AGP Executive Report

Election Access Watch: The ACLU says it’s putting more than $50 million into the 2026 midterms, including paid staff and thousands of volunteers to monitor ballot counting and certification as Trump pushes to control election administration. Trauma-Informed Parenting: A Montana Institute training highlighted how “positive childhood experiences” and supportive relationships can build resilience alongside research on adverse childhood experiences. Montana Community & Health: In Polson, Mission Mountain Empowerment helps adults with disabilities gain independence and workforce skills through real work tasks like making recycled fire starters for sale. Public Safety on Two Wheels: Billings officials are urging riders to understand where e-bikes and e-scooters can legally go and to follow traffic rules like regular bicycles. Tobacco Prevention Push: Advocates in Helena are campaigning for a $2-per-pack tobacco tax increase for the 2027 Legislature, backed by a new poll and student voices. Montana Agriculture Innovation: Montana State University researchers won a nearly $600,000 USDA grant to build an autonomous system to detect and remove crop-killing microbes in hydroponic farms. Culture & Place: A Montana Historical Society story spotlights Saint Marie, a former Glasgow Air Force base community now living as a “ghost town” with just a few hundred residents.

Missoula County Horse Plan: Commissioners held a public hearing on how to handle feral horses near Miller Creek, with many residents urging the animals be left alone while officials say any process should protect private property and public safety. Montana Health & Access: A Montana nonprofit is marking 25 years of its Be Sun Smart skin-cancer prevention program, with a July 8 community event in Missoula. Education Spotlight: Hawks Home School District was named among Montana’s most successful schools after a state decennial study commission review. Healthcare Costs & Coverage: A national report says Medicaid and ACA enrollment dropped by more than 5 million, tied to Medicaid cuts and expiring enhanced ACA subsidies. Public Health Watch: The CDC reports measles cases have reached 2,104 across 41 jurisdictions, including Montana. AI Trust in Montana: A new survey highlights that many Montana workers use AI at work but remain uneasy about handing over sensitive tasks. Planned Parenthood Funding: Planned Parenthood is expected to regain access to federal funds around July 5 as a GOP ban expires.

Reproductive Health Politics: Republicans say they likely can’t extend the one-year ban on Planned Parenthood receiving federal funds, with Sen. Steve Daines pointing to the difficulty of passing another reconciliation bill. AI & Elections: Money tied to the artificial intelligence industry is pouring into midterms as lawmakers stall on new AI rules, raising fresh concerns about jobs and society. School Choice Fight: Pennsylvania Democrats move to cut school-choice scholarships and reshape tax credits, setting up a major clash over how education dollars flow. Civil Rights Watch: The Southern Poverty Law Center ends its informant program and releases a new report, after scrutiny over past funding of extremist groups. Montana Food & Community: In Hamilton, O’Hara Commons is expanding access to “radically local” food through markets, education, and local producer partnerships. Local Culture & Outdoors: A Montana State University extension specialist shares why dandelions aren’t just weeds—they’re edible and beneficial for gardens. Sports Safety (Montana region): A Rigby family pushes for life-saving AEDs after sudden cardiac arrest struck a young athlete. Montana Pride & Faith Calendar: Northwest Montana lists religious gatherings for June 21–27, including “Fear & Hope” at All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Columbia Falls.

Montana Pride & Community: Missoula’s fifth annual Pride parade drew thousands downtown, with a big block party, vendors, live music, and a message of belonging for LGBTQ+ folks and allies. River Access, Made Easier: The University of Montana is launching a free UDASH River shuttle June 25, running Thursdays through Sundays to Clark Fork access points, with safety rules for riders. Health & Safety at the Local Level: A Rigby family is pushing for life-saving Automated External Defibrillators at sports facilities after their daughter survived sudden cardiac arrest. Arts & Heritage: A Brinton Museum lecture explored how Native pictographic art can function as both historical record and artwork, focusing on the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Rural Innovation: Gov. Gianforte’s 56 County Tour highlighted investments like a Hardin visitor center grant and a Colstrip business innovation hub. Montana Education Spotlight: Three Forks teacher Cathe Felz is preparing to retire after 40 years teaching family and consumer sciences.

