AGP Executive Report

World Livestock Auctioneer Spotlight: Billings’ Jace Thompson, 23, was named the 2026 World Livestock Auctioneer Champion—becoming the first father-son duo to win the title with his dad, Ty Thompson. High School Sports: Billings Central freshman Addison Kegel earned Montana Gatorade Track and Field Athlete of the Year after sweeping 800, 1,600 and 3,200 at the Class A state meet and posting dual All-American finishes at Nike Outdoor Nationals. Public Lands Funding: Sen. Steve Daines’ America the Beautiful Act is moving through Congress to renew the Legacy Restoration Fund, aiming for a presidential signature by July 4 to tackle deferred maintenance on national parks and public lands. Water Quality Watch: Montana DEQ is moving toward an impairment designation for the Big Hole River tied to nutrient-driven algae growth, with a possible final decision not expected until 2027. Politics & Ballot Fight: A Montana Plan coalition is forming to counter business-group concerns about the citizen initiative limiting corporate political spending. Outdoor Economy & Culture: Gov. Gianforte is backing Montana’s exhibit at the Great American State Fair on the National Mall as part of the 250th anniversary push.

Montana Energy & Courts: A federal judge ordered the U.S. and Wyoming to refund $109 million after illegal BLM oil and gas leases were approved in prime greater sage grouse habitat, while allowing some already-producing wells to continue. Wildlife & Land: A new push to reconnect habitat highlights wildlife crossings and fencing as roads become a growing barrier for animals. Agriculture: Montana ranchers are bracing for New World Screwworm, with emergency entry restrictions for warm-blooded animals and added veterinary checks. Power & Data Centers: Hyperscale Data says it received a “will serve” determination for up to 125 additional megawatts at a Montana site, expanding plans for power-hungry infrastructure. Local Montana Life: The Gardiner Rodeo returned for its 52nd year near Yellowstone, keeping Western tradition alive for visitors and families. Community Support: Town Pump Charitable Foundation is awarding $750,000 in grants to volunteer fire departments statewide for training, equipment, and tools. Culture & History: Hundreds of riders gathered for the 150th anniversary Battle of the Little Bighorn commemoration, and a Smithsonian exhibit features a plains bison calf descended from the CSKT herd.

Montana Jobs: Montana’s unemployment rate fell to 3.4% in May, with the state reporting declines in both unemployment and total employment, while payroll jobs dropped most in construction and hospitality. Ballot Access: The Montana Plan’s Initiative 194 (Transparent Election Initiative) is on track for the November ballot after collecting nearly 50,000 signatures statewide, with thousands already verified. Public Safety & Wildlife: Choteau hosted the second annual Teton Bear Smart Bear Fair, drawing 115 people for bear-safety training and a bear-spray loaner program. Aviation & Firefighting: Neptune Aviation took delivery of its first Airbus A319 for an 18-month conversion into a next-generation aerial firefighting tanker, targeting the 2028 season. Local Culture & Community: A new documentary highlights Indigenous youth skateparks on the Flathead Reservation as “cultural engines,” showing families using the parks. Helena History: A historic 1909 Helena trolley is awaiting restoration after decades in storage, with local preservationists searching for help to finish the work. Arts & Sports: Tanner Lind was named Director of Player Development for the Montana Lady Griz.

Montana Politics: The Transparent Election Initiative says it hired Russell Cleveland, a former Democratic candidate, as executive director of partnerships, aiming to build support for its ballot effort to curb dark money in Montana elections. Ballot Access: A committee backing Constitutional Initiative 133 filed more than 100,000 signatures, seeking to add stronger initiative and referendum protections to Montana’s Declaration of Rights. Public Safety & Health: A judge paused a state process for a Flathead Lake water permit tied to the Territory 1889 development, saying public comments weren’t properly incorporated. Local Government: Missoula put a pause on plans to upgrade security cameras at four park sites after a City Council debate over privacy and public oversight. Community & Economy: Billings’ $20 million Amend Recreation Center is nearing completion, with multiple courts for basketball, volleyball and pickleball under one roof. Sports: Montana State’s Lady Griz added Tanner Lind as the first Director of Player Development, and CJI standout Brynn Kammerzell committed to Montana State basketball. Tourism: Glacier National Park opened the Going-to-the-Sun Road for the season, with timed parking at Logan Pass starting July 1.

