AGP Executive Report

Healthcare Crackdown: Multiple states moved to eject people deemed ineligible from subsidized healthcare rolls, escalating the fight over who can use public benefits. Medicare Advantage Oversight: In Washington, Rep. Troy Downing (R-MT) introduced H.R.8726 to give states stronger authority to enforce Medicare Advantage plan standards, with Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-MT) as a co-sponsor. Montana Food Policy: Montana won federal approval to restrict SNAP purchases of soda and certain high-sugar processed foods, aiming to steer recipients toward higher-nutrition options. Public Lands & Energy: The Senate confirmed Steve Pearce to lead the BLM, while Montana’s airport system gets a boost as Bozeman was selected for an FAA pilot to move contract towers into federal operation. Elections & Civic Tools: The Transparent Election Initiative launched a voter self-signature website for “The Montana Plan” ballot measure I-194. Aging Care Watch: CMS data put Benefis Senior Services–Eastview among Cascade County’s largest nursing homes, while showing a low overall rating and reported penalties.

SNAP Sugar Crackdown: Montana just got federal approval to stop SNAP recipients from buying soda and certain high-sugar processed foods, with exemptions like milk and pure fruit juice; the state says it’s about improving nutrition and lowering long-term health costs. Federal Land Shake-Up: The U.S. Senate confirmed Steve Pearce as head of the Bureau of Land Management in a party-line vote, setting up a new fight over how public lands are managed as drilling and mining expand. Aviation Staffing Pilot: The FAA will start a program to move select high-activity contract air-traffic towers into direct FAA operation, with Bozeman Yellowstone among the first sites. Border + Trucking Tensions: A Billings I-90 crackdown with Border Patrol, state troopers, and Motor Carrier Services led to 13 apprehensions, reigniting debate over safety, immigration enforcement, and hiring practices. Public Lands Pushback: A new Montana poll finds 71% say loss of access to public lands is a serious problem, and 84% back banning the sale or transfer of public lands.

Federal Land Shakeup: The U.S. Senate confirmed Steve Pearce to lead the Bureau of Land Management in a party-line vote, as the administration pushes more leasing, mining, and drilling across the nation’s public lands. Montana Politics: In Butte, Pete Buttigieg rallied support for Montana Initiative 194 (“the Montana Plan”), aiming to curb corporate money in elections and keep the “Copper Kings” era from returning. Corrections Oversight: Montana lawmakers are weighing an independent watchdog for the Department of Corrections, with an ombudsman idea back on the table after prison-rights advocates raised concerns about out-of-state transfers. Medicaid Pressure: Health advocates warn Montana’s “community engagement” requirements for Medicaid expansion will hit hard starting July 1, 2026—especially for working adults who may struggle to meet the new hours. Local Governance: East Helena’s $10.2M Valley Drive reconstruction is still stuck in federal legal review, nearly two years after the grant announcement. Elections & Trust: A Montana judge upheld same-day voter registration for federal elections, blocking part of a 2025 law that would have ended it at noon.

Montana Politics: Pete Buttigieg drew a packed crowd in Butte to back the Montana Plan, arguing it’s a creative way to curb corporate election influence while staying resilient against Citizens United—volunteers are pushing to collect the signatures needed to get the initiative on the ballot. Public Lands Fight: Two access groups sued Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks over its “corner crossing” guidance, saying the state’s stance conflicts with public trust duties and recent court rulings. Courts & Crime: A Montana Supreme Court race is heating up around support for Judge Amy Eddy, while USAFacts data puts Montana 13th nationally for violent crime per capita in 2024. Health & Safety: New scrutiny is building around biosafety oversight at NIH’s Rocky Mountain Laboratories in Hamilton after disclosures tied to a deadly hemorrhagic fever exposure. Federal Policy: A bipartisan federal bill was introduced to distinguish ordinary childhood independence from neglect and tighten the standards states use.

NIH Biosafety Scrutiny: Newly disclosed records and whistleblower claims say a staffer at the NIH’s Rocky Mountain Laboratories in Hamilton was bitten by a monkey infected with a deadly hemorrhagic fever virus, as federal officials also acknowledge other serious mishaps at the high-containment facility—renewing questions about oversight at a lab that handles some of the world’s most dangerous pathogens. Public Lands: The Biden-era Public Lands Rule is now rescinded, keeping public lands in “public hands” and reopening the fight over how multiple uses should be balanced. Immigration Courtroom Win: In Froid, a federal judge ordered Roberto Orozco-Ramirez released from immigration detention after months behind bars, prompting a homecoming celebration. Montana Politics & Money: Pete Buttigieg drew a big Butte crowd for a town hall on Initiative 194, pushing to block corporate election donations. Tech & Infrastructure: DCN, Range, and WIN Technology announced a $700M Heartland Fiber Project spanning seven states, including Montana. Safety Incident: Separate from Montana, two Navy jets collided during an Idaho air show; all four crew members ejected safely.

