AGP Executive Report

Suicide Prevention: A UM writer marks 10 years since a father’s suicide, urging Montanans to remember “you are never alone” and to use local help resources during Suicide Prevention Month. Campus Privacy: UM installed more than 300 AI-powered security cameras across Missoula; officials say they don’t use facial recognition, but students still raise privacy concerns. Billings Community: The South Park pool project in Billings won a $171,488 grant from Mountain America Foundation, replacing a century-old facility. Consumer Protection: Montana’s AGs are pushing people to file claims tied to multistate settlements over inflated generic drug prices. Public Health & Security: A 20-state coalition warns about Chinese-sourced pharmaceutical supply risks, including knockoff ingredients tied to compounded GLP-1 drugs. State Land & Energy: Montana Land Board approved an oil and gas lease sale expected to generate over $2.1 million for public schools. Weed Control: Montana’s Noxious Weed Trust Fund grant cycle opens, with applications due Jan. 6, 2027. Wildfire Safety: A Darby-area report questions roadside logging as wildfire prevention while U.S. Forest Service managers defend it as a way to limit spread. Local Economy: Billings-based EFX Sports says it’s expanding exports with Coupang, boosting sales in Korea.

Montana Public Lands: A new report asks whether the federal Roadless Rule should stay in place, noting Montana has 6.4 million acres tied up in the protections and that fire officials say blocked access can slow wildfire response. Montana Tech & Privacy: Coverage highlights how Montana’s “Right to Compute Act” limits local control over data centers, leaving counties “between a rock and a hard spot” on what they can regulate. Immigration Detention: Montana Free Press reports a class-action fallout: dozens of immigration detainees have been ordered released after a judge found warrantless arrests and mandatory detention practices were unlawful. Wildlife: Wyoming officials say Yellowstone’s last original wolf pack, Mollie’s Pack, survived the hunt after wolf hunt areas closed early at the mortality limit. Local Economy & Agriculture: Midwest farmers brace for higher diesel costs as harvest begins, with fuel prices pushing up operating bills. National Politics: A Montana senator’s push to curb corporate election spending echoes ballot fights in the state.

Superfund cleanup in Flathead Valley: Gov. Greg Gianforte and EPA chief Lee Zeldin toured the Columbia Falls Aluminum Company Superfund site, highlighting cleanup progress and future redevelopment after the company agreed to pay nearly $2M in past costs and spend about $57M on remediation. Local safety: A Stevensville school bus was hit by a vehicle Monday morning; six students were on board and were delivered to school, with parents notified. Planning and growth in Missoula: The Reserve to Scott Street Master Plan is nearing adoption, with residents backing a high-density, mixed-use vision and improved transportation for a 900-acre area. Historic return for Fort Peck tribes: The Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes brought home the remains of three boarding school victims from the Carlisle Indian Industrial School era. Rare-disease recognition: The Myositis Association honored leaders in myositis advocacy and care, including a posthumous award for Father Stuart Long, the inspiration for “Father Stu.” Mining update in Butte: Silver Bow Mining reported new massive sulfide mineralization at its Rainbow Block Project, including 0.82 meters grading 8.20% CuEq. Community arts: Missoula’s model railroad club held its 45th train show, drawing rail fans statewide.

Paramount Antitrust: A “gang of four” of state attorneys general is resisting a quick settlement in the Paramount–Warner Bros. Discovery antitrust fight, keeping a March 2, 2027 trial date in play. Montana Elections & Money: Montana’s push to bar corporate spending in elections is framed as a bid to curb “dark money,” but critics warn it collides with First Amendment limits. Public Lands & Jobs: New analysis says contractors tied to public land agencies took a $1.3B hit, with small businesses hit hardest after 2025 changes. Local Business Fallout: In Lincoln, suppliers and former workers say Hi-Country Snack Foods left unpaid bills and unanswered messages. Environment & Energy: Flood insurance reform in the UK faces scrutiny over insurer links to fossil fuel projects; Montana also weighs ongoing environmental and infrastructure impacts. Montana Culture: Missoula’s model train show draws rail fans and newcomers, highlighting how local history keeps communities connected.

