montana Resources resumed pumping after a seven-month emergency shutdown tied to instability concerns at the pit’s pump access ramp, moving equipment to keep water levels controlled. Autonomous Tech Comes to Missoula: CubCloud AI says it has applied to power Montana’s first Tesla Cybercab fleet, with plans to start internally before expanding public rides around Missoula. Rural Health Funding: Sen. John Hoeven and Rep. Julie Fedorchak introduced a bill to extend a Medicare rural hospital flexibility program for five more years. Food Safety Alert: Star Meat Delivery recalled about 167,639 pounds of raw pork, beef and goat products after reports of false USDA inspection labels.

Health Leadership Shakeup: Gov. Greg Gianforte says DPHHS Director Charlie Brereton will step down Oct. 30, with state medical officer Doug Harrington taking over—another sign of turnover in Montana agencies. Public Lands Under Review: The USDA is moving to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, extending public comments to Oct. 6; critics warn it could weaken wildlife habitat and clean-water protections. Canola Industry Move: Bunge will process BASF’s InVigor Gold canola, with Montana growers slated for availability starting in 2027. Local Development: Park County approved a Belgrade-area developer’s plan for 12 commercial lots near Livingston, clearing the way for the Yellowstone Reserve project. State Recognition: Gallatin County residents were honored by the governor for public service, including an FWP field warden and an MDT maintenance chief. Superfund Cleanup: Federal court filings advance a consent decree for the Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. site cleanup, including a slurry wall to contain long-running groundwater contamination.

Montana Politics & Economy: Montana’s unemployment rate held at 3.2% in August, with Park County still among the lowest at 2.1%. State Health Leadership: Gov. Greg Gianforte announced DPHHS Director Charlie Brereton will step down Oct. 30; Dr. Doug Harrington will take over. Health Care Costs: A new report says Medicaid spending from state budgets jumped sharply again, with Medicaid taking a bigger share of state dollars nationwide. Local Community & Culture: Helena seniors are getting more access to healing arts through an expanded Holter Museum program funded by a $50,000 Blue Impact grant. Environment & Water: Interior is expanding a Prairie Pothole Wetland easement review effort, with special focus on older North Dakota easements; in Montana, Columbia Falls removed a municipal well from routine service after PFOA “forever chemical” levels were found. Agriculture & Business: Montana Farm Bureau members returned from a D.C. fly-in focused on federal land, the farm bill, and trade; Under Armour opened its first Montana storefront in Bozeman. Energy & Infrastructure: Bozeman and Missoula’s green power program advanced to the PSC review stage. Rural Access to Care: LIFTT’s RideWell program aims to connect rural residents to medical appointments. Sports & Community: A Missoula U.S. Senate debate drew about 200 people at the library. Business/Industry Watch: Silver Bow Mining reported high-grade copper-silver massive sulfide results from its Rainbow Block project in Butte.

Suicide Prevention: A UM writer marks 10 years since a father’s suicide, urging Montanans to remember “you are never alone” and to use local help resources during Suicide Prevention Month. Campus Privacy: UM installed more than 300 AI-powered security cameras across Missoula; officials say they don’t use facial recognition, but students still raise privacy concerns. Billings Community: The South Park pool project in Billings won a $171,488 grant from Mountain America Foundation, replacing a century-old facility. Consumer Protection: Montana’s AGs are pushing people to file claims tied to multistate settlements over inflated generic drug prices. Public Health & Security: A 20-state coalition warns about Chinese-sourced pharmaceutical supply risks, including knockoff ingredients tied to compounded GLP-1 drugs. State Land & Energy: Montana Land Board approved an oil and gas lease sale expected to generate over $2.1 million for public schools. Weed Control: Montana’s Noxious Weed Trust Fund grant cycle opens, with applications due Jan. 6, 2027. Wildfire Safety: A Darby-area report questions roadside logging as wildfire prevention while U.S. Forest Service managers defend it as a way to limit spread. Local Economy: Billings-based EFX Sports says it’s expanding exports with Coupang, boosting sales in Korea.

Montana Public Lands: A new report asks whether the federal Roadless Rule should stay in place, noting Montana has 6.4 million acres tied up in the protections and that fire officials say blocked access can slow wildfire response. Montana Tech & Privacy: Coverage highlights how Montana’s “Right to Compute Act” limits local control over data centers, leaving counties “between a rock and a hard spot” on what they can regulate. Immigration Detention: Montana Free Press reports a class-action fallout: dozens of immigration detainees have been ordered released after a judge found warrantless arrests and mandatory detention practices were unlawful. Wildlife: Wyoming officials say Yellowstone’s last original wolf pack, Mollie’s Pack, survived the hunt after wolf hunt areas closed early at the mortality limit. Local Economy & Agriculture: Midwest farmers brace for higher diesel costs as harvest begins, with fuel prices pushing up operating bills. National Politics: A Montana senator’s push to curb corporate election spending echoes ballot fights in the state.

