AGP Executive Report

Water & Growth Fight: Eastern Montana groups are staging a “SAY NO TO DATA CENTERS” rally Aug. 22 in Glendive, backing a proposed two-year moratorium on new hyperscale data centers while they push for studies on water, power and community impacts. Wildlife Enforcement: Montana FWP named Pete Glowacki as the new head of the wardens, aiming to reset culture and morale after past internal concerns. Local Infrastructure: The Dry-Redwater project is moving toward reality after federal authorization steps, with fall hearings expected in Congress. Billings Military Spotlight: Billings Navy Week runs Aug. 17-23, with community events and the Blue Angels set for Aug. 22-23 at the Yellowstone air show. Courtroom Data-Center Clash: A judge temporarily blocked Butte-Silver Bow from using a new deadline to reject signatures for a data-center limits initiative, setting up a hearing on a preliminary injunction. Fire Update: The Sand Creek Fire continues to burn near Maverick Mountain, with recent rain helping slow growth and protect much of the resort. Veterans & Community: A Montana veteran is urging awareness after a handicap-parking dispute in Helena, despite disabled veteran plates.

Politics & Money in Montana: A veteran small-business owner argues Montana’s elections are being drowned by corporate and anonymous spending, making it harder for local voices to compete. Housing Pressure: In Missoula, tenant unions helped win a 3% cap on steep lot-rent hikes after a Texas company sought much larger increases at Travois Village and Harvey’s Park. Insurance Dispute: A Montana class action says State Farm systematically refuses to pay for pre- and post-repair scans when repairs are done at independent shops, despite a state advisory. Agriculture & Drought Fallout: With the U.S. cattle herd at its smallest in 75 years, ranchers say drought and shrinking grasslands are driving supply problems that won’t be fixed quickly. Local Economy & Jobs: A new Montana-focused report highlights how young people are lining up for ranch work even as many kids once avoided it. Mining Update: American Pacific Mining says it has completed 2,048 meters of drilling at its Madison copper-gold project near Silver Star, with more results expected soon. Food Safety: A jalapeno recall tied to possible salmonella contamination has expanded, with cases reported across many states including Montana.

Ranching Future: A new “New Agrarian” program is pairing young ranching apprentices with Western ranches as low profits, rising costs, drought and an aging rancher population push more land toward sale. Housing Fight: In Missoula, tenant unions helped turn steep mobile home lot rent hikes into a rare 3% cap after Oak Wood Ventures sought big increases at Travois Village and Harvey’s Park. Public Health & Oversight: FDA data show American National Red Cross in a city tied to Missoula County received a July inspection with “No Action Indicated.” Energy & Policy: Gov. Greg Gianforte’s suspended PSC commissioner Brad Molnar faces a court fight over due process and harassment claims. Health Breakthrough: Intermountain’s St. George Regional Hospital is preparing to use a new pancreatic cancer treatment, daraxonrasib, after early trials showed major survival gains. Agriculture & Industry: Montana State University’s new Wool Lab aims to boost regional wool production and train the next generation of sheep ranchers. Land & Livestock: A nearly 49,400-acre eastern Montana ranch is on the market for about €429 per acre, marketed as regenerative-grazing managed for 13 years. Sports/Local Interest: Montana Western football fall camp is underway with a quarterback competition spotlighting the Bulldogs’ push for another strong Frontier Conference season.

Montana Politics: Democrats’ “drop out and back independents” strategy is colliding with reality in Montana’s Senate race, after national groups backed independent Seth Bodnar while Democratic nominee Alani Bankhead refused to withdraw, arguing it damages the party long term. Local Economy & Industry: Gov. Greg Gianforte’s 56 County Tour highlighted Montana manufacturing and agriculture, including a Kalispell ribbon-cutting for Ex-Guard’s new western facility and visits to GrainMaker Mills plus cattle operations in Ravalli and Lake counties. Agriculture & Jobs: Montana State University’s new Wool Lab is pushing to modernize wool production and train the next generation of sheep ranchers and wool professionals. Energy & Environment: U.S. Senate leaders are signaling that year-round higher ethanol blends (E15) will require compromises with small oil refiners, while Lake Mead hit a new low as the Colorado River crisis deepens. Public Lands: Nevada ranchers are fighting the federal government over grazing rights on public lands, arguing the system threatens a generational livelihood. Sports & Community: Montana Western’s fall camp is underway with a quarterback competition spotlight as the Bulldogs chase another strong Frontier Conference season.

