AGP Executive Report

ICE dispute in Montana courts: The Montana Supreme Court is weighing briefs from the ACLU and a group of former county attorneys in Gallatin County Attorney Audrey Cromwell’s fight with Attorney General Austin Knudsen over whether Cromwell can share non-public criminal justice information with ICE. Local governance & public safety: The Livingston Roundup Rodeo kicked off with sellout crowds and patriotic energy, a reminder of how July 4 traditions anchor Montana communities. Inclusion in Montana culture: Red Pheasant Cree Nation’s powwow is adding a dedicated competition category for dancers with disabilities or diverse abilities, aiming to make the circle truly welcoming. Healthcare uncertainty: Seeley Swan Medical Center’s future is in question as it faces an ongoing deficit, with leaders discussing options to keep rural services available. Montana business & environment: U.S. Critical Materials says it’s relocating its headquarters to Darby as it pushes the Sheep Creek mine exploration project, drawing valley opposition. Helena civic leadership: The City of Helena is in summer turnover, bidding goodbye to its fire chief, HR director, and finance director. Sports coaching: Caleb Bellach was hired as Gallatin High’s boys basketball head coach after a one-year stint at Manhattan. Court notices: A Gallatin County name-change hearing is set for July 15 for Emily Eneri Gomez Pelayo.

Immigration & Local Control: Helena Democratic legislators are urging the City Commission to pass a revised immigration resolution after it rescinded an earlier version, with the state attorney general promising to investigate further attempts. Environment & Water Quality: The Montana DEQ says the Big Hole River’s algae problem is headed toward an impairment designation, a move that could formalize concerns about nutrient-driven eutrophication. Wildlife & Public Lands: A Montana roadless-forest protection effort is warning that federal moves to repeal the Roadless Area Conservation Rule could open millions of acres to new roads and industrial development. Courts & Public Safety: A federal judge ordered Ticketmaster to turn over materials in a Snowflake-related data breach fight, citing discovery abuses. Local Government: Stillwater County commissioners approved a conditional use permit for a Molt sheep feeding facility, clearing the way for construction with conditions aimed at water, drainage, and neighbor impacts. Montana Law Enforcement: Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced charges against a Powell County man accused of sexual assault involving a high school student. Northern Lights: NOAA forecasts aurora chances across much of the northern U.S., with Montana among the states most likely to see the show around the Fourth of July.

Cattle & Food Policy: The Montana COOL Coalition is urging Senate Ag leaders to “take the easy win” by reinstating mandatory country-of-origin labeling (MCOOL) in the farm bill, arguing it would boost transparency and help Montana ranchers amid drought, disease risks, and trade uncertainty. Housing & Rural Stability: Roberts and Red Lodge dedicated Schuyler Commons, an affordable workforce housing project aimed at keeping teachers in rural communities, with units split between the two school districts. Wildlife & Safety: FWP reports a sharp rise in grizzly conflicts in north-central Montana, including more human encounters and “unnatural foods,” while also noting limited antlerless harvest opportunities due to low mule deer numbers. Water & Environment: Big Mountain Water Co. detected federally monitored PFAS in two wells, including one above the EPA limit, and Silver Lake releases are set to augment Clark Fork River flows again this summer. Roads & Travel: MDT is seeking public comment on I-90 resurfacing west of Cardwell and is scheduling chip-seal work in Anaconda and Deer Lodge. Local Business & Community: Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen says more than 8,000 new businesses filed in June, another record month.

Public Safety & Courts: A Helena man accused of having thousands of child sexual abuse images on his phone and laptop pleaded not guilty to five felony counts in Lewis and Clark District Court. Public Safety & Courts: A Helena massage parlor operator was sentenced in a sex trafficking case, while another Helena man received a 15-year federal prison term for meth trafficking and a related firearm charge. Local Governance: Helena’s fire staffing levy discussion is moving forward, with city leaders weighing how to keep services funded under Montana’s mill limits. Energy & Rates: MDU filed a North Dakota electric rate request for a $34.5 million increase, saying it’s aimed at system reliability and not tied to data centers. Montana Politics: Two southwest Montana Republican lawmakers were defeated in legislative primaries, and Yellowstone County election results included multiple local races. Community & Culture: Crow Nation leaders marked the 150th anniversary of the Greasy Grass victory, saying “we changed history.”

