AGP Executive Report

Montana Arts & Culture: Opera Montana is rolling out “A River Runs Through It” with local “Page to Stage” previews tied to the Blackfoot River story, including a July 26 stop at Big Sky’s Riverhouse BBQ & Events. Local Entertainment: The cast of “Marshals: A Yellowstone Story” is set for a September 2026 return, with most key players back and Monica Dutton (Kelsey Asbille) written out off-screen. Music & Community: The Montana Folk Festival has wrapped in uptown Butte, with crews already breaking down stages and organizers starting fundraising for next year. Sports (Montana): Three Montana Grizzlies earned Stats Perform preseason All-America honors, adding buzz ahead of the season. Sports (Montana): Montana men’s basketball player Amari Jedkins has been charged with DUI. Wildlife/Outdoors: A Yellowstone campground bison attack left a visitor hospitalized after being thrown about eight feet. Public Safety: A Bangkok pub fire investigation points to flammable decor and lax safety enforcement after dozens were hurt and at least 30 died. Sports (Beyond Montana): Sam Neill, star of “Jurassic Park” and “The Piano,” has died at 78.

Montana Sports Spotlight: The Montana Grizzlies landed three big names on the Stats Perform FCS Preseason All-America Team, with Eli Gillman (RB), Peyton Wing (LB), and Keali’i Ah Yat (QB) earning preseason honors. Local Sports & Community: Montana State football cooled off with “Casting with the Cats,” a fly-fishing team-building weekend in Bozeman that mixed first-timers and veterans on the water. Film/TV in the Region: A streaming series called Wildflower is casting extras for a small-town Montana vibe, with filming in southern Alberta from late July through October. Arts & Entertainment Loss: Sam Neill, the actor known worldwide for Jurassic Park and The Piano, has died at 78. Montana Culture & Music: Huey Lewis shared that hearing loss from Ménière’s disease has changed his life, but he’s leaned into fly fishing as his new escape. Montana Travel/Outdoors: Yellowstone reported a bison charge that seriously injured a 65-year-old man at Bridge Bay Campground, with the grandchild reportedly unhurt. Public Safety/Local Governance: A Gallatin County detention center guest editorial defended the current sheriff-led model and argues it’s working well for the community.

Montana Heritage Center: Helena’s new Montana Heritage Center officially opened with a $107 million build and free admission, pairing the restored Veterans and Pioneers Memorial Building with the Betty Babcock Building for immersive, interactive galleries on Indigenous cultures, landscapes, and mining history. Local Arts & History: A new Uptown Butte tour digs into the city’s red-light district, using primary research from the Butte-Silver Bow Public Archives to challenge long-circulated myths. Music & Community: One-day choirs are spreading fast, and a recent Los Angeles gathering showed how strangers can bond through group singing—an idea that’s clearly catching beyond big cities. TV/Film (Yellowstone): “Dutton Ranch” is back in the spotlight with a finale that ties into the real-world Indian Relay tradition, a coming-of-age event practiced by multiple tribes across the Rocky Mountain West. Sports (Montana): Montana State’s Celebrate Ag returns as an expanded week-long event Nov. 2–8 in Bozeman, with campus activities, panels, and agriculture-focused conferences. Global Entertainment: Actor Sam Neill, known for “Jurassic Park” and “The Piano,” died at 78.

Yellowstone/Native Culture: “Yellowstone” used the real-life Indian Relay tradition in its “Indian Relay” episode, describing bareback riders, lunge-off transitions, and the coming-of-age roots of the event. Streaming & Montana TV: “Dutton Ranch” (the Yellowstone spinoff) is wrapping up with a finale now easy to catch via Philo trial or Paramount+ on demand. Wildlife Safety: A tourist was seriously injured after a bull bison tossed him about eight feet at Yellowstone’s Bridge Bay Campground—another reminder to keep distance. Bozeman Community: MSU’s expanded Celebrate Ag runs Nov. 2–8 with campus events, panels, and an ag-leader award. Missoula Fun: Northwest Margarita Fest returned to Caras Park with tequila/mezcal tastings, taco trucks, and live music. Sports Talk: A Miles City reader poll shows 58.3% support for adding an official high school baseball program. Power/Utilities: A report says a massive Rocky Mountain Power outage stemmed from miscommunication and maintenance procedures, prompting a Wyoming PSC hearing request. Entertainment Buzz: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce made their first public appearance as newlyweds at JuJu Smith-Schuster’s wedding in California.

Local Arts & Culture: The Montana Folk Festival is in full swing in Uptown Butte with free music across six stages, plus food and art—crowds are showing up even as temperatures push near 90. Community Events: Missoula’s Northwest Margarita Fest returned for its 7th year at Caras Park, with tequila/mezcal tastings, taco trucks, and live music. Big-Ticket Local Business: Janicki Industries broke ground in Great Falls on an $800M, 180-acre AgriTech Park facility, and residents packed a forum to ask about housing and hiring. Sports & Montana Pride: Montana soccer coach Erica Cannon was named National Coach of the Year after winning 12 state championships, while Missoula’s Tommy Mellott helped run a QB camp in town. Public Safety & Weather: Low snowpack in Wyoming and Montana is contributing to low water levels on the Missouri River. Entertainment Buzz: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce made their first public appearance as newlyweds at JuJu Smith-Schuster’s wedding in California.