LGBTQ+ Community: Missoula’s fifth annual Pride parade drew thousands downtown, ending in a block party with vendors, live music, and a main stage. Campus & Outdoors: The University of Montana launches a free UDASH River shuttle June 25, running Thursdays through Sundays to Clark Fork access points. Rural Montana Economy: Gov. Gianforte’s 56 County Tour highlighted rural investments, including a Hardin visitor-center grant and support for eastern Montana entrepreneurship. Health Policy: Final Medicaid work requirement rules are out, with states scrambling to update systems ahead of the January 1, 2027 rollout. Public Safety & Community Care: Billings protesters rallied against a Trump order affecting mail-in ballot delivery. Culture & Heritage: The Brinton Museum hosted a lecture on how Native pictographic art can function as both history and art, tied to the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Agriculture & Research: MSU researchers in Havre showcased projects meant to turn data into practical farming decisions. Native Arts Funding: The American Indian College Fund received a $2.4M grant to expand Native arts programming for tribal colleges. Civic Infrastructure: Bozeman is accepting bids for Bikefill Park infrastructure and roadway improvements.

Community Pride: Spokane Pride’s week-after glow is still strong, with about 130 parade groups, 250 booth vendors, five stages of performances, and a big street block party—plus Indigenous queer celebrations from Spokane Indigi-Q. Rural Innovation: Gov. Greg Gianforte’s 56-county tour highlighted projects like Hardin’s planned train-depot visitor center and Colstrip’s Business Innovation Center to support entrepreneurs and local history. LGBTQ+ Rights in the Spotlight: “Supernatural” actor Misha Collins says transgender rights should be a Republican issue, pointing to passport and service-member restrictions and state-level laws. Local Health & Money: Fort Benton saw Medicaid pathology and lab billing jump 45.7% in 2024, reaching $520. Native Arts Funding: The American Indian College Fund won a $2.4M grant to expand Native arts programming for tribal colleges, including workshops in Montana. Remembering & Community: Billings is set to host “The Wall That Heals” Vietnam memorial replica July 2–5, with a mobile education center and opening ceremony July 2. Juneteenth in Montana: Montana State University held a Juneteenth celebration in Bozeman with food, history, and hands-on activities. Montana Agriculture Research: MSU’s Northern Agricultural Research Center in Havre showcased field-day projects turning research into practical farm decisions. Montana Education Opportunity: A Helena student landed a Smithsonian rural internship, working with early childhood education at the National Zoo. Montana Cannabis Story: A new look at how Montana built a legal cannabis market from a thin medical law, federal raids, and ballot fights. Public Safety Notice: Gallatin County Annex Building structural repair bids are due July 8, with a June 24 prebid walk-through.

Montana Education & Youth: Helena High grad Lyla Ackerman is among the first 10 students nationwide selected for the Smithsonian’s Rural Initiative internship, spending her summer at the National Zoo helping run the “Little Critters” early childhood program. Indigenous Arts & Culture: The American Indian College Fund won a $2.4 million grant to expand Native arts programming for tribal colleges, including community workshops and new curriculum tied to language and traditional knowledge. Community Remembrance: “The Wall That Heals” is coming to Billings July 2–5, bringing a Vietnam War memorial replica and an education center to Will James Middle School. Public Health: CDC updates show measles spreading across 41 jurisdictions, with Montana listed among the affected states. Civic Life & Elections: In Billings, protesters rallied against a Trump order directing USPS to filter mail-in ballot delivery, arguing it shifts election control to the post office. Montana Agriculture: Montana State University hosted a Northern Agricultural Research Center field day in Havre, spotlighting research meant to turn into real farm decisions. Juneteenth in Montana: Montana State University held a Juneteenth celebration in Bozeman with food, history, and hands-on activities. Local Culture: Museum of the Rockies’ “Taste of the Rockies” returns June 26 with western food, music, and interactive experiences.

UM & Conservation: The University of Montana named Nicole Tatman as the inaugural director of a new Center for Hunting and Conservation, building on its wildlife biology work and a Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation partnership. Juneteenth & Community Culture: A KJZZ “The Show” episode marks Juneteenth with a look at its history and how people find resilience, plus a musical deep dive through fiddle and guitar. Local Health & Safety: In Rigby, Idaho, a family donated a bright yellow AED to Rigby South Park, with a June 20 dedication event to boost sudden cardiac arrest awareness. Montana Outdoors & Heritage: Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman hosts “Taste of the Rockies” June 26, mixing western food, live music, dancing, and hands-on ranch and Indigenous regalia experiences. Public Land/Health Policy Watch: EPA set new cleanup guidance for Butte’s Superfund site, raising the soil/attic threshold to 456 parts per million—sparking debate over what it means for long-term safety. Education & Workforce: Montana State’s Museum of the Rockies event and UM’s new programs highlight ongoing efforts to connect learning with local life. Sports Business: MLB’s draft proposal could reshape amateur entry, including limits on high school players and a new international draft—big ripple effects for future athletes.

