AGP Executive Report

Aviation Policy: US lawmakers are still negotiating an ADS-B In mandate, with private pilots pushing back on whether airports can use ADS-B data to levy landing fees. Montana Education Tech: A Conrad Community/Senior Center SMARTBOARD project is expanding community learning with new tech and programming support. Montana Politics & Tech: The Montana Democratic Party backs a two-year moratorium on large data centers and supports stricter environmental review, while also opposing AI-enabled license-plate camera systems. Montana Sports Leadership: Michael Bazemore is stepping down as athletic director at Montana State Billings to take the same role at the University of Alaska Anchorage. Public Health & Food Policy: A federal judge blocked a SNAP soda ban effort, saying USDA can’t remove foods Congress defines as eligible. Healthcare Costs: A new look at hospital price transparency finds many facilities still aren’t posting required pricing in machine-readable form. Climate Outlook: Climatologists warn the Northwest could see a very strong El Niño bring a wetter fall and higher winter snowpack. Environment: Bitterroot Valley groups oppose a fast-tracked Sheep Creek rare-earth mine proposal over downstream water impacts. Cyber & Privacy: Montana workers’ distrust of AI surveillance tech is rising, as privacy concerns grow. Research & Community Science: Darwin’s Ark is recruiting more Delaware cats for feline genetics research, including Montana participation.

Quantum & Cyber Race: Trump signed orders to accelerate U.S. quantum computing research and push federal agencies to plan quantum-enabled sensors and networks, with officials targeting a quantum computer by 2028. Drug Discovery Tech: A new swarm-intelligence approach is being pitched to speed up drug candidate identification and optimization across tough, multi-goal search problems. Montana Water Infrastructure: Montana DEQ approved the final environmental assessment for Phase Two of the Lakeside County Water and Sewer District expansion, moving forward wastewater treatment upgrades and related reporting requirements. Hydroponics Biosecurity: Montana State researchers won nearly $600,000 from USDA to build an autonomous system to detect and remove crop-killing microbes in hydroponic farms. Privacy & AI Cameras: Missoula is set to vote on park and aquatics security cameras with AI facial recognition concerns, despite Montana limits on local government use. Public Safety: A Butte teen injured in a carnival ride incident in June 2026 has died, with the investigation ongoing. Health Data: CDC provisional overdose numbers show a continued decline, but experts warn the reasons may be more complicated than simple “good news.” Pollinators: Bee experts gathered in Eastern Washington to share research and rebuild connections after recent colony losses.

AI & Privacy in Local Tech: Missoula is set to vote on new park and aquatics security cameras with AI facial recognition, but Montana law restricts local governments from using that tech—raising a direct privacy-versus-safety fight. Campus Research to Real-World Work: A UM graduate turned Arctic field experience into hydrogeology research in Missoula, showing how hands-on science training can feed into local environmental jobs. STEM Workforce & Space Training: NASA’s Wallops will launch a sounding rocket carrying student-built experiments, combining RockOn and RockSat missions into one flight for nearly 250 participants. Digital Twins Meet AI: A mining industry piece highlights how “digital twin” platforms are using predictive models and AI to optimize mill operations without risking shutdowns. Montana Tech & Energy Growth: Hyperscale Data plans a conference call on expanding Montana AI data center potential, tied to possible new power capacity. Healthcare Transparency Pressure: A national report says hundreds of hospitals, including multiple in the Mountain West and Montana, still missed required price-posting rules. Agriculture & Climate Resilience: Montana ranchers are adopting regenerative practices to strengthen soils and biodiversity, while a separate story traces how coal-mining history still shapes farming and ranching water realities. Local Business & Funding: A Montana-focused explainer breaks down what “business capital” means for new entrepreneurs and how to build it.

AI Politics: AI-linked groups are pouring money into 2026 midterms, using super PACs to shape future AI rules while voters grow uneasy about impacts on jobs, energy, and society. Montana Tech & Public Safety: Qualcomm says 5G sidelink tests in Ireland and Montana show longer reach and non-line-of-sight capability for critical communications when networks fail. Wildlife & Infrastructure: A deer-jump crash highlights why wildlife crossings matter as roads disrupt migration routes. Local Science & Research: Montana State doctoral fellowships are backing arsenic and gut microbiome research, and UM received a major wetlands-center gift. Military Drones in Montana: The 101st Airborne Division unveiled an in-house ABE drone during BattleLab 26.2 in Montana, aiming for scalable FPV reconnaissance. Climate Science: A new study finds ocean thermal expansion drives about 43% of sea level rise since 1960. Health Policy: Final Medicaid work-requirement rules are out, with states scrambling to update systems ahead of the 2027 rollout. Montana Economy/Tech: A report says Montana’s regulatory setup is making it a more attractive base for Bitcoin trading. Environment in the Headlines: A Yellowstone-area incident involved a massive bee spill after a truck crash, triggering an emergency response.

