AGP Executive Report

Citizenship Rush: Americans with Acadian roots are flooding Canadian archives after Bill C-3 removed the “first-generation limit,” betting they can claim citizenship through centuries-old descendants. AI in Hollywood: Kling AI is partnering with UK studio Evolutionary Films on the animated feature “Minibots,” pitching an artist-led, ethics-focused AI workflow. Montana Tech & Talent: UM student Bella Wengappuly earned a 2026-27 Goldwater Scholarship for double majors in wildlife biology and computer science, aiming at quantitative ecology research. Computing Breakthrough: Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania are exploring light-matter “photons” as a potential path beyond electron-based chips for AI. BLM Leadership: The Senate confirmed Steve Pearce to lead the Bureau of Land Management in a party-line vote, a big shift for how 245 million acres are managed. Care Watch: CMS ratings keep rolling in across Montana nursing homes—some hit 5/5, others land at 1/5—showing how uneven quality can be.

Childhood Policy: A bipartisan federal bill, the Promoting Childhood Independence and Resilience Act, would help states separate normal “ready for independence” kid activities from neglect, building on similar Reasonable Childhood Independence laws already passed in 13 states. Montana Politics: In Butte, Pete Buttigieg backed the Montana Plan, a ballot push to curb corporate election influence, as organizers chase roughly 32,000 signatures by June 19. Health & Rights: A new study links abortion bans to worse miscarriage medication care in states with restrictions, raising concerns that policies meant for abortion are still disrupting pregnancy-loss treatment. Tech & Privacy: Automakers face fresh scrutiny over claims they may sell driver data, with consumers saying they didn’t realize how much was collected or shared. Local Tech Boost: A Montana coffee shop in Fishtail got national attention after Elon Musk reshared its post praising Starlink’s rural internet. Environment: California lawmakers are advancing a plan that could reintroduce grizzly bears after a century-plus absence.

NIH Biosafety Shock in Montana: Newly disclosed records and whistleblower claims say a staffer at the NIH’s Rocky Mountain Laboratories in Hamilton was exposed after a monkey bite involving a deadly hemorrhagic fever virus, with watchdogs also pointing to a separate “select agent” loss/release/stolen report—raising fresh questions about oversight at the federal BSL-4 site. Heartland Fiber Push: DCN, Range, and WIN Technology announced the $700M Heartland Fiber Project, a 2,000-mile Denver-to-Chicago backbone expansion across seven states aimed at boosting capacity for AI-driven data center demand. Montana Politics on the Ballot: In Butte, Pete Buttigieg backed Montana’s proposed “Montana Plan” citizen initiative to curb corporate election spending, with organizers saying they’re short of signatures but moving toward a November vote. Public Health Watch: Montana Weed Control Association warned people about “false dandelions” (spotted catsear) that can trigger a neurological condition in horses. Local Tech & Community: A rural Montana coffee shop’s thank-you post to Starlink went viral after Elon Musk amplified it, spotlighting connectivity and community space in Fishtail.

Space Weather: NOAA is watching for a G2 geomagnetic storm tonight into early Sunday, with aurora chances stretching as far south as Montana if skies are dark and you’re away from city lights. Climate Politics: President Trump seized on a UN climate panel’s shift away from the most extreme warming scenario, calling it “WRONG! WRONG! WRONG!” as the debate over what’s “most plausible” heats up again. Local Tech & Jobs: A new long-haul fiber build—the Heartland Fiber Project—plans about 2,000 miles between Denver and Chicago through Montana and neighbors, aiming to feed AI data-center demand. Montana Community: Missoula’s Grizzly football is adding Montana Knife Company as a permanent on-field logo partner. Health Watch: Olympic National Park is reportedly clear after a “brain-eating amoeba” search found contamination elsewhere in the West. Sports/Politics: Independent U.S. Senate candidate Seth Bodnar is courting veterans in Northwest Montana as his campaign takes shape.

