AGP Executive Report

Coal & Jobs: President Trump announced nearly $700M to support coal plants and exports, using a Cold War-era defense law to back 13 plants and build new capacity, with claims of 14,000+ jobs. Montana Politics: Montana’s GOP legislative primaries ended with eight incumbent lawmakers losing, showing a bruising fight between factions and heavy outside spending. ADA Access: Helena will install 50+ ADA ramps in the 6th Ward, funded by a grant plus a city match, with construction running through August. Public Safety & Health: Missoula officers completed behavioral-health crisis response training to help de-escalate mental health emergencies. ICE Lawsuit: Legal groups sued ICE over alleged inhumane conditions at Camp East Montana, including a measles outbreak and medical neglect. Local Business: A Billings boutique opened with a youth program mixing fashion with financial literacy and leadership. Energy & Industry: Sibanye-Stillwater says it’s restarting Montana platinum operations after curtailment, aiming to restore output by late 2026. Weather Watch: Montanans were urged to review severe weather plans as storms move in.

Shared Stewardship: Montana is nearly doubling its forest-management partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, adding a third Shared Stewardship site on the Lolo National Forest for 345,000 acres and bringing the total to about 745,000 acres statewide. Wildfire Prep: State and federal officials met on the 2026 fire outlook, warning that eastern Montana could still see above-normal large-fire potential even as some early-season rain has helped. Foster Care Push: Gov. Greg Gianforte met with federal child-welfare officials to announce a new national initiative aimed at improving foster care outcomes and boosting the availability of licensed foster homes. Aurora Watch: NOAA forecasts a better-than-usual chance to see the northern lights in Montana and much of the northern U.S. Thursday night into Friday. Public Safety & Health: The Board of Public Education suspended a former Clinton teacher’s license after criminal charges in a child sexual abuse case; separate federal charges allege NIH researchers tried to smuggle mpox-related vials into the U.S. Community: Montana residents 55+ are being invited to weigh in on senior services through a confidential statewide survey.

Montana Water Rights: The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes’ Montana Water Compact won final approval from the Montana Water Court, formally folding about 300 tribal water rights into the state system and ending years of objections and litigation. Public Safety & Health: A federal lawsuit by the ACLU targets ICE’s Camp East Montana at Fort Bliss, alleging inhumane conditions including a months-long measles outbreak, violent force, solitary confinement, and unsafe living and food conditions. Wildlife & Land Use: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking proposals for conservation groups to run auctions or lotteries for 2027 hunting licenses, including mule deer, elk, mountain goat, antelope, swan, plus competitive auctions for bighorn sheep and Shiras moose. Local Government: Laurel’s mayoral transition continues after Mayor Dave Waggoner’s resignation; Council President Tom Canape will serve until the council fills the vacancy. Community Notes: Billings’ Amend Recreation Campus courts are nearing opening, with sealant curing underway and tournaments already scheduled. Sports & Culture: Montana’s Cleverley eight-man All-Star Game is set for June 6 in Butte, featuring five Seeley-Swan players (with one replacement due to injury).

Montana Politics: Missoula smokejumper Sam Forstag won the Democratic nomination for Montana’s 1st Congressional District, setting up a November matchup with Republican Aaron Flint. Federal Courts & Reproductive Rights: Sen. Susan Collins voted to confirm NIH District of Montana judge nominee Katie Lane, whose record includes efforts to restrict abortion access. Public Safety & Health: Federal prosecutors charged two NIH Rocky Mountain Laboratory researchers in Hamilton with allegedly smuggling deactivated mpox vials into the U.S. through Detroit Metro and lying to investigators. Land & Access: A new Montana land-exchange policy shifts more power to the state Land Board, raising concerns that swaps could favor wealthy interests and reduce public protections. Energy & Reliability: The Montana Public Service Commission is taking public comment on NorthWestern Energy’s 2026 electric plan, which flags a winter 2027 capacity need. Defense Training: CENTCOM launched its 30th “Regional Cooperation” exercise at Fort Harrison in Montana, involving troops from 10 countries.

