AGP Executive Report

Streaming & TV Buzz: Paramount+ says “Dutton Ranch” has smashed its launch numbers, with Episodes 1-3 drawing record-setting global views and setting up Rip and Beth’s Texas showdown with a ruthless rival ranch. Montana Sports on National TV: ESPN and The CW announced multiple 2026 broadcasts featuring Montana State and Montana, including a Grizzlies ESPN/ESPN family game vs. Idaho State and a USA Network slot for Montana’s Oregon State matchup. Local Entertainment & Community: Great Falls horse racing at ExpoPark is canceled for 2026 as the Turf Club restructures after budget shortfalls. Family-Friendly Programs: Ross Library is opening a Sensory Room and kicking off summer reading with interactive, calming activities. Music & Touring: Hunter Hayes adds new tour dates with stops planned across the West, including Montana. Sports Culture: Montana State football’s national slate grows again, while ESPN also highlights Idaho’s 2026 appearances.

Streaming Buzz: “Yellowstone” spinoff “Dutton Ranch” just set a Paramount+ debut record, pulling in 12.9 million viewers on the service in its first week, plus 2.9 million on Paramount Network. Local Music Community: The new Montana Songwriters Collective is forming a statewide hub for writers, with an “In the Round” showcase planned June 10 at Zootown Arts Community Center (ZACC). Magic in Missoula: 14-year-old Lander Schwab earned membership in the Hollywood Academy of Magical Arts Junior Society at the Magic Castle. Rodeo Dollars: Darby’s Xtreme Bareback Bronc event and NILE’s Riggin Masters are teaming up for a $100,000 “Big Sky Xtreme” bonus for riders who win both in the same year. Live Entertainment: Jonathan Van Halem brings observational comedy to Butte’s The Covellite this Saturday night. Sports Fan Perk: UM’s Washington-Grizzly Stadium turf is being replaced, and fans can buy authentic turf pieces (including a 30x40 Charging Bear logo) to support Griz student-athletes. Horse Racing Hit: Great Falls Turf Club canceled its 2026 season due to unexpected budget shortfalls. Festival Watch: The Montana Folk Festival lineup for July 10–12 in Butte is out, featuring more than 200 musicians, dancers, and craftspeople.

Quantum Breakthrough: Quantum Machines says it hit 99.5% median two-qubit gate fidelity while running Rigetti’s Novera QPU with its OPX1000 and QUAlibrate—an unusually strong full-system result that’s already deployed at places including Montana State University. Streaming Buzz: Paramount+ is riding a record wave—Taylor Sheridan’s “Dutton Ranch” pulled 12.9 million views in its first week, and CBS’s “Marshals” is already confirmed for a second season after a cliffhanger finale. Montana Sports & Money: Montana college hoops budgets keep getting spotlighted in new spending reports, while the Grizzlies add a decorated Carroll College transfer and Billings lands Idaho State transfer Molly Hays. Public Safety Training: Montana DOC is now hosting required correctional officer basic training on site at Montana State Prison to clear a backlog and improve retention. Politics (Out of State, Big Impact): Texas Sen. John Cornyn lost his GOP runoff to Ken Paxton after Trump-backed moves—another reminder of how fast the national mood can flip primaries.

Local Politics: Roosevelt County sheriff candidate Wesley Headdress’ eligibility is being challenged in District Court after a felony theft conviction in Fort Peck tribal court (2020), with a complaint filed May 22 seeking removal from the ballot and votes disregarded. Entertainment Buzz: Paramount+ says “Dutton Ranch” just delivered the biggest launch in its history—12.9M views for the first two episodes in seven days—continuing Beth and Rip’s South Texas escape. Rodeo & Music: Darby Xtreme Broncs (June 6–7) and Billings’ NILE “Riggin Masters” (Oct. 16–17) are teaming up for a $100,000 Big Sky bonus for riders who win both in the same year. Community Calendar: The Covellite’s late-May run kicks off with Open Mic Night (May 26), a free “Devil Wears Prada” movie night (May 27), game night (May 28), and a mental-health themed one-act showcase plus a Jonathan Van Halem comedy set (May 29–30).

Memorial Day Spotlight: Montana groups are still finding ways to help—one Bozeman fundraiser is sending direct aid to Palestinian families as relief remains slow after the Gaza ceasefire. Wildlife on the Road: A grizzly bear sprinting across a Montana highway briefly turned a normal commute into a full-on traffic slowdown. Local Government: Kalispell City Council is set to debate downtown parking rule changes, including pricier tickets and license-plate recognition enforcement. Sports & Schools: Treasure State basketball talent is being showcased at the Montana Elite Invitational, while multiple colleges report women’s basketball spending figures for 2024. TV Buzz: “Marshals” is dominating headlines after its Season 1 finale—fans are already debating what the Tom Weaver twist means for Season 2. Today in History: May 26 marks major moments from the Dunkirk evacuation to Montana Territory’s creation.