Space Weather Watch: NOAA is forecasting aurora chances for Saturday night into Sunday, with a G1 storm and a new moon boosting visibility from northern states including Montana. Public Health (Good News): A new study found no “brain-eating amoeba” in Olympic National Park samples, even as it previously flagged contaminated water in parts of Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Lake Mead. Montana Business & Tech: Three regional fiber providers announced the Heartland Fiber Project, a $700M build adding about 2,000 miles of new long-haul fiber linking Denver to Chicago through Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana—aimed at feeding growing AI data-center demand. Wildlife Policy Clash: Rep. Ryan Zinke renewed calls to delist grizzlies after recent attacks in Glacier and Yellowstone, arguing states should manage them. Local Life: Butte-Silver Bow opened its Alley Rally household waste drop-off for summer cleanup through Aug. 9.

Aurora Watch: NOAA is forecasting a G1 geomagnetic storm this Saturday night into Sunday, with a new moon helping dark skies—Montana and nearby states could catch faint green or red aurora on the northern horizon. Local Cleanup: Butte-Silver Bow’s Alley Rally opens for summer waste drop-offs through Aug. 9, with strict limits on asbestos-prone remodeling debris and contractor loads. Wildlife Policy Clash: Rep. Ryan Zinke is renewing the push to delist grizzly bears after a fatal Glacier encounter and injuries in Yellowstone, arguing states should control management. Montana Tech & Power: A new long-haul fiber build—Heartland Fiber—plans about 2,000 miles linking Denver to Chicago through Montana and neighbors to feed AI data-center demand. Community & Education: East Helena’s library expansion moves forward with an $8M price tag and a capital campaign; UM also announced a Smokey Bear co-brand apparel partnership tied to wildfire prevention.

Local Cleanup Access: Butte-Silver Bow’s Alley Rally opens for the summer, running 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Tue–Sun through Aug. 9 (closed Mondays; July 3–4 for the holiday). It accepts household waste, wood, metal, glass, sheetrock pieces, yard debris, and tree branches (break down first), but bans demolition/remodeling debris (asbestos risk) and prohibits utility/pull-behind trailers—those get redirected to the BSB Landfill. Campus + Community Branding: UM Grizzly Athletics is locking in Montana Knife Company as a permanent on-field logo partner for football under an eight-year deal. Viral Tech + Rural Life: A Fishtail coffee shop’s thank-you post to Starlink went viral after Musk reshared it, spotlighting how rural connectivity is changing local businesses. Health Policy Watch: A national report says some midwives assisting home births are breaking state law—Georgia is cracking down even as demand for home births rises. Space Weather: NOAA is watching for a G2 geomagnetic storm tonight, with aurora chances stretching into the northern U.S. Infrastructure Push: Three regional fiber providers announced the Heartland Fiber Project—about 2,000 miles between Denver and Chicago, including Montana—aimed at AI data-center demand.

New Dinosaur Discovery: Thailand researchers announced a giant long-necked sauropod, “Last Titan” (Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis), estimated at 88 feet long and about 54,000 pounds, based on fossils found near a pond a decade ago. Montana Education & Outreach: The University of Montana is teaming up with Smokey Bear for a co-branded apparel launch, and UM also distributed telescopes to public and tribal college libraries statewide through a NASA-funded program. Wildlife Policy Clash: Rep. Ryan Zinke is calling to remove federal grizzly protections after recent bear incidents in Glacier and Yellowstone, reigniting the debate over who should manage risk. Science Under Pressure: More than 150 scientists urged Congress not to overturn the Grand Staircase-Escalante management plan using the Congressional Review Act. Tech & Infrastructure: Three regional fiber providers unveiled a new Upper Midwest backbone route spanning Montana and beyond, while Montana’s PSC weighs a major energy merger amid rising data-center power concerns. Health Watch: A study found the “brain-eating amoeba” in multiple western national park water samples, though Oregon tests were negative.