Montana Politics: Alani Bankhead won the Democratic primary for Montana’s open U.S. Senate seat, beating Reilly Neill, as voters also chose Brian Miller as the Democratic nominee for the eastern U.S. House district and projected Aaron Flint as the GOP nominee for the western district. Local Elections Watch: Early returns showed a tight Republican race for the Public Service Commissioner seat, with Annie Bukacek clinging to a narrow lead while not all precincts were counted. Public Safety: Little Big Horn College in Big Horn County went into lockdown after an anonymous “threat of violence” call, with multiple agencies responding; officials later said there was no ongoing threat. Health & Science: Federal charges were filed against two NIH researchers accused of smuggling deactivated mpox virus into the U.S. from the Republic of Congo and lying to investigators. Community & Kids: Montana’s 2026 Summer Food Service Program launched to provide free meals for kids and teens statewide during summer break. Business/Tech: McDonald’s is testing drive-thru voice AI again in select locations.

Montana Politics & Housing: A Missoula affordable housing project, Franklin Crossing (192 units), advanced at the Montana Board of Housing as it pursues housing tax credits, with the city donating land and other local funding lined up. Public Lands & Recreation: The Trump administration rescinded older executive orders that limited motorized vehicle use on federal lands, a move that could reshape rules across national forests, parks, and other public areas. Foster Care Push: Gov. Greg Gianforte says Montana will join a national collaboration aimed at strengthening foster care, building on the state’s progress in reducing the number of children in care. Economy & Jobs: Janicki Industries selected Great Falls for an $800 million manufacturing campus, targeting 1,000 jobs in five years and more than 2,000 overall. Road Safety: A Fourth of July travel study flags Montana as among the most dangerous states on July 4, with the state also ranking high for the broader holiday period. Wildlife & Courts: A judge rejected a Missoula County attempt to enforce a gravel pit settlement, saying the county lacked a signed written agreement. Food Safety: Montanans are urged to check freezers for a salmonella recall tied to Motor City Pizza Co. 5 Cheese bread sold at Costco.

Primary Election Day in Montana: Polls open 7 a.m. and close 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 2, with election offices urging voters to double-check polling places and hours. Ballot Deadline Reminder: In Yellowstone County, officials say absentee voters should “walk it in” rather than mail it; turnout is about 31% and voters have until 5 p.m. Wednesday to fix certain rejected-ballot issues. Flooding Watch in Western Montana: Heavy rain and snowmelt are driving flooding across the Mission Valley, with emergency officials urging people to stay away from fast-moving water; flood warnings and watches remain in effect for parts of Flathead, Lake, Sanders, and the Clark Fork area. Gas Prices: Montana gas averages about $4.48 per gallon, still above the national average as oil-market uncertainty could push prices higher. Montana Foster Care Push: Gov. Greg Gianforte signed onto a federal initiative aimed at expanding licensed foster homes and speeding placements. Drought Tool for Trout: MSU launched FishCast, a new online forecast tool to estimate drought risk for trout rivers and possible fishing restrictions. Billings Sports Update: Daylis Stadium renovation hits a major milestone as new grandstands go up, with turf and track work next.

Montana Politics & Courts: Former Gallatin County Sheriff and Montana DOC director Brian Gootkin was sworn in as a U.S. Marshal in Missoula, a Trump appointment Gianforte backed. Immigration Detention Lawsuits: Civil rights groups sued ICE over alleged “flagrant human rights abuses” at Fort Bliss’ Camp East Montana, including claims of abuse, inadequate medical care, and solitary confinement. Weather & Flood Watch: Monday brings cool, cloudy skies with spotty showers and fog, with flooding risk easing slightly but still possible for small streams and creeks. Local Government: Missoula County approved a Ranch Club phasing extension to keep a second access road plan alive through December 2027. Energy & Utilities: Minnkota joined the North Plains Connector consortium, lining up for 150 megawatts on a new high-voltage transmission line. Sports & Community: Trey Anastasio brought an acoustic run to Missoula’s Wilma Theatre, mixing deep cuts and surprises. Business & Jobs: Montana’s State Auditor is promoting an Investing in Montana Summit in Bozeman aimed at connecting startups with investors and regulators. Culture & Montana Life: A Montana lake was highlighted as one of America’s prettiest, and Fort Peck’s interpretive center director won a major U.S. Army Corps communications honor.

