AGP Executive Report

Public Safety & Justice: A Montana man, Eric Lee Boltz, was arrested on federal charges after allegedly leaving nine voicemails threatening to kill Gov. Josh Green and his family, including antisemitic slurs, with prosecutors saying he faces up to five years per count. Elections & Courts: The Montana Supreme Court unanimously approved revised ballot language for the Transparent Election Initiative, after the attorney general argued earlier wording could mislead voters about which groups are covered. Energy & Environment: Montana DEQ approved exploratory drilling for Sentinel Metals’ Columbia Gold and Silver project in the Upper Blackfoot Valley after thousands of public comments. Business Climate: WalletHub ranked Montana 12th for starting a business, praising affordability while noting weaker access to resources. Local Economy & Jobs: Stillwater Mine plans to hire 150 workers after 2024 layoffs, with recovery tied to palladium prices. Food Assistance: SNAP replacement benefits are available for households that lost food due to June storm power outages, including some Montana-Dakota Utilities customers in North Dakota. Community & Culture: A Billings private investigator is forming a statewide association to raise standards and training beyond state licensing. Sports & Community: The Dutton/Brady Hall of Fame inducted seven alumni, honoring decades of local leadership.

Montana Politics & Civic Life: A free public screening of the 2018 documentary “Dark Money” is set for June 11 in Choteau, hosted by the Transparent Election Initiative, with a post-film Q&A on corporate and dark-money influence in Montana elections. Battle of Greasy Grass Anniversary: Tribes and the National Park Service are gearing up for the June 25-27 Battle of Little Bighorn commemoration, with free park admission and large-scale cultural events planned. Native Communities & History: A Blackfeet filmmaker is working on “Breaking the Silence,” a documentary aimed at bringing stories of Indian boarding schools to a national audience. Environment & Energy: Montana DEQ approved exploratory drilling for precious metals in the Upper Blackfoot near Lincoln, allowing up to 21 core-drill holes with required reclamation. Public Safety & Accountability: A federal watchdog report highlights major problems at an ICE detention facility, including wasted funds and failures tied to detainee deaths. Food & Agriculture: Canada banned cattle imports from Texas after New World screwworms were found, prompting emergency livestock import rules in several states including Montana. Tech & Culture: Netflix is marking the one-year anniversary of “KPop Demon Hunters” with special screenings, including a stop in Butte, Montana on June 24.

Montana Politics & Public Lands: Conservation groups have filed appeals to stop the Trump administration from evicting more than 900 bison from federal land in central Montana, after American Prairie’s grazing permits were rescinded. Local Government: Columbia Falls moved closer to meeting Montana’s Land Use Planning Act requirements, adopting a new land use plan and approving zoning and subdivision regulations. Environment & Water: A rapid May melt left Montana snowpack largely below 50% of median by June 1, with many SNOTEL sites melting out early—raising concerns for agriculture, recreation, and water supply. Corrections & Conservation: Montana expanded its “Roosters for Retention” pheasant-raising program to Pine Hills Correctional Facility in Miles City, pairing wildlife work with inmate job training. Health & Safety: A federal watchdog report says Camp East Montana wasted up to $11.5 million in its first weeks and flagged serious oversight and medical gaps. Community & Culture: Montana PBS won two Northwest Emmy Awards for local productions. Sports Betting: The Montana Lottery reported a 3% year-over-year drop in sports handle in May, to $4.8 million.

Local Planning: Columbia Falls moved closer to meeting Montana’s Land Use Planning Act requirements, adopting a new land use plan and advancing zoning and subdivision rules that will guide development for the next 20 years. Public Safety & Community: Montana National Guard engineers are building a new recreation area at Legion Park in Culbertson, adding a walking trail, parking, and groundwork for a future pavilion overlooking the Missouri River. Agriculture & Rural Economy: The Montana Agribusiness Foundation named its 2026 scholarship recipients, backing students pursuing careers that strengthen agriculture and rural communities. Health & Addiction: Community Medical Center in Missoula announced an inpatient medical detox program starting July 6 to help adults safely manage withdrawal from alcohol or opioids. Food & Consumer Safety: The FDA expanded a pet food recall tied to extremely low thiamine levels in certain GO Raw freeze-dried and frozen raw products. Business & Jobs: Joe Goggins, CEO of Vermilion Ranch Corp. in Billings, was elected president of the Livestock Marketing Association. Community Life: Downtown Bozeman’s 2026 Art Walk series kicks off June 12 with events at the Emerson Center and downtown galleries and shops. Sports: Florence golf coach Scott Marsh was named Montana Coaches Association Class B Golf Coach of the Year for both boys and girls.