Climate & Oceans: A new study in Science Advances says ocean thermal expansion drives about 43% of sea level rise since 1960, underscoring that warming water—not just melting ice—is the big long-term lever. Montana Agriculture: At MSU’s Northern Agricultural Research Center field day near Havre, researchers showed how drones, AI, and precision tools are turning lab results into on-farm decisions. Public Health Policy: Final federal rules for Medicaid work requirements are out, with states scrambling to update systems ahead of a Jan. 1, 2027 rollout. Tech & Safety Communications: Qualcomm reported progress on 5G sidelink with field trials in Ireland and Montana, aiming to keep devices communicating when networks fail. Environmental Cleanup: EPA proposed lowering the lead cleanup trigger for Butte’s Superfund neighborhoods, expanding the area that could require testing and remediation. Local Science Spotlight: A Montana State doctoral fellow won an NIH NIEHS predoctoral award studying how antibiotics may change the body’s response to arsenic via the gut microbiome. Montana in the News: A semi-truck crash near Yellowstone spilled an estimated 250 million bees, prompting a major recovery effort and traffic delays.

AI & Politics: AI-linked super PACs are flooding congressional races with ad spending that’s already topped $37 million, raising questions about how tech giants are shaping elections. Medicaid Policy: The Trump administration’s final Medicaid work requirement rules are out, with states scrambling to update IT and staffing ahead of a Jan. 1, 2027 rollout. Montana Tech & Defense: Qualcomm says it tested 5G sidelink (device-to-device) in field trials in Ireland and Montana, highlighting longer range and non-line-of-sight capability for critical communications. Montana Research: A Montana State doctoral student won an NIH fellowship for work on how antibiotics and gut microbes affect arsenic detox. Local Science in Action: MSU’s Northern Agricultural Research Center in Havre showcased drones, AI, and precision tools during a field day aimed at turning research into farm decisions. Environment & Health: EPA proposed a lower lead cleanup threshold for Butte’s Superfund area, expanding testing and remediation boundaries—sparking debate over whether it’s protective enough. Wildlife Mystery: New work revisits a 1,100-year-old Montana bison hunting site to explain why hunters suddenly stopped returning. Public Safety: A truck crash near Yellowstone spilled an estimated 250 million bees, sending responders and a deputy to the hospital with stings.

Montana Research: A Montana State doctoral student, Trenton Wolfe, won an NIH National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences predoctoral fellowship to study how antibiotics disrupt gut bacteria and change how the body handles arsenic exposure. Local Science & Food Systems: MSU’s Northern Agricultural Research Center in Havre hosted a field day showing how drones, AI, and precision agriculture tools are turning research into practical farm decisions. Public Health & Accountability: EPA proposed a lower lead cleanup threshold for Butte’s Superfund area, moving from 1,200 to 456 parts per million and expanding the testing boundary—sparking debate over whether it’s protective enough. STEM in Montana: UM student Lyla Ackerman became one of the first rural interns in the Smithsonian’s new program, working at the National Zoo on early childhood learning. Tech & Communications: Qualcomm reported 5G sidelink tests in Ireland and Montana, highlighting longer range and non-line-of-sight device-to-device capability for emergency and mission-critical use. Infrastructure: Glacier Park International Airport will close its runway on weekdays starting July 6 for rehabilitation work. Montana Economy & Industry: Westcon-Comstor secured General Atlantic investment to accelerate growth, with Datatec as majority owner. Wildlife & Safety: A truck crash near Yellowstone spilled an estimated 250 million bees, prompting a major emergency response and cleanup effort.

Montana Research: A Montana State doctoral student won an NIH National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences fellowship to study how antibiotics disrupt gut bacteria and change how the body handles arsenic exposure. Local Environment: The EPA proposed a lower lead cleanup trigger for Butte’s Superfund site, dropping the action level to 456 parts per million and expanding the area and homes that could require testing and remediation—residents say it still isn’t protective enough. STEM & Education: A Helena biology student landed one of the Smithsonian’s first rural internships, spending her summer at the National Zoo helping run an early childhood program. Agriculture Tech: MSU researchers showcased drones, AI, and precision tools at a Northern Agricultural Research Center field day in Havre, emphasizing how farmers can turn research data into better decisions. Energy & Policy: Montana’s DEQ says it will seek to intervene in a Public Service Commission case over a “large new load” electricity tariff that could affect data centers and other big power users. Tech Industry: Datatec/Westcon-Comstor announced a major refinancing and minority investment from General Atlantic to fund growth, including AI and cybersecurity capabilities.