Greasy Grass 150: Thousands are expected around Little Bighorn National Monument this week as Montana marks 150 years since the Battle of Greasy Grass, with Lakota, Cheyenne and Arapaho leaders emphasizing resilience and remembrance. Marijuana money: Montana has topped $240M in marijuana tax revenue over the past four years, but the split is shifting—less for Fish, Wildlife and Parks and more for the general fund—prompting concerns from Yellowstone County dispensaries. Glacier tourism: Going-to-the-Sun Road is open for the season, with new crowd controls like timed parking at Logan Pass starting July 1. Billings sports build: Amend Recreation Center nears completion in Billings, a $20M multi-sport hub for basketball, volleyball and pickleball. MSU Billings leadership: Athletic director Michael Bazemore is stepping down to take a similar role in Alaska, with a national search set to begin. Medicaid/SUD pressure: Providers say Medicaid work requirements and paperwork gaps could disrupt coverage for people needing substance use disorder treatment. SNAP limits blocked: A federal judge struck down “unhealthy food” restrictions in SNAP pilots, a ruling that could affect millions. Plastics fight: Montana joins a multi-state lawsuit challenging California’s plastics packaging law, arguing it’s unconstitutional overreach.

Canyon Creek Trial in Billings: A federal trial began Monday as families allege improper care at Canyon Creek Memory Care during a 2020 COVID outbreak, including claims residents were dehydrated, suffered bedsores, and were understaffed. Little Bighorn Tourism Hit: As the 150th anniversary nears, a Custer-area trading post says battlefield closures—four days a week during construction—are cutting traffic and hurting local gas and shop sales. Montana Tobacco Tax Push: Advocates in Helena are lining up for a $2-per-pack tobacco tax increase at the 2027 Legislature, citing a new poll and student concerns about nicotine use. Plastics Act Lawsuit Spreads: Montana is among 17 states challenging California’s single-use plastics packaging law, arguing it unlawfully forces nationwide compliance and raises costs. Data Center Rate Fight: Montana groups are pressing to shape a Montana Public Service Commission case over NorthWestern Energy’s proposed data-center tariff, warning fixed-income households could pay more. Lakeside Sewer Expansion: Montana DEQ approved the final environmental assessment for phase two of the Lakeside County Water and Sewer District’s expansion, moving the project toward more treatment capacity.

Tobacco Tax Push: Advocates in Helena say Montana’s cigarette tax ($1.70 a pack) hasn’t risen since 2005 and are campaigning for a $2 increase at the 2027 Legislature, citing a new poll showing majority support and student concerns about nicotine use. Privacy and AI Cameras: Missoula is set to vote on buying AI-capable security cameras for parks and aquatics, but Montana law limits local governments from using AI facial recognition. Plastics Act Lawsuit: Montana is among 17 states joining a federal challenge to California’s packaging “EPR” plastics law, arguing it unlawfully reaches beyond California and could raise costs for families nationwide. Rural Health Gap: Coverage highlights that rural areas lag in cancer treatment and prevention, underscoring ongoing access problems beyond big cities. Housing in Great Falls: Great Falls is moving forward on a new affordable housing development, with early work starting on utilities, roads, and infrastructure. Montana Outdoors: A feature looks at catching giant trout on the Missouri River near Helena, tying local fishing lore to the region’s angling draw.

Montana Bees on the Loose: An estimated 250 million honeybees escaped after a truck hauling hives overturned near Yellowstone on U.S. Highway 191, scattering boxes along about a quarter-mile stretch and sending workers to the scene; a deputy was reportedly stung multiple times. Local Business & Community: Carmel’s Sports Bar & Grill in Anaconda confirmed the death of owner Shane Charles after a shooting Saturday night; authorities say a suspect is in custody. Tech & Energy Watch: Hyperscale Data says it will hold a conference call on Montana expansion plans tied to potential data center power capacity, alongside updates on its Michigan AI campus. Montana Agriculture: A Hamilton nonprofit, O’Hara Commons & Sustainability Center, is working to boost access to locally grown food across Montana families through markets and food programs. State Economy/Industry: W. R. Berkley appointed Kirk A. Parker as president of Berkley North Pacific, which includes Montana among its agent network. Beekeeping Industry: A Montana apiary owner and others discussed bee nutrition and the industry’s undervaluation at a regional beekeeping conference.