Montana Politics: Gov. Greg Gianforte kept his 56-County Tour rolling with stops in Ravalli and Lake counties, meeting producers and manufacturers including GrainMaker Mills and Cathey Cattle Company and G&G Livestock. Local Governance & Courts: Yellowstone County’s data center ballot fight took a major turn as a judge upheld the county’s move to invalidate a proposal that would have required a two-thirds vote for new data center construction. Energy & Industry: Montana’s hemp industry got a boost after the U.S. Senate delayed a ban on certain floral hemp products, with processors calling it a win for Montana producers. Veterans: A new VA clinic opened in Lewistown, nearly doubling space for about 770 veterans who use the facility. Business & Manufacturing: Gianforte also attended Ex-Guard’s ribbon-cutting in Kalispell, marking an expansion for the truck and pickup grille guard maker. Agriculture & Elections: Montana Farmers Union endorsed I-194, backing the initiative’s push for election spending limits and stronger disclosure. Sports & Community: Montana Western’s fall camp is underway as the Bulldogs sort out a quarterback competition ahead of the Frontier season.

Economic Development: Fergus County Commissioner Ross Butcher was honored by Snowy Mountain Development Corp for years of leadership on local economic development, with SMDC calling him a “steward” who kept community needs front and center. Local Governance: A Yellowstone County judge upheld the county’s move to invalidate a data-center ballot initiative that would have required a supermajority for approval, clearing the way for Quantica to keep moving while opponents vow to fight on. Veterans Services: A new VA clinic in Lewistown nearly doubled space for about 770 active users, adding exam rooms, women’s health space, on-site labs, and telehealth after a $1.7 million build. Agriculture & Policy: Montana hemp processors praised a U.S. Senate delay on a ban affecting THC limits, saying it’s a win for Montana and the broader industry. Community & Culture: Crow Fair in Crow Agency is seeing more RVs alongside teepees as families adapt for comfort, especially for elders. Civic Life: Montana Farmers Union endorsed I-194, backing the initiative as a way to curb corporate influence and increase election transparency.

Hemp Policy: Montana hemp processors are celebrating a U.S. Senate delay of a ban on certain floral hemp products, saying it’s a “huge win” for the state as lawmakers work toward a longer-term fix. Veterans Care: A new VA clinic in Lewistown nearly doubled space for about 770 active-use veterans, with expanded exam rooms, on-site lab services, and telehealth. Local Business & Jobs: Ex-Guard cut a ribbon on a new manufacturing and logistics facility in Kalispell, pointing to Montana’s business climate and access to western and Canadian markets. Water Infrastructure: Congressman Troy Downing met with the Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authority in Sidney to discuss progress on H.R. 8745, aimed at bringing cleaner, more reliable water to several eastern Montana counties. Mining & Land Use: Montana DEQ is taking public comment on a draft environmental assessment for the Crossover Project near Lake Mary Ronan, proposing deep drilling and heavy water use. Community & Culture: Crow Fair-goers are seeing more RVs alongside teepees as the long-running tradition adapts to modern comfort. Civic Engagement: Central Montana Resource Council is inviting residents to weigh in on data center growth impacts on land, water rights, and the power grid.

Local Journalism Wins: KRTV in Great Falls earned a 2026 National Edward R. Murrow Award for “Milk River Meltdown,” spotlighting the St. Mary siphon failure and the $70 million effort to restore water for Montana’s Hi-Line. Montana Politics: Seven Republican state AGs, led by Montana’s Austin Knudsen, urged the Surface Transportation Board to reject Union Pacific’s $85 billion Norfolk Southern merger, arguing it won’t benefit the public and would worsen competition. Outdoor Tensions: UM researchers are studying how e-bikes are changing public land trail use, including heated conflicts at Thompson Park south of Butte. Energy Planning: A draft Ninth Power Plan would add major generation, storage, and efficiency across the Northwest by 2032, with public hearings planned in Montana and other states. Community & Business: Teton Auto Group is expanding into Montana with two Bozeman dealership acquisitions; and Billings’ Spirit Halloween is opening soon in a new location. Environment & Health: Missoula’s new heat map highlights neighborhood “hot spots” tied to tree cover and greenspace. Agritourism: Montana’s Agritourism Conference is set for Nov. 5-6 in Lewistown.