College Sports: Oregon State routed Montana 52-17 in Corvallis, handing JaMarcus Shephard his first win as head coach and leaving the Grizzlies down 35-3 at halftime. Local Economy & Housing: A Kalispell business is expanding access to commercial kitchen space through Summit Cookhaus, aiming to help cottage food operators sell beyond farmers markets. Energy & Environment: A court-ordered change to Columbia and Snake River dam operations could push power bills higher, with Oregon-facing rate hikes tied to fish protections. Politics & Elections: Montana’s I-194 “Montana Plan” effort is back in the spotlight as supporters argue it would curb corporate “dark money” in campaigns. Public Lands & Ranching: Montana Stockgrowers is seeking a role in a federal fight over American Prairie’s bison grazing permits, arguing working ranchers need a voice. Superfund Cleanup: EPA and state officials toured Columbia Falls’ Superfund site, saying cleanup progress could wrap up by 2029. Community Culture: Missoula hosted the Viva Montana Latin Heritage Festival, bringing food, music and dance to Caras Park.

Montana Economy: Montana’s unemployment rate held steady at 3.2% in August, with employment up slightly and the state still below the national 4.1% rate. Public Lands & Ranching: Montana Stockgrowers is asking to join a federal lawsuit over American Prairie’s bison grazing permits, arguing ranchers’ voices should be heard in the fight over how the Taylor Grazing Act is applied. Local Earth Science: A magnitude 3.6 earthquake struck near Black Eagle, with brief power outages reported in Great Falls; state officials say there’s no sign activity is escalating. Superfund Cleanup to Housing: In Columbia Falls, officials highlighted progress at the CFAC Superfund site as a new 78-acre subdivision moves forward, aiming for hundreds of homes after cleanup milestones. Data Center Backlash: A new opinion piece points to broad public opposition to data centers, including a proposed Broadview project, arguing communities are being “insulted” by the impacts on energy, water, and local costs. Sports Betting & Montana Games: Multiple promo stories are circulating around prediction-market betting for Montana matchups, including Oregon State vs. Montana.

Hollywood & Business: California AG Rob Bonta is pushing back on a potential Paramount–Warner Bros. Discovery merger, while Paramount’s reported threats to leave California keep the pressure on. Montana Jobs: Montana’s unemployment held steady at 3.2% in August, below the national 4.1%, as employment ticked up. Wildlife & Land: State and federal officials toured the Columbia Falls CFAC Superfund site as a major housing project moves forward, and Montana’s wolf debate continues after the Fish and Wildlife Commission approved a higher-than-recommended kill quota. Public Health: Montana confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza in Ravalli County, the second detection in 2026. Rural Life: Rural Montana’s legal “deserts” are slowing court processes and making representation harder to find. Workforce & Recovery: Recovery Friendly Montana is expanding a program to help businesses support workers with substance use disorders. Sports: Montana football heads to Oregon State as betting lines favor the Beavers.

Legal Desert: Eastern Montana judges told the Montana Bar board in Miles City that lawyer shortages are slowing court cases, raising pro se filings, and rippling into family services and longer jail stays. State Procurement: A Legislative Audit Division report says Montana’s standard competitive-bid purchasing is mostly working, but flags more problems in sole-source and emergency contracting. Health Care Policy: Senate HELP/Finance weighed HHS nominations while House Ways and Means advanced bills on Alzheimer’s screening, home-delivered meals, and Medicare Advantage spending transparency. AI in Politics: A federal judge blocked Montana from enforcing its AI campaign-ad law, citing free-speech concerns. Public Health & Food: Montana confirmed avian influenza in Ravalli County’s chicken flock, urging stronger poultry biosecurity. Beef & Ranching: USDA-backed beef price pressures and consumer worries are pushing ranchers to market origin and quality more aggressively. Data Centers Debate: Nearly 75% of Montana voters oppose nearby data centers, as construction plans keep drawing backlash. Recovery Support: Recovery Friendly Montana is expanding workplace training and resources during National Recovery Month.

Measles Watch: The CDC says U.S. measles cases rose to 3,471 as of Sept. 17, up 177 week over week, with Montana listed among the 47 jurisdictions reporting cases. Direct Democracy Fight: Montana and Missouri are pushing ballot measures to strengthen citizens’ right to popular initiatives, aiming to counter years of added hurdles for signature drives and campaign launches. Prediction Market Scrutiny: A new wave of lawsuits and city investigations is targeting Polymarket and Kalshi under consumer-protection and marketing claims, adding pressure beyond the federal regulator fight. Superfund Cleanup: Gov. Greg Gianforte and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin toured the Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. Superfund site, highlighting cleanup progress and plans to return the area to productive use. Wetlands Funding: EPA awarded nearly $3 million for wetland program development across the Mountain West, including Montana. Earthquake Update: Another cluster of quakes near Great Falls prompted reassurances from seismologists that activity is within Montana’s normal range. Local Help for Veterans: Billings-area veteran Skipp Milligan is set to receive a free roof replacement through the Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project.