Northern Lights Watch: NOAA says a minor geomagnetic storm could make the aurora visible across northern Montana Wednesday night, with best odds in darker areas. Immigration Enforcement in Gallatin County: ICE activity and detentions were reported across Gallatin County, with Montana Highway Patrol confirming assistance in an operation. Childcare Pressure in Montana: Delayed state reimbursement payments under the Best Beginnings system are straining providers in a state already facing childcare deserts. Local Community Giving: Girl Scouts partnered with Sleep in Heavenly Peace to build beds for kids, while Scobey Lions secured a $5,000 grant to boost its Fourth of July fireworks. Montana Outdoors & Heritage: Archie Bray marks 75 years shaping artists in Helena, and the Great Falls Municipal Band celebrates 133 years of community music. Sports & Culture: Livingston Roundup Rodeo gears up for the July 3-4 shows as tickets sell out.

Public Lands Safety: The BLM is reminding Montanans that fireworks and other pyrotechnics are banned on many bureau-managed lands over the July 4 weekend, urging visitors to check local fire restrictions and recreate responsibly. Wildlife & Courts: A judge denied a Public Service Commission commissioner’s bid to return to the building after harassment charges, while a separate ruling found the Montana Land Board overstepped authority in a bison directive, ordering changes. Montana Outdoors & Conservation: Groups are pitching a mix of wilderness additions, logging and wildfire mitigation for the Blackfoot and Clearwater areas, aiming to protect habitat and migration corridors. Health & Research: UM public health researcher Ethan Walker won an NIH Rising Star award for work on wildfire-impacted cardiovascular health. Community & Arts: WaterWorks Art Museum unveiled its “Montana Artreprenuers” exhibit, featuring artists trained to break into the wholesale art market. Sports: Montana Grizzlies reported record revenues and expenses for fiscal year 2025, and Bobby Kennedy agreed to a new four-year contract.

Wildfire tragedy and policy shift: Three federal firefighters died in a Colorado-Utah border wildfire after deploying tent-like shelters as flames overran them, spotlighting the Trump administration’s new fire-service structure and its push for “full suppression.” Montana weather whiplash: A system is bringing winter-like snow to high elevations in the West, with southwestern Montana valleys dropping into the 50s while some peaks could see 12–18 inches. Public health watch: Wyoming confirmed a measles case tied to exposure spots in and around Grand Teton National Park and Jackson, urging unvaccinated people to monitor for symptoms. Local community notes: Sidney Health Center received a 2026 Quality Improvement Award for safer isolation-room processes, and Richland County WIC launched the Healthy Together app for easier account access and appointments. Montana outdoors and culture: Glacier National Park evacuated and closed parts of the Many Glacier area due to flooding after heavy weekend rain. Sports: UM and coach Bobby Kennedy agreed to a new four-year contract through the 2029 season.

Montana VA Leadership: Kimberly Adkins has been named full-time director of the Montana VA Health Care System, taking over from her acting role that began in January; she oversees 21 care sites and 13 outpatient clinics statewide. Patriotism and the flag: An AP-NORC poll finds Americans are sharply divided over whether they fly the American flag, with differences tied to politics, age, and race. Local jobs: Park County’s unemployment rate came in at 2.4% in May, lower than most Montana counties. Wildfire safety: Missoula fire officials urged holiday weekend caution, warning that cars, grills, and campfires can spark blazes fast in dry conditions. Wildlife crossings funding: Starting July 1, Montana drivers can buy a new specialty plate that supports wildlife connectivity and reduces vehicle-animal collisions. Helena-area community: The Last Chance Stampede and Fair continues to draw longtime volunteers like 88-year-old Carol Higgins, who has been involved for decades.

