AGP Executive Report

Montana Politics & Courts: Montana leaders weighed in after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down federal limits on coordinated party-candidate spending, a shift that could reshape 2026 ad spending; locally, the Montana Supreme Court fight over whether Gallatin County Attorney Audrey Cromwell can share confidential criminal justice info with ICE remains in limbo, with ACLU and former county attorneys filing briefs. Immigration Enforcement: A Bozeman man is challenging an ICE detention that allegedly lasted more than 24 hours, with claims of pressure to leave the country and limited access to counsel. Public Safety & Justice: Attorney General Austin Knudsen weighed in on a controversial Gallatin County plea deal tied to an alleged assault and strangling; separately, a federal case ended with an 18-month sentence for a man who groped a passenger on a flight from Billings to Seattle. Environment & Land Use: DEQ approved amended exploration drilling near the Blackfoot River, reviving fears for the watershed after public opposition and a lawsuit by conservation groups. State & Local Governance: A Seeley Swan Medical Center deficit is forcing cuts and raising the prospect of a levy or other fixes; Fallon County released its July 6–10 commission agenda. Economy & Daily Life: Despite higher prices, Billings-area fireworks sales are strong for the 250th; and wildfire and drought conditions across the West have led some communities to cancel or restrict July 4 fireworks.

Immigration Enforcement: A Bozeman caregiver, David Cortes-Torres, is fighting an ICE arrest after lawyers say agents held him over 24 hours at the Helena airport, pressured him to leave, and limited attorney contact; a federal judge ordered him to stay in Montana as a Great Falls hearing is set. State Courts & ICE Info: Two briefs urge the Montana Supreme Court to back Gallatin County Attorney Audrey Cromwell in her dispute with AG Austin Knudsen over whether her office can share confidential criminal justice information with ICE. Campaign Finance: Montana leaders reacted to a U.S. Supreme Court ruling allowing political parties to spend unlimited amounts while coordinating with candidates, reshaping the national campaign spending rules. Rural Health: Seeley Swan Medical Center faces an uncertain future after federal healthcare changes and a reported deficit push the hospital district toward outside help and possible voter levy options. Public Lands & Bison: American Prairie won a preliminary injunction against Montana’s bison grazing restrictions on state trust lands, challenging the Land Board’s process. Mining & Local Control: U.S. Critical Materials says it’s moving headquarters to Darby as it advances the Sheep Creek Project, drawing renewed Bitterroot Valley opposition over transparency. Public Safety: A new study ranks Montana 5th deadliest for July 4 driving, and Montanans back a proposed $2-per-pack cigarette tax increase in a new poll.

Western Governors Association: Gov. Josh Green took over as chair and will push his “Health Beyond Healthcare” agenda, including a December Hawaii meeting tied to Pearl Harbor commemorations. Immigration detention accountability: Records described “systemic neglect” at Camp East Montana, including a mental-health crisis that guards could see but the system failed to address. Montana elections: Preliminary results show key southwest and Helena-area legislative primary races, with some moderates falling to hardliners and most candidates advancing unchallenged. Local governance vs. AG pressure (Helena): Helena Democratic legislators urged the City Commission to pass a revised immigration resolution after it rescinded an earlier version under pressure from AG Austin Knudsen. Data centers moratorium push (Yellowstone County): Democrats seek a two-year pause on large data centers, arguing current rules can’t keep up with impacts. Environment & water: DEQ is moving toward an impairment designation for the Big Hole River amid nutrient-driven algae concerns. Public lands policy: Washington’s repeal of the 2024 Public Lands Rule and Montana’s bison grazing fight highlight shifting federal priorities. Montana courts: Missoula municipal court judges sued the city over withholding a full investigative report tied to City Attorney conduct. Military readiness: Montana Guard airmen completed a high-stress combat readiness inspection to test performance when conditions break down.