Montana Politics & Voting: Lawmakers say they’re still not satisfied after a subpoena response from Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen about what Montana’s voter file shared with the U.S. Department of Justice, with critics frustrated over format and missing details. Campaign Tech & Courts: A federal judge limited enforcement of Montana’s “deepfake” campaign-ad disclosure law, raising the odds of more AI-heavy ads while the state’s rules face free-speech limits. Health Policy: Montana is rolling out a licensing system letting clinics sell experimental drugs and biologics to paying patients after Phase 1 safety testing—an approach some biotech groups see as a faster path than the FDA. Public Safety & Fire: The Terry Volunteer Fire Department improved its Insurance Services Office rating from Class 10 to Class 8B, which could help some property owners when insurance renews. Agriculture & Disease: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza was confirmed in Ravalli County, the second Montana detection this year, prompting renewed biosecurity warnings for poultry owners. Local Economy & Jobs: Eastern Plains Economic Development is using a $45,000 planning grant to update its 2027-32 economic strategy for Prairie County and nearby areas. Historic Preservation: Red Lodge’s Roman Theater owners are holding public talks about the building’s next chapter as they plan for future ownership transfer. Culture & Community: The Montana Historical Society launched the Headwaters Book Prize for Montana history writing, with submissions open through Jan. 31, 2027.

Montana Politics: A ballot fight is brewing over “dark money,” with Montana voters set to decide whether to bar corporations from funding elections through a ballot initiative that could reshape campaign spending statewide. Privacy & Surveillance: A Montana lawmaker is pushing to strengthen privacy rules around license plate recognition cameras and related data use, after public backlash over how the tech is deployed. Courts & Conservation: A federal judge temporarily blocked a Bureau of Land Management move that would have removed bison from grazing allotments, keeping American Prairie’s herd on the ground while litigation continues. Infrastructure & Rural Life: Valley County utility partners are burying powerlines and fiber to improve sage grouse habitat and expand connectivity near Fort Peck Lake. Economy & Jobs: UNFI is consolidating Midwest distribution operations, including Montana-related network changes, as it rolls out more automation. Tourism Dollars: New figures highlight how Glacier and Yellowstone drive major spending in Montana’s gateway economies. Public Safety: A BNSF train derailment in Shelby shut roads and canceled classes, with officials saying no hazardous materials were released. Community Notes: Absarokee’s foundation honored local “hometown heroes,” and Scobey’s long-running newspaper closed after 104 years.

Campaign Finance Clash: In Montana’s MT01 race, the Flint campaign says Democrat Sam Forstag made hundreds of thousands lobbying via multiple groups, while Forstag denies the claims and says the fees were misrepresented. Environmental & Courts: ExxonMobil sued the Montana Department of Transportation over alleged failure to pay its share of cleanup costs at an east Billings Superfund-linked site tied to the old Yale Oil refinery. Tribal Community & Hunger Relief: FAST Blackfeet in Browning is breaking ground on a new multi-million-dollar facility to expand storage, a community room, a teaching kitchen, and its food pantry and services. Teacher Housing: Big Sky School District opened six new teacher housing cabins to help recruit and retain staff in a high-cost area. Energy + AI Demand: A comparison of nuclear-heavy utilities (Constellation, Vistra, Talen) points to rising power needs from data centers and AI. Privacy Watch: Montana lawmakers and residents are reacting to renewed concerns about license plate recognition cameras, with Montana already having strong limits on highway use. Workforce & Education: MSU will host a fall career fair Sept. 30 and a Hispanic Heritage Month kickoff Sept. 18.

