AGP Executive Report

Wildfire & Public Safety: Montana DNRC is adding an aerial supervision program, with a dedicated aircraft helping incident commanders track conditions and coordinate aircraft and ground crews. Fire Season Relief: After recent thunderstorms cooled and slowed fire danger, forecasters say Wednesday stays dry and mostly sunny, with warmer, breezier conditions returning later in the week. Forest Policy Fight: The Trump administration proposed rescinding the 2001 Roadless Rule, which protects nearly 45 million acres of national forest land—an effort Montana leaders say would speed local wildfire management, while critics warn it could mean more roads and logging. Local Impact: Montana’s FWP is lifting hoot-owl fishing restrictions on several western streams as water temperatures drop, while some drought closures remain. Community & Health: Five rural Montana volunteer fire departments received $10,000 State Farm grants. Crime: A man was arrested for aggravated sex trafficking near a Billings homeless shelter, with investigators saying he targeted victims through local nonprofits. Human Interest: A Belgrade girl living with scoliosis is helping other young women through their brace-and-bullying challenges.

Vaccines Fight: More than 210 medical and patient groups blasted a White House executive order on childhood vaccines, saying it recommends reducing and spacing shots “without evidence” as measles and respiratory virus season loom. Education Funding: Montana’s School Funding Interim Commission says it fell short of its HB 153 goals, failing to simplify the formula and avoid key planning work on student success and enrollment trends. State Land Board: The Montana State Land Board approved about $400,532 in new school revenue, including $372,242 from timber sales and $28,190 from easements. FWP Public Input: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks opened public comment on a Moore-area term conservation easement, correcting the draft’s permanent access component and purchase price. Weather: Storms and breezy conditions are expected across parts of Montana, with highs in the 70s to 90s depending on the region. Local Notes: Havre will resume street sweeping Wednesday; Park County seeks input on a citizen-initiated zoning district process. Housing Market: Cash home sales keep slipping nationally, though a few cities show a surprising bump.

Wildfire Response: FEMA approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant for Montana’s Sand Creek Fire in Beaverhead County, covering 75% of eligible firefighting costs as the blaze burns about 31,652 acres with 1% containment and crews focus on protecting structures. FWP & Wildlife Policy: Montana’s grizzly management plan comment period is nearing its end, with states seeking more control over removing or relocating bears while keeping federal endangered status in place—supporters say it’s a better fit for Montana, critics fear more killings. Public Safety & Outdoors: FWP lifted “hoot-owl” fishing closures on multiple western Montana rivers and streams after cooler conditions eased water temperatures, while officials also shared mountain lion safety tips for hikers and pet owners. State Government Watch: Montana Freedom Caucus leader Jerry Schillinger is facing scrutiny after records show efforts to steer state money to a private PTSD therapy company even after it lost a contract bid. Local Life: Park County is weighing help for renovations at the Park County Senior Center (“The Hub”) using potential CDBG funding, and Fergus County is set to hold a ribbon-cutting for a new rooftop solar array at the fairgrounds pavilion.

Montana Insurance Fight: A Montana class action says State Farm systematically refuses to pay for pre- and post-repair scans when vehicles are fixed at independent shops, pointing to an August 2024 advisory from the state insurance commissioner. Education Funding: A Montana public schools budget commission wrapped up a 15-month run, sending lawmakers recommendations for the 2027 session, including a push to simplify the state’s school funding formula and draft changes for special education, Indian Education For All, at-risk students, and building renovations. Counter-Drone Training: The U.S. Air Force plans to buy Chinese-made DJI drones for counter-drone drills at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, aimed at protecting the Minuteman III missile complex. Wildlife Medicine in Montana: Researchers previously tested drone-dropped peanut-butter vaccine baits to fight sylvatic plague in prairie dog colonies—key to saving the endangered black-footed ferret. Local Energy & Jobs: Empire Petroleum reported Q2 results and an operational update, including major gas compression upgrades supporting higher production. Fuel Watch: Diesel prices hit a low of about $4.94 in Lake County in the week ending Aug. 8, with Montana’s statewide average around $5.06.