Montana Politics & Elections: Helena-area voters headed to the polls in the 2026 legislative primaries, with preliminary results showing Roy Caldwell winning HD 84, Erin Farris-Olsen taking Senate District 41, and other competitive House and Senate races across Lewis and Clark County. Local Government: Helena’s “challenging” preliminary budget projects only about a 1% rise in general fund taxes while expecting sharp drops in state and federal grant funding, with a final vote set for Aug. 31. Public Safety & Courts: A Helena judge granted American Prairie a preliminary injunction blocking the state from halting new or pending bison grazing requests on state trust lands. Higher Education: Jeremiah Shinn took over as University of Montana president, pledging to make campus life easier for students while setting benchmarks for enrollment and quality. Agriculture & Trade: The Montana COOL Coalition urged Senate Ag leaders to “take the easy win” by reinstating mandatory country-of-origin labeling (MCOOL) in the farm bill. Regulation & Consumer/Business: The FTC moved to finalize a settlement with Havas over alleged coordinated “brand safety” standards that restricted ad placement and affected political viewpoints.

Montana Politics & Governance: Two southwest Montana Republican lawmakers were defeated in legislative primaries, while Yellowstone County results showed multiple GOP incumbents and challengers shifting—highlighting how money and PAC support are reshaping local races. Public Trust & Oversight: Rep. Tim Sheehy asked Montana’s inspector general to investigate practices at Hamilton’s Rocky Mountain Labs, as critics continue to target the state’s high-containment research work. Energy & Permitting: A Helena fire staffing and levy discussion underscored how inflation and mill limits collide with public safety needs, while another piece argues partisanship is driving up Montana’s electricity costs. Water & Land Use: Montana expands Mesonet stations to track drought, and separate reporting spotlights exempt well proliferation’s pressure on senior water rights. Elections & Transparency: A Missoulian investigation into “dark money” spending by A Better Big Sky adds fuel to ongoing fights over who funds Montana’s political messaging. Immigration Enforcement: The Gallatin County sheriff confirmed ICE-related arrests in Bozeman, as families seek help amid the county attorney’s legal dispute with the AG. Environment & Wildfire Risk: With July 4 approaching, Western states and cities keep tightening fireworks rules as wildfire danger stays high. Native Nations & History: Crow Agency communities marked the 150th anniversary of Greasy Grass, with tribal leaders saying “we changed history.”

Montana Water Legacy: The Singley family’s water-drilling business marked 115 years in Central Montana, tracing how four generations kept wells flowing through droughts, war-era shortages, and shifting local economies. Civic Education: Glendive, Terry, and Fallon students headed to Montana Boys State, where rising seniors ran mock city and state government and even argued cases in a Supreme Court-style session. Immigration Enforcement: Gallatin County officials say ICE activity and detentions have continued, with estimates from a local Spanish-speaking community nonprofit of dozens of detentions in the past week. Energy Grid Push: Gov. Greg Gianforte announced Montana joining a multi-state effort to speed transmission permitting and coordination across the West as power demand rises. Public Lands Fight: Montana conservation voices are urging lawmakers to keep the Roadless Rule, warning that weakening it would permanently fragment wild landscapes. Election Integrity Legal Battle: Georgia AG Chris Carr backed Indiana’s voter ID law in an amicus brief, arguing states should control election rules. Local Emergency Planning: Gallatin County will test an opt-in Community Notification System for registered users on July 31, encouraging residents to verify contact info. Wildfire Policy Scrutiny: A ProPublica report highlights concerns about a Montana lawmaker’s wildfire proposal after an inspection found issues with aircraft tied to his former company.

