AGP Executive Report

Mountain Labor Snapshot: Wyoming (3.2%) and Montana (3.3%) sit near the bottom of U.S. unemployment, while Idaho (3.7%) and Washington (5.2%) lag—showing how state policy and industry mix can drive very different outcomes. Energy Transition Debate: Public comments to Montana’s Public Service Commission push back on NorthWestern Energy’s plan that leans heavily on gas generation and assumes nuclear replacing Colstrip power. River DNA Monitoring: MSU Billings researchers are sampling about 600 miles of the Yellowstone River to track microscopic DNA and water chemistry as pollution and oxygen stress grow. Mining in Headwaters: Two exploratory projects could reshape iconic Montana river systems, raising questions about impacts to water and ecosystems. Wildfire Smoke Watch: Pacific Northwest fires are sending smoke across the U.S., with unhealthy air expected in parts of eastern Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Grid Stress From Heat + Data Centers: Extreme heat is pushing power grids toward emergency measures, as data center demand adds pressure. Elder Fraud Prevention: Montana’s State Auditor highlights rising senior-targeted scams and urges people to watch for urgency, impersonation, and pressure tactics. School Tech + Safety: Montana schools are using a new app to test athletes for concussions, aiming to keep sports safer. International Trade Help: Montana businesses can apply for STEP grants to fund foreign trade missions and marketing. AI in Education (Neighboring States): Idaho advances K-12 AI standards, a sign of where regional school tech policy is heading.

Wildfire tech & aviation: Bridger Aerospace won a $58M contract with Texas A&M Forest Service to deliver and modify three King Air 360 aircraft for wildfire detection, situational awareness, cargo, and Medevac—work done in Texas. Public lands & wildlife management: The Department of the Interior proposed updated grizzly bear management flexibility for areas that have met recovery benchmarks, with Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte and other Western leaders backing the shift. Montana-linked corruption freeze: South Africa’s SIU obtained preservation orders freezing two luxury properties tied to former PRASA boss Lucky Montana, alleging a “direct money trail” from a $5.6B rail security contract. Rare earth race: China’s rare earth magnet export restrictions are pushing U.S. manufacturing—REalloys says it’s building a mine-to-magnet supply chain to meet defense demand as a Pentagon ban approaches. Drones & defense: Mobix Labs agreed to buy Montana-based Vision Aerial for about $15M to expand secure drone and aerial intelligence capabilities. Health policy: CMS’s Medicaid work requirement rule takes effect, projecting millions fewer enrollees. Data centers: A new look at how states are shifting from incentives to tighter rules as power, water, and land-use pressures mount. Montana science-adjacent: AI cameras are being used for license plate scanning in Great Falls, raising privacy questions.

Rare Earth Supply Chain: China’s rare-earth export restrictions are pressuring U.S. rare-earth magnet manufacturing, with REalloys building a mine-to-magnet supply chain and leaning on Defense Logistics Agency support as Pentagon procurement bans loom. Wildlife Management: The Department of the Interior says it’s returning grizzly bear management flexibility to Western states after recovery benchmarks were met, with Montana’s leadership involved. Public Lands & Safety: Yellowstone visitors were startled by a 300-pound fiberglass dinosaur statue stolen from a roadside site near Gardiner and later re-anchored in a canyon. Tech Policy & Workforces: Montana Sen. Tim Sheehy introduced the “End H-1B Abuse Act,” proposing a three-year pause on new H-1B visas and codifying a $100,000 fee that courts struck down. Science Discovery: Researchers identified a juvenile Gorgosaurus fossil from a Canadian hike, expanding what’s known about the predator’s range. Local Tech in Montana: Great Falls is seeing AI license-plate camera scanning, raising privacy and enforcement questions.

