AGP Executive Report

Montana Data Center Pushback: Residents and officials are clashing over new data-center plans, with Montana showing up in the broader national fight over transparency, water use, and local control. Big Hole River Water Fight: Montana DEQ is moving toward an impairment designation for the Big Hole River tied to nutrient-driven algae problems, with a final call not expected until 2027 at the earliest. Stillwater County Zoning Decision: Commissioners approved a conditional use permit for a Molt sheep feeding facility in a 3-0 vote, clearing the way for construction after added conditions on buffers, operations, and approvals. Yellowstone Bison Plan Lawsuit: Groups say Yellowstone’s bison approach is ignoring a disease report, setting up another legal push over federal management. Immigration Detention Scrutiny: Records reviewed by ProPublica and The Texas Tribune describe “systemic neglect” and repeated mental-health failures at Camp East Montana. Montana at the Great American State Fair: Montana is set to showcase its landscapes and frontier themes at the National Mall through July 10. Local Outdoors & Safety: River guides are urging life-jacket use, no alcohol, and group paddling as summer crowds hit Montana waterways. Arts & Community: Bitterroot Health dedicated “Rachel’s Corner,” a free comfort-items cabinet for cancer patients at its infusion center.

Egg Prices & Antitrust: DOJ settlement over alleged egg price-fixing is prompting fresh scrutiny in Bozeman, where shoppers are still seeing prices that track closely with the national average; a local grocer says most eggs come from Montana farms, helping keep the market steadier. Montana History Spotlight: The Montana Tapestry Project is on display at the Red Lodge Carnegie Library, featuring banners on Montana’s role in the nation’s 250th birthday and a curated set of Montanans honored for heritage and service. Wildlife & Hunting Update: Montana FWP trend reports point to generally low deer numbers around Great Falls and the Judith River area, with some brighter spots where recent weather improved survival and buck harvests. UM Leadership: University of Montana has a new president, Jeremiah Shinn, who says his focus is making campus life easier for students and setting benchmarks for quality. PFAS Concern: Big Mountain Water Co. wells in the Whitefish area show detectable “forever chemicals,” including one well above EPA’s maximum contaminant level. Local Politics: Helena-area ballot dynamics are taking shape after contested legislative primary races, with several key seats decided in the latest vote counts.

Montana Data Centers: Missoula County is weighing interim zoning rules that could pause new data-center development or expansions, with a July 9 public hearing aimed at addressing concerns over power, water use, noise, and heat impacts. Local Governance & Politics: A Missoula-area nonprofit “dark money” review highlights how A Better Big Sky funnels funds through multiple groups tied to Montana elections, keeping donors off public records. Energy & Rates: Montana-Dakota Utilities filed for a North Dakota electric rate increase of $34.5 million (14.5%) to cover rising operating costs and reliability investments. Water & Drought Monitoring: Montana is expanding its Mesonet network with more stations to track drought conditions and improve soil-water data for farmers and officials. Agriculture: The Montana Department of Agriculture reminds producers that hail-loss claims must be reported within 14 days of storms, with claims due Oct. 1. Public Lands & Wildlife: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment ahead of an Aug. 19 commission meeting, including items tied to fisheries funding, access closures, and conservation easements. Education & Community: MACo scholarships go to two Roosevelt County graduates, Addison Hansen and Ayden Ator.

Wildfire & Forest Policy: The U.S. Forest Service plans to fast-track salvage logging in western Montana blowdown areas after December and March wind storms, using an emergency authority that would allow temporary forest roads that must be removed within three years. Water & Agriculture: Farmers and ranchers say Montana’s exempt well law is driving groundwater depletion and threatening senior water rights, especially as subdivisions expand in western Montana. Energy Infrastructure: Western governors, led by Utah, announced a multi-state task force to speed permitting and coordination for new transmission lines across state lines. Local Community Funding: AARP Montana is awarding nearly $180,000 in grants to improve trails, parks, sidewalks, public spaces, and aging-in-place supports across 14 Montana communities. Montana Food Spotlight: Eight Montana restaurants and chefs are semifinalists for the James Beard Awards, with Bozeman and Missoula leading the nominations. Holiday Safety: With wildfire risk high, states and cities are tightening fireworks rules and urging people to attend professional displays instead of lighting at home. Childcare Pressure: Montana childcare providers warn delayed state reimbursement payments are pushing businesses toward the brink as the Best Beginnings system rolls out.