Montana Infrastructure: MDT and contractor LHC finished the US 2 Rose Crossing to Glacier Park International Airport project, including pavement rehab, ADA curb ramp upgrades, intersection electrical work, and added safety features. Aviation & Policy: A new column warns aviation faces pressure from air traffic control modernization and airport capacity, with airlines leaning into premium travel. Montana Politics & Elections: A Progressive Vet PAC says it’s pulling support for Montana Senate Democrat Alani Bankhead, arguing there’s no viable path for a Democrat in the race. Courts & Rights: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld state bans on transgender female student-athletes, a ruling that could reinforce Montana’s existing law. Tribal Governance: A judge recommended remanding a BIA decision denying a Montana tribe’s bid to take over reservation policing, citing flawed reasoning. Wildfire & Federal Management: Reports highlight Colorado firefighter deaths and renewed debate over Trump-era “full suppression” wildfire policy. Energy & Local Government: Counties gathered in Miles City for a rural energy summit focused on how local officials can respond to energy and computing development proposals. Public Safety: Great Falls residents raised concerns after a registered sex offender was arrested on new allegations involving an elementary school event. National/Regional Grid: Western governors backed a multi-state effort to study and expand transmission lines, with Montana among the signers. Environment & Land Use: Groups pitched a mix of wilderness, logging, and wildfire mitigation options for Blackfoot and Clearwater areas. Higher Education: Montana Tech announced new energy and environmental programs, including a Ph.D. in Energy Engineering and Science, plus nursing and behavioral health training expansions.

Montana Courts & Land Policy: A Helena judge temporarily blocked Montana’s bison grazing restrictions on state trust lands, letting new permit applications move forward while American Prairie’s lawsuit challenges whether the Land Board bypassed required rulemaking. Public Safety & Accountability: Livingston Fire Chief Joshua “Josh” Chabalowski sued the city for reinstatement after being placed on paid administrative leave over alleged insubordination and alleged retaliation tied to a complaint. Energy & Utilities: A federal judge ordered Montana Public Service Commissioner Brad Molnar to keep working remotely amid misconduct allegations, rejecting his bid to return to the building while a joint plan is set for deadlines. Environment & Enforcement: Montana DEQ fined Billings $5,000 and required fixes after Clean Air Act violations tied to an animal shelter incinerator malfunction. Sports & Civil Rights: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld bans on transgender girls competing in school sports, extending the national legal fight over Title IX and Equal Protection. Elections & Money: A new report says corporate spending in 2026 elections is surging, adding pressure to Montana’s own debates over transparency and influence. Native Nations & History: Tribes and communities marked the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Greasy Grass/Little Bighorn, with events centered on how history is remembered. Patriotism & Public Life: An AP-NORC poll finds Americans’ views of the flag split sharply by politics, age, and race, with many Black Americans saying they never fly it. Wildfire Policy: National coverage highlights renewed “full suppression” wildfire strategy and questions raised after firefighter deaths in Colorado.

Immigration & Courts: Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer confirmed an ICE arrest in Bozeman, while a Senate candidate criticized due-process concerns and alleged quota-driven enforcement. Local Governance: A Gallatin County study commission debate is pushing voters to demand both “no change” and “self-governing charter” options appear on the ballot. Public Safety & Utilities: Federal judge keeps Montana Public Service Commissioner Brad Molnar temporarily barred from his office, citing misconduct findings tied to threats and improper conduct. Tribal Rights: The Blackfeet Nation asked a district court to dismiss a challenge to a Milk River water rights settlement involving the tribe, Montana, and the federal government. Education Funding: School levies are back on ballots in Montana and beyond, with local operational levies framed as the difference between maintaining programs and cutting staff. Patriotism & Civic Culture: A new AP-NORC poll finds Americans’ views of the flag split sharply by politics, age, and race, echoing broader divides ahead of the nation’s 250th birthday. Montana Agriculture: A report says President Trump requested $11.1 billion in aid for farmers, alongside an order aimed at regenerative practices and farm modernization.

