AGP Executive Report

Classroom Boost: Fairview Elementary second-grade teacher Montana Loesing won Brightspeed’s classroom champion prize, scoring a $2,000 shopping spree to make her room warmer and more reading-focused. Courts & Energy: A federal appeals court struck down Biden-era federal efficiency rules for gas and electric stoves and ovens, a fight that included Montana among the states challenging the policy. PFAS in Schools: Helena Public Schools reported “forever chemicals” detected at a Rossiter Elementary faucet after earlier preliminary PFAS positives at Jim Darcy Elementary, with confirmation testing still needed. Wolf Management Debate: An opinion piece argues Fish, Wildlife and Parks should pause wolf killing, saying wolf numbers are too uncertain and current targets could push the population down further. Local Politics: In Montana’s U.S. Senate race, Democrat Alani Bankhead says she’s staying in despite calls from some Democrats to step aside. Public Safety & Mental Health: Yellowstone County’s suicide prevention conference is set for Sept. 10 in Billings, featuring Johns Hopkins and NAMI Montana leaders. Animal Welfare: Miranda Lambert’s MuttNation Foundation and Tractor Supply announced $255,000 in surprise grants to animal shelters nationwide, including Montana. Detention & Rights: A Broadview woman alleges she was wrongfully detained at the Montana State Fair while carrying a petition tied to a data center ballot effort. Wildlife Litigation: Two federal lawsuits challenge a new policy revoking bison grazing permits on Montana federal land.

Solar Eclipse Prep: NASA and astronomy experts warn Montanans to use certified eclipse glasses or safe viewing methods ahead of Wednesday’s partial eclipse. NASA & Education: Montana State students are heading to Spain with the NASA-supported Eclipse Ballooning Project to launch scientific balloons before and after the eclipse. Local Economy & Community: A Billings candle maker is partnering with MontanaFair to donate 20% of proceeds from three fair-themed candles to the Little Fairgoers Fund. Public Safety & Courts: The Montana State Auditor suspended a bail bondsman’s license after allegations of exploiting people and running an unlicensed recruiting operation tied to jail bond debt. Tribal & Legal Tension: Protests on the Wind River Reservation continue as a church standoff raises questions about Indigenous sovereignty and religious freedom. Wildlife Debate: A viewpoint argues Montana should pause wolf killing, citing revised wolf counts and pack decline. Agriculture Law: A new Montana law clarifies how drivers and farm equipment operators must share roads when machinery is moving between fields. Business & Disaster Relief: SBA disaster loans are available for drought-impacted small businesses in parts of Montana. Food Safety: A salmonella recall tied to jalapeños has expanded to grocery-shelf products distributed across 26 states.

Crow Tribe Land Swap: Sen. Steve Daines’ Crow Revenue Act cleared a key Senate committee, setting up a land swap tied to the Bull Mountains coal mine and raising questions about how much revenue it will bring to Musselshell County and the Crow Tribe. MontanaFair Signature Incident: Yellowstone County deputies detained signature gatherers inside the ticketed area at MontanaFair; no charges were filed, and the sheriff says the matter is under investigation. Wildlife & Grazing Lawsuit: Environmental groups filed notice of intent to sue over the Forest Service allowing cattle grazing in grizzly-conflict areas near Yellowstone, arguing Endangered Species Act violations. PFAS at Helena School: Initial tests found “forever chemicals” in water testing at Jim Darcy Elementary; Helena Public Schools says the results are detection-only and plans next steps with DEQ. Fire Restrictions: FWP put Stage 1 fire restrictions in place on its Lake County lands, limiting campfires and smoking. Montana Politics: Alani Bankhead says she will not withdraw from the U.S. Senate race despite pressure from within her party. Local Government: Former Billings mayor Bill Cole and others are pushing for a new Yellowstone County jail as the detention center stays far over capacity. Community & Culture: Montana Branch Library hosts authors Naomi Hirahara and D.K. Furutani; and MontanaFair continues with its 111th birthday celebrations.

Hemp Policy: The Senate passed a continuing resolution that extends the federal moratorium on a ban of most hemp-derived THC products, pushing the effective date from Nov. 12 to Dec. 11—giving Montana’s hemp industry about one more month while the House weighs the change. Montana Wildlife: A new critique of Fish, Wildlife and Parks’ wolf-counting methods says Montana’s wolf numbers may be far lower than agency estimates and urges a moratorium on wolf killing as the population declines. Food Safety: A multistate salmonella scare tied to jalapeños has triggered recalls, including Walmart’s Bettergoods Pistachio Nut Butter in Montana and other states, with shoppers urged to check lot codes and “best if used by” dates. Local Economy & Housing: Tenant unions in Montana are gaining leverage as rents rise and landlords face more organized pressure. Agriculture & Health: A study on MRV and PAdV in U.S. pigs finds the viruses can be present and spread through intestinal shedding, but appears low risk for severe, unique disease—useful for herd health decisions. Mining Watch: Sentinel Metals says its first Montana drill hole at the Columbia project hit strong gold intervals, including 46.8 meters at 5.5 g/t.

