AGP Executive Report

Public Safety & Accountability: Billings City Council voted 6-5 to dissolve its Citizens Police Advisory Committee, ending a 2021 effort meant to connect residents with police leadership on recruitment, diversity, crime prevention and data—leaving some residents asking how their concerns will be heard going forward. Wildfire & Health: Smoke and critical fire weather are back in Montana’s forecast, with gusty winds and low humidity raising the risk of rapid fire spread, while unhealthy air conditions continue to affect travel and daily life around the Helena-Lewis and Clark area. Montana Politics & Federal Property: Sen. Steve Daines says behind-the-scenes work for nearly two years helped set up the transfer path for the Bozeman Federal Building, tied to the Babcock Post Office’s future. Agriculture & Research: Montana State University opened the Combined State Labs building, bringing together wool, veterinary diagnostic, and analytical testing services to support the state’s agricultural sector. Law Enforcement & Drugs: Montana’s AG says fentanyl seizures and overdoses have dropped, while meth and cocaine trends are rising, as federal and local partners keep targeting trafficking. Sports (Montana): Montana football begins fall camp with a new head coach, while Montana State’s Bobcats celebrated their national title with a White House visit.

Driver Services: Montana AG Austin Knudsen says the MVD is extending fee waivers for some renewal and replacement driver licenses and ID cards through September, tied to adding the new black eagle-in-flight citizenship marker. County Politics: Yellowstone County commissioners tabled a signature-gathering regulation after public pushback, with legal staff saying parts need clarification. Public Safety & Weather: Montana remains under hot, smoky conditions from wildfire smoke, with isolated dry thunderstorms possible and elevated fire-weather risk as a cold front approaches. Wildlife & Water: PFAS “forever chemicals” were detected in the Flathead Lake watershed, prompting calls for more testing across Montana. Community & Agriculture: Montana Farmers Union opened registration for its 111th annual convention in Bozeman (Oct. 15–18). Sports: Dillon hosts the Montana/Alberta American Legion Class A tournament starting today, with the championship set for Sunday.

Grid Safety: The U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency power order for 17 states, including Montana and Wyoming, letting the Southwest Power Pool bring backup generators online as extreme heat pushes demand toward record levels. Wildfire Watch: Firefighters are responding to a wildfire near Crow Peak in the Elkhorn Mountains, and the Elder One Fire has prompted road and trail closures in the Lolo National Forest. Local Environment: At Placid Lake State Park, erosion and piping at Owl Creek Dam are forcing removal of a portion of the public boat dock while repairs are assessed. Public Health & Safety: The EPA says East Helena properties with lead-contaminated soil will be excavated for cleanup, and Montana’s Department of Livestock is investigating spoiled milk complaints at a Billings Meadow Gold plant but has not issued a recall. Immigration Tensions: About 75 people gathered in Helena for a vigil honoring ICE shooting victims, and Butte residents held a memorial outside Sen. Tim Sheehy’s office. Montana Life: A freak Granite Peak hiking accident left an ER nurse impaled by a trekking pole, but he hiked 10 miles to safety; and Great Falls residents said goodbye to downtown Howard’s Pizza after a permanent closure.

Energy & Business: Adapture Renewables and REC Power say they’ve completed a deal selling a 68 MW operating distributed solar portfolio, including projects in Montana, for REC to own and run. Consumer Safety: Montana State Auditor James Brown warns older adults are prime targets for fraud, urging people to watch for scams that pressure quick payment and use romance, “grandparent,” or fake tech-support pitches. Public Health & Policy: A federal Medicaid work rule takes legal effect Friday, but states must start notifying members by Aug. 31 and compliance begins Jan. 1, 2027, while a judge considers whether to pause it. Local Outdoors & Wildlife: Montana FWP will host a Trapper Education Field Day Aug. 22 in Havre, with required online training and a mandatory in-person component. Weather: Forecasters warn heat and wildfire smoke will linger across Montana, with daily storm chances and a possible high-wind event along the Rocky Mountain Front this weekend. Sports: Havre volleyball and MSU-Northern football both kick into preseason mode, with practices and camp schedules set for late August.

