AGP Executive Report

Montana Cancer Research: Montana State University researchers report a previously unknown cellular system that can make the amino acid cysteine when a cell’s main pathways fail, a finding published in Nature Chemical Biology that could open new cancer-treatment angles. Wildlife & Water Tech: A new Montana trout tool, TroutCast, aims to predict stream conditions and forecast how fish populations may rise or fall, tying water flow to the state’s $1.5B angling economy. Local Climate/Infrastructure: Bozeman’s namesake Bozeman Creek is being re-examined through its downtown tunnels and culverts, with a focus on how the city’s past choices reshaped the creek’s role today. Public Health Innovation: A first-in-human trial tests an AI-designed “universal” coronavirus vaccine, designed in silico to target a broad set of coronaviruses and show early safety plus immune responses. STEM in Montana: Montana State University will host a free Juneteenth event with hands-on learning activities, and the university is also expanding public physician associate training to address healthcare shortages. Industry & Jobs: Janicki Industries plans an $800M Great Falls manufacturing operation creating about 1,000 jobs over five years. Policy Watch: A federal judge ordered the U.S. National Park Service to restore educational exhibits removed under a past administration’s restrictions.

Cancer Research in Bozeman: Montana State University geneticist Ed Schmidt and colleagues report a previously unknown mammalian cellular system that can make the amino acid cysteine when the usual pathways fail, published in Nature Chemical Biology and potentially pointing to new cancer treatments. Wildfire Science for Montana and Beyond: NASA’s INSPYRE mission will use a Great Falls–based ER-2 aircraft to study wildfire-driven pyrocumulonimbus storms—aiming to improve lightning and hazard forecasting for firefighting and aviation. Trout Data Tool: MSU researchers helped launch TroutCast, a new web tool that predicts Montana river conditions and links flow to trout production, with implications for fisheries management and closures. Local Water History: Bozeman’s namesake creek is being mapped and explained as a downtown system of tunnels and culverts, including a 420-foot tunnel under Main Street. STEM Education in Montana: UM’s School of Social Work received a national innovation award for a justice-oriented field education model designed for rural and Indigenous students. Community Programs: Bozeman Public Library kicked off free summer programs for kids and adults, including an all-ages “Library Scout” reading-and-challenge log and free summer lunches.

Wildfire science in Montana: The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory is leading NASA’s INSPYRE mission, using NASA’s ER-2 aircraft based in Great Falls to study wildfire-driven pyrocumulonimbus storms and improve forecasting and aviation safety. Local water infrastructure history: Bozeman Creek’s downtown tunnel-and-culvert system is getting fresh attention as residents and officials revisit how the city “channelized, hidden, and neglected” the creek over time. Military land navigation training: Fort Harrison hosted night land-navigation drills for the 1889th Regional Support Group, emphasizing map-and-compass skills even in an era of advanced tech. STEM education spotlight: Montana’s University of Montana School of Social Work earned a national innovation award for a justice-oriented field education model, while Montana State University also announced seed grants for community projects. Animal health alert: USDA confirmed the first New World screwworm case in Texas, prompting new interstate movement and quarantine requirements that Montana animal health officials are watching closely. Higher ed access marketing: Nexford University announced enrollment is open across all 50 U.S. states, including Montana, for accredited online business and technology degrees.

Medicaid Overhaul: CMS released final rules for Medicaid work requirements, pushing states to rebuild eligibility IT and staffing ahead of a Jan. 1, 2027 rollout. Biotech Meets Luxury (and Flops): A “T-Rex leather” handbag made from lab-grown material tied to a Montana fossil failed to sell at a Paris auction, with bids far below expectations—another sign that dinosaur-derived biotech is still finding its market. Public Health Funding: Missoula Public Health is expanding opioid overdose prevention and harm reduction with $333,300 from Montana’s Opioid Abatement Trust for 2026–2027. Education Funding Milestone: Montana surpassed $1 billion in permanent K-12 investment from state trust land revenues, boosting long-term school funding through the Trust Fund Investment Pool. Healthcare Workforce: The University of Montana will launch the state’s first public physician associate program this fall after provisional accreditation. Wildlife & Disease Watch: Teton County is considering testing local water after CWD was detected on the National Elk Refuge. STEM Recognition: MSU chemistry student Peyton Summerhill was named an Astronaut Scholar, earning up to $15,000 and major STEM networking.