Heat & Health: A third heat dome is keeping about 80 million Americans under heat advisories, with dangerous overnight temperatures and humidity raising the risk of heat illness; in Montana’s region, Billings reported a spike in emergency visits tied to heat after a July 12 record high of 111°F. Tech & Travel Rules: An Alaska Airlines document-check system twice blocked a Swiss family with valid U.S. green cards from boarding in Missoula, highlighting a gap in federal protections when flights aren’t oversold. Workforce Policy: U.S. Sen. Tim Sheehy (Mont.) introduced a bill to pause new H-1B visas for three years and permanently codify a $100,000 fee, aiming to curb abuse and protect U.S. workers. Digital IDs: Apple Wallet digital driver’s licenses appear to be moving toward Utah and Virginia, while Montana already rolled out earlier. Wildlife Management: Glacier National Park decided not to euthanize or relocate a grizzly bear involved in a May attack, saying the bear acted defensively and will be monitored. Montana Research & Training: Northern Montana Health Care hosted a medical student rural rotation focused on hands-on primary care experience. Public Lands & Climate Politics: Utah residents protested Trump’s major reductions to Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante monuments, arguing the cuts don’t match local preferences.

Extreme Heat in Billings: RiverStone Health reports a spike in heat-related ER visits during the July 10–13 heat wave, with Billings hitting an all-time high of 111°F on July 12 and triple-digit heat expected again. Montana Research & Wildlife Management: Montana FWP says its wolf estimate was overestimated, cutting the next harvest quota recommendation to 250 wolves (from 450) after updating its iPOM model. Federal Policy Watch: U.S. Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) introduced the End H-1B Abuse Act, proposing a three-year pause on new H-1B visas and codifying a $100,000 fee that courts have struck down. Conservation Rule Changes: The Interior Department plans to rescind the ESA “harm” definition effective Sept. 14, 2026, shifting how agencies interpret harm to wildlife. STEM in Montana: U.S. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll visited Montana State University to discuss expanding national security research partnerships. Science Discovery: Researchers identified a juvenile Gorgosaurus fossil from a campground hike in Canada, expanding what’s known about the predator’s range. Tech & Privacy: A Great Falls report highlights AI license-plate scanning concerns tied to camera systems.

Court & Health Policy: A federal judge ruled FDA restrictions on the abortion pill mifepristone are “unlawful” and ordered the agency to reconsider barriers to access, a case tied to REMS rules that critics say are driven more by politics than science. Montana Science & Agriculture: Montana State University celebrated the opening of the new Combined State Laboratories building in Bozeman, bringing together wool, veterinary diagnostic, and analytical testing labs to support research and regulatory work. Wildlife Management: Montana FWP says its wolf numbers were overestimated for years; the updated model cuts the recommended next harvest quota roughly in half. Tech & Privacy in Montana: Great Falls residents are raising alarms about AI cameras scanning license plates via Flock Safety, even as the company says data is controlled by agencies and deleted after 30 days. STEM Workforce Policy: U.S. Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) introduced a bill to pause new H-1B visas for three years and codify a $100,000 fee that a court previously struck down. Space Policy: The U.S. Senate passed Sheehy’s Lunar Landing Day Act, designating July 20 as a national observance for space exploration. Climate & Safety: A heat dome is forecast to push triple-digit temperatures across parts of the Plains and northern Rockies, with dangerous “RealFeel” conditions expected. Biodiversity Discovery: Scientists confirmed a Western toad population in Canada is genetically distinct, based on DNA sampling across Alberta and B.C.