Wildfire Readiness: Montana fire officials say the 2026 season will run under a new federal structure, with six agencies consolidated into a single United States Wildland Fire Service to speed response and protect homes, communities, and forests. Local Government & Mental Health: Laurel CARED has filed suit in Yellowstone County challenging the state’s plan for a forensic mental health unit, arguing the process wasn’t transparent and that Laurel wasn’t properly involved; a public hearing is set for July 9. Missoula County Data Centers: Missoula County plans interim zoning to pause new data center and crypto projects while it studies impacts and potential new rules, with a public hearing scheduled for July 9. Public Safety & Weather: A prolonged heat wave is building across much of the U.S., with heat index values expected to top 100°F and elevated fire risk in several western states, while higher-elevation Montana areas have still seen June snow. Montana Culture: The Montana Reggae Festival returns Aug. 7-9 in Fortine, pairing live music with wellness and family-friendly activities. Helena/State Justice: Attorney General Austin Knudsen appointed Kimberly Kutch as administrator of the Montana Department of Justice Forensic Science Division.

Winter Weather Watch: The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings for parts of southwest Montana and central Idaho, with heavy, wet snow and cold temps expected to linger into Monday—raising hypothermia risk in backcountry areas. Local Impact: Montana’s own debate over a proposed AI data center is heating up, with one rural mom and neighbors warning the project’s footprint could strain farmland, wildlife, water, and the region’s character. Public Safety & Services: Kansas City International is using private contractors for airport screening at some checkpoints, highlighting how security roles can vary even under TSA oversight. Wildfire Response: In Western Alaska, reinforced crews are battling two lightning-caused fires burning less than a mile apart, with rain helping slow growth. Community & Culture: The Montana Football Hall of Fame marked its 10-year anniversary in Billings, adding eight inductees to the 2026 class. Sports: The Missoula Marathon continues to draw Montana runners and headlines, while Laramie’s 19U girls split games in Miles City.

Native History & Culture: Crazy Horse Memorial marked the 150th anniversary of the Battle of the Greasy Grass (Little Bighorn) by announcing a major donation tied to David Humphreys Miller’s original paintings and rare interview manuscripts from veterans of the battle. Drinking Water Funding: The EPA is awarding $1.6 million in grants to improve drinking water infrastructure across Montana and several other states, targeting PFAS, lead sources, and local compliance needs. Access to Justice: Montana’s Supreme Court is set to consider rules for a pilot that would expand limited legal help in justice and city courts, aiming to close the rural “justice gap.” Education Oversight: A legislative audit says Montana’s Office of Public Instruction has seen more than $67 million in questionable federal education spending, raising stakes for the upcoming Superintendent of Public Instruction race. Environment: Montana DEQ has determined the Big Hole River is impaired due to nutrient overload and low oxygen affecting aquatic life and recreation. Public Safety: NorthWestern Energy is urging winter preparedness and safety around downed lines as heavy snow is expected. Local Spotlight: Belgrade’s Wilson Schmidt was named Gatorade Montana Boys Track and Field Player of the Year.

Public Safety: A Nebraska man was killed near Big Timber after fleeing and firing at Montana Highway Patrol troopers; both troopers were uninjured and placed on administrative leave while DCI investigates. Courts & Rights: A Missoula judge permanently blocked a 2023 Montana law defining “sex” as binary, saying it violated privacy protections for transgender, intersex and Two Spirit Montanans. State Government Watch: An audit says former Sen. Jason Ellsworth’s $170,100 contract arrangement was a wasteful abuse of his position, including alleged work-arounds to avoid procurement oversight. Local Politics: Hundreds packed a Bozeman town hall with rally energy to criticize Montana’s congressional delegation, which organizers say didn’t attend. Public Media Funding: Trump asked Congress to rescind $9.4 billion in approved spending, threatening funding for Montana public radio/TV stations including Yellowstone Public Radio and Montana PBS. Community & Culture: Thousands gathered near Crow Agency for the 150th anniversary of the Battle of the Little Bighorn, including a long-running Real Bird family reenactment that drew the biggest crowd in 34 years. Business & Jobs: Janicki Industries selected Great Falls for an $800 million manufacturing facility, projecting 1,000 jobs in five years and 2,000 after completion.