Local Arts & Culture: Butte watercolor artist Bulbul Majumder is set for a solo exhibit at Main Stope Gallery in Butte as part of the Uptown Art Walk, with a Thursday opening tied to the July 4 holiday. Montana Community & Heritage: Lewistown families are recreating a 1918 Montana Flour Mill Company photo for the Independence Day parade, using a period-style truck and custom flour bags. Energy & Infrastructure: Western governors, including Montana’s, backed a multi-state effort to study and plan transmission-line upgrades across the region, aiming to cut bottlenecks and improve reliability. Education & Montana Tech: Montana Tech won the 2025-26 George R. Bandy Memorial All-Sports Award, and the school’s leadership highlighted new energy and STEM programs. Public Safety: A Billings-area man accused of possessing and sharing child sex abuse material appeared in court, with prosecutors citing federal reporting rules and long prison sentences for similar cases. Environment & Access: Butte’s Lexington Wetlands project is expanding public access with trails, an outdoor classroom, and new wildlife viewing areas. Sports & Politics: Unions’ role in Montana politics drew attention at a Bozeman AFL-CIO convention, while a Supreme Court ruling on transgender athletes could affect Montana’s sports law.

Conservation & Access: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks released a draft plan for a 99-year conservation easement on Hannah Ranch in Fergus County, aiming to protect critical habitat and expand public access near the Big Snowy Mountains. Local Celebrations: Lewistown is laying out a full America 250 Independence Day weekend, from a July 3 street dance to a July 4 parade, living history fair, and fireworks. Politics: A Montana Senate race super PAC backing Alani Bankhead says it’s pulling support, citing no viable path for Democrats in the state. Energy Infrastructure: Western governors backed a multi-state task force, WestTEC, to study and plan transmission line upgrades across the region. Montana Agriculture: The MSU Eastern Agricultural Research Center’s 46th Irrigated Field Day is set for July 15 in Sidney, with talks on pulse crops, herbicide resistance, nitrogen management, and more. Public Health: Wyoming issued a measles exposure alert tied to locations in Grand Teton National Park and Jackson, urging monitoring for symptoms. Billings Business: Target responded after MTN News reported months of inspection records showing a recurring mouse problem at the West End store.

Data-center power rates: Montanans are pushing to have a say as the Montana Public Service Commission weighs how NorthWestern Energy sets rates for big electricity users tied to new data centers, with multiple groups asking to weigh in on the process. Homelessness in rural Montana: A new federal report shows Montana’s chronic homelessness is surging, and rural communities say they’re cobbling together help through churches, social services and law enforcement—often without long-term solutions. Affordability tax debate: Lawmakers are circling tax credits as a way to tackle the affordability crisis, even as critics question whether credits can do enough. Blackfeet water rights fight: The Blackfeet Nation is asking a district court to dismiss a challenge to a Milk River water rights settlement involving the tribe, Montana and the federal government. Billings bank fraud plea: A Billings man pleaded guilty to bank fraud after using his job at First Interstate Bank to secure a $50,000 loan for himself with a falsified application. Park County jobs: Park County’s unemployment rate fell to 2.4% in May, lower than most Montana counties. Sports/community: Butte High named its weight room after former NFL coach Colt Anderson.

Montana Wildfire Response: Montana fire officials say the 2026 season will bring a major shift as six federal agencies consolidate into the new United States Wildland Fire Service, with leaders emphasizing faster response and long-term forest health. Local Government & Tech: Missoula County is weighing interim zoning to pause new data centers and crypto projects while officials study impacts and possible new rules, with a public hearing set for July 9. Mining & Community Concerns: The company behind the controversial Sheep Creek Project says it’s moving its headquarters to Darby, aiming to build a local presence as exploratory rare-earth mining plans face scrutiny near Bitterroot headwaters. Public Safety & Courts: A Billings man pleaded guilty to bank fraud tied to a falsified loan application used to fund his own real estate plans. Health Care Business: PACS Group announced it will acquire 34 skilled nursing facilities across six western states, including six in Montana, as part of a deal with Eduro Healthcare. Firefighter Pay Proposal: U.S. Sen. Tim Sheehy and Sen. Alex Padilla introduced a bill to extend hazard pay to prescribed burns and training jumps.

