AGP Executive Report

Montana Courts: A Gallatin County notice says a hearing is set for Aug. 18, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. in the 18th Judicial District Court over a petition seeking termination of parental rights and a relative adoption for Hunter NevaeH Jennifer Harp. Yellowstone Safety: A Yellowstone bison went viral after swiping a tire on a Volkswagen SUV that got too close, and another close call was caught on video when a fisherman was alerted just in time. Southwest Montana Weather: Hot, hazy conditions with smoke and a chance of isolated mountain thunderstorms are expected through the week, with gusty winds and brief downpours possible. Grizzly Management: The Department of the Interior announced revised grizzly-bear management flexibility, saying recovery benchmarks have been met and emphasizing state-led conservation. Local Sports: Montana Fouts pitched a complete game as the Utah Talons repeated as Athletes Unlimited Softball League champions, sweeping the Chicago Bandits. Community Events: The Flathead Cherry Festival wrapped up in Polson with thousands gathering downtown for art, food, and local orchards. Human Interest: A Billings nurse, David Cifaldi, survived a freak Granite Peak trekking-pole impalement and walked more than 10 miles for help.

Extreme Heat: A heat dome is baking the central U.S., with about 80 million people under heat advisories and dangerous humidity keeping nights warm enough to prevent real recovery. Montana Weather & Health: In Billings, July 25 hit 100 degrees for the first time on that date in 92 years, and RiverStone Health reported a spike in heat-related emergency visits earlier this month. Wildlife Safety: A Montana family says unsecured food and trash at a Red Lodge-area campground helped lead to a black bear’s death, underscoring how quickly bears can become “food-conditioned.” Local Community: Billings First Congregational Church is pushing a downtown resiliency project to expand community services inside its historic building. Sports (Big Sky): The Big Sky Conference held its youth football clinic and inducted its 2026 Hall of Fame class, including Montana’s Michael Ray Richardson. Business & Culture: UM’s Lodge Dining Center won a national dining award, and a Montana-grown farm-to-table festival highlighted local agriculture at Bodhi Farms.

Election Integrity Fight: A Biden-appointed majority on the First Circuit refused to lift an injunction blocking parts of President Trump’s election-integrity order in 23 states, including limits on DHS citizenship lists and USPS mail-ballot changes. Montana Politics: VoteVets endorsed independent Senate candidate Seth Bodnar, while Trump again weighed in on the Montana Senate race, backing Kurt Alme. Public Safety & Weather: Highway 208 near Belfry is closed due to a wildland fire, and a dangerous heat dome is expanding across the central U.S., with Montana and Wyoming also facing extreme heat conditions. Local Access: Bozeman held its first ADA celebration and unveiled a new accessible parking map ahead of the July 26 anniversary. Sports & Montana Pride: Helena’s Last Chance Stampede kept rolling with Montana riders leading multiple events. Education Funding: Montana’s school funding interim commission discussed special education costs and how the state’s formula is falling behind inflation and enrollment trends.

Wildlife & Water Safety: Montana health officials warned of harmful algal blooms at Canyon Ferry Lake, Cooney Reservoir, Hebgen Lake, Tongue River Reservoir, Hauser Reservoir and Elk Grove Pond, urging people and pets to stay out “when in doubt.” Public Safety & EMS: Montana is opening $4 million in rural EMS grants to upgrade ambulances and equipment, as communities push to keep emergency response strong. Local Government: Miles City reopened the Honda Trails to non-gas-powered bicycles and e-bikes, while keeping other motorized vehicles out, after residents raised safety and access concerns. Fire Update: A 103-acre wildfire burning near Rapelje is at zero percent containment, with DNRC and county resources working to suppress it. Federal Policy: Montana Sen. Tim Sheehy introduced a bill to pause new H-1B visas for three years and codify a $100,000 fee that a federal court struck down. Sports & Community: The Montana State Fair is underway in Great Falls with rides, food and concerts, plus major events across nine days.