Education & Community Giving: Absarokee’s Class of 2026 pulled in a combined $356,000 in scholarships, led by Mary Arthun ($49,000) and co-outstanding seniors Adisyn Kennedy ($31,500) and Cooper Hoines ($28,000). Local Culture & Service: Special K Ranch honored retiring program director Marvin Schieldt after 13 years overseeing six vocational programs, from greenhouse work to livestock and Montana Silversmith packaging. Public Safety Weather: A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for Regina, with Environment Canada citing strong winds, quarter-size hail and heavy rain; a tornado watch also covered parts of southern Saskatchewan. Community Events: Belgrade’s library is inviting the public to a free evening with Montana Poet Laureate Allen Morris Jones on Friday, June 12, as part of Belgrade Celebrates America 250. Sports: The Minnesota North College–Mesabi Range Norse were swept in a four-game baseball set against Dawson Community College in Glendive. Road Safety: A fatal motorcycle crash on Hwy. 87 near Hobson is under investigation after a pickup driver reportedly didn’t see the rider.

Capitol & Courts: A Dillon man and Trump supporter, Henry Phillip “Hank” Muntzer, was sentenced to two years in federal prison for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection. Public Safety: The Montana Highway Patrol commissioned 17 new troopers, with duty stations across the state. Wildlife & Culture: Montana officials warn that black-market demand for golden eagle feathers is growing, threatening eagles and Native ceremonial access as legal distribution programs face backlogs. Agriculture & Rural Life: A lawsuit challenges USDA’s cancellation of nearly all Increasing Land, Capital and Market Access Program grants, including projects tied to Montana tribes and farmers. Health Care: Montana is preparing Medicaid changes that could add work requirements as early as July 1, 2026, with exemptions but tight timelines. Elections & Transparency: Montana’s “I-194 / Montana Plan” fight over dark money and ballot initiative rules continues as supporters gather signatures and critics question funding and disclosure. Community Watch: Schools and local officials are urging people to verify fundraising solicitations before donating.

Public Safety: Prairie County sheriff says a new patrol truck order is stuck because grant money hasn’t arrived yet, leaving the department scrambling over timing and outfitting. Fire Prevention: MSU Extension urges ranchers and hay producers to prevent spontaneous haystack fires by baling only when moisture is right—wet bales can heat up and ignite. State Politics & Housing: A Helena-area senator lays out a reelection pitch focused on property rights, education reform, and housing affordability. Sports Spotlight: Park High’s Finn Schretenthaler keeps rolling—another state cross-country title and a Gatorade Player of the Year banner moment. Youth Sports Growth: The Blank Foundation and Atlanta Falcons grants are funding 11 new Montana girls flag football programs, bringing the total to 28 schools. Environment & Land Use: Montana lawmakers and groups continue pushing back against rescinding the Roadless Rule, warning it would weaken protections for wild public lands. Drinking Water: EPA announced $1.6M in grants for drinking-water upgrades across Montana and other states, including PFAS and lead-related fixes.

Little Bighorn Anniversary: Thousands of visitors poured into Crow Agency and Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument for the 150th anniversary, with Native riders and communities marking the Battle of the Greasy Grass as “we’re still here.” Federal Court & Immigration: A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to help return a Honduran man to the U.S., calling his earlier deportation process “boggles the mind” over alleged lack of access to attorneys. Wildfire Readiness: Montana agencies held a statewide briefing on evacuation planning, alert wording, and burn rules as fire season ramps up. Local Public Safety Fundraiser: Bozeman police served customers at Texas Roadhouse for Tip-A-Cop to raise money for Special Olympics Montana. Housing Push: Deer Lodge unveiled a “build-ready” affordable housing neighborhood plan, aiming to speed home construction with roads and utilities already in place. Water-Saving Tech: A Billings-area company says a hydrogel product could help farmers cut irrigation costs during drought. Energy & Rates: NorthWestern Energy proposed a large load tariff for data centers, drawing attention from Montana’s Public Service Commission. Environment & Courts: Montana is among 17 GOP-led states suing California over its single-use plastics packaging law.