Montana Rural Tech Fight: A Montana mom is leading pushback against a proposed AI data center that backers say could cover about 3,800 football fields, with residents warning about impacts to farmland, wildlife, water and rural life. Local Health & Safety: Montana lawmakers are reworking a bill aimed at easing the rural veterinarian shortage, after federal data flagged critical gaps in 17 counties. Billings Arts: Anne Harrigan took her final bow as music director of the Billings Symphony after 20 years, closing with the annual free Symphony in the Park at Pioneer Park. Montana Sports Legacy: The Montana Football Hall of Fame marked its 10-year anniversary in Billings, adding eight inductees to the 2026 class. National Spotlight (for Montana readers): The U.S. and Iran exchanged fire despite a ceasefire, while AI spending and politics continue to collide nationwide.

BET Awards 2026: Druski makes history as the youngest host of the BET Awards, airing live from Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater with Cardi B leading nominations and honors for Lauryn Hill and Teyana Taylor. Montana Education Oversight: A legislative audit says Montana’s Office of Public Instruction has mishandled federal education funds, leaving the next Superintendent of Public Instruction to clean up “shambles” and restore compliance. Local Accountability: Health inspection records show an ongoing mouse problem at Billings West End Target, with repeated findings of entry gaps and rodent activity. State Politics & Dark Money: Montana’s anti-dark-money ballot effort is raising questions after filings show its own backers are obscured through a murky nonprofit setup. Land & Agriculture Economy: Central Montana ag land remains in demand as supply tightens, keeping prices firm. Energy & Safety: NorthWestern Energy urges winter preparedness as heavy snow approaches, reminding customers to stay clear of downed lines. Environment & Land Use: Residents in Avon are pushing back on proposed exploratory drilling tied to the Blue Copper Project, citing concerns about water, grazing, hunting and recreation.

U.S. Senate Race: Independent candidate Seth Bodnar is closing in on Montana’s ballot threshold with a major fundraising edge, reporting nearly $1.4 million in first-quarter contributions—far more than rivals. Tax Policy: A new property tax law is drawing sharp backlash from agriculture advocates, who argue it shifts the burden onto farmers and ranchers through Montana’s floating mill system. Public Media Funding: President Trump’s proposal to rescind $9.4 billion in federal spending could cut deeply into Montana’s public radio and TV, with Montana PBS facing a major autumn shortfall. Government Accountability: A legislative audit says former Sen. Jason Ellsworth’s contract dealings were wasteful and abusive, citing efforts to bypass competitive bidding rules. Livestock Health: Montana officials and MSU Extension issued guidance after New World screwworm was detected in Texas, including new import requirements for livestock. Local Economy: Janicki Industries selected Great Falls for an $800 million manufacturing facility, promising thousands of jobs. Land-Use Vote: Dawson County voters approved measures limiting tall structures tied to industrial wind and adding conservation rules for large renewable projects.

Local Rodeo Spotlight: The 17th annual Miles City Ranch Rodeo hits Eastern Montana Fairgrounds Saturday, June 20, with open, women’s and youth events plus a bronc ride and family-friendly concessions. Montana Health & Fraud Watch: Montana Senior Medicare Patrol is urging people to watch for Medicare scams during Medicare Fraud Prevention Week, warning against fake calls and unexpected medical equipment. Water Rights Clash: A Montana stockgrowers op-ed on protecting senior water rights is met with pushback over how “exempt wells” are being used, raising questions about whether current practices follow the state constitution. Medical Innovation Debate: Lawmakers are wrestling with Senate Bill 535, which would create a framework for experimental treatment centers under “Right to Try” rules, after a rocky House vote. Property Tax Politics: Sen. Wylie Galt has suspended efforts to cap local property tax hikes at 2% per year, saying a broader legislative fix is needed. Rural Health Funding: A $25 million gift is set to expand primary-care training for rural and Indigenous communities across the WWAMI region, including Montana. Western Culture & Community: Belgrade’s library hosts Montana Poet Laureate Allen Morris Jones for a free storytelling event tied to America 250. Indigenous Cultural Survival: A Métis elder describes how past laws forced her family to hide cultural practice for decades—then kept traditions alive anyway.