Local Economy: Montana’s business picture stays steadier than many fear, with state labor data showing more openings than closures and above-average long-term survival rates, even as owners still wrestle with staffing and rising costs. Animal Health & Agriculture: Montana’s Department of Livestock issued an emergency order blocking imports of certain animals from New World screwworm-affected areas in Texas, requiring permits, inspections, and treatment before entry. Energy & Food Security: USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins says the Trump administration is ramping up the fight against New World screwworm after new cases in Texas, including movement controls and surveillance around infested zones. Big Jobs for Great Falls: Janicki Industries is moving forward on an $800 million manufacturing campus in Great Falls, promising 1,000 jobs in five years and more than 2,000 after buildout. Mining Watch: Red Mountain Mining says it has found outcropping garnet skarn at its Pioneer tungsten project and submitted rock chips for assays, with results expected by late June. Public Lands & Wildlife: A Missoula group is appealing a BLM decision to revoke American Prairie’s bison grazing permits in northeastern Montana. Community & Culture: The 72nd Annual Billings Mexican Fiesta returns July 18 to South Park, with organizers expecting more than 10,000 people for food, music, dancing, and family activities.

Big Investment, Big Questions in Great Falls: Janicki Industries is bringing a new $800M manufacturing campus to Great Falls, promising up to 1,000 jobs in five years and more than 2,000 long-term—while some residents warn growth could bring major social and economic changes. Montana Politics: A Montana Senate race is taking shape after a Democratic primary upset put Alani Bankhead on track to face Republican Kurt Alme, and a separate GOP state senator suspended a property tax cap ballot push just before signatures were due. Wildfire Planning: Missoula County is updating its Community Wildfire Protection Plan, shifting from pure suppression toward living with fire risk and emphasizing personal responsibility. Public Lands & Conservation: Western Watersheds Project is appealing BLM’s decision to evict 940 bison from Montana public lands, calling it politically driven. Healthcare Access: A $3.2M grant aims to help rural hospitals avoid generic drug shortages by pooling purchasing power. Statewide Policy Watch: Montana is among states rolling out SNAP restrictions on certain non-nutritious items. Local Culture: The Old Salt Festival returns June 19-21 in Helmville, blending music with ranching culture and locally raised food.

Drone Deal: Mobix Labs says it has signed a binding letter of intent to acquire Montana-based Vision Aerial, aiming to expand into U.S.-built drones and aerial intelligence for defense, public safety, energy and critical infrastructure. Glacier Bear Attack: A San Diego man, Daniel Crago, is recovering after a grizzly attack at Glacier National Park left him with a severely broken arm and could need up to two years of rehab. Montana Economy & Taxes: New Census Bureau data shows Montana collected $210.7 million in motor vehicle license taxes in 2024, up from $199.2 million the year before. Ag on Social Media: A Wall Street Journal report highlights Montana farmers turning farm life into second incomes through social media, including the Welker family’s tractor and farm video business. Fishing Economy: A Montana outfitter and guide story ties healthy rivers to big local economic impact, citing $1.27 billion in fishing-related spending in 2024. Wolf Watch: Yellowstone’s wolf count fell to 84 wolves in eight packs at the end of 2025, down from 108 the year before, with disease and wider-area hunting/trapping cited.

Public Lands & Energy: Sen. Elizabeth Warren is pushing a new federal moratorium on new oil and gas drilling and mining on public lands, arguing it’s needed to cut climate pollution and reverse Trump-era policies. Montana Land Policy: An opinion piece says Montana land swaps are getting more political after the Land Board shifted power away from DNRC, raising fears that isolated state parcels could be traded away with less protection for the public. Wildlife Watch: Yellowstone’s wolf count fell to 84 wolves in eight packs in 2025, down from 108 the year before, with low pup survival and disease suspected; Wyoming also plans to cut its wolf hunt by half after a distemper outbreak. Local Economy & Community: Montana’s motor vehicle license taxes rose to $210.7 million in 2024, and a Helena school’s “Ag Day” highlights how agriculture education is still a big part of local life. Health Care: Cigna is leaving Florida’s Obamacare marketplace in 2027, warning of a possible “death spiral” as insurers pull back. Sports & Culture: Glacier’s grizzly attack survivor story and a Montana Army National Guard public affairs welcome round out the week’s local human-interest coverage.