Wildfire science & replanting: California’s seed bank is preserving 42,000 pounds of forest seeds, but officials say it can’t reforest fast enough as climate-driven, high-severity fires wipe out forests that would otherwise return. Endangered Species Act update: The federal government is walking back the ESA “harm” definition, a change that could reshape how habitat impacts are treated under the law. Montana privacy tech debate: Great Falls residents are raising concerns about AI cameras that scan license plates at local retailers, with the broader question of how much surveillance is acceptable. Health policy in court: A federal judge ruled Trump-era FDA restrictions on mifepristone are “arbitrary and capricious,” ordering the agency to reconsider limits affecting access. STEM & research funding: MSU–Northern won an NSF Earth Sciences award to upgrade lab and field gear, including mapping tools and an augmented reality sandbox for hands-on student research. Healthcare AI in practice: Northern Montana Health Care became the first in the nation to use an AI-assisted endoscopy system to help detect colorectal polyps during procedures. Space education nod: Montana Sen. Tim Sheehy’s Lunar Landing Day Act passed the U.S. Senate, setting July 20 as a national observance for moon-landing science. Montana data-center policy: A Montana law on the “Right to Compute” is being cited in a dispute involving Yellowstone County’s proposed initiative, highlighting how state rules could affect AI infrastructure. Wildlife management watch: A judge denied the NPS request to pause litigation in the Yellowstone bison management lawsuit, keeping the challenge moving. Local outdoor access: Montana’s FWP accepted a new float-in fishing access site on the Yellowstone River, expanding public habitat and access via a land donation.

Endangered Species Act shake-up: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is scrapping a decades-old “blanket rule” that automatically protected newly listed threatened species, meaning species like Florida’s manatee could face a protection gap while tailored rules are drafted. Wildlife management in the West: A federal judge refused to pause a Yellowstone-area bison lawsuit, while Interior officials are proposing more grizzly-bear management flexibility for western states—both moves that could reshape how Montana wildlife is handled. Health tech in Montana: Northern Montana Health Care became the first in the nation to use an AI-assisted endoscopy system (CADDIE) to help detect colorectal polyps during procedures. Student research funding: MSU–Northern won an NSF Earth Sciences grant to upgrade lab and field gear, including mapping tools and an augmented-reality sandbox for hands-on training. Cybersecurity education: Dawson Community College’s Cyber Camp is expanding STEM-focused training for Eastern Montana youth, blending coding and real-world online safety. AI + drones: Mobix Labs signed a deal to acquire Vision Aerial, aiming to expand U.S.-built drone and aerial intelligence for national security and wildfire response.

Wildlife Policy: The Trump administration rolled back Endangered Species Act protections, ending automatic safeguards for threatened species and requiring economic-impact analysis for habitat protection—critics warn this could raise extinction risk. Montana Wildlife & Courts: A federal judge refused to pause a lawsuit over Greater Yellowstone bison management, with plaintiffs arguing brucellosis eradication relies on outdated science. Grizzly Management: Senators backed Interior’s proposal to give western states more flexibility in grizzly bear management after recovery benchmarks are met. Wolf Numbers & Harvest: Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks proposed cutting this fall’s wolf hunting and trapping quota after a new model estimated about 725 wolves, down from prior estimates. Public Safety Science: A study ranks Montana No. 1 for speeding-related traffic deaths per capita, pointing to rural roads as a major danger. Yellowstone Ecology: Park officials are warning visitors after tourists walked off boardwalks at Grand Prismatic Spring, risking both deadly hot-water hazards and damage to fragile microbial mats. STEM in the Classroom: Dawson Community College’s Cyber Camp uses hands-on coding, 3D modeling, and electronic engineering to teach cybersecurity skills to Eastern Montana students. Manufacturing Tech: NIST opened funding competition for 14 new Manufacturing Extension Partnership centers to help small and medium manufacturers adopt advanced production technologies. AI Infrastructure Rights: A coalition launched to secure rights for building AI data centers tied to sovereign compute and data ownership.