Downtown Billings Culture: Julia Louis-Dreyfest returned for four days of independent punk music, poetry, and DIY art across venues like Craft Local and Kirk’s Grocery, drawing bands and artists from around Montana and the region. Healthcare Access: Great Falls residents are finding it harder to land a new primary care doctor as Montana and the nation face physician shortages; Benefis says it’s expanding local training to help close the gap. Food Safety Alert: Walmart shoppers should check Bettergoods Pistachio Nut Butter jars with a Jan. 28, 2027 expiry date and lot code LB028ACP04 after a Salmonella finding triggered a recall that reached Montana and 18 other states. Childcare Expansion: KidsLINK opened registration in the Bozeman area as families plan for the school year, with the program serving about 1,200 students annually and aiming to fill “childcare desert” gaps. Local Road Safety: A Hardin tow operator is urging drivers to follow Montana’s “Move Over” law, warning that speeding past parked emergency and road crews puts workers at serious risk. Montana Sports: Bobby Kennedy is set to lead the Montana Grizzlies as head coach, looking ahead to UM’s Aug. 29 opener at Washington-Grizzly Stadium.

Montana Agriculture: The American Farm Bureau Federation is warning the Senate farm bill debate over a mandatory base acre update could cut commodity program benefits by $2.24 billion a year and strip farmers of risk-management support. Local Libraries: Flathead County Library has kicked off a $13 million capital campaign feasibility study for a new building, with officials aiming to break ground in 2030. Montana Public Safety: A Hardin tow truck operator is urging drivers to follow Montana’s “Move Over” law, saying speeding past parked emergency and road crews puts workers at risk. Montana Sports: Bobby Kennedy is settling into his first season as Montana Grizzlies head coach and is looking ahead to opening night at Washington-Grizzly Stadium. Montana Fair: A Worden girl is bringing emus to MontanaFair for the first time, after months of extra preparation to get the birds ready for the show ring. Out West Water: Lake Powell’s shrinking water levels are forcing marinas to close ramps, relocate facilities, and adapt to a new reality on the Colorado River.

Hemp Policy Shift: The U.S. Senate passed a budget move led by Sen. Amy Klobuchar to temporarily delay a nationwide hemp ban, giving Congress time to pursue a longer fix—House approval still needed. Road Safety: A Hardin tow truck operator is urging drivers to actually follow Montana’s “Move Over” law, warning that speeding past emergency and road work vehicles puts responders at risk. Local Fair Fun: A Worden girl brought emus to MontanaFair for the first time, months of training paying off with big crowds and laughs. Montana Sports: Bobby Kennedy is set to open his first season as Montana Grizzlies head coach, with the Aug. 29 opener against Southern Utah carrying extra weight. Food Safety Watch: Health officials are investigating a Salmonella outbreak tied to imported jalapeños, with hundreds sick across multiple states. Data Center Fight: A Yellowstone County initiative signature deadline dispute continues in court over a proposed Quantica data center near Broadview.

Montana U.S. Senate Race: Independent candidate Seth Bodnar says he won’t withdraw, pushing back on speculation as the Monday ballot-deadline nears, while Alani Bankhead also has not stepped aside. Billings Food Safety: Montana’s Department of Livestock withdrew a notice to suspend Meadow Gold’s license after inspectors said violations at the Billings milk plant were corrected; officials say they’re not aware of credible illness reports. Local Ballot Fight Over Data Centers: A court fight continues over whether Yellowstone County and Quantica followed the right signature deadline for a Broadview data-center initiative, with an emergency request filed over a July 13 vs Aug. 12 deadline. Energy & Land Use: Stillwater County residents are weighing new renewable projects, including PSE’s Battle Butte Solar Farm, as ranchers look for ways to keep agriculture viable alongside solar development. Agriculture Policy: A bipartisan U.S. bill led by Sen. Tim Sheehy would require schools to get a waiver before buying imported food for lunch programs. Public Health: A nationwide Salmonella outbreak tied to Mexican jalapeños has sickened hundreds across 27 states, prompting recalls and restaurant ingredient pullbacks.