Montana Politics: A bipartisan supermajority of Montana state senators is calling on Sen. Jonathan “Windy Boy” to resign over long-running allegations of sexual harassment and abuse, arguing his continued service undermines the Legislature’s integrity. Local Public Safety: A fatal ATV crash in Sheridan County near Dagmar killed a 41-year-old driver early May 30, according to Montana Highway Patrol. Fire Response: Crews responded to a large fire near Wye that ignited salvaged vehicles at Axmen Auto/Recycling; officials said it was under control with no injuries reported. Weather & Flooding: Rain is keeping flood concerns alive in parts of central Montana, with minor flooding and road-overflow risk prompting drivers to avoid flooded areas. Community & Culture: Rimrock Opera in Billings marks its 40th mainstage production this weekend with “La Bohème.” Sports & Travel: A Kalispell couple opened Skydive Glacier Country at the city airport to bring tandem skydiving closer to Flathead Valley customers.

Montana Agriculture: Drought pressure is forcing north-central Montana ranchers to make tough hay decisions, with some lining up feed earlier than usual and weighing carryover hay and cattle sales. Public Safety: Missoula police are asking for help locating missing 20-year-old Max Bisch, last seen May 30. Mental Health: In Billings, family and friends of a teen who died by suicide in October are pushing for more suicide prevention and counseling resources, including a June 6 “Fueling Hope” car show fundraiser. Montana Military: At Fort Harrison, the Montana National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 163rd Cavalry Regiment transformed into the 1st Battalion, 163rd Infantry Regiment, shifting from armored vehicles toward infantry missions. Health Care Access: PacificSource is shutting down all Montana operations, leaving about 42,000 members to find new coverage options starting in 2027. Local Government: A June 16 public hearing in Gallatin County will consider dissolving the Belgrade City-County Planning Board and shifting planning jurisdiction. State Politics/Accountability: Sen. Tim Sheehy is calling for an HHS inspector general review of Rocky Mountain Laboratories after reports and whistleblower claims about pathogen handling and lab safety.

Immigration Courts & Civil Rights: A coalition of legal and civil rights groups has sued ICE over alleged “inhumane” conditions at Camp East Montana in El Paso, calling it a civil-rights catastrophe and citing medical neglect, violent force, solitary confinement, unsafe food, disease outbreaks, and sexual harassment. Weather & Public Safety: The National Weather Service warns Montana of heavy rain and strong storms this weekend into early next week, with flood watch impacts most likely in north-central areas and along Rocky Mountain Front rivers and creeks. State Capitol & Civic Life: Helena hosted a Liberty Tree planting on the Capitol lawn to honor “American patriots” and their role in protecting freedoms. Agriculture & Rural Economy: Gov. Gianforte’s 56 County Tour highlighted Hi-Line producers, including a Big Sandy poultry operation expanding with a Growth Through Agriculture grant and other farm investments. Local Crime: In Heppner, two people were arrested for stealing more than $15,000 in tools and wire from Columbia Basin Electric Cooperative.

Voting Rights: The Trump administration is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to let states purge voter rolls for alleged noncitizens close to elections, a move voting-rights groups warn could disenfranchise eligible Americans. Public Health: A new analysis of EPA data ranks Montana near the bottom for tap-water cleanliness, citing thousands of violations per 100,000 residents. Mental Health Funding: Montana was selected for federal funding to expand Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, aiming to boost access to mental health and substance-use care statewide. Local Government: The Fallon County Commission released its May 25-29 meeting agenda, including budget and public comment sessions. Energy & Water Concerns: A report says a data-center developer plans massive gas power plants near Broadview and seeks to connect huge loads to Montana’s grid, raising alarms about water use. Safety & Wildlife: Officials warned residents after a mountain lion was reported sleeping in a Santa Monica backyard, urging people to stay indoors and keep pets inside. Helena Civic Moment: Montana DAR planted a Liberty Tree on the Capitol lawn for America 250. Sports: Michael Ray Richardson will be inducted into the Big Sky Conference Hall of Fame this July. Community: A food truck festival in Bozeman raised support for cancer programs.