Missing Persons: Montana DOJ launched a statewide PSA urging people to check the state missing persons database, spotlighting four still-missing Indigenous Montanans—Ashley Mariah Loring Heavyrunner, James Douglas Limberhand, Shacaiah Blue Harding and Leo Wagner—after Indigenous people made up 31% of missing cases in 2025 despite being 6.4% of the population. Energy & Power Reliability: The U.S. Department of Energy authorized emergency backup power use for 17 states, including Montana, to reduce blackout risk during extreme heat. Public Utilities: Montanans urged the Montana Public Service Commission to reject NorthWestern Energy’s integrated resource plan that leans heavily on gas generation, arguing it locks in fossil fuel costs and harms the environment. Air Quality & Fire Weather: Thick wildfire smoke and hot temperatures are driving unhealthy air alerts across western Montana, with more smoke expected through the week. Yellowstone River Research: MSU Billings researchers are sampling about 600 miles of the Yellowstone River to track microscopic DNA and microbial shifts tied to water quality changes. Local Outdoors Access: FWP is replacing the Cyr Bridge boat slide in Alberton with temporary evening closures starting July 28. Community & Sports: Helena Senators beat Kalispell Lakers 5-2 in day two of the Montana/Alberta American Legion AA tournament in Lethbridge.

Montana Politics & Courts: Lucky Montana, the former Prasa CEO, says he’ll fight back after South Africa’s SIU won a preservation order freezing two luxury properties tied to alleged Prasa corruption—an R13.5 million home in Johannesburg and an R2.25 million property in Pretoria—while the case heads toward a tribunal hearing Aug. 11. Energy & Reliability: The U.S. Energy Department issued an emergency order letting the Southwest Power Pool tap idle power resources across parts of 17 states as extreme heat raises the risk of blackouts. Montana Environment: Heat and low flows are stressing fish statewide; FWP notes hoot-owl fishing limits on some waters and urges anglers to avoid the hottest hours and report unusual fish die-offs. Business: Mobix Labs agreed to buy Montana-based drone maker Vision Aerial in a deal worth about $15 million, aiming to expand secure drone and aerial intelligence capabilities. Weather: Montana faces smoky skies and isolated storms in the forecast, with air quality impacts possible in valleys.

Montana Courts: A Gallatin County notice says a hearing is set for Aug. 18, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. in the 18th Judicial District Court over a petition seeking termination of parental rights and a relative adoption for Hunter NevaeH Jennifer Harp. Yellowstone Safety: A Yellowstone bison went viral after swiping a tire on a Volkswagen SUV that got too close, and another close call was caught on video when a fisherman was alerted just in time. Southwest Montana Weather: Hot, hazy conditions with smoke and a chance of isolated mountain thunderstorms are expected through the week, with gusty winds and brief downpours possible. Grizzly Management: The Department of the Interior announced revised grizzly-bear management flexibility, saying recovery benchmarks have been met and emphasizing state-led conservation. Local Sports: Montana Fouts pitched a complete game as the Utah Talons repeated as Athletes Unlimited Softball League champions, sweeping the Chicago Bandits. Community Events: The Flathead Cherry Festival wrapped up in Polson with thousands gathering downtown for art, food, and local orchards. Human Interest: A Billings nurse, David Cifaldi, survived a freak Granite Peak trekking-pole impalement and walked more than 10 miles for help.

Extreme Heat: A heat dome is baking the central U.S., with about 80 million people under heat advisories and dangerous humidity keeping nights warm enough to prevent real recovery. Montana Weather & Health: In Billings, July 25 hit 100 degrees for the first time on that date in 92 years, and RiverStone Health reported a spike in heat-related emergency visits earlier this month. Wildlife Safety: A Montana family says unsecured food and trash at a Red Lodge-area campground helped lead to a black bear’s death, underscoring how quickly bears can become “food-conditioned.” Local Community: Billings First Congregational Church is pushing a downtown resiliency project to expand community services inside its historic building. Sports (Big Sky): The Big Sky Conference held its youth football clinic and inducted its 2026 Hall of Fame class, including Montana’s Michael Ray Richardson. Business & Culture: UM’s Lodge Dining Center won a national dining award, and a Montana-grown farm-to-table festival highlighted local agriculture at Bodhi Farms.