World Cup Roster Watch: The 2026 FIFA World Cup starts June 11, and teams are already releasing preliminary squads—final 26-man lists land by June 1 and get officially announced June 2, with Group A through L now mapped out in early reports. Yellowstone Universe Buzz: CBS’ Yellowstone spinoff Marshals ended its first season with a major cliffhanger and a new villain setup, while Season 2 is already renewed and filming—fans are bracing for the next wave of Montana ranch-and-politics chaos. Local Spotlight (Montana): Yellowstone’s Beartooth Highway (US-212) reopened from Red Lodge to Cooke City for the season, but officials warn sudden closures can still hit due to unpredictable high-elevation weather. Sports & Money: New figures show Montana schools’ women’s basketball spending varies widely in 2024, with UM, MSU, and others all reporting different totals and shares of athletic budgets. Entertainment Pop: Miley Cyrus calls herself a “logical wild card,” and Star Wars: The Mandalorian & Grogu is already drawing box-office chatter after a $163M worldwide opening.

Hollywood Buzz: Miley Cyrus is calling herself a “logical wild card,” saying she’s “reliably unpredictable” as she reflects on her Hannah Montana roots and her Hollywood Walk of Fame moment. Yellowstone Universe: CBS’ Yellowstone spinoff Marshals just wrapped Season 1 with a brutal cliffhanger and a major new villain setup—plus a Season 2 renewal is already in motion, with filming underway and a fall return teased. Local Travel: The Beartooth Highway is welcoming Memorial Day travelers after a late-season delay, with thinner snow walls than usual. Sports Spotlight: Mississippi State made history by blanking Oklahoma 6-0 to reach the WCWS for the first time. Politics Watch: JD Vance is in Iowa, but supporters are openly talking 2028 as he keeps laying groundwork for a future run.

NFL Buzz: Drake Maye’s Patriots OTAs kick into full-team drills this week, with veteran Hunter Henry pointing to the “Year 2 in the system” jump as New England eyes a bigger leap after Maye’s 72% completion mark and AFC run. Yellowstone Universe: Paramount+ is leaning hard into its Yellowstone spinoffs—Marshals Season 2 is officially ramping up (filming underway), while Dutton Ranch keeps teasing a softer, Texas-based reboot for Beth and Rip. Montana Spotlight: Montana Tucker is set to perform at the Maccabiah 2026 Opening Ceremony in Jerusalem as ticket sales open for July 1. Entertainment Flash: Miley Cyrus just landed a Hollywood Walk of Fame star, and the internet can’t stop replaying her Walk-of-Fame looks. Local Justice Watch: In Anaconda’s Owl Bar case, a judge previously sealed then later unsealed most court records—showing how fast the public’s access can swing in high-profile trials.

Hollywood Spotlight: Miley Cyrus got her Hollywood Walk of Fame star Friday—and the headline was her vintage, see-through Versace gown with dramatic cutouts. She cried in her speech, thanked family and “my future family,” and got major love from Beyonce, who sent flowers with a handwritten note. Montana Local News: Bozeman police are asking for help finding 10-year-old Kathleen Lopez, last seen near Rosa Way in rollerblades. Sports: Freeman’s Trenton Sandborn cleared 7 feet to break his school record twice at the District 6 2B meet. Community & Culture: Billings’ “Girl, Get After It” is back with a new chapter built around hikes, workouts, and making real connections. Entertainment on the Horizon: Paramount+’s Yellowstone spinoff “The Madison” is drawing attention for reported “no bathroom” and “no food” filming conditions in Montana. Global Pop: Shakira says Uganda’s Ghetto Kids will perform at the 2026 World Cup final halftime show.

Hollywood Walk of Fame: Miley Cyrus got the 2,845th star on Friday and broke down in tears during her speech, thanking family, “future family,” and fans—while Anya Taylor-Joy and Donatella Versace praised her impact. Online Backlash: A video of her fiancé Maxx Morando during the ceremony sparked mockery on X, though some fans defended him. Film Spotlight: Ron Howard’s documentary Avedon is drawing attention for its focus on Richard Avedon’s approach—“he wasn’t technical,” but his method shaped modern photography. Montana Sports & Events: Beartooth Highway is reopening in stages after snow delays, and Montana readers also have local weekend picks—from summer festival guides to Yellowstone spin-off Marshals returning for a second season. World Stage: Shakira announced Uganda’s Ghetto Kids will join her for the 2026 World Cup final halftime show.

Bison on the chopping block: The BLM has revoked grazing permits tied to American Prairie’s bison plans, arguing the 1934 Taylor Grazing Act limits federal grazing to domestic livestock—sparking fresh debate over whether bison belong on public land. Hollywood spotlight: Miley Cyrus officially got her Hollywood Walk of Fame star, with tears in her speech and a subtle Billy Ray nod—plus a Versace look that stole the show. Montana travel update: Beartooth Highway is now open to the Montana side at Vista Point, with crews pushing to clear the rest by May 23. Politics at home: Outside groups have spent more than $1 million in Montana’s Democratic U.S. Senate primary, and both candidates are calling the surge bad for democracy. Local culture: A Bozeman filmmaker released a new Yellowstone documentary, aiming to show the park through color and aerial geology.