Montana Land Swaps: A new push to speed up Montana’s land-exchange process is making it more political, with the Land Board taking tighter control and critics warning the public could get a raw deal. Public Lands & Wildlife Policy: A Montana-focused debate is heating up over the return of “cyanide bombs” on public lands, after federal agencies shifted to a case-by-case approach. Data Centers Power Crunch: Missoula residents heard warnings that data centers could demand 850 to 1,400 megawatts by 2030, raising fears about electricity strain and who will pay. Corner Crossing Lawsuit: Montana Backcountry Hunters and Anglers sued FWP over “corner crossing,” arguing hundreds of thousands of acres would otherwise be effectively locked off from public access. Local Business: Whitefish’s chamber named Katherine Archibald as its new executive director, replacing retiring longtime leader Kevin Gartland. Community & Culture: Helena High’s history teacher Kristopher Schreiner won the Centennial Bell Montana History Teacher of the Year award, praised for hands-on Montana history learning.

Border & Courts: An Associated Press investigation says the Trump administration has re-separated dozens of children from parents for a second time, even after a landmark settlement meant to keep families together. Montana Politics: The Montana Senate race is taking shape after Bankhead’s Democratic primary win, while groups warn about data centers’ electricity demands at a Missoula meeting. Energy & Industry: The Trump administration is pushing major coal funding—nearly $700 million—using a Cold War-era law, though Montana is left out of the direct list. Public Lands: A draft order would allow off-road vehicles on millions of acres of national forest land, with effects already flagged for about 5 million acres, including parts of Montana. Local Montana: Helena High formalized a sister-school partnership with Japan’s Kumamoto Tamana High, and Kalispell Middle School history teacher Kristopher Schreiner was named Montana History Teacher of the Year. Community & Culture: Havre’s Chamber is still accepting nominations for Ag awards.

Public Lands & Recreation: The Trump administration is preparing to allow off-road vehicles on millions of acres of national forest land, with a draft memo directing the Forest Service to reopen year-round access on some currently closed roads, trails and areas—an expansion that could affect about 5 million acres, largely in Idaho and Montana. Forest Health & Wildfire Risk: Montana announced a major boost to its Shared Stewardship forest management partnership, adding a third landscape in the Lolo National Forest and pushing the total to nearly one million acres under shared stewardship. Montana Jobs & Industry: Janicki Industries selected Great Falls for an $800 million manufacturing campus expansion, aiming to create 1,000 jobs in five years and more than 2,000 long term. Coal Policy: Montana was left out of a nearly $700 million federal coal investment plan, though local leaders said the broader energy direction still has them optimistic. Local Sports: Billings West’s Tatum Bush was named Gatorade Montana Softball Player of the Year after a dominant state-tournament run. Community & Culture: Butte’s Engine 25 got its bell back after 68 years, restoring a long-stolen piece of local history.

Softball Spotlight: Billings West’s Tatum Bush was named Gatorade Montana Softball Player of the Year after leading the Golden Bears to a Class AA state title, throwing four straight shutouts and finishing 13-0 with a 0.69 ERA. Public Lands & Recreation: A draft Forest Service memo says the Trump administration is preparing to open millions of acres of national forest land to off-road vehicles, including areas tied to wilderness recommendations—an especially big deal for Montana. Livestock Health: Montana issued an emergency order restricting animal imports after New World Screwworm was confirmed in Texas, requiring permits and strict entry conditions. Local Business & Community: Alpacas of Montana in Bozeman kicked off its summer shearing season, preparing nearly 90 alpacas and llamas for fiber sales. Environment & Growth Watch: Flathead Lake-area residents and groups raised concerns during a public hearing on sanitary facilities for a luxury resort expansion near Lakeside. Agriculture Economy: Montana farm bankruptcies jumped in 2025, with economists citing strain from tariffs, market shifts, and economic pressure. Museum Leadership: Museum of the Rockies director Christopher Dobbs announced he’s stepping down after eight years, with Scott Williams set as interim director.