Climate Politics: Trump seized on a UN climate panel’s shift away from the most extreme warming scenario, calling it “WRONG! WRONG! WRONG!”—a fresh flashpoint in the fight over how much manmade warming to blame and what policies should follow. Montana & Weather: A late-season snow threat is back across the Pacific Northwest and northern Rockies, with Montana mountain travel warned to expect slick, cold conditions. Sports Money: NIL deals are now a real revenue stream for top college athletes, turning social media followings into paychecks. Local Economy: A new aviation impact study says Billings Logan supports thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions in payroll, underscoring how air cargo drives Montana business. Public Lands & Rules: Montana’s land exchange policy debate is heating up as critics question whether third-party consultants—paid by landowners—can keep the process fair. Wildlife & Safety: Grizzly delisting is again in the spotlight after recent attacks, with Montana lawmakers pushing for more state control.

Public Lands Fight: Montana’s corner-crossing debate is heating up again, with Lt. Gov. Kristen Juras arguing hunters can be trespassing in the airspace above private land under drone law, as lawmakers and recreationists press for clearer rules. Legal Pressure on Officials: A Mineral County sheriff’s misconduct allegations were ruled “not Brady material,” meaning prosecutors don’t have to turn over the report for cases where the sheriff is a witness. State Land Exchange Overhaul: Montana Land Board members are set to consider changes that would let third-party consultants—paid by landowners—broker state trust land exchanges, drawing fire from public land watchdogs worried the process favors those who can hire help. Health Care Dollars: New federal Medicaid spending figures show Great Falls billed $2.18M in 2024 for certain non-Medicare services, with other Montana towns seeing sharp category spikes. Weather Watch: A late-season snow push is forecast for parts of Montana and the northern Rockies, with hazardous mountain travel possible.

Aviation Economy Boost: A new statewide study says Billings Logan International Airport supports about 4,585 jobs and $265 million in payroll, with spillover to healthcare, tourism, wildfire rescue, and local hotels and restaurants. Medicaid Watch: In Kalispell, Medicaid billings for “Procedures / Professional Services” jumped to $103,334 in 2024, up 167% from 2023, while Hardin saw pathology and lab services rise 53.5% to $7,115. Land Policy Fight: Montana’s Land Board is weighing a land-exchange change that would let third-party consultants—paid by interested landowners—broker trades for state trust land, drawing criticism that it could favor the wealthy. Corner-Crossing Legal Pressure: Conservation groups are suing FWP to “cement the legality” of corner crossing, as Lt. Gov. Kristen Juras argues the practice can violate airspace rules. Community Politics: Laurel’s mayor recall petition cleared final signatures, setting up a potential September recall election. Weather: Heavy late-season snow warnings are in effect across parts of Montana and the Pacific Northwest.

Montana Recall Watch: Laurel’s mayor recall is moving from rumor to reality—final petition signatures were approved Friday, setting up a possible resignation decision within five days and, if he stays, a recall election in September. The fight centers on concerns over where a new state forensic mental health facility will be sited just outside city limits. Public Lands Clash: Conservation groups are suing Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks to “cement the legality” of corner crossing, arguing the agency’s trespassing policy is “incorrect and unlawful,” as Lt. Gov. Kristen Juras pushes the opposite view. AI and Montana Money: AG Austin Knudsen is urging federal regulators to scrutinize OpenAI ahead of a potential IPO, warning about conflicts and risks to Montana public investment accounts. Immigration Courts: A federal judge ordered release of a Froid diesel mechanic held on immigration charges for more than 100 days. National Grid Buildout: A new fiber project linking Denver to Chicago is set to route through Montana, aiming to meet rising AI data-center demand.

Abortion Telehealth Fight: The U.S. Supreme Court kept telehealth access to the abortion pill mifepristone alive for now, pausing a lower-court rollback as the legal battle continues. Opioid Settlement: Montana is set to receive $27M from the opioid settlement, adding fresh dollars to a long-running public health fight. Public Lands & Access: Corner crossing remains a legal gray area in Montana, with groups filing suit to “cement legality” while the governor’s office argues it’s trespassing. Wildlife Policy: Rep. Ryan Zinke renewed calls to end federal grizzly protections after recent park bear incidents. Montana Finances: New Census data shows Montana collected $2.2B in individual income taxes in 2024. Energy & Federal Control: The Trump administration is exploring funding for a California coal export terminal—an issue that could ripple into Montana’s mining economy. State Politics: AG Austin Knudsen asked the Montana Supreme Court to dismiss a Gallatin County attorney dispute tied to ICE information-sharing.

Corner Crossing Court Fight: Backcountry Hunters and Anglers and the Public Land & Water Access Association sued Montana FWP to “cement the legality” of corner crossing, arguing the agency’s internal memo says it’s unlawful without clear state law or case precedent. Federal Land & Forest Policy: The Forest Service approved an Idaho group’s request to use banned chainsaws to clear hundreds of miles of trails in the Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness, drawing backlash from conservation groups. Public Lands Rule Reversal: Montana Gov. Gianforte praised BLM’s rescission of the Biden-era Conservation and Landscape Health Rule, a shift that supporters say restores “multiple use” and critics say tilts against conservation. Gun Trafficking Crackdown: Federal authorities charged 13 people tied to an international firearms ring allegedly smuggling dozens of guns from New Hampshire through the Akwesasne Mohawk Reservation into Canada. Elections & Ballots: Montana’s new law removes the write-in line from primary ballots, ending the ability to write in unqualified names like fictional candidates.