Superfund cleanup in Flathead Valley: Gov. Greg Gianforte and EPA chief Lee Zeldin toured the Columbia Falls Aluminum Company Superfund site, highlighting cleanup progress and future redevelopment after the company agreed to pay nearly $2M in past costs and spend about $57M on remediation. Local safety: A Stevensville school bus was hit by a vehicle Monday morning; six students were on board and were delivered to school, with parents notified. Planning and growth in Missoula: The Reserve to Scott Street Master Plan is nearing adoption, with residents backing a high-density, mixed-use vision and improved transportation for a 900-acre area. Historic return for Fort Peck tribes: The Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes brought home the remains of three boarding school victims from the Carlisle Indian Industrial School era. Rare-disease recognition: The Myositis Association honored leaders in myositis advocacy and care, including a posthumous award for Father Stuart Long, the inspiration for “Father Stu.” Mining update in Butte: Silver Bow Mining reported new massive sulfide mineralization at its Rainbow Block Project, including 0.82 meters grading 8.20% CuEq. Community arts: Missoula’s model railroad club held its 45th train show, drawing rail fans statewide.

Paramount Antitrust: A “gang of four” of state attorneys general is resisting a quick settlement in the Paramount–Warner Bros. Discovery antitrust fight, keeping a March 2, 2027 trial date in play. Montana Elections & Money: Montana’s push to bar corporate spending in elections is framed as a bid to curb “dark money,” but critics warn it collides with First Amendment limits. Public Lands & Jobs: New analysis says contractors tied to public land agencies took a $1.3B hit, with small businesses hit hardest after 2025 changes. Local Business Fallout: In Lincoln, suppliers and former workers say Hi-Country Snack Foods left unpaid bills and unanswered messages. Environment & Energy: Flood insurance reform in the UK faces scrutiny over insurer links to fossil fuel projects; Montana also weighs ongoing environmental and infrastructure impacts. Montana Culture: Missoula’s model train show draws rail fans and newcomers, highlighting how local history keeps communities connected.

College Sports: Oregon State routed Montana 52-17 in Corvallis, handing JaMarcus Shephard his first win as head coach and leaving the Grizzlies down 35-3 at halftime. Local Economy & Housing: A Kalispell business is expanding access to commercial kitchen space through Summit Cookhaus, aiming to help cottage food operators sell beyond farmers markets. Energy & Environment: A court-ordered change to Columbia and Snake River dam operations could push power bills higher, with Oregon-facing rate hikes tied to fish protections. Politics & Elections: Montana’s I-194 “Montana Plan” effort is back in the spotlight as supporters argue it would curb corporate “dark money” in campaigns. Public Lands & Ranching: Montana Stockgrowers is seeking a role in a federal fight over American Prairie’s bison grazing permits, arguing working ranchers need a voice. Superfund Cleanup: EPA and state officials toured Columbia Falls’ Superfund site, saying cleanup progress could wrap up by 2029. Community Culture: Missoula hosted the Viva Montana Latin Heritage Festival, bringing food, music and dance to Caras Park.

Montana Economy: Montana’s unemployment rate held steady at 3.2% in August, with employment up slightly and the state still below the national 4.1% rate. Public Lands & Ranching: Montana Stockgrowers is asking to join a federal lawsuit over American Prairie’s bison grazing permits, arguing ranchers’ voices should be heard in the fight over how the Taylor Grazing Act is applied. Local Earth Science: A magnitude 3.6 earthquake struck near Black Eagle, with brief power outages reported in Great Falls; state officials say there’s no sign activity is escalating. Superfund Cleanup to Housing: In Columbia Falls, officials highlighted progress at the CFAC Superfund site as a new 78-acre subdivision moves forward, aiming for hundreds of homes after cleanup milestones. Data Center Backlash: A new opinion piece points to broad public opposition to data centers, including a proposed Broadview project, arguing communities are being “insulted” by the impacts on energy, water, and local costs. Sports Betting & Montana Games: Multiple promo stories are circulating around prediction-market betting for Montana matchups, including Oregon State vs. Montana.

Hollywood & Business: California AG Rob Bonta is pushing back on a potential Paramount–Warner Bros. Discovery merger, while Paramount’s reported threats to leave California keep the pressure on. Montana Jobs: Montana’s unemployment held steady at 3.2% in August, below the national 4.1%, as employment ticked up. Wildlife & Land: State and federal officials toured the Columbia Falls CFAC Superfund site as a major housing project moves forward, and Montana’s wolf debate continues after the Fish and Wildlife Commission approved a higher-than-recommended kill quota. Public Health: Montana confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza in Ravalli County, the second detection in 2026. Rural Life: Rural Montana’s legal “deserts” are slowing court processes and making representation harder to find. Workforce & Recovery: Recovery Friendly Montana is expanding a program to help businesses support workers with substance use disorders. Sports: Montana football heads to Oregon State as betting lines favor the Beavers.

Legal Desert: Eastern Montana judges told the Montana Bar board in Miles City that lawyer shortages are slowing court cases, raising pro se filings, and rippling into family services and longer jail stays. State Procurement: A Legislative Audit Division report says Montana’s standard competitive-bid purchasing is mostly working, but flags more problems in sole-source and emergency contracting. Health Care Policy: Senate HELP/Finance weighed HHS nominations while House Ways and Means advanced bills on Alzheimer’s screening, home-delivered meals, and Medicare Advantage spending transparency. AI in Politics: A federal judge blocked Montana from enforcing its AI campaign-ad law, citing free-speech concerns. Public Health & Food: Montana confirmed avian influenza in Ravalli County’s chicken flock, urging stronger poultry biosecurity. Beef & Ranching: USDA-backed beef price pressures and consumer worries are pushing ranchers to market origin and quality more aggressively. Data Centers Debate: Nearly 75% of Montana voters oppose nearby data centers, as construction plans keep drawing backlash. Recovery Support: Recovery Friendly Montana is expanding workplace training and resources during National Recovery Month.