Healthcare Workforce: The University of Montana will launch the state’s first public physician associate program this fall after receiving provisional accreditation, aiming to fill roughly 20 new PA job openings per year as Montana faces ongoing care shortages. Public Health & Tech: A major lawsuit alleges patients weren’t properly informed about “AI scribes” that record doctor visits and auto-generate notes, raising new questions about consent and data handling. Animal Health: Montana issued an animal health order after New World screwworm was detected in Texas for the first time since 1966, requiring import permits and veterinary inspections for animals entering from infested areas. Wildlife Science: Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks biologists and volunteers are banding birds at Spring Meadow Lake State Park to track movements, health, and populations over time. Biotech & Materials: A “T. rex leather” bag made from dinosaur cell-derived collagen is heading to auction in Paris—an example of lab-grown materials moving into luxury markets. Housing & Planning: Kalispell’s planning commission reviewed a proposed 95-home Habitat for Humanity-led mixed-income development off the U.S. 93 bypass.

Roadless Rule Fight: A Senate committee advanced legislation that could roll back Montana’s 2001 roadless protections, potentially affecting about 6 million acres—supporters say it helps cut wildfire fuels, while opponents warn it could open remote habitat to more development. Forest Management Reality Check: A new look at western forests argues catastrophic fires have long been driven by fuel and policy choices, not just weather—climate may lengthen seasons, but it doesn’t create fuel. Housing & Land Use: Kalispell’s proposed Habitat Flathead subdivision faces major soil and foundation-prep concerns after bypass-era fill left inconsistent compaction, while a Polson city commission debate highlighted how new housing can strain traffic and pedestrian safety when infrastructure lags. Energy & Data Centers: Records show a Broadview-area data center plan may rely heavily on gas generation, raising questions about whether “renewable” messaging matches permitting reality. Public Health & Air Quality: A new refinery risk map estimates health impacts from oil refineries across the Mountain West, including Montana, spotlighting schools and hospitals near pollution sources. Biosecurity at NIH: Two NIH-affiliated scientists in Montana face charges tied to alleged mpox smuggling into the U.S., intensifying scrutiny of lab safety and transparency. Community Science & STEM: Master Gardeners in Polson are planting native species and expanding volunteer projects, while Montana State University seed grants back statewide community research and innovation. Education Trends: National reporting points to declining K-12 enrollment, with Montana among districts feeling the pressure as funding follows student counts.

For Montana health care: A Montana hospital’s attempt to build a cutting-edge heart program reportedly drove doctors away, raising questions about how innovation is managed in rural systems. Public health & environment: Western conservation groups won a partial federal win over Montana grizzly and bull trout habitat impacts from road access in the Bitterroot National Forest, though the judge said more legal arguments are needed on how agencies considered a 2023 elk standard change. Wildfire policy conflict: A ProPublica report says Sen. Tim Sheehy pushed to cut Forest Service firefighting aircraft inspections even as an inspector had flagged a crack in a Bridger Aerospace scooper—an issue that could reshape how aircraft safety is handled. Cold case solved with modern DNA: Missoula prosecutors filed deliberate homicide charges in a 1990 nursing home double murder after re-testing preserved biological material with newer DNA methods. Science & biotech in Bozeman: Alercell added Harvard researcher Ina Dreschnack to its advisory board to support its LENA Platform and LENA-Rx translational roadmap. Critical minerals infrastructure: Greenland Mines says it secured a first right of refusal on an Iceland industrial site with port access and power—aimed at processing metals closer to Western supply chains.

Public Lands Under Pressure: A new analysis says the 119th Congress has introduced 81 “antiparks” bills, with a small caucus driving most of the rollbacks—ranging from selling off public lands to weakening bedrock conservation laws. Mental Health Access via Tech: A feature looks at how telepsychiatry is helping close the gap in “psychiatric deserts,” where millions lack nearby providers. Missoula Cold Case Solved with DNA: Prosecutors filed deliberate homicide charges in the 1990 Riverside Health Care Center deaths of two women after modern DNA testing linked a suspect to both victims. AI in Finance Compliance: A legal alert warns that AI tools that transcribe and summarize client calls can create wiretapping, privacy, and SEC recordkeeping risk for registered investment advisers. Pet Food Safety: The FDA expanded a GO Raw LLC recall after thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency concerns. Montana STEM & Education: Montana PBS won two Northwest Emmys, and the Montana 4-H Foundation awarded nearly $40K in scholarships to 45 students.