Renewables for ranch country: Puget Sound Energy’s Battle Butte solar farm in Stillwater County would cover about 1,200 of 8,000 acres and generate roughly 130 megawatts, with supporters saying it could create new opportunities for sheep ranchers as power flows to Colstrip and onward to Washington. Food safety watch: Walmart shoppers in 19 states—including Montana—are being told to check for Bettergoods pistachio nut butter recalled after Florida testing found salmonella; no illnesses reported yet. Billings dairy crackdown: Montana’s Department of Livestock says Meadow Gold’s license suspension notice is being withdrawn after inspectors found violations corrected, though the plant is still under follow-up reinspections. Senate race filing deadline: Independent Seth Bodnar says he won’t drop out of Montana’s U.S. Senate race as the withdrawal deadline nears, while Alani Bankhead is also not withdrawing. Land-use lawsuit brewing: Environmental groups plan to sue the Forest Service over cattle grazing approvals in grizzly-heavy Union Pass/Elk Ridge areas, arguing Endangered Species Act problems. Energy demand spotlight: New Montana data-center proposals could total about 1,650 megawatts—near NorthWestern’s current maximum capacity—raising big power and planning questions. Local business disruption: Bozeman’s Stadium View Apartments tenants were told to relocate temporarily due to unexpected repairs ahead of MSU classes. Mining drill plans: Domestic Metals says it will start a fully permitted 9,000-meter drill program at the Smart Creek Project near Butte. Arts & community: The Montana Arts Council named new Governor’s Arts Awards recipients, including Missoula rocker Jeff Ament.

Montana Sports: The Glendive Wet Devils capped their season with a historic third-place finish in Class AA at the Montana State Championships in Plentywood, scoring 792 points and winning five individual state titles plus four relays—an especially meaningful sendoff for longtime coach Mariah Tipton in her final year. Food Safety: Walmart shoppers in Montana and 18 other states are being told not to eat recalled Bettergoods Pistachio Nut Butter after Salmonella was found in a tested lot; no illnesses reported yet, but refunds are available. Public Lands & Recreation: Federal leaders and outdoor groups marked the Great American Outdoors Act’s sixth anniversary, arguing it has rebuilt trails and visitor facilities and boosted rural jobs and local economies. Wildlife & Policy: A proposal would let states manage grizzly populations if numbers recover, as debate grows over how to track bear-human conflicts and keep people safe. Montana Politics: A high-stakes U.S. Senate race in Montana is tightening ahead of a key candidate deadline, with independent Seth Bodnar and Democrat Alani Bankhead both trying to slow a Trump-backed Republican.

PSC Appointment Watch: Gov. Greg Gianforte named five applicants to fill the Montana Public Service Commission seat tied to Brad Molnar’s temporary removal, with the pick expected to cover about a year while lawsuits play out. Bison Grazing Fight: A conservation group sued the federal Bureau of Land Management over a decision to revoke permits for seven Montana bison grazing allotments. Utility Transparency: NorthWestern Energy released previously shielded data center agreement details after the PSC faced public pressure, though some parts remain redacted. Food Safety in Montana: A Bozeman family filed a lawsuit after a teen became ill with salmonella tied to jalapeños from Chipotle as the outbreak reached Montana. State Capitol Update: Crews removed the 15-foot “Montana” statue from the Capitol dome in Helena as part of the $28 million restoration project. Wildlife Management Debate: Critics say Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks should pause wolf hunting after revised estimates show a much smaller wolf population than earlier counts. Public Health Reminder: Cyclospora cases keep climbing nationwide, with Montana reported as having no confirmed cases so far.

Salmonella Outbreak: Federal health officials say 345 people in 27 states have been sickened by Salmonella Javiana linked to recalled jalapeños from Sinaloa, Mexico, with 36 hospitalizations and no deaths reported; Qdoba and Chipotle have pulled the peppers, and Montana is among the affected states. Food Safety Recall: Walmart is also recalling Bettergoods pistachio nut butter sold in 19 states, including Montana, after salmonella was found in tested jars. Montana Agriculture: Gov. Greg Gianforte announced USDA drought disaster designations for five Montana counties—Dawson, Richland, Roosevelt, Sheridan and Wibaux—unlocking potential emergency Farm Service Agency loans for eligible producers. Elder Fraud Watch: Montana State Auditor James Brown highlighted rising elder fraud losses and urged seniors to watch for scams that use urgency and impersonation. Mining & Jobs: Domestic Metals says it will start a fully permitted, funded 9,000-meter drill program at its Smart Creek copper project in Montana later this month. Community & Livestock: Miles City Animal Shelter earned a Best Friends “no-kill” recognition for a 90% save rate in 2025, and the Eastern Montana Fair is set to showcase 4-H projects starting Aug. 19.