Montana Senate Race: Alani Bankhead says she’s staying in the U.S. Senate race through Nov. 3, despite pressure from party divisions and fundraising gaps, as the ballot remains crowded with Kurt Alme, Seth Bodnar and Libertarian Kyle Austin. Energy Planning: The Northwest’s draft Ninth Power Plan would add a mix of renewables, storage and efficiency by 2032, with public hearings set across Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Montana. Wildfire & Public Safety: The Sand Creek Fire pushed into Montana’s Maverick Mountain Ski Area, but crews protected the lodge and Elkhorn Hot Springs while assessing damage. Local Business & Economy: Montana hit a new monthly high for business applications, topping 8,000 in July, and Gov. Gianforte continued a 56-county tour highlighting timber and manufacturing jobs. Agriculture & Community: The Montana Agritourism Conference is set for Nov. 5-6 in Lewistown, and 4H entries at MontanaFair reached record numbers. Health Care: Intermountain hospitals in Utah, Colorado and Montana will be among the first to administer a new pancreatic cancer drug under an expanded access program. Environment & Water: FEMA designated 28 Montana counties as natural disaster areas for winter storm losses, unlocking USDA emergency loans for ranchers and producers. Business Watch: Montana’s AG is urging scrutiny of a major UP–Norfolk Southern railroad merger, warning about competition and costs.

Wildfire readiness: Missoula County wildfire staff urged Montanans to take wildfire mitigation into their own hands, citing rising blazes and insurance nonrenewals tied to perceived risk. Public safety at MontanaFair: A tire broke free from the Zipper ride in Billings, triggering an evacuation; no injuries were reported, and the ride was closed pending inspection. Energy and jobs: Eastern Montana Fertilizer Plant backers near Culbertson say progress continues, but they’re seeking a USDA grant and a major federal loan to move forward. Concealed carry proposal: Sen. Tim Sheehy is pushing a bill to extend nationwide concealed-carry privileges to a narrowly defined group of special-operations veterans. Pipeline delay: Montana DEQ withdrew a waiver for the Bridger Pipeline Expansion, adding friction to a proposed 650-mile project. Agriculture security: Rising cattle values are driving fears of more livestock theft, with the state tracking hundreds of missing head. Community and culture: Eagle Fest returns to Billings to support Eagle Mount, and Montana Heritage Center in Helena is rolling out immersive LED-based history exhibits.

MontanaFair Safety Update: A drive tire broke free from the Zipper ride Tuesday evening in Billings, sending the tire through the air and prompting an evacuation; no injuries were reported, and the ride remains closed while inspectors investigate. Wildfire Preparedness: Missoula County wildfire officials say more Montanans are shifting from “firefighters will handle it” thinking to taking steps like securing vents and clearing defensible space as wildfire risk grows. Livestock Theft Concern: With beef prices rising and cattle valued at record highs, Montana ranchers and the Department of Livestock warn that higher prices may mean more incentive for cattle theft. Invasive Species Watch: The Eastern Heath Snail has spread across north-central Montana, with no reliable eradication once established, raising alarms for farmers and ranchers. Local Culture & Community: Eagle Fest returns to Billings Sept. 26 to support Eagle Mount, and the Northwest Montana Fair is back in Kalispell through Aug. 16 with new exhibits, food vendors, and a music stage. Health News: A new pancreatic cancer drug, daraxonrasib, is becoming available to some eligible patients in Montana through an FDA expanded access program.

Montana Water Rights: A Yellowstone County judge ruled for Longbranch Bar, LLC, granting the bar a permanent legal right to use a neighboring well, ending a dispute that went to trial. Wildlife Policy: The Department of the Interior proposed shifting grizzly bear management to states, a move Montana leaders and advocates are already debating. Energy & Power: BHE Montana says it will join California’s new Western electricity market, signaling more regional competition for lower-cost power. Climate & Fire Risk: A new report finds more than 2.5 million U.S. properties in the most exposed western states face moderate-or-greater wildfire risk, with Montana included among the highest-exposure states. Local Politics: Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Alani Bankhead says she’s staying in the race, setting up a tighter fight in Montana’s crowded contest. Education: Malta Public Schools’ superintendent defended the decision not to offer band next year, citing staffing and broader challenges. Business & Agriculture: A Havre-area farmer-led effort is testing a new approach to crop nutrition aimed at cutting fertilizer costs.

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.