Montana Water Fight: A judge paused a water permit for a Lakeside resort development, keeping the case in administrative review while opponents argue the groundwater plan could harm the Flathead Basin and overlooks climate, connected surface water, and tribal water rights. Montana Politics & Money: The “Montana Plan” aimed at targeting corporate political spending is set to qualify for the November ballot after campaign organizers submitted enough signatures. Montana Conservation & Land Use: Montana approved a major new timber management plan, while separate coverage highlights ongoing pressure over mining and data-center threats to the Blackfoot River. Montana Agriculture: USDA announced new efforts and funding to fight screwworm, and Montana’s agribusiness community continues to push research and scholarships. Montana Community & Sports: Montana State women’s basketball is running youth camps to pass on fundamentals and team culture. National Watch: Severe thunderstorms and flooding threats continue across the central and eastern U.S., and Medicaid work-rule final guidance rolls out nationwide.

Water Rights Fight: A judge paused a Lakeside resort development’s water permit, setting up administrative review over a proposed groundwater diversion tied to Discovery Land Company’s Territory 1889. Rural Montana Economy: Gov. Greg Gianforte highlighted rural investments on his 56-county tour, including a Hardin visitor center grant and support for Colstrip’s Business Innovation Center. Public Health Policy: Final federal rules spell out how Medicaid enrollees must prove they’re working or in approved activities, with Montana providers and applicants facing new compliance timelines. Montana Agriculture & Costs: A Federal Reserve “Beige Book” update says farm conditions are mixed but cost pressures are rising, with fuel and fertilizer prices staying elevated. Local Government Paperwork: The City of Bozeman is taking bids for Bikefill Park infrastructure and McIlhattan roadway improvements, with construction targeted for 90 days in 2026. Montana Community Spotlight: A 12-year-old Geraldine rancher is making waves in 4-H and rodeo, reflecting the state’s youth agriculture culture.

Montana Agriculture & Costs: A new Federal Reserve “Beige Book” snapshot says farm conditions in the Corn Belt were mostly unchanged, but fertilizer and fuel prices stayed elevated—one contact even bought diesel “hand to mouth” instead of in bulk. Drugs & Sentencing on Rocky Boy’s Reservation: A federal sentence of 13 months landed for a man whose getaway truck helped lead police to a stash of fentanyl, meth and cocaine, tying back to a reservation double homicide. Montana Politics & Ballot Access: Petition deadlines are in the rearview, and supporters say the “Montana Plan” is close to qualifying for November, while other initiatives also submitted signatures. Rural Montana Investment: Gov. Greg Gianforte’s 56-county tour highlighted projects like a Hardin visitor center grant and a Colstrip business innovation hub. Public Health Watch: Medicaid pathology and lab billing in Fort Benton rose 45.7% in 2024, according to federal spending data. Local Infrastructure: Glacier Park International Airport will close its runway on weekdays starting July 6 for rehabilitation work. Safety & Community: A Honda airbag recall warns of unintended deployment tied to a passenger seat weight sensor issue. Montana Economy & Industry: A data center developer near Broadview says it reached a preliminary agreement with local unions on wages, benefits and apprenticeships. Montana Culture: Montana’s cannabis industry is profiled in a look at how the state built a legal market from a thin medical law and years of local pressure. Wildlife & Tourism: A semi crash near Yellowstone spilled an estimated 250 million bees, stinging a deputy and triggering a major recovery effort.

Ballot Watch: Montana’s signature deadline is here, with supporters saying up to three initiatives could land on the November ballot, including the “Montana Plan” pushing back on corporate election spending and dark money. Election Integrity: A Churchill candidate says AI-altered deepfake mailers broke Montana election rules, filing a complaint after opponents allegedly used her image without required disclaimers. Local Politics: A Musselshell County commissioner race turned on coal-tax stakes, with debate over a federal “Crow Revenue Act” that could shift revenue tied to a longwall mine. Environment & Water: Conservationists are challenging a federal water-quality exemption near Valier, while the Blackfoot River faces new mining pressure as DEQ approved exploratory drilling. Community & Culture: Helena’s Lyla Ackerman was selected for the Smithsonian’s first rural internship class, and Montana State University hosted a Juneteenth celebration in Bozeman. Business & Jobs: A Broadview-area data center developer says it has an agreement with local unions to prioritize wages, benefits, and apprenticeships. Public Safety: A Honda airbag recall warns of airbags deploying unintentionally, and millions of bees escaped after a crash near Yellowstone.