School Funding & Local Control: A proposed Montana school operational levy in Seeley Lake would keep current programs and staffing, while the broader school-levy fight continues nationwide as districts face funding gaps and job cuts. Mental Health Facility Lawsuit: Laurel CARED sued Montana over a planned forensic mental health unit, alleging closed-door planning and procedural problems; a Yellowstone County hearing is set for July 9. Public Safety Pay for Firefighters: Sen. Tim Sheehy and Sen. Alex Padilla introduced a bill to extend hazard pay to prescribed burns and smokejumper training. Justice System Leadership: Montana AG Austin Knudsen appointed Kimberly Kutch to run the state Forensic Science Division. Civic Participation: An opinion piece argues Montana needs more than awareness to rebuild local civic engagement, especially for younger voters. Election & Ethics Watch: Coverage also flags an ethics committee investigation into a former state Senate president.

Montana Legal Access: The Montana Supreme Court is set to consider a pilot program to expand limited legal help in justice and city courts, aiming to close the “justice gap” for rural and low-income residents. State Politics & Ethics: A Senate ethics committee hearing is underway into former state Senate president Jason Ellsworth’s ties to a government contractor, with disputes over what witnesses he can use. Campaign Finance & Transparency: Montana Free Press reports a nonprofit pushing the I-194 dark-money ban is itself funded through a murky setup that shields donors, raising fresh questions about transparency. Public Education Oversight: A legislative audit says the Office of Public Instruction has mishandled federal education funds and failed to implement education laws, leaving the next superintendent to clean up a strained agency. Environment & Water: DEQ has determined the Big Hole River is impaired due to nutrient-driven algae and low oxygen, setting up possible new limits and restoration steps. Immigration Enforcement Clash: Gallatin County Attorney Audrey Cromwell says she won’t rescind her position in an interagency dispute with AG Austin Knudsen over ICE, insisting on a formal legal opinion. National Politics: Bernie Sanders endorsed Sen. Ed Markey in a U.S. Senate primary, underscoring the fight over progressive credentials.

Education & Accountability: Montana’s Superintendent of Public Instruction race is heating up as a legislative audit flags more than $67 million in questionable federal education spending and widespread confusion under the current office, setting up a high-stakes handoff for Susie Hedalen or Shannon O’Brien. Election Integrity & Dark Money: Montana’s anti-dark-money I-194 push faces scrutiny over how its nonprofit backers are structured and how much donor information is actually being disclosed, even as supporters argue the initiative is meant to force transparency. Ethics Watch: A Senate ethics committee is taking testimony in an investigation of former Senate president Jason Ellsworth, focusing on a $170,100 contract and whether it was improperly split to dodge procurement rules. Courts & Access to Justice: The Montana Supreme Court is set to consider rules for a Community Justice Worker pilot to expand limited legal help in justice and city courts, aiming to close the rural “justice gap.” Environment: DEQ has determined the Big Hole River is impaired due to nutrient-driven algae and low oxygen, a move that could trigger further state and federal cleanup steps. State Politics: Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen is again pushing “election security” messaging tied to non-citizen voting fears, drawing fresh backlash over tone and framing.

Montana Tax Fight: A new op-ed argues Montana’s push toward a flat income tax would simplify the system but also locks in lower rates—while another piece says recent property tax changes shift the burden onto farmers and ranchers through Montana’s “floating mill” setup. Public Safety & Accountability: A Legislative Auditor report says former state Sen. Jason Ellsworth’s $170,100 contract arrangement with a business acquaintance was wasteful and an abuse of his government position. Courts & Civil Rights: A Missoula judge permanently blocked a 2023 law defining “sex” as binary, saying it violated privacy protections in the Montana Constitution. Public Media Under Threat: Trump’s request to rescind $9.4 billion in federal spending could cut funding for Montana’s public radio, TV, and an alt station, risking major shortfalls. Elections & Voting Rules: Two constitutional initiatives would reshape Montana primaries and require a 50%+1 general-election win, with critics warning the changes won’t fix deeper party polarization. Food Security: A guest column blasts Gov. Gianforte for not using state crisis funds to keep SNAP flowing during a federal shutdown. Local Governance & Energy: Dawson County voters approved ballot measures limiting tall structures and adding conservation rules aimed at industrial wind and solar projects. National Politics, Montana Angle: A Bozeman town hall drew hundreds to protest Montana’s congressional delegation, which organizers say didn’t show.

