AGP Executive Report

Tech Boom: Montana’s high-tech sector is surging, hitting $7.9 billion in 2024 revenue and growing twice as fast as the rest of the state, with tech pay averaging $146,000 and most firms using AI. Drought & Fire Risk: Wheatland County has declared a drought emergency after nearly 30 straight weeks of worsening conditions, straining ranchers with dry pastures, shrinking hay, and low water. Mining & Environment: The Bitterroot National Forest is starting an environmental review for the Sheep Creek exploratory mining project near the Bitterroot River headwaters. Power Grid Watch: The U.S. Department of Energy authorized emergency backup power for Montana and Wyoming as a heat wave pushes demand toward near-record levels. Ag & Consumer Safety: Montana’s Department of Livestock found sanitation and contamination-related problems at the Billings Meadow Gold plant, but says no recall has been issued. Cleanup Effort: EPA says some East Helena properties will be excavated this week to remove lead-contaminated soil tied to the ASARCO Superfund site. Energy/Industry: Red Mountain Mining began systematic rock chip sampling at its Pioneer tungsten project in Montana. Youth Climate Case: A youth-led climate lawsuit is asking the full Ninth Circuit to rehear its challenge to federal executive orders. Local Business: Great Falls residents are mourning the permanent closure of downtown Howard’s Pizza after a January fire. Water Quality: Flathead Lake Biological Station researchers detected PFAS “forever chemicals” in the Flathead Lake watershed.

Medicaid fight in Montana’s orbit: A federal court showdown is set over Trump-era Medicaid work rules, with attorneys general and the Justice Department arguing who counts as “medically frail” and can keep coverage. Local scams warning: Montana State Auditor James Brown says older Montanans are prime targets for fraud and urges people to watch for pressure tactics, fake officials, and unusual payment requests like gift cards or crypto. Energy and water: Salt River Project is now a community partner at the new National Conservation Legacy Center in Missoula, highlighting watershed restoration and wildfire-risk thinning. Montana business growth: Mellow Mushroom signed six franchise deals in 2026, including its first Montana location in Bozeman. Rural economy snapshot: New labor data show Montana’s unemployment at 3.3%, tying for 11th-lowest nationwide. Wildfire impacts: Researchers warn wildfire smoke is reshaping childhood—health, learning, and outdoor play. Local culture: A Warren McGee statue will be dedicated Sept. 2 in Livingston, honoring his railroad photography and local preservation work.

Montana Energy Debate: The Montana Public Service Commission heard public pushback on NorthWestern Energy’s plan that leans heavily on new gas generation, with residents warning it locks in fossil fuel infrastructure for decades. Local Government: Billings City Council is reviewing whether to dissolve six citizen advisory boards, including the Citizen Police Advisory Committee and zoning-related groups. Wildlife Safety: Groups petition Montana FWP to require hunters and trappers to carry bear spray in grizzly habitat, arguing it’s a practical safety tool. Environment & Health: Wildfire smoke is worsening across western Montana, with air quality in the unhealthy range in multiple areas and an alert covering 21 counties. Water Research: MSU Billings researchers are sampling about 600 miles of the Yellowstone River using DNA traces to track microscopic pollution and ecosystem stress. Agriculture & Weather: A heat wave is further deteriorating pastures across major cattle states, including Montana, raising stress and feed concerns. Mining Update: Montana Tunnels Mining filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after a court decision backed DEQ and Jefferson County claims tied to environmental cleanup and taxes. Community & Sports: Glendive’s rifle range will close temporarily for heritage surveys, and Butte High is getting new turf at Naranche Stadium.

Montana Business & Trade: The Montana Department of Commerce says $781,000 in federal STEP grant money is available to help small businesses grow international sales, including support for trade missions, Montana pavilions at shows, and 50% reimbursement (up to $10,000) for eligible marketing activities. Public Lands Energy: Sen. Ben Ray Luján and Rep. Joe Neguse introduced the Local Input Act to restore local community input on oil and gas lease sales on public lands, pushing back on recent changes that reduced BLM discretion and narrowed public comment. Daylight Saving Fight: The U.S. House passed the Sunshine Protection Act to make daylight saving time permanent, ending the twice-yearly clock change—now it heads to the Senate. Local Safety Story: A Planet Fitness Montana gym electrocution survivor says a fellow member’s quick actions helped save his life after a June incident left him with severe burns. Montana Economy Watch: A new report ranks states by agricultural production value, with California leading nationally and Montana’s broader ag economy context highlighted for readers tracking rural business trends. Aviation & Wildfire: Bridger Aerospace, based in Belgrade, announced a $58 million contract with Texas A&M Forest Service to deliver and modify three King Air 360 aircraft for wildfire detection and response.