Two-Spirit Culture: Montana Two-Spirit Society’s second annual powwow returns to Caras Park in Missoula, building on decades of community space-making and celebration. Indigenous Arts & Community: Indigenous Made Market keeps growing at Caras Park, with artists sharing stories behind beadwork, prints, jewelry, and more. CSKT Living Tradition: Big Medicine Dance Troupe brings Salish and Kootenai songs, dances, and teachings to the CSKT Bison Range visitor center pavilion. River Stewardship: Livingston conservationists launch Yellowstone River Ambassadors to teach etiquette and fish-handling for everyday users. Local Food & Summer Rituals: Butte Farmers’ Market kicks off its 2026 season every Saturday, spotlighting Montana-grown produce and regional makers. Education & Research: University of Montana lands a $5.5M gift for a new waterfowl and wetlands center, strengthening wildlife biology and conservation training. Literature & Language: “Horse girl” Emily Haworth-Booth discusses motherhood and language in her debut novel, Mare.

Northern Cheyenne Recovery Story: Clara Ann WhiteCrane, a stroke survivor, left Montana’s Rehabilitation Hospital in Billings by dancing her way home—leaning on family and Northern Cheyenne culture for strength. Historic Big Sky Opening: Historic Crail Ranch opens for the summer season with free tours and community potlucks, plus a Wildflower Festival featuring yoga, art, birding, and guided hikes. Montana Youth Spotlight: Trout Creek teen James Lacy won top honors at the NASP Western National Tournament and is headed to the NASP Championship in Daytona. Missoula Community Life: Missoula’s new Beartracks Bridge Skate Park opens just in time for Go Skate Day, adding another hangout for local youth and families. Education & Health Access: UM will launch Montana’s first public physician associate program this fall to help address rural healthcare shortages. Local Aging Support: Missoula Aging Services opens a community survey for Montanans 55+ to shape housing, transportation, and health priorities. Culture & Identity: “The Power of Pride” production at The Covellite Theatre highlights LGBTQ+ identity and resilience. Wildlife & Research: UM lands a $5.5M gift to create a waterfowl and wetlands center, boosting conservation science statewide. National Park Service Workers: NPS employees in the Intermountain Region vote to unionize, including staff across Montana and neighboring states.

Local Food & Community: The Western Montana Food & Farm Trail launches June 1–Oct. 31, a self-guided 200-mile road trip linking 100+ farms, markets, restaurants, and breweries across the Missoula, Bitterroot, Flathead, and Mission Valleys. Vegan & Local Flavor: Bozeman’s only vegan food truck, Tabay’s Mindful Kitchen, opens July 1 with National Park-themed comfort food and a passport-stamp experience. Culture & Heritage: Choteau’s Métis Heritage Festival (June 12–13) brought traditional food, language, crafts, fiddle music, and dancing together for a free weekend celebration. Mental Health Support: NAMI Great Falls hosts a free NAMI Family & Friends seminar June 24 in Choteau to help families navigate mental health conditions. Youth & Health Careers: Billings’ MedStart Summer Camp is introducing teens to healthcare specialties amid ongoing workforce shortages. Civic Life: United Way of Cascade County is investing $1.1M+ to support education, financial stability, and health outcomes. Environment & Public Lands: Conservation groups are preparing a lawsuit over the Bitterroot Front Plan’s selective timber approach to wildfire safety. Sports & Montana Pride: Team East’s Montana and Montana State commits are building chemistry ahead of the Shrine Game in Butte.

Civic Life & Democracy: A Montana ballot fight is heating up as the Transparent Election Initiative says it has submitted enough signatures to qualify Initiative 194, aiming to limit corporate spending in Montana elections as a state-level response to Citizens United. Health & Community: The Apsáalooke (Crow) chronic-illness self-management program Báa nnilah earned an evidence-based designation from the National Council on Aging, built from Crow stories and mutual support. Public Lands & Education: A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to restore removed slavery, climate, and civil-rights exhibits in national parks, setting up a major legal showdown ahead of the July 4 America’s 250th anniversary. Immigration & Safety: A report says immigration detainee deaths doubled since Trump took office, while Camp East Montana has faced scrutiny over health care and missing incident reporting. Local Culture: Henry Cho brings his “Empty Nest” tour to Butte and Missoula this summer, with a clean, family-friendly set celebrating 40 years in stand-up.