Social Security Shake-Up: SSA commissioner Frank Bisignano heads to a House Ways and Means hearing to argue staffing cuts and long waits are easing, citing big drops in phone wait times and fixes to website service. Higher Ed & Health Training: Rocky Mountain College president Robert Wilmouth will retire in June 2027 after 15 years, including growth of its physician assistant and new doctorate of occupational therapy program. Rural STEM & Workforce: UW Extension hired veteran pilot Erik Bailly as an agriculture and natural resources educator in Sublette County. Montana National Guard Builds Locally: Soldiers are turning Legion Park in Culbertson into a long-term recreation area with trails, parking, and a future pavilion. Pet Safety: FDA expanded a recall of GO Raw freeze-dried and frozen raw pet foods over dangerously low thiamine (Vitamin B1) levels. Agriculture Scholarships: Montana Agribusiness Foundation named four 2026 scholarship recipients supporting future ag and rural leaders. Wildlife & Water Tech: Flathead Lake Biological Station hosted hands-on training to help spot aquatic invasive species early. Critical Minerals Watch: Red Mountain Mining reported outcropping garnet skarn and new 3D magnetic modeling at its Pioneer tungsten project in Montana. Big Industry Move: Janicki Industries selected Great Falls for an $800M manufacturing facility, promising 1,000 jobs in five years.

Infectious Disease: NIH-linked Rocky Mountain Laboratories scientists in Hamilton face federal charges tied to allegedly smuggling mpox (monkeypox) materials into the U.S., raising fresh biosafety and oversight questions. Local Industry: Janicki Industries is moving forward on an $800M manufacturing campus in Great Falls, promising 1,000 jobs in five years and more than 2,000 after buildout—while residents weigh economic upside against housing pressure. Mining & Geology: Red Mountain Mining says it has confirmed outcropping garnet skarn at its Pioneer tungsten project in Montana and sees drillable subsurface targets from new 3D magnetic modeling. Aquatic Invasives: Montana training at Flathead Lake Biological Station is teaching the public to spot aquatic invaders early and reduce spread through proper sampling and decontamination. Education & AI: Montana school boards are beginning to adopt generative AI guidelines for classrooms, with attention to student privacy and safe use. Water & Fisheries: Montana’s new Troutcast app aims to forecast drought impacts on fish flows, supporting fisheries planning and angling decisions. Wildfire Preparedness: Western Montana wildfire forums in Kalispell and Missoula focus on what the coming season could mean for smoke and safety. Space Weather: NOAA issued a G3-STRONG geomagnetic storm watch, with auroras possible far south depending on solar activity. STEM Outreach: STARBASE Montana is bringing a free STEAM camp to Harlem schools, featuring robotics, 3D printing, and engineering design.

Drone Industry: Mobix Labs signed a binding deal to acquire Montana-based Vision Aerial, pushing the company deeper into U.S. drone manufacturing and aerial intelligence for defense, public safety, and infrastructure. Water & Fisheries Tech: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks launched Troutcast, a new web tool forecasting drought impacts on trout and helping flag likely fishing closures using data from USGS, MSU, NOAA, and MFWP. Local Manufacturing: Great Falls is reacting to Janicki Industries’ planned $800M manufacturing campus, with promises of up to 1,000 jobs in five years and major economic ripple effects. Public Land & Safety: DNRC is weighing whether to permanently close two Gallatin Gateway trust land parcels to recreational shooting after petitions cite unsafe practices, property damage, and wildfire risk. Wildlife Policy Fight: A coalition is challenging a Forest Service logging and burning project in a grizzly connectivity corridor, arguing it undermines habitat needed for genetic exchange. Tribal ID Update: The Blackfeet Nation began issuing Enhanced Tribal ID cards that are compliant for travel entry at land and sea ports. Cannabis Health Debate: New reporting highlights research linking high-THC cannabis with higher risks of psychosis and cannabis use disorder, especially for adolescents. Cyber Safety: Montana AG Knudsen urged parents to talk with kids about online dangers during Internet Crimes Against Children Prevention Month.

Montana Drones: Mobix Labs says it has signed a binding letter of intent to acquire Montana-based Vision Aerial, aiming to expand into U.S. drone manufacturing and “aerial intelligence” for defense, public safety, wildfire response, and infrastructure inspection. The deal is still subject to a definitive agreement, due diligence, and approvals. Online Child Safety: Montana AG Austin Knudsen and the state DOJ are urging parents to talk with kids about online dangers during Internet Crimes Against Children Prevention Month, citing thousands of cyber tips and sharp national increases in reported online enticement and child sex trafficking. PFAS Watch: A new push highlights PFAS “forever chemicals” showing up in fish across major Montana waters, with higher concentrations in larger fish—raising fresh concerns for anglers and public health. Education Spotlight: Kalispell Public Schools Superintendent Matt Jensen was named regional Superintendent of the Year for work on personalized, competency-based learning and school funding advocacy. Wildfire Tech & Readiness: Montana officials warn the 2026 wildfire season could bring above-normal risk, driven by drought, heat, and wind, and they’re emphasizing faster detection and coordinated response. Solar Science: A total solar eclipse is set for Aug. 12, with totality visible in parts of Europe.