Heat Wave Watch: Sofia’s municipality is handing out free bottled water and opening a cooling climate shelter as extreme heat and wildfire risk continue across Bulgaria. Local Business & History: In Hamilton, the former Bitter Root Cannery is being demolished to make way for a new Stockman Bank building, with construction expected to finish in 2027. Court Fight Over Public Lands: American Prairie’s bison grazing dispute with the BLM has moved into federal district court, after six grazing permits were revoked, setting up a fight over whether bison can be treated like livestock under grazing law. Food Policy: Montana Sen. Tim Sheehy and Rep. Adam Schiff back a bill that would require schools to get a waiver before buying imported food for federal meal programs. Wildfire Relief Fundraiser: A Spokane-area angling community is raising money for fire victims through #FliesforSpokane, with dozens of social media auctions already bringing in more than $26,000. Montana Insurance Pressure: A Bitterroot forum highlights rising homeowners insurance costs and limited coverage options in wildfire-prone areas. Montana Arts & Tech: A Great Falls artist weighs in on whether AI is helping or hurting human creativity, focusing on craft and design fundamentals.

Food Safety: The FDA has recalled bettergoods pistachio nut butter sold at Walmart in 19 states, including Montana, after salmonella was found; no illnesses reported yet, but consumers are urged to check lot details and throw out affected jars. Local Business & Community: Launch Entertainment is planning to open a family activity park in Missoula in 2027, with attractions like trampolines, a ninja course, a mixed-reality playground, and a KRAVE restaurant. Public Health: Cyclosporiasis cases tied to a growing outbreak now reach 47 states, with the CDC reporting 10,468 confirmed cases since May 1 and linking the latest wave to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms; Montana is among the few states not yet reporting cases. Environment & Land Use: American Prairie has sued the Bureau of Land Management over a decision to revoke bison grazing permits in Phillips County, seeking to halt removal of more than 900 bison from federal acres. Montana Politics: State Sen. Barry Usher became president of the National Conference of State Legislatures, a notable leadership role for a Montana GOP lawmaker. Arts & Culture: A Missoula-area mural and Indigenous-focused art spotlighted in recent coverage highlight local creativity and community storytelling.

Local Politics: Yellowstone County data center ballot effort is off the table after signature deadlines were missed under a Montana law change, with organizers vowing to keep pushing. Public Health: The CDC says cyclosporiasis has surged to 10,468 lab-confirmed cases since May 1, now in 47 states, with explosive diarrhea tied to recalled iceberg lettuce. Energy & Land Use: American Prairie sued to block a Bureau of Land Management decision that revoked bison grazing permits and orders removal of more than 900 bison from federal acres. State & Community: Montana’s drought disaster designations expanded to more counties, while the Montana National Guard wrapped up Legion Park revitalization in Culbertson. Food Safety: Walmart recalled Bettergoods pistachio nut butter in 19 states after Salmonella was found in a tested lot. Business & Housing: Flathead County’s in-migration and housing crunch are squeezing affordability, with Kalispell residents spending far more of income on homes than the national norm. Sports & Culture: Hardin wrestler Bruno Pallone won U17 Worlds silver, and Montana Shakespeare in the Parks returns to Cut Bank with “The Merchant of Venice.”

Food Safety in Billings: Montana’s Department of Livestock moved to suspend Meadow Gold’s Billings milk plant operating license after inspectors found repeated sanitation and contamination problems tied to federal dairy standards. The department issued a notice of proposed suspension with a chance for corrective action or a hearing. Public Lands & Access: A Montana guide is pushing back on the Interior Department’s “review” of rules for managing wild lands, arguing it threatens protections that keep places like the Upper Missouri River Breaks wild. Mining Watch: DEQ released a draft environmental assessment for an Australian company’s proposed tungsten exploration near Philipsburg, with public comments due Aug. 14. Wildlife Court Fight: Montana wildlife advocates sued over a rollback to the Endangered Species Act “harm” definition, arguing it weakens protections. Recall Alert: Walmart shoppers in Montana are among those affected by a recall of Bettergoods pistachio nut butter sold in 19 states after salmonella was detected; no illnesses reported. Tech & Privacy: Sen. Ron Wyden says some businesses are dodging state privacy opt-outs by using inaccurate geolocation data.