Montana Agriculture Research: At MSU’s Northern Agricultural Research Center near Havre, producers toured plots and demos showing how drones, AI, and precision tools are turning farm data into practical decisions. Superfund Lead Cleanup: In Butte, the EPA proposed lowering the lead cleanup trigger for soil and dust from 1,200 to 456 parts per million, expanding the area and homes eligible for testing—sparking debate over whether it’s protective enough. University of Montana Hunting/Conservation: UM named Nicole Tatman inaugural director of a new Center for Hunting and Conservation, aiming to blend wildlife research with hunter engagement and student training. Energy & Data Centers: Montana DEQ and Gov. Gianforte plan to seek a role in a Public Service Commission case over a “large new load tariff” that could affect data centers and other big electricity users. STEM Pipeline: Salish Kootenai College hosted an all-girls drone camp, teaching coding, soldering, and piloting to build interest in tech careers. Tech/Business: Westcon-Comstor secured minority investment and financing from General Atlantic to accelerate growth, including AI and cybersecurity capabilities.

Hospital Price Transparency: A new report says more than 500 hospitals nationwide—including 19 in the Mountain West (four in Montana)—missed federal requirements to publish clear, machine-readable pricing, keeping costs opaque for patients. Energy & Data Centers: Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte’s administration says the state will seek to intervene in a Public Service Commission case over a proposed large-load electricity tariff aimed at data centers, arguing big users shouldn’t shift costs onto families. AI & Privacy: A growing debate is focusing on “neural data” in schools—brain- and nervous-system information that could reveal attention, stress, or engagement—raising new “neurorights” questions. Wildfire Safety Standards: IBHS expanded its Wildfire Prepared program with new multifamily and neighborhood mitigation standards designed to reduce ignition and spread. STEM in Montana: Salish Kootenai College hosted an all-girls drone camp teaching piloting, coding, and hands-on engineering. River Education: Montana Freshwater Partners launched Yellowstone River Ambassadors to teach etiquette and fish-handling to river users near Livingston. Public Safety Tech: Missoula leaders are considering park camera upgrades, with residents asking for clearer rules around tech like facial recognition and license plate reading. UM Research Boost: The University of Montana received a $5.5M gift for a new waterfowl and wetlands research center.

UM Conservation Funding: The University of Montana landed a $5.5M gift to launch a James C. Kennedy Waterfowl and Wetlands Center, aiming to boost research and stewardship for Montana’s wetlands and waterfowl. Wildlife Research Leadership: UM also named Nicole Tatman inaugural director of its new Center for Hunting and Conservation, building on the Wildlife Biology Program and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation partnership. Public Health & Community Grants: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana announced 2026-27 Blue Impact Grants for 13 nonprofits statewide, including Helena-area projects focused on domestic violence support and healing arts. Agriculture Biosecurity: Montana Dept. of Livestock and MSU Extension issued guidance after New World screwworm was detected in Texas, outlining import permits and veterinary inspection steps for livestock moving into Montana. STEM in the Field: MSU’s 2026 agricultural field days kick off June 17 across seven research centers, covering plant testing, livestock, precision ag, and more. Conservation Education: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks continues Fish Math, a hands-on mark-recapture simulation that teaches students how biologists estimate fish populations.

Cell Biology Breakthrough (Montana State): MSU researchers report a surprising “backup” survival pathway that lets mammalian cells keep making the essential amino acid cysteine even when the usual systems fail—work published in Nature Chemical Biology and aimed at improving future cancer treatments. Conservation & Research Funding (UM): James C. Kennedy is gifting $5.5M to the University of Montana for a new waterfowl and wetlands research center, using remote sensing to track wetland and waterfowl movement with updates every 16 days. Wildlife & Land-Use Court Fight (Bitterroot National Forest): A federal judge found ESA-related impacts from a Bitterroot Forest plan amendment weren’t properly assessed for grizzly bears and bull trout, setting up a remedy fight over road density and motorized access. Agriculture Biosecurity (Screwworm): USDA is funding new efforts to stop New World screwworm spread, including $105M for projects under a “Grand Challenge,” as Mexico confirms a new case near the U.S. border. STEM Education (Montana State): MSU says a record six students won Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships for study abroad, including research and coursework in Europe, Africa, and South America.