Montana Business & Defense: Mobix Labs, headquartered in Montana, signed a definitive deal to buy Vision Aerial Inc., a U.S. maker of NDAA-compliant rugged drones, in a roughly $15 million transaction expected to close this quarter. Public Corruption Watch: South Africa’s SIU froze former PRASA CEO Lucky Montana’s luxury homes in a R5.6 billion security-contract probe, citing a money trail tied to ISAMS contracts. Local Culture: The Flathead Cherry Festival wrapped up in downtown Polson, drawing thousands for art, food, and cherry orchards from around Flathead Lake. Outdoor & Community: KOA says camping is surging, with 52 million households camping last year and many families citing stronger connection and less distraction. Agriculture: Kansas is testing a new durum wheat aimed at pasta production as wheat acres decline. Sports: Ryder Wright won the saddle bronc title at Cheyenne Frontier Days after a tiebreaker. Policy & Jobs: Montana Sen. Tim Sheehy introduced a bill seeking a three-year pause on new H-1B visas and tighter limits, arguing it protects American workers.

Billings Church Revamp: Billings First Congregational Church is pushing a downtown resiliency project to update its historic 40,000-square-foot building for more community services, including potential health and addiction recovery programs, after securing grants and partnering with groups like Family Promise. Heat Dome Threat: A dangerous heat dome is expected to keep triple-digit temperatures and sticky humidity locked over much of the central U.S., with about 80 million people under heat advisories and little overnight relief—raising heat-stress risks. H-1B Push in Congress: Montana Sen. Tim Sheehy introduced a Senate bill to pause new H-1B visas for three years and permanently codify the $100,000 fee, arguing it protects American workers and targets abuse. Montana in the News (Elsewhere): In South Africa, the SIU froze luxury properties tied to former PRASA CEO Tshepo Lucky Montana in a R5.6 billion rail security corruption probe. Local Food & Community: The fourth annual Bodhi Farm-to-Table Food Festival drew 300+ people and highlighted Montana-grown ingredients with chefs and farms from across the state.

Heat Dome Watch: A dangerous heat dome is expanding across the central U.S., with forecasts of sustained triple-digit temperatures and high humidity leaving tens of millions at risk, including about 70–80 million people under heat advisories. Billings Downtown Revitalization: Billings First Congregational Church is seeking support for a downtown resiliency project to update its historic building and expand community programs, including health-related plans tied to recent grants. Montana Agriculture on Display: The fourth annual Bodhi Farm-to-Table Food Festival drew 300+ people and highlighted Montana-grown ingredients, from Gallatin Valley produce to bison from a local ranch. Local Government Bids: Bozeman is accepting proposals for renovations to the library children’s room, including construction, MEP upgrades, and scheduling. Montana Policy in Washington: U.S. Sen. Tim Sheehy introduced the End H-1B Abuse Act, calling for a three-year pause on new H-1B visas and to codify a $100,000 fee that a court struck down. Montana Culture: July 25 marked National Day of the Cowboy, with Montana’s cowboy heritage tied to the holiday’s origins and ongoing recognition.

Coal Watch: The U.S. Department of the Interior released a new USGS report estimating 4.2 billion short tons of coal reserves tied to active mines plus 356 billion short tons of additional resources under federally managed lands—enough, officials say, to last 600 years at current use. Immigration & Jobs: Montana Sen. Tim Sheehy introduced the “End H-1B Abuse Act,” seeking a three-year pause on new H-1B visas and to codify a $100,000 fee that a federal court struck down. Wildlife Management: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks says its updated wolf model shows the state’s wolf population was overestimated for years, recommending the next hunting/trapping quota be cut to 250 from 450. Local Culture & Economy: Glendive is moving ahead with a $1.25 million-funded plan for Montana’s largest mural on a grain elevator, aiming to boost tourism and downtown energy. Community Recreation: Miles City reopened the Honda Trails to non-gas-powered bikes and e-bikes, bringing back a long-loved option for young riders.