Bozeman Business & Health: Montana’s first luxury wig studio, UBloom Wigs, Hair and Accessories, opened downtown, offering private consultations for people facing hair loss, including those dealing with conditions like lupus-related alopecia. Wildlife Policy: A 30-day public comment period is open on a federal proposal that would shift more grizzly bear management authority to states; Montanans are urged to weigh in by Aug. 17. Weather & Fire Risk: A heat dome is building east, with triple-digit temperatures expected across parts of the Plains and Mississippi Valley, while western Montana faces hot conditions, wind gusts, and ongoing smoke that could worsen air quality for sensitive groups. Foreign Adversary Protections: Gov. Jim Pillen signed LB 1096 to criminalize illegal import of dangerous pests or pathogens tied to U.S. foreign adversaries, aimed at protecting Montana’s agriculture and economy. Abortion Pill Rulings: Federal judges in Virginia ordered the FDA to reconsider mifepristone restrictions, calling parts of the 2023 rules unlawful and arbitrary—another major step in the fight over abortion access. Local Tech & Privacy: Great Falls residents are weighing concerns after reports that AI cameras at Home Depot scan license plates as part of theft-prevention efforts. Sports: Montana State starts the 2026 season atop Big Sky preseason polls after winning back-to-back conference titles and the 2025 FCS championship.

Local Sports Hall of Fame: MSU-Northern announced its 2026 Hall of Fame class, honoring Donald Saisbury (Lights football) for records including 33 career touchdowns and every punting mark in program history; induction is set for Sept. 4. Montana Politics: The DSCC is refusing to back Alani Bankhead in Montana’s Senate race, saying she lacks a path to victory, while the independent Seth Bodnar is seen as the more viable anti-incumbent option. Public Safety/Environment: A new interagency review details the May 3 Glacier National Park grizzly attack that killed Anthony Pollio, reconstructing how the encounter unfolded on a steep, deadfall-choked trail. Energy & Power Planning: The Montana Public Service Commission took 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. Weather/Fire Risk: Eastern and north-central Montana face extreme heat and elevated fire danger, with haze from regional smoke expected to linger. Tribal Legal Access: UM law graduate Ericka Camposan earned admission to practice in every Montana tribal court, expanding access to legal help in rural areas. Community Events: White Sulphur Springs’ Red Ants Pants Festival kicks off its 15th anniversary weekend, spotlighting rural Montana culture and local businesses.

Montana Politics: A jury in Helena convicted former state Senate president Jason Ellsworth of misdemeanor official misconduct tied to $170,000 in no-bid contracts, a case prosecutors say involved bypassing normal contract approvals. Public Safety & Law: Lawmakers advanced a draft bill that would require people to stay about 25 feet from law enforcement during emergencies, with misdemeanor penalties if they don’t move. Local Government: Livingston commissioners approved water and wastewater fee increases effective July 1, citing rising operating and capital costs for aging infrastructure. Economy & Jobs: Montana’s unemployment rate held at 3.3% statewide in June, with Park County at 2.4% among the lowest. Environment & Recreation: Glacier National Park will plug a leaking oil well near Kintla Lake starting July 27, affecting trail and camping access. Yellowstone Tourism: Local businesses are questioning a $100 daily fee hike for international visitors, even as the park says the money will be reinvested. Community & Outdoors: FWP opened the Siskin Island Fishing Access Site on the Yellowstone River, adding 82 acres of public access.

Montana Jobs & Workforce: Montana’s unemployment rate fell to 3.3% in June, but state labor leaders warn major gaps remain in health care, construction, advanced manufacturing, computing, education, childcare, and energy—pushing expansion of registered apprenticeships with nearly 3,000 apprentices and 800+ employers statewide. Wildlife & Public Lands: Montana released its 2025 wolf report, estimating 725 wolves statewide (down from about 800 in 2024), as the long-running fight over wolf management and hunting quotas continues. Local Safety & Growth: Clancy’s volunteer fire department is seeking a $10-per-house monthly fee increase to fund a facility expansion and keep up with growth, while also aiming to attract more volunteers with updated equipment. Courts & Accountability: A judge threw out former Senate president Jason Ellsworth’s guilty verdict after court staff mistakenly gave the jury documents not meant for deliberations; a new trial is ordered. Community Spotlight: Montana Wounded Warriors is hosting a benefit concert Aug. 15 in the Swan Valley to fund all-expense-paid hunting and fishing trips for Montana veterans wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan. Sports: Haven Meged won a national circuit finals tie-down roping championship, his first since 2019.