World Cup Roster Watch: England’s final 26-man squad is due today, with big names like Phil Foden and Cole Palmer reportedly left out—while other teams are already locking in lists as June 11 kickoff nears. Montana Food & Fun: Dave’s Hot Chicken opened in Great Falls, bringing spice levels from “no spice” to “reaper,” plus chicken sandwiches, sliders, and cauliflower options. Local Sports Honors: Montana Griz stars were celebrated with Hall of Fame honors, and Montana State’s track program kept rolling with Big Sky title momentum. Music Buzz: Olivia Rodrigo leads this week’s new releases, while Paramount+ is pushing a weekend binge lineup including “Battlestar Galactica” and Yellowstone spinoffs. Native Pride in Space: Former astronaut John Herrington revisited his historic spacewalk during a Fort Hall stop, tying community roots to a once-in-a-lifetime mission.

College Commitments: Butte’s Cadence Graham is headed to Montana Tech, while Brynn Kammerzell (Chester-Joplin-Inverness) commits to Montana State and Glasgow’s Cade Hudyma flips to Colorado State football. State Sports Streaming: Montana’s state track, baseball and softball tournaments are set to stream on the NFHS Network next weekend. High School Softball: Butte punched its ticket to the Class AA state tournament with a 7-0 win over Helena Capital, capped by home runs and a dominant pitching performance. Reentry & Public Safety: Gov. Greg Gianforte toured the new Flathead Valley Reentry Facility, a state prerelease center now graduating its first residents. Entertainment & TV: Montana Jordan breaks down the finale feud setup in Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, and Dutton Ranch continues to draw Yellowstone fans with fresh Texas drama. Community Spotlight: Support is growing for Butte musician Mark LaFond after he faced major heart surgery and a tough recovery.

FIFA World Cup Watch Parties: Toronto is rolling out a free outdoor FIFA hub at Stackt Market starting June 11, with a giant 13.5-by-24-foot screen, daily 11 a.m. openings (closed Mondays), and first-come watch parties during the city’s June 12 Canada match and July 2 round-of-32 game. Montana Sports Business: UM is already working on a longer-term contract for first-year coach Bobby Kennedy, aiming to lock in stability after his strong early impact. Tech/Phones: Great Falls residents reported an AT&T outage that also hit city offices’ phone and non-emergency dispatch lines, though 911 was still working. Wildlife & Outdoors: Montana FWP unveiled the 2026 Migratory Bird Stamp winner featuring northern shovelers, while Red Lodge is ramping up bear-safety education ahead of active season. Entertainment Buzz: “Dutton Ranch” keeps rolling on Paramount+ with a star-studded cast, and Michelle Pfeiffer is drawing headlines for describing “The Madison” set conditions as brutally bare-bones.

Emergency Response: Three people died in rural New Mexico after first responders were exposed to an unidentified substance during a suspected overdose call, with more than a dozen responders quarantined for symptoms like nausea and dizziness. Streaming Buzz: Michelle Pfeiffer says Taylor Sheridan’s Paramount+ series The Madison felt “like camping,” with no real bathrooms, no AC, and limited basic amenities on remote Montana and Texas locations. Local Sports Spotlight: Missoula’s KPAX-Scheels Sports Awards crowned Hellgate’s Elly Reed and Parker Link as the 2026 winners, each earning a $1,000 scholarship. Health & Access: A new pilot program aims to stabilize supplies of generic drugs for rural hospitals in Montana and nearby states. Community Calendar: Great Falls neighborhood councils and the Citizens Council are set for late May meetings, plus a babysitting bootcamp in Dutton on June 3-4.

Classic Rock on the Move: Bob Dylan hits Lucas Oil Live at WinStar World Casino & Resort in Thackerville on Thu, Jul 2, and Rush follows with four Fort Worth dates (Jun 24, 26, 28, 30) at Dickies Arena—big summer ticket energy for Montana fans who like their rock legends loud. Sports Spotlight: Montana’s hockey crowd is already buzzing for the Avalanche–Golden Knights matchup, while Athletes Unlimited Softball ramps up with expanded national TV coverage for its second season. World Stage: FIFA World Cup 2026 squad lists keep rolling in, and Uganda’s Ghetto Kids just landed a halftime-show invite from Shakira. Local & Community: Habitat for Humanity of Flathead Valley launches “Grounded in Whitefish” to build 10 deed-restricted homes a year for the next decade. Science & Culture: A new study digs into why T. rex’s arms stayed so tiny—and why it may have relied on its head instead.