Medicaid in Montana: The Legislature fully approved Medicaid expansion to keep coverage going, and Gov. Gianforte signed HB 245 to lift the 2025 sunset—continuing care for nearly 80,000 adults, with the state paying about 10% of costs. Property taxes in the Capitol: Multiple property tax relief bills cleared the Montana House, including a second-home and other tax changes package (HB 231) plus Democratic alternatives aimed at easing bills without singling out primary residences. Elections rules: Lawmakers advanced a bill to make it harder for independent and minor-party candidates to reach the ballot by raising signature requirements and shortening the signature-gathering window. Public safety and immigration: Yellowstone County’s detention overflow plan is colliding with immigration enforcement talk, as commissioners floated using MetraPark for large-scale detentions. Courts and accountability: A Carbon County taxpayer letter criticizes county lawsuit spending and warns of likely appeals to the Montana Supreme Court. Water and ranching: An op-ed argues Montana stockgrowers should protect senior water rights, while also questioning whether current “exempt well” legislative pushes would undermine that protection. Federal workforce cuts: Montana’s Department of Labor set up a rapid response event to help workers hit by federal layoffs find new jobs.

Local Governance & Elections: Dawson County voters approved a 250-foot height limit on structures, a direct blow to proposed industrial wind projects, and also backed additional conservation rules for large wind and solar facilities. State Politics: A Republican state senator suspended a property tax cap ballot initiative just weeks before signatures are due, citing pushback from businesses and public officials. Public Safety & Community Support: Town Pump Charitable Foundation will distribute $750,000 in grants to Montana volunteer fire departments for training and equipment. Water & Agriculture: Montana’s exempt-well debate is heating up as ranchers warn that court challenges could force more stockwater wells into costly permitting. Health Policy: Democrats criticized Gianforte’s plan to cut Medicaid provider rate increases, arguing it threatens behavioral health and community-based care. Environment & Energy: Conservation groups are pushing back on potential reductions to marijuana tax conservation funding, while wildlife officials warn golden eagles face a growing black-market threat for feathers. Federal Policy Impact on Montana: A lawsuit targets USDA’s cancellation of farm grants, and Montana food banks brace for TEFAP cuts affecting tribal communities. Civic Rights: Gov. Gianforte signed Montana’s anti-SLAPP law, strengthening early dismissal and fee-shifting against lawsuits meant to chill speech.

Mental Health & Courts: A Laurel grassroots group (C.A.R.E.D.) has filed to block the state’s planned forensic mental health facility, arguing the project was pushed without proper local input and seeking to halt permitting and construction. Water Quality: Montana DEQ has declared the Big Hole River impaired due to algae and nutrient-driven eutrophication, setting up a future EPA review that could unlock restoration funding. Tribal Sovereignty vs. Markets: Kalshi is asking a court to dismiss a tribal challenge to sports prediction markets, arguing federal oversight by the CFTC limits tribal regulatory power over nonmembers. Public Lands & Logging: Outdoor groups sued the Montana Land Board over revisions to the state land exchange policy, saying the changes moved too fast and lacked adequate public notice. Wildlife Policy: The U.S. House voted to strip gray wolves of ESA protections in the lower 48, a move that would also limit court challenges. State Politics & Elections: A Montana Free Press-Eagleton poll finds Gianforte’s approval split and shows low enthusiasm doesn’t necessarily mean low turnout, as the June primary hit a record raw vote total. Behavioral Health: Montana lawmakers approved major changes to expand and upgrade the state’s behavioral health system, including a new eastern Montana facility and crisis bed funding.