Grizzly Management: U.S. Interior and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks unveiled a proposed rule change that would give Montana more flexibility managing grizzlies in areas that have met federal recovery benchmarks, with FWP Director Christy Clark holding a town hall to explain what it could mean for protections under the Endangered Species Act. Local Governance: Great Falls officials approved annexation for the Little Shell Tribe’s “Good Medicine” housing development, a 4-1 vote that drew heavy debate over traffic and neighborhood impacts. State Politics: Gov. Greg Gianforte moved to temporarily replace suspended Public Service Commission regulator Brad Molnar, as Molnar fights the suspension in court. Courts & Schools: Kalispell Public Schools is appealing a Title IX verdict tied to a former Glacier wrestler’s lawsuit, sending the case to the Ninth Circuit. Public Health: The CDC reported 2,260 measles cases nationwide as of July 16, warning summer travel is driving new exposures. Weather & Safety: Western Montana faces continued heat and fire-weather concerns, plus a Wednesday flood threat in parts of the region. Outdoors: Gov. Gianforte and FWP opened the Siskin Island Fishing Access Site on the upper Yellowstone River, expanding public access.

Yellowstone Safety: A 65-year-old grandfather says a bison attack at Bridge Bay Campground was terrifyingly fast—“He just kept coming”—and left him with multiple fractures. Public Health & Drugs: The Rocky Mountain DEA reports seizing about 3.2 million fentanyl pills in 2026 so far, with Montana accounting for 14,500 pills. Education & Workforce: Great Falls College MSU names Leanne Frost as its next CEO and dean, and MSU’s nursing college lands a $2.5 million grant to expand simulation labs statewide. Local Roads: Havre’s US-2/First Street project continues with joint cleaning and crosswalk milling; traffic is reduced to one lane each direction. Community & Outdoors: FWP’s “Kids to Fish” program is back with free rod-and-tackle loaner sites across northeast Montana. Weather Watch: Wednesday storms could bring localized flash flooding, with elevated fire weather risk afterward.

Public Safety: The Rocky Mountain DEA says it seized nearly 3.2 million fentanyl pills in 2026 so far across Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and Montana—enough for millions of potentially fatal doses. Wildlife & Recreation: Yellowstone bison attacks are again in the spotlight after a Montana grandfather said the worst part was the landing after he was tossed during a July 10 charge; park officials warn bison can look calm but move fast. Outdoor Safety: A petition submitted to Montana FWP would require hunters and trappers to carry bear spray, aiming to reduce bear deaths tied to human encounters. Local Government & Roads: MDT is seeking public input on a proposed U.S. Highway 191 reconstruction south of Four Corners, including a culvert replacement and a two-way left turn lane. Montana Economy & Fraud: Montana Auditor James Brown says his office helped stop more than $5 million in alleged Obamacare-related insurance fraud targeting Native communities. Weather & Fire Risk: Western Montana faces rising wildfire danger after July heat dries fuels; forecasters also warn of slow-moving storms midweek and locally heavy rain near burn scars.

Montana Land Board: In the face of tribal opposition, the Montana Land Board voted to stall proposed grazing changes that would have given preference to “production livestock” operators, after 473 comments poured in with 85% opposing the plan. Yellowstone safety: A viral clip shows tourists walking on the edge of Yellowstone’s Grand Prismatic Spring—officials warn the thin crust can be deadly, with water temperatures reaching about 88C. Wildfire watch: Missoula County stayed at high fire danger despite patchy rain, with fire managers stressing that fine fuels can dry out fast once storms move on. Public health: General Mills recalled more than 730,000 Pillsbury rolls sold at Walmart in multiple states, including Montana, due to possible glass fragments. Local roads: Montana Highway Patrol is seeking info after a fatal I-90 crash near Livingston where a vehicle may have left the scene. Water protections: A new report argues the federal Roadless Rule helps supply clean drinking water to millions, including in Montana, as efforts to repeal it move forward.