Civil Rights Marches: Bozeman saw thousands turn out for Black Lives Action events, with police walking alongside protesters and counterprotesters drawing less attention than the main crowds. Water Rights Fight: Guest opinions warn Montana lawmakers can’t claim to protect senior water rights while expanding exempt well loopholes that drain the same system. Montana Agriculture Under Pressure: A lawsuit challenges USDA grant cancellations affecting Montana projects, while another report says tribal food banks are bracing for TEFAP cuts. Local Government & Taxes: A Republican state senator suspended a property tax cap ballot initiative just before signature deadlines, citing pushback. State Fair Chaos: The Great American State Fair opened with power outages and ride hiccups on the National Mall. Community & Culture: The Montana Historical Society announced a five-day history festival in Helena tied to the Montana Heritage Center’s full opening. Business & Jobs: Montana’s Department of Agriculture highlighted Butte’s value-added ag business, and MSU’s president’s bus tour visited southeast communities to hear needs. Public Safety Funding: Town Pump Charitable Foundation is offering $750,000 in grants for volunteer fire departments statewide.

Local Celebrations: Glendive is planning a full day of July 4 festivities, including a Montana Air National Guard flyover, a parade with a 250th-anniversary patriotism theme, and a free community lunch. Rural Entertainment Rules: Hope’s Creekbend Co. will cap concert noise at 65 dB at the property line starting in July after residents pushed back and a deal was reached with a local nonprofit. Sports Spotlight: Cooper Cooke won the Dutton Ranch Darby XTREME Bareback with a 91-point ride, while Glendive’s Lady Devils ended their season with a state tournament run. Montana Policy & Economy: A new survey finds Montanans want more public transit, and a poll shows Gov. Greg Gianforte’s job approval is narrowly split. Healthcare & Housing: PacificSource will exit Montana’s insurance market by year’s end, and tenants at a Missoula-area mobile home park have unionized after rent hikes. Energy & Industry: Missoula environmental groups warn data centers could drive major electricity demand, and Montana cattle producers are urging USDA to reinstate mandatory country-of-origin labeling. Legal/Politics: Montana Sen. Tim Sheehy sued Freedom Munitions over an alleged ammo blast injury, and a federal judge sentenced a Park County man to 10 years over Molotov cocktails found during a homicide investigation.

Little Bighorn Anniversary: A federal judge ordered the National Park Service to restore Little Bighorn monument signs removed over concerns about “divisive values,” reigniting debate over how the 1876 battle is remembered. Montana Water & Farming: A Montana company says palm-sized hydrogel pellets could cut irrigation water use and costs by holding moisture and releasing it as soil dries. Data Center Politics: Montana’s Democratic Party is pushing a two-year moratorium on new data center projects, citing power-bill and water-demand worries as the industry heats up. Energy Rates: NorthWestern Energy is asking Montana regulators for a large new load tariff for data centers, aiming to keep existing customers from paying for upgrades. Housing in Small Towns: Deer Lodge is moving forward with a “build-ready” neighborhood that has roads and utilities in place to speed affordable home construction. Wildfire Aviation: Neptune Aviation, based in Missoula, took delivery of its first A319 for conversion into a next-generation wildfire airtanker. Public Health & Animals: New World screwworm has triggered stricter animal travel rules, with Montana among states watching for impacts. State Fair Spotlight: Montana is showcasing “Big Sky Country” at the Great American State Fair on the National Mall as part of America’s 250th celebration. Sports: Billings Central freshman Addison Kegel earned Montana Gatorade Track and Field Athlete of the Year after record-setting distance runs.

World Livestock Auctioneer Spotlight: Billings’ Jace Thompson, 23, was named the 2026 World Livestock Auctioneer Champion—becoming the first father-son duo to win the title with his dad, Ty Thompson. High School Sports: Billings Central freshman Addison Kegel earned Montana Gatorade Track and Field Athlete of the Year after sweeping 800, 1,600 and 3,200 at the Class A state meet and posting dual All-American finishes at Nike Outdoor Nationals. Public Lands Funding: Sen. Steve Daines’ America the Beautiful Act is moving through Congress to renew the Legacy Restoration Fund, aiming for a presidential signature by July 4 to tackle deferred maintenance on national parks and public lands. Water Quality Watch: Montana DEQ is moving toward an impairment designation for the Big Hole River tied to nutrient-driven algae growth, with a possible final decision not expected until 2027. Politics & Ballot Fight: A Montana Plan coalition is forming to counter business-group concerns about the citizen initiative limiting corporate political spending. Outdoor Economy & Culture: Gov. Gianforte is backing Montana’s exhibit at the Great American State Fair on the National Mall as part of the 250th anniversary push.