Cell Biology Breakthrough (Montana State): MSU researchers report a surprising cellular survival pathway that lets mammalian cells keep making the essential amino acid cysteine even when the usual systems fail, published in Nature Chemical Biology—a potential new angle for tougher cancer treatments. Public Safety Tech (AI in Policing): A new report warns that Automatic License Plate Readers are becoming more pervasive as AI and private networks expand, raising privacy and civil-liberties concerns. Defense Infrastructure (Malmstrom): USACE and the U.S. Air Force broke ground on the “Gateway to Sentinel” commercial entrance facility to speed construction tied to modernizing the Minuteman III arsenal. Conservation & Research (UM Gift): The University of Montana received a $5.5 million gift to create a Waterfowl and Wetlands Center, boosting conservation research and education. Agriculture Trade (Sheep Industry): The American Sheep Industry Association asked USTR to investigate lamb imports, arguing cheaper imports are harming U.S. producers. Health Policy (Medicaid Work Rules): Final federal rules spell out how states will enforce Medicaid work requirements, with major IT and coverage-retention challenges ahead. Energy & Climate (State rollbacks): Coverage highlights how some states are walking back earlier climate and energy laws, citing costs and shifting targets.

Montana STEM & learning: Mineral County Library in Superior kicked off the spectrUM Discovery Area summer reading program, with free hands-on science events like building teeny terrariums and growing micro-greens. Road safety & infrastructure: Montana DOT completed the final design for the Batavia Lane/US 2 intersection improvements, moving the project toward right-of-way talks and contractor bids in early 2027. Water & climate risk: Spring runoff is keeping Montana rivers high and cold, and Fish, Wildlife & Parks is warning recreators to plan routes carefully due to hazards along the way. Wildlife restoration: Montana’s Elkhorns state fish restoration project is nearing a key test for reviving Westslope cutthroat trout in a key tributary. Tech in Montana: A Sheridan-based firm launched ToolDocs™, a server-side WordPress plugin for gating documents, capturing leads, and tracking downloads. Research & environment beyond Montana: A new report highlights strategies to conserve Maine’s last mature forests, using incentive-based tools on private working timberlands. National science/health: Polling and studies show Americans’ patriotism is slipping ahead of the 250th anniversary, while other research flags gaps in personal finance education and rising pollen allergy pressure in 2026.

Climate Court Fight: A Montana judge denied a bid to move the youth-led Held v. Montana II climate lawsuit to Sidney, keeping it in Broadwater/Lewis & Clark after arguments tied to a 2025 venue-transfer law. Wildfire Aftermath: MSU Extension and University of Wyoming researchers warn that burned landscapes can quickly turn into weed-and-invasion hotspots, making recovery harder and future fires more likely. Antarctica Sea Ice: Satellite data show a large West Antarctica sea-ice area failed to refreeze after a winter heatwave, a shift that could worsen sea-level risk. Montana Livestock Biosecurity: After New World screwworm was detected in Texas, Montana Dept. of Livestock and MSU Extension issued guidance and import requirements for animals entering the state. Water-Quality Legal Pressure: Pondera County joined a lawsuit challenging an EPA decision that would exempt part of the Madison Aquifer for industrial wastewater injection tied to Montana Renewables. Quantum & Enterprise Tech: ORCA Computing and Toyota Tsusho deployed a photonic quantum system in Japan for hybrid quantum–AI workloads, while Phasecraft won a $4.5M ARPA-E award to develop quantum algorithms for catalyst discovery. Agriculture Planning: NRCS urged Montana producers to start conservation planning now, before the fall funding ranking window. STEM in Montana: MSU graphic design students earned national recognition from the Society of Publication Designers. Local Tech Tool: Freelance Marketing Group launched ToolDocs™, a WordPress plugin for document gating and download tracking.

Wildlife & Land Management: The Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range plan south of Billings sets a target herd size of 90–120 horses, using fertility control and selective removals to protect rangeland health and genetic diversity. Water & Public Health: Pondera County has joined a lawsuit challenging an EPA decision that would exempt part of the Madison Aquifer from Safe Drinking Water Act protections, tied to industrial wastewater disposal plans near Great Falls. Biodiversity Science: A new Kew report says AI and digitization are speeding plant and fungus discovery and could help botanists “race against extinction,” including genetic insights from long-stored specimens. Healthcare Policy: CMS has issued final rules for Medicaid work requirements, pushing states to update systems and verify participation in work, training, volunteering, or education. Montana Tech & Research: The University of Montana named Nicole Tatman as the inaugural director of a new Center for Hunting and Conservation, aiming to link wildlife research with hunting and policy needs. STEM Education: STARBASE Montana is expanding STEAM hands-on camps and robotics/coding/3D printing activities for thousands of students statewide. Aerospace/Defense Tech: Mobix Labs plans to buy Montana drone maker Vision Aerial, moving deeper into aerial intelligence for defense, utilities, and emergency response. Agriculture & Climate Resilience: Experts point to no-till adoption as a way to curb wind erosion after topsoil loss events across the Northern Plains. Local Innovation: Bozeman’s Studio Cohab won a national AIA Housing Award for a community-engaged, net-zero energy neighborhood.