Immigration Court Win in Montana: A federal judge ordered the release of Froid diesel mechanic Roberto Orozco-Ramirez after more than 100 days in Cascade County jail, calling the government’s detention approach “erroneous” and citing due-process concerns—he walked out Wednesday and headed home. Roadless Rule Fight: New Mexico lawmakers joined public lands groups urging comments against a looming Forest Service move to repeal or gut the 2001 Roadless Rule, warning it would open millions of acres to logging and roads. Montana Primary Politics: Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino faces challenger Evie Cahalen in the June 2 GOP primary, with no Democrats on the ballot. Local Life & Culture: Missoula’s Maggot Fest turns 50 this weekend, and HEARTism in Hamilton renewed its Certified Autism Center™ designation. Tech & Ethics Beyond Montana: Court filings say OpenAI CEO Sam Altman holds over $2B in companies that did business with OpenAI, as Musk and state AGs press conflict-of-interest claims.

U.S.-China Tensions: President Trump arrived in Beijing for a high-stakes summit with Xi, aiming to reset trade after years of tariff retaliation and a rare-earth standoff. Montana Elections: Missoula County mailed June 2 primary ballots to 63,300 absentee voters, with voters receiving three party ballots but only one to return. Corner Crossing Fight: Lt. Gov. Kristen Juras told lawmakers corner crossing remains unlawful in Montana, but the hearing turned into a scramble for clear rules—now with drones and airspace questions in the mix. OpenAI Conflict Clash: Court filings show Sam Altman has more than $2 billion in stakes tied to companies that did business with OpenAI, as Musk’s lawsuit and state AG scrutiny continue. Public Safety & Justice: Montana DOJ brought law enforcement and prosecutors together for sexual-assault response training. Local Economy: A new study says Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport generated over $2 billion in revenue and supports 13,000+ jobs statewide. Energy & Land: BLM canceled American Prairie’s bison grazing permits, drawing praise from Montana officials and pushback from conservation groups.

Native Arts & Community: A Spokane Tribe member, Jeff Ferguson, opened a permanent Native art space in Airway Heights, expanding a Pacific Northwest roster of Indigenous artists into a new local hub. Public Lands & Grazing: The BLM canceled bison grazing leases for American Prairie, a fresh blow to the nonprofit’s large Montana conservation footprint and a continuation of the long-running fight over how federal land should be used. Energy & Rates: Montana’s PSC kicked off a hearing on the $15B NW Energy merger as ratepayers push for more transparency, while Plains Council approved a water/sewer rate hike after nearly eight years of no increases. Politics & Campaigns: AOC is set to rally in Missoula for Western Montana’s congressional race, adding national heat to an already crowded primary season. Courts & Accountability: Commissioner James Brown secured $22,500 for Montana’s securities fraud restitution fund through settlements tied to registration filing failures. Wildlife & Safety: A bear killed a worker at a Canadian uranium mining site, underscoring ongoing risks where industry meets wildlife.

Federal Gas Tax Flip: Sen. John Cornyn says he’s now open to suspending the federal gas tax after President Trump backed the idea—an about-face that could matter in the Texas GOP runoff and for Montana drivers watching fuel costs. Trump Branding in Infrastructure: Cornyn also pushed a bill to rename Highway 287 as “Interstate 47,” stretching from Texas to Choteau, Montana, as he courts Trump’s endorsement. Montana Voting Rights: A judge blocked Montana’s law cutting off Election Day voter registration at noon, keeping registration open and protecting access for Native and younger voters. Public Lands & Bison: The BLM canceled American Prairie’s bison grazing leases, a move Montana officials celebrated and conservation groups criticized. K-12 Enrollment Drop: Nationally, public school enrollment keeps sliding, squeezing district budgets tied to student counts. Local Safety Focus: Billings City Council held a forum on domestic violence and helping victims after a high-profile case.

Montana Election Fight: A Montana district court blocked a Republican-backed law that would have tightened Election Day voter registration hours, keeping the state’s existing rules in place while the case plays out. Public Lands Rollback: The Trump administration is canceling a Biden-era BLM rule that treated conservation as a “use” of public lands, a move conservation groups say weakens protections for water and wildlife. Abortion Pill Legal Pressure: A 23-state coalition backed Louisiana’s bid to stop mail-order mifepristone, with Montana among the states urging the Supreme Court to uphold a stay. Local Montana Watch: A Bozeman airport study puts its annual local impact at about $2.2 billion. National Noise, Local Reactions: Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s reality-show road trip sparked backlash over costs and sponsorship ties. Other Notables: A Denver airport trespasser who walked onto a runway was reportedly trying to end his life; and Amazon is expanding 30-minute delivery hubs.