Aerial Firefighting Boost: Avincis is leasing two Bridger Super Scoopers for wildfire suppression in Portugal through mid-October, marking Bridger’s first revenue-generating operations in Europe. Conservation Data Push: Montana nonprofit Adventure Scientists is expanding a model that trains adventurers and volunteers to collect research-grade conservation data, aiming to close long-running field-data gaps. Local Science & Wildlife: Glacier National Park researchers say grizzly “rototiller” digging boosts glacier lily regeneration by changing soil nitrogen and plant diversity. Montana Tourism Numbers: A University of Montana tourism report estimates 13.2 million visitors in 2025 (down 4% from 2024) but spending rose to $5.6B. Grizzly Management Shakeup: Federal officials propose a rule that would give Montana more flexibility in grizzly bear management under ESA protections, reigniting debate over recovery and protections. Public Health Watch: CDC reports measles cases have surged to 2,260 across 44 states, with summer travel driving spread. Tech Policy: A Montana AI campaign-mail lawsuit challenges a 2025 state law restricting generative AI in political materials. Business/Finance: Bridger set its Q2 2026 earnings call for Aug. 6; Kearny Financial reported lower Q2 net income and declared a $0.11/share dividend.

Housing & Tribes: Great Falls approved the Little Shell Tribe’s Good Medicine Community, clearing the way for 115 homes on tribally owned land, after hours of public comment over housing needs and local infrastructure concerns. Public Safety & Health: Montana AG Austin Knudsen hosted an Elder Justice Summit in Kalispell, warning seniors about evolving scams that have already cost one victim $240,000. Wildlife Management: U.S. Fish and Wildlife proposed grizzly management changes that would give Montana more flexibility under a tiered approach, reigniting debate over Endangered Species Act protections. AI & Elections: A conservative public interest group joined a First Amendment lawsuit challenging Montana’s 2025 law limiting generative AI in campaign materials, arguing it restricts speech. Public Health: CDC reported 2,260 measles cases across 44 states, with summer travel driving new exposure events. Local Economy: A new UM report says short-term rentals generated about $755M in Montana spending in 2025, supporting thousands of jobs—while fueling ongoing housing debates. Water & Climate: Montana groups warn a delayed federal funding decision threatens invasive species outreach, just as water stress and wildfire risk loom.

Nursing Education Boost: Montana State University’s Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing won a $2.5 million Helmsley Trust grant to equip simulation labs across five campuses, expanding hands-on training for nursing students and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs. Space Weather Watch: NOAA says a minor geomagnetic storm (G1) may bring aurora as far south as parts of the northern U.S., with Montana in the potential viewing mix depending on solar wind conditions. Public Health Update: CDC reports cyclosporiasis cases have surged past 4,000 across 41 states, with Montana listed among states not currently reporting cases. Wildfire Science in the Air: NASA is gearing up for suborbital Earth science flights, including aircraft missions to study wildfire-generated storm clouds and improve forecasting. Energy & Grid Pressure: With heat and data-center demand stressing the grid, a new warning highlights rolling blackout risk in multiple states that include Montana. Local Economy Research: A University of Montana study finds Montana short-term rentals generated $755M in visitor spending in 2025, with most activity concentrated near Yellowstone and Glacier. Yellowstone Safety Reminder: Yellowstone officials are facing renewed backlash after viral footage showed visitors stepping onto Grand Prismatic Spring’s microbial mats, raising serious legal and environmental concerns.

Wildfire forecasting tech: NASA is preparing to fly aircraft into wildfire-generated storm clouds this summer, using JPL-built infrared sensors to better track fire-caused lightning and smoke impacts. Energy resilience: As grid warnings spread and data-center demand surges, a new push for backup power is gaining attention, with Montana named among states in a rolling-blackout warning area. PFAS in Montana waters: New research reports PFAS and other chemicals showing up across the Flathead watershed, raising fresh questions about contamination pathways into people. Grizzly management shift: Montana leaders are backing a federal proposal that would give states more flexibility to manage grizzlies once recovery benchmarks are met, while keeping the species protected under the Endangered Species Act. Montana economy & tourism: A University of Montana study says short-term rentals drove more than $755M in 2025 visitor spending, with most activity concentrated around Bozeman and Kalispell. Local infrastructure fight: Residents are challenging a $4.97M West Glendive levee bond, arguing the county should assess only properties in the floodplain. Agriculture research & facilities: Montana State University received a $2.5M grant for nursing simulation labs, while the state’s new Combined State Laboratories project is positioned to boost agricultural testing and research.