PSC Lawsuit: Gov. Greg Gianforte’s lawyers argued in Lewis and Clark County District Court that suspended Public Service Commissioner Brad Molnar shouldn’t get the due-process pause he’s seeking, saying the state’s goal is protecting employees who came forward after harassment allegations. Housing Organizing: In Missoula, tenant unions helped stop steep lot-rent hikes at two mobile home parks after a Texas owner proposed big increases—tenants negotiated a rare 3% cap. Public Safety & Courts: A Gallatin County judge sentenced Christopher Wardle to four years with two suspended in the Catherine Sorensen witness-tampering case. Energy Merger Fight: Another lawsuit challenges the NorthWestern Energy merger, arguing it shouldn’t be decided without Brad Molnar. Weather: Thunderstorms linger through Tuesday, then warmer, drier conditions move in late week. Local Sports & Community: Great Falls hosted the Montana State Horseshoe Championships, and Bozeman-area runners and athletes logged wins across multiple events, including The Sweet Pea Run.

Bear-spray push for hunters and trappers: Montana conservation and animal-rights groups have petitioned FWP to require bear spray for hunters and trappers and to add mandatory 24-hour trap checks, arguing it’s a public-safety move that could also reduce grizzly-bear risk. Local sports spotlight: The East beat the West 17-16 in nine innings at the Montana High School Baseball All-Star game in Butte, with Columbus’ Kolemen Gairrett taking MVP honors. Rodeo Billings recap: Rodeo Billings wrapped with multiple arena records, including a 91-point bareback ride by Great Falls’ Wyatt Warneke and another 91 by saddle bronc winner Statler Wright. Helena-area weather: Rain showers and thunderstorms are expected again across parts of southwest and south-central Montana, with a quieter Sunday morning. Public safety in the courts: Three Yellowstone County residents were sentenced in federal court after pleading guilty to fentanyl distribution charges tied to a Billings-area investigation.

Wildlife Policy: A new Trump administration proposal would loosen protections for Lower 48 grizzly bears, letting states authorize more killing; the public has until Monday to comment, and the plan would strip away Endangered Species Act protections affecting Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. Weather: Helena and Butte-area forecasts call for renewed rain showers and thunderstorms Saturday into late evening, with fewer clouds Sunday morning and another better chance for storms Sunday and Monday in southwest and south-central Montana. Public Safety: A Kansas City-area great-grandfather died after a 45-pound rock crashed through the roof of a Jeep during a visit to Glacier National Park near Logan Pass. Politics: Two Republican lawmakers sued over AG Austin Knudsen’s term-limit decision that could remove them from the November ballot. State Government Court Fight: Gov. Gianforte’s suspension of PSC Commissioner Brad Molnar is being challenged in Lewis and Clark County District Court. Local Economy: Gianforte’s 56 County Tour highlighted Ravalli and Lake County manufacturers and ranchers, including GrainMaker Mills and Cathey Cattle Company.

Wildfire & access: Crews are clearing trails across Montana’s backcountry to keep public lands reachable as smoky conditions and fire risk linger. Public safety & housing: Helena officials say “forever chemicals” testing won’t delay the school start, while wildfire defensible-space guidance urges homeowners to clear fuel near structures. Energy & utilities: Public Service Commissioner Brad Molnar is fighting Gov. Greg Gianforte’s suspension, and a lawsuit seeks to pause consideration of a NorthWestern Energy merger while the case plays out. Courts & crime: A Gallatin County judge sentenced Christopher Wardle to four years in the Catherine Sorensen witness-tampering case, and a White Sulphur Springs woman accused in a motel owner killing pleaded not guilty. State services: A new VA clinic in Lewistown nearly doubles space for about 770 veterans. Local life: Rodeo Billings delivered more records, and the Yellowstone International Air Show ramps up with major staging work ahead of the Blue Angels.