Montana Politics & Rights: Helena’s attorney general, Austin Knudsen, is asking the Montana Supreme Court to toss a petition challenging his authority to supervise county prosecutors, a dispute tied to how local offices handle cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Local Governance & Community Safety: Missoula extended its pause on new marijuana dispensary licenses through summer 2027, keeping the moratorium while allowing existing shops to relocate under updated zoning rules. Culture & Learning: Mineral County Library in Superior kicked off the spectrUM Discovery Area summer reading program, bringing free science activities like teeny terrariums to kids across Montana. Wildlife & Everyday Life: Missoula-area coverage highlights practical human-bear conflict prevention tips from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, including securing attractants and using electric fencing. Sports & Inclusion: Unified Sports continues to expand belonging, with Thompson Falls athletes and partners recognized at state meets. Community Events: Red Lodge’s Songwriter Festival returns for its 10th year, filling downtown venues with live music across three days. Food & Family: Action Inc. is running free summer meals across Butte and Southwest Montana, with multiple meal sites and no sign-up needed.

Montana Courts & ICE Records: Montana AG Austin Knudsen asked the state Supreme Court to toss Gallatin County Attorney Audrey Cromwell’s challenge, calling it “political” in a dispute over whether ICE counts as a criminal justice agency under Montana law. WWII Remembrance in Butte: Private Henry David Bordner finally came home to Butte after 84 years, following identification of his remains from the Manila American Cemetery. Food Culture: Chef Penelope Wong of Denver’s Yuan Wonton won Best Chef for the Mountain Region in the 2026 James Beard Awards, putting Montana in the same spotlight as Colorado, Idaho, Utah, and Wyoming. Community & Pride: Missoula Pride 2026 returns as a grassroots celebration led by the Western Montana LGBTQ+ Community Center. Local Life & Learning: Richland County’s Mobile Memory Café is set for July 9–10, offering support and conversation for people facing early memory changes and their caregivers. Agriculture & Youth: Montana Farmers Union announced $22,750 in scholarships for more than 20 students, backing the next generation of rural leaders. Sports & Summer Fun: A new “Under the Canopy” exhibit brings rainforest animals to the Sternberg Museum of Natural History through fall.

Montana Politics & Campus Culture: Democrat Alani Bankhead says she won’t drop out of the U.S. Senate race and is urging independent Seth Bodnar to exit instead, citing a settled UM gender-discrimination lawsuit and accusing him of “sex discrimination baggage.” Health & Daily Life: In Billings, the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program is helping people make steady lifestyle changes to lower Type 2 diabetes risk, with group coaching and dietitian-led sessions. Elder Safety: Montana’s Department of Justice marked World Elder Abuse Awareness Day with a reminder that scams and fraud target seniors, including AI-fueled schemes. Community & Education: MSU is hosting a free Juneteenth celebration in Bozeman with food, music, storytelling quilt squares, and resources for culturally significant learning. Design & Student Pride: Three Montana State University seniors earned national honors in magazine design from the Society of Publication Designers. Local Governance & Housing: Missoula County is considering a plan for the Miller Creek feral horse herd that clarifies legal status and sets a process for removal only when there’s property damage. Arts & Architecture: Bozeman’s Studio Cohab won a national AIA Housing Award for a community-engaged, net-zero neighborhood built with future residents. Public Finance: Montana Auditor James Brown highlighted June Land Board approvals expected to generate about $1.09 million for trust beneficiaries and schools.

Montana Elder Care Watch: The Montana Department of Justice marked World Elder Abuse Awareness Day with a reminder that scams and fraud target seniors—often through AI-driven tricks—and urged families to learn the warning signs. Patriotism & Civic Pride: WalletHub ranked Montana No. 2 most patriotic state, crediting strong civic education requirements plus high volunteerism and veteran participation ahead of America250 and the Fourth of July. 4th of July, Montana Style: A roundup highlights small-town celebrations across the Treasure State, with notes on parade-and-fireworks favorites and local firework rules. STEM for Kids in Great Falls: Spark Children’s Museum reopened in downtown Great Falls with expanded, hands-on exhibits and accessibility upgrades, keeping a STEM focus in every display. Education Spotlight: Northwest Nazarene University joined a regional semiconductor workforce initiative, aiming to boost hands-on research and create a semiconductor camp for local high school students. Community Health & Safety: A national recall alert affects residents in Montana and beyond—Alfredo sauce recalled in multiple states due to potential Salmonella contamination. Sports & Community: Helena hosted the 2026 Governor’s Cup with multiple race distances and hundreds of volunteers guiding runners through downtown. Local Culture: Longmire Days access tickets are now on sale, with event registration details for the Wyoming fan weekend.