Montana Politics: Montana voters head to the ballot this November on a measure aimed at blocking corporate “dark money” from election spending, a potential first-of-its-kind test that could spark another Supreme Court fight. Local Schools: A small Swan Valley district is losing Salmon Prairie School after its board voted to go non-operational, adding to pressure on Montana’s already-strained rural schools. Public Safety & Courts: In the 10th Judicial District Court in Lewistown, a Billings-area man was sentenced to deferred terms in a burglary case tied to a Natural Wellness break-in and marijuana theft, with restitution ordered. Energy & Tech: The Pacific Northwest is drafting plans for a massive grid buildout as electricity demand could jump 40% to 100% by 2046, with data centers driving uncertainty. Business & Jobs: CETDIGIT won a spot on Montana’s statewide master AI contract, qualifying its CETRAI agent platform for state agency use. Health: Intermountain Health in Billings is launching a women’s survivorship series focused on hormone health after cancer treatment. Agriculture: Cattle producers are warning that uncertainty from beef import moves could slow herd rebuilding, just as ranchers face thin margins.

Rural Health Funding: Montana officials have halted a planned $25M rural health contract after concerns about a potential conflict of interest tied to out-of-state consultants, including links to McKinsey. Yellowstone Bison Fight: Montana has moved to dismiss its lawsuit challenging Yellowstone’s bison management plan, a step conservation groups and tribes say lets everyone focus on the plan. Wildlife Safety: Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks confirmed a grizzly bear attacked an archery hunter near Elk Creek southwest of Augusta; the area is closed while investigators continue. Border Crime: Canadian authorities seized 215.5 kg of suspected cocaine from two commercial trucks arriving from the U.S. at the Sweet Grass/Coutts entry point. Local Business/Construction: Chick-fil-A’s Bozeman location off 19th Avenue is now under construction, with an early 2027 opening targeted. Workforce Pipeline: Great Falls hosted “Worlds of Work,” bringing students and employers together for hands-on career demos like welding and cybersecurity. Sports: Montana beat Utah Tech 35-14 in Missoula, forcing fumbles and limiting third-down conversions.

Montana Health Policy: A new Montana “right-to-try” approach is drawing biotech investors and scrutiny, letting patients access certain experimental therapies after early-stage trials while critics warn a privately run review process could put industry influence ahead of patient protections. Montana Environment & Mining: The Montana DEQ secured a $28.78 million payment for reclamation costs tied to the Montana Tunnels Mine near Jefferson City, following a bankruptcy-linked sale, while the state keeps enforcement action against former leadership. Montana Conservation: State officials advanced a Cabinet Mountains conservation easement deal, with Fish, Wildlife & Parks set to buy development rights on about 13,297 acres, preserving public access while allowing continued logging. Montana Agriculture & Trade: Montana farmers are feeling the squeeze from the U.S.-Canada tariff fight, with retaliatory duties hitting farm equipment and raising costs for key inputs. Montana Community & Education: Highlands College at Montana Tech is taking applications for a hybrid Certified Nursing Assistant training program starting Oct. 12. National Health Care: The White House says it will issue $500 Obamacare refunds to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Montana, tied to federal exchange “user fees.” Music & Culture: A Music Habitat platform is set to launch in New Orleans Sept. 25, aiming to give independent artists full revenue from bookings, tickets, tips and merchandise.

Montana Politics & Privacy: A Montana Senate candidate, Seth Bodnar, escalated the fight over automated license plate readers by filming himself blasting a Flock Safety camera with a shotgun, pushing the debate over police access to data and AI-driven monitoring into the spotlight. Yellowstone & Community: Montana added a new Yellowstone-themed license plate featuring Grand Prismatic Spring and a bison, with proceeds supporting Yellowstone Forever projects like wildlife conservation and youth programs. Public Health: Evergreen Fresh Sprouts LLC recalled broccoli sprouts sold in Idaho, Montana and Washington after possible Salmonella contamination tied to a multistate outbreak. Conservation & Outdoor Access: A $29.3 million conservation easement secured year-round public hunting and fishing access on about 20,629 acres of private timber land in northwest Montana. Local Safety: Authorities responded to a multi-car train derailment near Shelby; roads were briefly closed due to possible hazardous materials, but officials reported no active leaks or immediate threats. State Economy & Jobs: Montana’s workforce and economy hit milestones in 2025, while a separate report highlights Montana’s ongoing teacher shortage pressures. Business & Energy: Rail fuel surcharges on U.S. grain shipments jumped sharply, squeezing farmers during harvest as diesel costs rise. Tech & Mobility: A Missoula AI company, CubCloud AI, applied to bring Tesla Cybercab services to the area, aiming for more autonomous rides in Montana cities.