Little League: Big Sky Little League’s 11-12 All-Stars fell 9-2 to Nevada in the Mountain Region title game, one step short of the Little League World Series in Williamsport. Helena Schools: Helena officials say PFAS “forever chemicals” found at Jim Darcy and Rossiter elementary schools won’t delay the start of school, with more testing needed to confirm whether the source is the schools’ wells. Law Enforcement: Kalispell Patrolman Justin Turner was named Montana Officer of the Year after responding to multiple traumatic events, including a 2025 murder-suicide scene. Public Safety & Courts: A Bozeman judge amended a plea deal for Christopher Wardle, sentencing him to four years after witness tampering and violating an order of protection. Drugs: Three Yellowstone County residents were sentenced for fentanyl trafficking, including one case tied to 178 pills found during a stop. Weather: Scattered showers and thunderstorms continue through the weekend, with gusty storms possible and temperatures staying mostly in the 70s to 80s. Community: Virginia City’s century-old library is modernizing while preserving its historic character.

Montana Wildfire Response: The U.S. Forest Service is consolidating fire and aviation leadership under one deputy chief, with Helena’s Air Tanker Base highlighted as a key fast-response hub for regional flames. Public Health: A new Montana telehealth effort is meant to speed up expert guidance for suspected child abuse cases, reducing the need to send providers out of state. Energy & Growth: A draft Northwest power plan says Washington, Oregon, Idaho and western Montana must add 11,000 megawatts by 2032 as electricity demand surges, with public comment open until Oct. 16. Local Governance: Cascade is weighing creating its own municipal police department, debating costs versus its current contract with the county sheriff. Sports: Montana State quarterback Justin Lamson is staying put after a championship run, and Montana’s Grizzlies opened fall camp with a competitive cornerback race. Community & Safety: Union talks at the Stillwater Mine continue after members rejected proposals, while volunteers and contractors are helping Spokane families recover after the Old Trails Fire.

Disaster Relief: FEMA designated 28 Montana counties as natural disaster areas after Dec. 2025 winter storms and straight-line winds, unlocking USDA emergency farm loans for recovery; applications are due Dec. 7, 2026. Montana Politics: Prairie County recall efforts are headed to court as Commissioner Todd Devlin sues to block a recall petition and Jacob Kitson seeks dismissal amid the effort’s collapse. Court Watch: A Missoula judge heard arguments in a lawsuit challenging Montana’s 2025 transgender bathroom ban (HB 121), with plaintiffs asking the court to strike it down. Public Safety & Weather: West Nile virus has been confirmed in Montana after positive mosquito pools in Roosevelt County, and a flash flood watch is in effect around several burn scars as storms roll through. Local Life: The Evelyn Cameron Heritage Center highlighted “Women of the Prairie” with stories of 18 local women. Business & Agriculture: Montana’s Secretary of State logged a record 8,000+ business applications in July, while an Eastern Heath snail bioblitz targets an invasive threat. Sports & Culture: A Joe Montana Super Bowl XXIV jersey sold for a record $1.515 million, and MontanaFair ride safety remains under scrutiny after a Zipper malfunction.

Montana Education: A state commission is wrapping up its decennial report on whether Montana is funding public schools enough to meet constitutional goals, with rising cost concerns driving the review. Public Safety & Health: Billings approved an MOU letting police use the Montana Highway Patrol incinerator to burn narcotics evidence, ending the city’s long-term storage problem after its own incinerator failed. Local Government: A judge issued a restraining order in Butte-Silver Bow over a data center ballot initiative, keeping the status quo while a petition group argues the signature deadline was applied incorrectly. Community & Elections: Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen is recruiting poll workers ahead of the election season, urging eligible Montanans to sign up. Wildlife & Weather: Missoula’s new heat map project is revealing neighborhood “hotspots” tied to shade and green space, as hotter summers and warmer nights become more common. Food Safety: Whole Foods is recalling jalapeño products tied to a salmonella outbreak reported across multiple states, including Montana.