Helena Crime & Safety: Helena police say a man was arrested after a downtown shooting that left a bystander who tried to help injured and hospitalized; investigators allege the suspect fired when confronted and had a hidden pistol nearby. Bozeman Agriculture: Montana opened a new Combined State Laboratories building, bringing together state livestock and agriculture testing labs plus MSU’s Wool Lab to speed research, diagnostics, and support for producers. Education: UM earned an A+ for its elementary teacher prep programs focused on reading instruction, recognized by the National Council on Teacher Quality. Wildlife Management: Montana FWP says a new wolf-estimation tool shows fewer wolves than before, recommending a lower harvest quota for the upcoming regulations. Weather & Fire Risk: Western Montana is dealing with smoky haze, with thunderstorms and possible flash flooding threats building midweek, then hotter, drier conditions returning by the weekend. Community & Sports: Billings opened the Signal Peak Energy Arena, expanding ice-sports access, while the Montana Mile and 100s went ahead after storm delays.

Montana Politics & Elections: Montana is moving to curb corporate influence in politics, with a citizen’s initiative on the November ballot that would ban organizations from contributing “anything of value” to candidates, parties, and ballot issues. Wildlife Management: Montana wildlife officials recommend cutting the wolf harvest quota to 250 from 450 after new modeling showed a steady decline since 2021. Public Safety & Weather: A multi-agency response followed a rollover crash in Missoula that struck a power pole, and forecasters warn western Montana could see more widespread showers and scattered thunderstorms midweek, with fire risk rising again later. Community & Culture: The Dakota Oyate Wacipi powwow returned to Sioux Valley Dakota Nation, drawing dancers and families from across the region. Local Infrastructure: Construction on I-90 between Belgrade and Bozeman is nearly done, but drivers should expect daytime slowdowns starting July 23 for chip seal work. Human Interest: A Montana teen used rodeo lasso skills to help rescue a drowning man on the Yellowstone River near Greycliff.

Federal Lands & Mining: A Senate move using the Congressional Review Act to reopen mining in Minnesota’s Superior National Forest could ripple nationwide by putting Forest Service management plans in legal jeopardy. Montana Infrastructure: Montana is moving ahead with a $4.7 million replacement of Libby’s Farm to Market Bridge after December flooding, with construction slated to start in July. Public Lands & Courts: A federal judge restored road-density limits in Montana’s Bitterroot National Forest and ordered agencies to assess impacts of roads on grizzlies and bull trout. Energy Policy: Western governors, including Montana, are pushing to cut permitting bottlenecks for transmission lines through a new coordination effort aimed at speeding up power delivery. Local Business: A Helena Valley couple’s Mid Valley Farm is expanding into a community farmstand expected to open in early August. Youth Sports: Billings’ Signal Peak Energy Arena held a soft opening, adding year-round ice and new facilities for sled hockey and youth hockey.

Local Sports: Signal Peak Energy Arena in Billings held a soft opening, adding two ice sheets (including sled hockey), year-round rink plans, heated public space, and youth-focused momentum after private donations helped cover most of the $17.5 million project. Wildlife & Public Lands: A Yellowstone bison charge sent a grandfather to the hospital after being headbutted; he’s recovering after surgery, while the incident was captured on camera. Environment & Health: Federal officials canceled threatened-species protections under the Endangered Species Act, replacing automatic safeguards with individualized plans—critics warn it could slow wildlife recovery. Montana Outdoors: Cyclospora concerns are in the national spotlight, but Helena-area health officials say there are no Montana recalls; they urge basic food and water safety. Community & Culture: Billings’ 72nd Mexican Fiesta drew more than 10,000 people to South Park for food, music, dancing, vendors, and a major car show. Weather: Montana is bracing for warm, smoky conditions at times as wildfire haze drifts in from the Pacific Northwest.