Energy & AI Pressure Test: The Montana Public Service Commission is weighing the Northwestern Energy–Black Hills merger, with the loudest fight over what it means for powering data centers—supporters say growth, opponents warn about climate and cost impacts. Federal Cannabis Shift: The U.S. reclassified cannabis after 50 years, and Absarokee’s Jamie Pearson breaks down what Schedule III could change for Montana. Wildlife & Public Health: A study found the “brain-eating amoeba” in multiple national parks, including Yellowstone—good news: Oregon samples were negative, but the discovery keeps summer water safety in focus. Local Science Access: UM’s spectrUM Discovery Area is distributing telescopes to public and tribal libraries statewide via a NASA-funded program. Montana on the Ballot: Independent Senate candidate Seth Bodnar is nearing the signature threshold with a cash surge, pitching a “new direction.” Sports & Culture: The Yellowstone spinoff “Dutton Ranch” drops this week on Paramount+.

Flathead Sheriff Race: Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino is seeking a third term in the June 2 Republican primary, facing challenger Evie Cahalen, a Marion-based law enforcement veteran with 25+ years on the job—no Democrats are running, so the primary decides the winner. Flathead Lake Fishing: Spring Mack Days on Flathead Lake wrapped with a record-setting season—37,975 lake trout entries total after a final weekend push of 2,030 fish, with Kalispell’s Kolton Turner topping the leaderboard again. AI in Montana: A local conversation is heating up around how Montanans use AI chatbots—especially for health and financial decisions where people say a human pro still matters. Wildfire Carbon Debate: One post-wildfire approach is trying to “lock up” carbon by burying dead trees instead of burning them, raising big questions about whether it’s a real climate tool. Bozeman Economy: Gov. Gianforte and Capital One highlighted Bozeman’s entrepreneurship momentum after a rural index put Gallatin County near the top nationally.

U.S.-China Rare Earth Pressure: Trump arrives in Beijing for a high-stakes Xi summit as Washington scrambles over supply chains after China moves to tighten control of rare earth producers; the Pentagon is set to ban Chinese-origin rare earths from defense use starting January 2027, with less than eight months to go. Montana Rare-Earth Dealmaking: In parallel, Bayan Mining and Minerals and US Critical Materials signed an MoU to test rare-earth processing tech tied to Montana’s Sheep Creek project—aiming to push a “mine-to-magnet” pathway. Yellowstone Health Alert: Yellowstone is flagging “brain-eating amoeba” concerns at multiple locations, reminding visitors that infections are rare but deadly. Local Science & Safety: Missoula’s crime lab is adding a full-spectrum fingerprint imaging tool to speed up latent print work. Energy & Jobs: A new Montana study says Bozeman-Yellowstone International Airport drives $2B+ in revenue and supports 13,000+ jobs. Montana Politics: The PSC District 5 Republican primary is heating up, with incumbent Annie Bukacek facing two challengers.

Fire-and-legal pressure: Florida AG James Uthmeier sued Jacksonville over alleged City Hall firearm “check points” lists, seeking up to $5 million under a state ban on registries tied to criminal/civil penalties—an escalation of a dispute that began when the practice surfaced. Local infrastructure: In Plains, town leaders approved a long-delayed water/sewer rate hike after years of flat pricing, citing inflation and system upkeep needs. Montana energy & jobs: RDO Equipment launched a Montana registered apprenticeship for heavy equipment service technicians, aiming to grow a shrinking workforce pipeline. Critical minerals: NevGold says it’s moving toward a maiden antimony-gold resource at Limousine Butte, with funding and recent drill/metallurgy progress lined up for the next catalyst. Wildlife tech: New work suggests AI can cut wildlife camera review from months to days, easing the “data hog” bottleneck for ecologists. Education policy: A KFF survey finds Montana and other states are still working out how to verify Medicaid work requirements as guidance and definitions lag.