Wildfires & evacuations: Two Beaverhead County fires—the Sand Creek Fire and the Bobcat Lakes Fire—have triggered evacuations around Wisdom and Wise River, including Elkhorn Hot Springs and areas south toward Shale Creek and Clark Creek; officials cite gusty winds and Stage 1 restrictions. Water quality watch: Missoula is partnering with the University of Montana to monitor pesticides in Pattee Creek and other sites, using EPA-required runoff sampling to track emerging contaminants. Livestock theft concern: Montana ranchers are warning that higher cattle values could mean more theft, with the state listing more than 200 missing animals. Court-ordered mental health sentence: A Whitehall-area woman was sentenced to 50 years after pleading guilty but mentally ill in the smothering death of her 5-year-old son, with treatment recommended at Montana State Hospital. Local government deadline fight: A judge ruled Yellowstone County correctly set a signature-verification deadline that effectively ended a data-center initiative effort. Community events: Eagle Fest returns to Billings Sept. 26 to support Eagle Mount, and the Northwest Montana Fair runs Aug. 12-16 in Kalispell.

Grizzly policy shake-up: The U.S. Department of the Interior is proposing to shift grizzly bear management to states, a move Montana leaders and wildlife advocates are already debating. Local courts & water: A Montana court ruled a bar near Ballantine has a permanent right to use a neighboring well, ending a water rights fight. Weather & eclipse: Another smoky, hazy day is easing into scattered storms, while Montanans get a partial solar eclipse view—just remember proper eye protection. Powerball buzz: The jackpot is climbing to an estimated $1 billion for tonight’s draw. Homelessness help: Montana Rescue Mission is expanding its emergency shelter by 35 beds ahead of winter. Public safety: Helena has a new fire chief, Corey Parker, after Jon Campbell’s retirement. Sports: WWE NXT’s title picture was thrown into chaos by Zilla Fatu’s surprise debut. Health care workforce: A national look at nursing careers highlights how Montana ranks at the bottom for nursing-related searches. Wildfire risk: Fire danger remains elevated in parts of Montana as conditions stay hot and dry.

U.S. Senate Race: Alani Bankhead says she won’t drop out, despite pressure from fellow Democrats, setting up a three-way fight with independent Seth Bodnar and GOP Kurt Alme. Wolf Management: A new push to limit wolf hunting quotas near Yellowstone is tied to FWP’s admitted counting problems, as critics call for a moratorium until numbers are reliable. PFAS in Schools: Helena Public Schools reports “forever chemicals” detected at a faucet at Rossiter Elementary, following similar preliminary results at Jim Darcy. Courts & Energy: The 5th Circuit struck down Biden-era stove and oven efficiency rules, siding with Montana and other states over improper public process. Public Safety & Privacy: Billings is using license plate readers for parking enforcement, drawing privacy concerns and questions about how data is handled. Wildfire Impacts: The Sand Creek Fire has reached Maverick Mountain and damaged parts of the ski area, with evacuations and ongoing smoke. Health & Community: A suicide prevention conference is set for Sept. 10 in Billings, and NOCD announced plans to expand virtual intensive outpatient OCD therapy nationwide, including Montana.

Montana Economy: Montana ranks second in the nation for highest hourly wage growth, with average hourly pay rising 4.7% from 2024 to 2025, according to BLS data. Wildfire & Air Quality: Southwest Montana faces elevated fire danger and smoky conditions again today, with a Red Flag Warning in effect and air-quality alerts continuing as the Sand Creek fire grows. Local Planning: Helena residents are weighing in on the Greater Helena MPO’s Long Range Transportation Plan, with top themes including safer routes, better sidewalks, protected bike lanes, traffic flow, and more public transit. Politics: Montana’s U.S. Senate race is now a three-way contest after the withdrawal deadline passed, leaving Democrat Alani Bankhead, independent Seth Bodnar, and Republican Kurt Alme. Public Health: A salmonella recall tied to jalapeño products has expanded to more prepared foods sold in 26 states, reaching grocery shelves beyond restaurants. Sports: Richey-Lambert Fusion coach Joe Day Rider earns Class C Girls’ Track and Field Coach of the Year for a second straight season.