PFAS in Montana’s water future: New research maps how “forever chemicals” move through the Great Lakes food web and into people, adding urgency to monitoring and cleanup. Wildfire + water protection stakes: A new study warns that repealing the Roadless Rule could reduce clean drinking water supplies for tens of millions, including in Montana, by reopening forests to logging and new roads. Montana wildlife management update: Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks says a new wolf-estimation tool points to fewer wolves than before, prompting a lower recommended harvest quota. Agriculture lab upgrade in Bozeman: Montana’s new Combined State Laboratories building brings together veterinary, analytical, and wool testing to speed research, diagnostics, and support for producers. Helena broadband build pains: Fiber installation continues around Helena, but residents report cut lines, damaged property, and long outages while crews expand high-speed access. Energy policy debate: A new argument says affordable electricity isn’t automatic and that Montana must keep investing in generation and transmission as demand rises from electrification and AI data centers. Yellowstone safety reminder: A viral video shows tourists walking on Grand Prismatic Spring’s thin, living crust—beautiful, but dangerous. Speeding study: A new analysis finds speeding wastes fuel and money while saving barely any time.

Agriculture Lab Boost: Montana’s new Combined State Laboratories building in Bozeman officially opened, bringing together the state’s Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, Analytical Lab, and MSU’s Wool Lab to speed testing and support research for producers. Education & Reading Science: The University of Montana earned an A+ for its elementary teacher prep programs focused on teaching reading, recognized by the National Council on Teacher Quality. Broadband Friction in Helena: Fiber installation is expanding across Helena, but some residents report damaged property and repeated service disruptions as crews bury lines. Wildlife Management Update: Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is using a new wolf-estimation tool that suggests fewer wolves than before, prompting a lower harvest quota recommendation. Public Health Watch: The U.S. measles situation keeps worsening, with cases rising fast as summer travel increases outbreak risk. NASA Earth Science: NASA’s new suborbital Earth Venture missions are gearing up to fly sensors on aircraft to study everything from wildfire fire-clouds to other hazards. Wildfire Ops Tech: Bridger Aerospace is integrating TracPlus data into its IGNIS platform to give incident teams a unified live view of aerial firefighting activity. Local Safety Spotlight: A Billings gun-safety expert weighed in after a fatal teen shooting, emphasizing prevention of unintentional firearms incidents.

Wildlife Science in Montana: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service cut Canada lynx critical habitat by 32%, shrinking the map to about 14,000 square miles and removing the Greater Yellowstone Area from the designation. Wildlife Management: Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks says wolf numbers are declining and recommends lowering the 2026/27 wolf harvest quota to 250 from 450, citing a newer population model (iPOM 2.0) that estimates fewer wolves. Public Lands & Courts: A federal judge restored road-density limits in Montana’s Bitterroot National Forest and ordered agencies to re-evaluate road impacts on grizzly bears and bull trout under federal environmental laws. Montana Agriculture Lab: Gov. Gianforte joined the ribbon cutting for a new Combined State Laboratories building in Bozeman, bringing together veterinary diagnostics, analytical testing, and the MSU wool lab to support disease monitoring and agriculture research. Air Quality Research: A research aircraft is flying over the Salt Lake Valley to map ozone components, underscoring how heat and wildfire smoke can worsen harmful ground-level pollution. Health & Safety in Wellness: Elysian Institute expanded guidance for medically supervised hyperbaric oxygen therapy, emphasizing screening and licensed oversight. Data Centers Debate: Westfield, Massachusetts, approved a yearlong moratorium on new data centers amid concerns about power, water, and local impacts.