Montana Politics: A federal court filing says Montana Public Service Commission leaders tried to “scrub” an email and fired the agency’s HR director, as a fight between PSC commissioners heads to court. Health Care: Montana is set to start Medicaid work requirements July 1, forcing cash-strapped state agencies to prove eligibility every six months while budgets and federal rules shift. Immigration: Nationally, migrant deaths in DHS custody hit an all-time high this year, with suicides rising sharply as detention numbers grow. Local Public Safety: Flathead County identified a woman found dead in Flathead Lake near Bigfork; cause and manner are still under investigation. Water & Environment: Montana DEQ is holding a public hearing June 10 on water quality standards updates. Campaign Trail: Sam Forstag rallied with AOC in Missoula, pitching affordability and a fight against wealthy influence ahead of the June 2 primary. Wildlife: Officers responded to a reported mountain lion sighting near Montana Ave in Santa Monica, urging residents to stay indoors and call 9-1-1 if they see it.

Montana Politics: U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez campaigned in Missoula for Democratic nominee Sam Forstag, framing the race around affordability and fighting corporate power ahead of Montana’s primary. Public Safety: Montana Highway Patrol is stepping up enforcement for the “100 deadliest days,” with officials citing a sharp rise in drunk and drugged driving deaths. Local Government & Courts: A federal court filing says Montana’s Public Service Commission leadership tried to “scrub” an email and fired the HR director after she refused to characterize allegations as “sexual harassment,” as a lawsuit over retaliation moves forward. Environment & Outdoor Life: River guides say climate change is hitting the outdoor industry with “eco-grief,” while hikers report a tense grizzly encounter in Glacier National Park. Community & Events: Butte’s “Movies in the Park” returns with free family nights, and Fairmont Hot Springs hosts a “Scramble for a Cure” golf tournament to support the Alzheimer’s Walk. Weather: Storms are expected to bring heavy rain and possible severe conditions across parts of the region, including Montana.

ICE Detention Crisis: An AP investigation says suicides among ICE detainees have surged since Trump returned to office, with at least 10 deaths by suicide since January 2025 and officials facing mounting scrutiny. Montana Politics: In Helena, 39 of 50 Montana state senators signed a letter urging embattled Sen. Jonathan Windy Boy to resign amid allegations of sexual misconduct involving a minor. Local Sports: A Helena-area nonprofit is racing to raise $115,000 to add high school baseball at Helena High and Capital High, aiming to expand opportunities for more than 100 players. Road Safety: A new national analysis ranks Montana among the states with the highest rates of deadly road rage, underscoring how stress and dangerous driving are colliding on busy highways. Community & Outdoors: East Helena’s Prickly Pear Park is getting new trails and fishing access after Montana Conservation Corps work, with upgrades meant to draw more visitors. Business/Industry: United Flow Technologies says it’s buying Belgrade-based Peak Group Companies to expand water and wastewater services across the Northern Rockies and Plains.

Montana Sports on National TV: ESPN and The CW announced multiple 2026 broadcasts for Montana State and Montana, including MSU’s Sept. 12 opener at Nevada (CW), Sept. 26 vs. Northern Arizona (ESPN2), and Oct. 2 at Idaho (ESPN), plus Montana hosting Idaho State Nov. 14 on ESPN networks and a USA Network national slot for Montana’s Sept. 19 game at Oregon State. Local Libraries & Community Health: Darby Community Public Library installed an AED and added emergency supplies like Narcan and “Stop-the-Bleed” kits through a statewide effort by The Trust for Montana Libraries. Business & Tech: Bozeman Public Library hosted a discussion on how Montana workplaces are using AI and the concerns around AI-generated content. Great Falls Horse Racing: The Great Falls Turf Club canceled the 2026 ExpoPark horse racing season due to budget shortfalls, saying it’s restructuring finances to bring racing back. State Economy: Montana’s unemployment rate fell to 3.5% in April, with payroll jobs up and construction and healthcare leading gains. Weather Watch: Billings-area forecasts call for hot conditions through Friday, then a cooler, wetter pattern with storms over the weekend.