Immigration & Jobs: Montana Sen. Tim Sheehy introduced a bill to pause new H-1B visas for three years and tighten eligibility, arguing the program has drifted from its purpose and undercuts American workers. Energy & Privacy: Great Falls residents are bracing for AI license-plate scanning after reports that Flock cameras are operating at local Home Depot lots, sparking renewed privacy debate. Wildfire & Heritage: Chief Joseph’s final resting place on the Colville Reservation survived a nearby Kaiser Canyon wildfire, with tribal leaders saying the site is irreplaceable. Outdoor Funding: Lovell, Wyoming won a major boost for new mountain-bike trails after the state outdoor recreation trust approved more than $1.9 million in grants, including $300,000 for Cottonwood Canyon. Montana Arts & Tourism: A Bozeman artist was selected to paint Montana’s largest mural on Glendive’s historic grain elevator, funded by a $1.25 million state tourism grant. Endangered Species Act: The federal government plans to roll back the ESA “harm” definition, effective Sept. 14, 2026, a move that could reshape how habitat impacts are handled. Data Centers: A Montana debate over AI data centers is heating up after President Trump’s comments, with locals questioning water, energy, and local impacts. Agriculture Scholarships: The Montana Stockgrowers Foundation awarded $26,000 to nine students through its Heritage Scholarship program.

Housing & Data Mapping: A new look at how GIS mapping is reshaping Montana’s housing debate, including the Montana Zoning Atlas and regulatory changes tied to sprawl. Energy & Utilities: The Montana Public Service Commission is taking 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. Wildlife & Science: Montana’s proposed wolf season is under fresh scrutiny as the state moves to a new population model, with concerns that the public hasn’t been given enough clarity before harvest decisions. Local Development: A Home Depot founder’s company plans a year-round riverfront cabin retreat in Paradise Valley, adding a lodge, saloon, and outdoor activities. Education & Research: MSU–Northern won an NSF grant to upgrade lab and field equipment for geology, environmental science, archaeology, and agriculture. Tribal Legal Access: A UM law graduate, Ericka Camposan, earned admission to practice in every Montana tribal court within a year. Community Events: The Red Ants Pants Festival kicks off in White Sulphur Springs, spotlighting rural culture and local businesses.

Montana Conservation & Land Use: Montana is weighing a $3.56 million, 99-year conservation easement for the Hannah Ranch in Fergus County—an approach critics say pays near-permanent prices for temporary protection, raising questions about whether the state should instead buy more land for the same money. Montana Politics & Courts: A jury convicted former state Sen. Jason Ellsworth of misdemeanor official misconduct tied to no-bid contracts, and the case is now a major test of how lawmakers handle oversight and contracting rules. Montana Wildlife Policy: The Trump administration’s latest Endangered Species Act changes would remove automatic protections for threatened species and require economic-impact analysis, a shift conservationists warn could increase extinction risk. Local Community & Culture: Art in the Beartooths’ silent auction runs through July 27 in Carbon County, and Montana Farmers Union is hosting a free “Montana Farmers Markets” day camp for kids in Cascade on July 29. Montana Jobs: Park County’s unemployment rate sits at 2.4% in June, while Montana’s overall jobless rate remains at 3.3%. Business & Industry: Pacific Seafood has merged with Ocean Beauty Seafoods, including a Helena, Montana location.

Heat & Power Watch: Montana is bracing for another weekend of triple-digit temperatures, with Northwestern Energy monitoring the grid around the clock and urging customers to plan ahead for outages. Jobs Update: Montana’s unemployment rate edged down to 3.3% in June, staying well below the national rate, though labor leaders say major workforce gaps remain in health care, construction, advanced manufacturing, computing, education, childcare, and energy. Drought Monitor: The latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows mixed conditions in the West—improvements in parts of Idaho and Montana after above-normal rainfall, but worsening in eastern Colorado and southeastern Wyoming. Wildfire Industry: Bridger Aerospace, based in Belgrade, announced its next earnings call date and also continues expanding aerial firefighting capacity through international leasing tied to active wildfire response. Tourism Dollars: A new University of Montana report estimates 2025 Montana visitation dipped 4% to 13.2 million, but spending rose to $5.6 billion. Wolves Debate: Montana’s wolf estimate fell again to about 725 statewide as the state weighs lower hunt quotas amid ongoing political pressure and rancher-conservation tensions.