Rural Montana Funding: The U.S. House approved a $4.8 million package for Western Montana rural projects, including wastewater and water filtration work in Columbia Falls, Libby and Ronan, plus emergency communications support for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. Water Infrastructure: Another bill cleared the House to extend $500 million in Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water System support through 2028, aiming to keep drinking water systems running as drought strains the region. Local Justice: Anderson Towing reached a $165,000 settlement with the city of Billings after being removed from the police towing rotation, following complaints about fees. Community & Culture: Missoula’s Two-Spirit Powwow is set for June 19 at Caras Park, with free admission and a focus on Indigenous and Two-Spirit community pride. Montana Climate Watch: Warm May temperatures rapidly melted snowpack; statewide levels are largely below 50% of median for June 1. Racism Backlash: A Bozeman realtor’s social media post sparked outrage over racist language; the post was deleted and an apology issued.

School Cellphone Crackdowns: A new wave of state laws aims to curb student phone use, but fresh research says the promised benefits may be overstated, even as more states move ahead. Coal Push: President Trump says nearly $700 million will back coal-fired power plants and exports, using Cold War-era authority and touting thousands of jobs. Montana Forests: Montana’s Shared Stewardship deal with the U.S. Forest Service is expanding again, adding about 345,000 acres in the Lolo National Forest for nearly 1 million acres managed together. Corner-locked Access Fight: Tension is rising over “corner crossing” on public land, with some landowners threatening to pull back from access programs while a citizen council weighs pilot solutions. Water & Drought: USDA designated 10 Montana counties, including Cascade, for drought disaster aid, and local meetings covered Big Horn Lake operations as low snowpack and drought slow filling. Jobs & Industry: Janicki Industries announced a Great Falls campus expected to create up to 2,000 jobs, and Montana’s Shared Stewardship expansion is framed as wildfire-risk reduction. Local Watch: A Lakeside luxury resort’s sanitary facilities are under environmental review, and a Pondera County man was sentenced for poaching a trophy buck.

Montana Water Rights: The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes cleared the last legal hurdle for the CSKT-Montana Water Compact, getting final approval from the Montana Water Court that folds about 300 tribal water rights into the state system. Wildfire Readiness: State and federal officials briefed Gov. Greg Gianforte on a wildfire outlook that’s improving in some areas thanks to rain, but still could “turn on a dime,” with eastern and southwestern Montana facing different risk windows. Ranching & Water Law: A court challenge to Montana’s exempt-well rules could reshape stockwater access by forcing more wells into the full permitting process, raising costs and delays for ranchers. Community Support: Valley Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank awarded $8,574 grants to seven Western Montana nonprofits, backing housing, youth programs, healthcare access and rural economic development. Local Health Tech: Kootenai Health in North Idaho installed the da Vinci 5 surgical robot, expanding specialized care and adding another robotic platform to its campus. Workforce Pipeline: Boise State was named lead for a nine-state semiconductor education network (including Montana) aimed at building a regional microelectronics workforce.

Montana Election Watch: CBS projects Democrat Sam Forstag won the primary in Montana’s 1st Congressional District, setting up a November bid to flip the open seat held by GOP Rep. Ryan Zinke. Road Safety: Gov. Greg Gianforte urged drivers to slow down and follow construction signs during a U.S. Highway 89 bridge replacement project south of Choteau. Outdoor & Agriculture Relief: A multi-day rain event brought moisture to parched pasture and hay in parts of north-central Montana, though some winter wheat damage may already be done. Land Use Politics: A new Montana Land Board approach is speeding up state land exchanges, shifting more power to the five-member board and raising concerns about public influence. Local History: A new sign honors the “forgotten five” U.S. Forest Service firefighters who died in the 1931 Waldron Creek Fire. Business in Montana: Janicki Industries selected Great Falls for an $800 million manufacturing campus expansion. Community & Health: A WalletHub study ranked Louisiana among the worst states for nurses, highlighting staffing pressures nationwide.