Juneteenth in Bozeman: Montana State University hosted a Juneteenth celebration with food, history and hands-on activities, with speakers stressing the day’s meaning and that Black history is Montana history. Montana agriculture research: Producers gathered at MSU’s Northern Agricultural Research Center near Havre for field days featuring crop trials and emerging tools like drones and precision agriculture. Westcon-Comstor investment: Westcon-Comstor secured a minority stake and financing partner, General Atlantic, as Datatec moves ahead with a deal aimed at accelerating growth and expanding digital and AI capabilities. U of Montana hunting center: UM named Nicole Tatman inaugural director of a new Center for Hunting and Conservation, building on the school’s wildlife program and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Blackfoot River mining/data center threat: Montana DEQ approved exploratory drilling for Sentinel Metals in the Blackfoot headwaters, raising concerns about future mining impacts on water and habitat. Bees spill near Yellowstone: A truck carrying beehives overturned on U.S. 191, releasing millions of bees and prompting cleanup and response efforts. EPA raises Butte Superfund threshold: New federal cleanup guidelines increase the soil/attic threshold for toxic heavy metals, drawing skepticism but with residents focused on protecting kids. MLB draft overhaul talks: MLB and the players union met as MLB proposed major changes to amateur entry, including limiting high school players for the domestic draft and creating an international draft.

Data Centers & Power Costs: Montana’s DEQ and Gov. Greg Gianforte say they’ll ask to intervene in a Public Service Commission fight over a “large new load tariff” tied to data center electricity fees, arguing for protections so families aren’t stuck subsidizing big new users. Public Lands & Bison: Conservation groups are appealing the Trump administration’s move to evict more than 900 bison from central Montana public land, saying the action amounts to improper rule-making. Wildfire Pay: Sen. Tim Sheehy backs a bill to expand hazard pay for wildland firefighters and smokejumpers, including prescribed burns and training jumps. Local Crime: A Billings man, Thyssen River Grable, was sentenced to 10 years after firing a handgun during a failed convenience store robbery. Culture & Community: Missoula’s Montana Two-Spirit Society hosts its second annual powwow, while CSKT’s Big Medicine Dance Troupe brings cultural performances to the Bison Range visitor center. Environment & Education: Montana Freshwater Partners launches a Yellowstone River Ambassadors program to teach river etiquette and fish-handling. Business & Growth: Belgrade’s Jackrabbit Lane continues to expand with new retail projects, including a Rosauers opening soon.

EV Policy Scorecard: A new Brookings report says states vary wildly after federal EV rollbacks, with Montana among those scoring near zero for readiness, while California and Massachusetts lead. Montana Livestock Health: Montana issued an emergency order limiting livestock entry after screwworm was detected in Texas, aiming to protect animal health and welfare. Conservation in Northwest Montana: The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission approved a conservation easement purchase on Thompson River timberland to secure wildlife corridors and public access. Montana Politics: U.S. Senate candidate Alani Bankhead attacked independent Seth Bodnar over a University of Montana gender discrimination settlement, while Bodnar’s campaign pushed back. Native Arts Education: The American Indian College Fund renewed its Native Arts Program with a $2.4 million grant to help tribal colleges develop Native arts curricula and workshops. Community & Culture: A Northern Cheyenne stroke survivor in Billings “danced out” of rehab, and Montana teen James Lacy won top honors in the Western U.S. archery competition. Wildlife Remembrance: Tribes plan a national remembrance of the Battle of the Greasy Grass/Little Bighorn at the Montana site June 25-27.

Montana Politics: A new poll shows Republican Kurt Alme leading in the Montana Senate race, with Democrat Alani Bankhead and independent Seth Bodnar splitting the rest of the vote. Public Lands & Wildlife: The Trump administration ended a conservation priority tied to 245 million acres of public land, including a Montana bison grazing permit reversal. Local Governance & Community: The Montana Plan (Initiative 194) is set to qualify for the November ballot after volunteers collected nearly 50,000 signatures statewide. Energy & Industry: Montana coal is getting a push in South Korea as Gov. Greg Gianforte meets energy firms seeking more supply. Environment & Recreation: A Yellowstone-area crash spilled dozens of bee crates, while environmental groups are pressing the U.S. Forest Service for more public input on the Blue Copper mine proposal near Helena. Agriculture & Heritage: A Greycliff ranch is reviving historic sheep wagons as a camping experience, and the Western Montana Food & Farm Trail is launching a 200-mile local food road trip.