Montana Military Tech & Media: The Montana Army National Guard’s 103rd Public Affairs Detachment welcomed new specialists Daniel Temme and Ishmael Perin, including Temme’s mechanical engineering and film/photography background, underscoring how service roles can pivot into science-and-tech storytelling. Public Safety Tech: Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen and DOJ investigators urged families to stay alert during Internet Crimes Against Children Prevention Month as online exploitation reports keep rising. Wildfire Forecasting: Montana officials warned the 2026 wildfire season may bring above-normal risk, with drought, wind, and warmer winter conditions driving preparedness efforts and faster detection/response tech. Environmental Health: A Montana PFAS warning highlighted “forever chemicals” showing up in fish across major rivers and reservoirs, raising concerns for anglers and public health. Space Weather: NOAA reported a geomagnetic storm watch and possible northern lights farther south than usual, with minor impacts to satellites, GPS, radio, and power systems. AI in Courts: Florida’s Supreme Court tightened rules after “hallucinated” legal citations, requiring attorneys to verify authorities before filing. Local Research & Innovation: Haiti’s DevExpo 2026 finale awarded AI-for-social-impact grants to five startups after 200+ applications.

Lithium Buildout: Thacker Pass in Montana’s region is ramping up as a battery-grade lithium mine and processing plant, while Nevada’s Rhyolite Ridge seeks a new funding partner to restart work—another sign the critical-minerals race is accelerating. Wildfire Readiness: Montana officials warn of above-normal fire risk tied to drought, wind, and warmer winter conditions, with new detection and response tech rolling out alongside staffing and coordination challenges. Solar Science & Safety: A strong geomagnetic storm and aurora chances are on the radar, and a total solar eclipse is set for Aug. 12—both fueling public interest in space weather. Forest Service Grizzlies: A lawsuit challenges the Forest Service’s shift in “secure habitat” standards, arguing redefined rules could cost grizzly habitat. AI in Courts: Florida’s high court requires attorneys to verify AI-cited legal authorities, a reminder that generative tools can produce false filings. Online Child Safety: Montana AG Knudsen and DOJ urge families to stay vigilant during Internet Crimes Against Children Prevention Month as reports and new tech risks grow. Local Tech & Research: Montana’s Museum of the Rockies gets leadership change, while Forest Service research support remains central to practical conservation and land-use projects.

Wildfire Tech & Preparedness: Montana officials warn the 2026 wildfire season could run above normal, driven by drought, wind, and a warm winter, with local volunteer staffing still a weak link. Forest Service Research Cuts: The Forest Service is moving to close research hubs and offices to save money, raising alarms that Montana-relevant science and on-the-ground management could suffer. Grizzly Habitat Standards Fight: Advocates are suing over changes that let “secure habitat” be counted at just one acre—an approach critics say is bureaucratic convenience, not new science. Solar Science & Montana Skies: A geomagnetic storm tied to coronal mass ejections is expected to boost aurora visibility farther south than usual, with possible minor impacts to satellites and GPS. Internet Safety: Montana AG Austin Knudsen and DOJ investigators urge parents to stay alert during Internet Crimes Against Children Prevention Month as reports and emerging tech risks grow. AI in Courts: Florida’s Supreme Court tightened rules requiring attorneys to verify AI-cited legal authorities after “hallucinated” filings. Montana Agriculture Research: UNL Extension highlights options for drought-damaged wheat—grazing, hay/silage, or leaving it standing to protect soil. Big Sky Infrastructure: Big Sky Owners Association pushes rural improvement districts to fund major bridge repairs as roads and bridges lag behind growth. Community Science: Darwin’s Ark is recruiting more cat owners nationwide, including underrepresented states like Montana, for a genetics and behavior study.

AI & Courts: Florida’s Supreme Court tightened rules after lawyers filed “hallucinated” AI legal citations, requiring attorneys to verify authorities before submitting. Internet Safety for Kids: Montana AG Austin Knudsen urged families to stay alert during Internet Crimes Against Children Prevention Month as reports and emerging tech risks keep rising. Wildlife & Public Attention: A viral grizzly “moth-eating” hike video is sparking debate over social-media hype versus protecting sensitive habitat in the Greater Yellowstone region. Grizzly Habitat Standards: A lawsuit challenges Forest Service/Fish & Wildlife changes that allow grizzly “secure habitat” to be counted at just one acre—an approach critics call bureaucratic convenience. Border Wall Tech/Spending: New reporting says border wall spending has surged with large contracts going to politically connected firms, raising transparency concerns. Montana Water/Infrastructure: Big Sky’s rural improvement districts are shifting to fund major bridge repairs, with property owners debating new costs. STEM in the Classroom: A program lets students raise tanks of trout in class to teach hands-on aquatic science. Local Science Institutions: Museum of the Rockies’ executive director is stepping down after eight years, with an interim leader taking over.