Election Integrity Fight: A Biden-appointed majority on the First Circuit refused to lift an injunction blocking parts of President Trump’s election-integrity order in 23 states, including limits on DHS citizenship lists and USPS mail-ballot changes. Montana Politics: VoteVets endorsed independent Senate candidate Seth Bodnar, while Trump again weighed in on the Montana Senate race, backing Kurt Alme. Public Safety & Weather: Highway 208 near Belfry is closed due to a wildland fire, and a dangerous heat dome is expanding across the central U.S., with Montana and Wyoming also facing extreme heat conditions. Local Access: Bozeman held its first ADA celebration and unveiled a new accessible parking map ahead of the July 26 anniversary. Sports & Montana Pride: Helena’s Last Chance Stampede kept rolling with Montana riders leading multiple events. Education Funding: Montana’s school funding interim commission discussed special education costs and how the state’s formula is falling behind inflation and enrollment trends.

Wildlife & Water Safety: Montana health officials warned of harmful algal blooms at Canyon Ferry Lake, Cooney Reservoir, Hebgen Lake, Tongue River Reservoir, Hauser Reservoir and Elk Grove Pond, urging people and pets to stay out “when in doubt.” Public Safety & EMS: Montana is opening $4 million in rural EMS grants to upgrade ambulances and equipment, as communities push to keep emergency response strong. Local Government: Miles City reopened the Honda Trails to non-gas-powered bicycles and e-bikes, while keeping other motorized vehicles out, after residents raised safety and access concerns. Fire Update: A 103-acre wildfire burning near Rapelje is at zero percent containment, with DNRC and county resources working to suppress it. Federal Policy: Montana Sen. Tim Sheehy introduced a bill to pause new H-1B visas for three years and codify a $100,000 fee that a federal court struck down. Sports & Community: The Montana State Fair is underway in Great Falls with rides, food and concerts, plus major events across nine days.

Bozeman Business & Health: Montana’s first luxury wig studio, UBloom Wigs, Hair and Accessories, opened downtown, offering private consultations for people facing hair loss, including those dealing with conditions like lupus-related alopecia. Wildlife Policy: A 30-day public comment period is open on a federal proposal that would shift more grizzly bear management authority to states; Montanans are urged to weigh in by Aug. 17. Weather & Fire Risk: A heat dome is building east, with triple-digit temperatures expected across parts of the Plains and Mississippi Valley, while western Montana faces hot conditions, wind gusts, and ongoing smoke that could worsen air quality for sensitive groups. Foreign Adversary Protections: Gov. Jim Pillen signed LB 1096 to criminalize illegal import of dangerous pests or pathogens tied to U.S. foreign adversaries, aimed at protecting Montana’s agriculture and economy. Abortion Pill Rulings: Federal judges in Virginia ordered the FDA to reconsider mifepristone restrictions, calling parts of the 2023 rules unlawful and arbitrary—another major step in the fight over abortion access. Local Tech & Privacy: Great Falls residents are weighing concerns after reports that AI cameras at Home Depot scan license plates as part of theft-prevention efforts. Sports: Montana State starts the 2026 season atop Big Sky preseason polls after winning back-to-back conference titles and the 2025 FCS championship.

Local Sports Hall of Fame: MSU-Northern announced its 2026 Hall of Fame class, honoring Donald Saisbury (Lights football) for records including 33 career touchdowns and every punting mark in program history; induction is set for Sept. 4. Montana Politics: The DSCC is refusing to back Alani Bankhead in Montana’s Senate race, saying she lacks a path to victory, while the independent Seth Bodnar is seen as the more viable anti-incumbent option. Public Safety/Environment: A new interagency review details the May 3 Glacier National Park grizzly attack that killed Anthony Pollio, reconstructing how the encounter unfolded on a steep, deadfall-choked trail. Energy & Power Planning: The Montana Public Service Commission took public comment on NorthWestern Energy’s 20-year Integrated Resource Plan, with critics saying it leans too hard on fossil fuels and not enough on alternatives. Weather/Fire Risk: Eastern and north-central Montana face extreme heat and elevated fire danger, with haze from regional smoke expected to linger. Tribal Legal Access: UM law graduate Ericka Camposan earned admission to practice in every Montana tribal court, expanding access to legal help in rural areas. Community Events: White Sulphur Springs’ Red Ants Pants Festival kicks off its 15th anniversary weekend, spotlighting rural Montana culture and local businesses.