Federal Gas Tax Flip: Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) is now open to suspending the federal gas tax after President Trump signaled support—an idea that would still need Congress and could cost billions. K-12 Enrollment Slide: New national data shows public school enrollment keeps falling, driven largely by lower birth rates, squeezing district budgets tied to student counts. Montana Water Law Talent: UM law graduate Lori Blumenthal was appointed a water master to help adjudicate Montana water rights basin by basin. Digital Assets Pushback/Clarity: Montana’s securities regulator James Brown says listening sessions focused on consumer protection and clearer rules as crypto adoption grows. Wildlife Tech Gets Faster: AI is cutting wildlife camera-tracking work from months to days, with researchers testing it across places including Glacier National Park. Public Health Watch: A new report finds 33.5 million children live in areas with failing air-quality grades, largely from wildfire smoke and ozone. Local Land-Use Fight: Missoula County commissioners kept hearing public comment on a proposed Town Pump zoning change in Frenchtown.

Micro-Nuclear Uncertainty on Guam: Guam officials say the Pentagon has not formally notified the governor about plans for micro-nuclear reactors, even as the idea was flagged as a concept about two years ago—keeping lawmakers and residents in limbo. Public Health & Wildlife: Chronic Wasting Disease has been detected on the National Elk Refuge for the first time, adding pressure to rethink elk feeding practices. AI in the Field: A new study finds AI can sort wildlife camera-trap images in days instead of months, speeding conservation work from Montana to Glacier National Park. Montana Infrastructure: Helena is moving toward a grade-separation plan for the Montana Avenue BNSF crossing, funded by a $3.2 million grant. Legal Fight Over Abortion Pills: A 23-state coalition filed a Supreme Court brief backing Louisiana’s effort to stop mail-order mifepristone, with Montana among the signers. Aviation Safety: Authorities in Denver say a man struck by a plane intended to end his own life after scaling a remote fence. Local Life: Sidney Health Center added Courtney Miller, AGNP, to its cancer care team.

Drones in crash investigations: Montana Highway Patrol says drones are now flying over serious crash scenes to capture overhead photos, build 3D reconstructions, and help reopen roads faster by reducing how long troopers must work in active traffic. Public health watch: A new study reports “brain-eating amoeba” (Naegleria fowleri) in water samples from popular national parks, including Yellowstone—researchers say there were no reported infections tied to the findings. AI for conservation: Researchers say AI can sort wildlife camera images in days instead of months, speeding up monitoring for projects that used to take a year to review. Local infrastructure: Helena is moving toward a grade-separation plan for the at-grade BNSF crossing at Montana Avenue, funded by a $3.2M grant, with site work starting this month. Training pipeline: Gallatin College MSU launched a new law enforcement academy for Montana officers, starting with 14 students. Elections: A judge blocked Montana’s Election Day voter registration hour limits, keeping late registration at least through the June 2 primary.

Wildfire readiness crunch: With a dry winter and record-low snowpack, the West is bracing for a bad 2026 fire season—but the bigger problem is response capacity, as complex incident teams are fewer and often understaffed, leaving specialists stretched thin. Climate impacts on wildlife: Sandhill cranes are already rerouting, skipping parts of their usual Arizona trips as drought reshapes wetlands and farm fields. Reproductive rights in legal whiplash: Providers say the abortion-pill fight is creating confusion over whether mifepristone can be mailed after court rulings and a Supreme Court stay decision expected soon. Maternal care and regulation: In Georgia, rising demand for home births is colliding with rules that make some non-nurse midwife deliveries illegal. Montana science spotlight: A Bozeman grad student is using earthquake sensors to “listen” for aircraft, turning seismology into a new tool for tracking planes and supporting conservation. Privacy & pricing: Maryland moves to ban “surveillance pricing,” raising the question of whether Montana will follow. Protein markets: Chicken stays strong while beef faces pressure from drought-driven herd shrinkage and antitrust scrutiny.