Legal & Courts: A Helena judge threw out former Senate President Jason Ellsworth’s guilty verdict after jurors were mistakenly given sealed exhibits tied to a potential witness, setting up a new trial in December. Wildlife Policy: U.S. and Montana officials unveiled a proposed rule change that would give Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks more flexibility to manage grizzlies in areas meeting federal recovery benchmarks. Federal Land/Environment: A federal judge refused to pause challenges to Yellowstone’s bison management plan while Interior prepares a supplemental environmental review. Public Safety & Privacy: Great Falls Sheriff Jesse Slaughter weighed in on the legality of “flock” cameras under Montana’s privacy protections. State Politics: Montanans remain split on whether the state should keep changing clocks or move to permanent daylight saving/standard time. Economy & Jobs: Montana’s unemployment rate edged down to 3.3% in June. Local Government: Great Falls commissioners approved annexation for the Little Shell “Good Medicine” housing project in a 4-1 vote. Community & Culture: Nez Perce National Historical Park named Jason Lyon its new superintendent. Agriculture & Business: Montana Ag Network spotlighted Eden Feeds, a Great Falls startup growing with non-GMO livestock feed.

Montana Politics: A Helena jury found former state Senate President Jason Ellsworth guilty of misdemeanor official misconduct tied to two $170,000 no-bid contracts in December 2024, with sentencing set for Sept. 10. Public Lands & Range Management: Montana ranchers say federal red tape is stalling basic rangeland improvements like stock water pipelines, as BLM environmental reviews fall behind. Agriculture & Rural Life: Registration is open for Montana Farmers Union’s 111th Annual Convention in Bozeman (Oct. 15–18), with workshops and policy votes shaping the 2027 legislative session. Economy & Jobs: Gov. Greg Gianforte reports Montana’s unemployment rate dipped slightly to 3.3% in June. Tourism & Housing Pressure: A new University of Montana study says short-term rentals generated more than $755 million in visitor spending in 2025. Health: The CDC says cyclosporiasis cases have topped 4,000 across 41 states, with Montana listed among states not reporting cases in the latest update. Community Events: Park County’s 4-H Horse Show gave young riders hands-on horsemanship competition.

Courts & Politics: A Helena jury found former Montana Senate President Sen. Jason Ellsworth guilty of official misconduct over how he handled state contracts tied to a friend and former business associate. Housing & Land: Montana’s land board is selling more state trust land than it can buy back, as rising real estate values and slow procurement make “replacement” land hard to secure. Economy & Tourism: A University of Montana study says short-term rentals generated more than $755 million in visitor spending in 2025, with most activity centered around Bozeman and Kalispell. Education: Great Falls College MSU named Dr. Leanne Frost as its new CEO and dean, promoting from within after a nationwide search. Health & Consumer Protection: Montana’s insurance regulator says a second insurer, Mountain Health Co-Op, was caught in an alleged Obamacare-related fraud scheme targeting Native communities, with more than $5 million in questionable payouts stopped. Community & Culture: MSU Billings hosted a workshop to preserve the Indigenous roach-making tradition, teaching emerging artists as materials become harder to find. Public Safety: Montana Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal I-90 hit-and-run crash near Livingston.

Montana Land Board: The board stalled proposed grazing-lease changes after tribal concerns, with comments showing most opponents fear the policy would shift trust-land access. Right-to-repair: A new FTC settlement could expand what Montana farmers and independent shops can do on John Deere equipment by requiring access to repair tools and software. Agriculture & livestock: USDA is seeking nominees for the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board, and Montana livestock officials are urging vigilance for New World screwworm as entry rules tighten for animals from Texas and New Mexico. Energy & jobs: Montana opened a new Combined State Laboratories building in Bozeman to boost agricultural testing and diagnostics, and the state won an $800,000 federal grant to expand registered apprenticeships statewide. Local life: Missoula County and City leaders will vote on a Green Power Program milestone, and Flathead Lake’s cherry harvest is in full swing with U-pick stops drawing visitors.