Montana Politics: A jury in Helena convicted former state Senate president Jason Ellsworth of misdemeanor official misconduct tied to $170,000 in no-bid contracts, a case prosecutors say involved bypassing normal contract approvals. Public Safety & Law: Lawmakers advanced a draft bill that would require people to stay about 25 feet from law enforcement during emergencies, with misdemeanor penalties if they don’t move. Local Government: Livingston commissioners approved water and wastewater fee increases effective July 1, citing rising operating and capital costs for aging infrastructure. Economy & Jobs: Montana’s unemployment rate held at 3.3% statewide in June, with Park County at 2.4% among the lowest. Environment & Recreation: Glacier National Park will plug a leaking oil well near Kintla Lake starting July 27, affecting trail and camping access. Yellowstone Tourism: Local businesses are questioning a $100 daily fee hike for international visitors, even as the park says the money will be reinvested. Community & Outdoors: FWP opened the Siskin Island Fishing Access Site on the Yellowstone River, adding 82 acres of public access.

Montana Jobs & Workforce: Montana’s unemployment rate fell to 3.3% in June, but state labor leaders warn major gaps remain in health care, construction, advanced manufacturing, computing, education, childcare, and energy—pushing expansion of registered apprenticeships with nearly 3,000 apprentices and 800+ employers statewide. Wildlife & Public Lands: Montana released its 2025 wolf report, estimating 725 wolves statewide (down from about 800 in 2024), as the long-running fight over wolf management and hunting quotas continues. Local Safety & Growth: Clancy’s volunteer fire department is seeking a $10-per-house monthly fee increase to fund a facility expansion and keep up with growth, while also aiming to attract more volunteers with updated equipment. Courts & Accountability: A judge threw out former Senate president Jason Ellsworth’s guilty verdict after court staff mistakenly gave the jury documents not meant for deliberations; a new trial is ordered. Community Spotlight: Montana Wounded Warriors is hosting a benefit concert Aug. 15 in the Swan Valley to fund all-expense-paid hunting and fishing trips for Montana veterans wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan. Sports: Haven Meged won a national circuit finals tie-down roping championship, his first since 2019.

Grizzly Management: U.S. Interior and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks unveiled a proposed rule change that would give Montana more flexibility managing grizzlies in areas that have met federal recovery benchmarks, with FWP Director Christy Clark holding a town hall to explain what it could mean for protections under the Endangered Species Act. Local Governance: Great Falls officials approved annexation for the Little Shell Tribe’s “Good Medicine” housing development, a 4-1 vote that drew heavy debate over traffic and neighborhood impacts. State Politics: Gov. Greg Gianforte moved to temporarily replace suspended Public Service Commission regulator Brad Molnar, as Molnar fights the suspension in court. Courts & Schools: Kalispell Public Schools is appealing a Title IX verdict tied to a former Glacier wrestler’s lawsuit, sending the case to the Ninth Circuit. Public Health: The CDC reported 2,260 measles cases nationwide as of July 16, warning summer travel is driving new exposures. Weather & Safety: Western Montana faces continued heat and fire-weather concerns, plus a Wednesday flood threat in parts of the region. Outdoors: Gov. Gianforte and FWP opened the Siskin Island Fishing Access Site on the upper Yellowstone River, expanding public access.

Yellowstone Safety: A 65-year-old grandfather says a bison attack at Bridge Bay Campground was terrifyingly fast—“He just kept coming”—and left him with multiple fractures. Public Health & Drugs: The Rocky Mountain DEA reports seizing about 3.2 million fentanyl pills in 2026 so far, with Montana accounting for 14,500 pills. Education & Workforce: Great Falls College MSU names Leanne Frost as its next CEO and dean, and MSU’s nursing college lands a $2.5 million grant to expand simulation labs statewide. Local Roads: Havre’s US-2/First Street project continues with joint cleaning and crosswalk milling; traffic is reduced to one lane each direction. Community & Outdoors: FWP’s “Kids to Fish” program is back with free rod-and-tackle loaner sites across northeast Montana. Weather Watch: Wednesday storms could bring localized flash flooding, with elevated fire weather risk afterward.