Montana Folk Festival: Butte’s Montana Folk Festival kicks off Friday with free music across six stages and more than 20 performers, starting with Montreal’s Cecilia and continuing through the weekend. Local Industry Watch: Great Falls residents packed a forum as Janicki Industries broke ground on an $800M, 180-acre manufacturing facility in the AgriTech Park—community members pressed for answers on housing and hiring. Sports Spotlight: SWX Montana’s “Treasure State Top Five” ranks Montana State football head coaches, highlighting legends like Jim Sweeney and Dave Arnold. TV & Pop Culture: “Jane the Virgin” returns with “Chapter 89,” slowing down after big relationship turns, while “American Horror Story” teases what’s next for Season 13’s all-star cast. Community & Arts: A new book review spotlights “We Should All Be Birds,” a Missoula memoirist’s story of illness, hope, and a rescued pigeon. Food News: Dairy Queen closures keep spreading—one Montana location in Great Falls is among the latest to go dark. Legal/Crime Update: Court coverage continues in the Charlie Kirk killing case, with prosecutors arguing “overwhelming” evidence as the judge weighs whether it goes to trial.

Courtroom Drama: In the Charlie Kirk killing case, Tyler Robinson’s lawyers tried to cast doubt as prosecutors pointed to “overwhelming” DNA and alleged confessions; a judge will decide whether the aggravated murder charge heads to trial. True Crime/History: Illinois 250 continues with a look at notorious cases and disasters that gripped the nation, from the Great Chicago Fire to infamous grave-robbery plots. Montana Spotlight (UFOs): “UFO Drop #4” adds a 1948 Miles City, Montana sighting describing a silent reddish glow with jet-like motion, making the record feel messier. Pop Culture (Swift/Kelce): Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce keep popping up in the news—first public husband-and-wife appearance at JuJu Smith-Schuster’s wedding, plus reports they paid about $160,000 for an MSG permit and police overtime. Local Arts & Community: Butte’s Montana Folk Festival kicks off with Tuvan throat singers Alash, while East Helena Rodeo celebrates hometown breakaway roper Hailey Burger. Food & Health: Cyclospora concerns are driving precautionary moves, including Taco Bell removing fresh ingredients amid outbreak reports. Sports & Weather: Record heat is forecast for Billings and nearby areas, and Great Falls officials tout major business growth with Amazon and Janicki Industries.

Local Government: Dawson County voters will decide in November whether county elections become nonpartisan after the Local Government Study Commission set the Nov. 3 ballot date. Public Health & Education: Bridgercare’s medically accurate sex education program in Montana faces a major pause after a federal Teen Pregnancy Prevention grant was terminated early. Arts & Community Events: Missoula’s 6th Annual Northwest Margarita Fest returns Saturday at Caras Park with tequila, mezcal, food trucks, and live music. Montana Outdoors: The Flathead Rivers Alliance keeps pushing public outreach for the Flathead River as a new multi-agency river management plan approaches. Conservation & Culture: Big Sky Wildflower Festival spotlights conservation through guided walks, workshops, and native landscapes. Food Safety: Taco Bell removes fresh ingredients nationwide after Cyclospora-related health concerns. Sports & Entertainment: UM Athletics rolls out new Washington-Grizzly Stadium “North End Zone” merchandise ahead of the 2026 football season.

Montana Arts & Media: The University of Montana’s student-made podcast “The Obit Project” earned a spot on Apple Podcasts’ “Best So Far” 2026 list, spotlighting stories reported by UM journalism students and alumni with Montana Public Radio. Native Culture & Community: Arlee’s 126th Esyapqeyni drew championship dancers and singers for a week of culture, competition, and community events. Sports & Local Talent: Montana Tech announced forward Hayden Diekhans is going pro in Japan’s B.League for the 2026-27 season. Music Spotlight: Tucker Wetmore’s new single “Who Told You That” lands Friday as a KFDI World Premiere. Outdoor/Adventure: A Missouri River speed-record canoe team launched from near Three Forks, Montana, and is set to pass through the Vermillion area this weekend. Montana in Pop Culture: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were spotted at a California airport after days at the Yellowstone Club in Big Sky, Montana.

Montana Folk Festival: Butte photographer Lisa Edwards is bringing “time-travel photography” to the Miner’s Hotel windows—pairing a 1932 Park Street shot with today’s view to spotlight how the city’s changed (and what’s stayed). Local Arts & Community: Bozeman’s Magpie Art Supply is a creative reuse hub where donated craft materials help people make for cheap, with volunteers and a mission to keep supplies out of landfills. Outdoor & Water Safety: The Blackfoot River near Milltown is set to close to floating July 15 through Oct. 31 for BNSF bridge construction, with nearby access options still open. Sports & Fitness: Missoula YMCA is opening Montana’s first regulation squash courts (grand opening July 24–25). Public Safety: A Billings mother died after being struck while walking along Riverside Road, renewing calls for safer shoulders and lighting. Politics (Montana): A judge temporarily blocked new Montana GOP bylaws, while the state COPP found left-wing dark money groups violated election law.

Yellowstone Universe Buzz: Paramount+ renewed “Dutton Ranch” for Season 2, with a 2027 return expected and a new showrunner, Benjamin Cavell, stepping in after Chad Feehan’s exit. Local Sports Pride: Bozeman’s Erika Cannon was named 2026 NHSACA Coach of the Year in girls soccer, adding to her long run of state-title success. Montana Arts & Community: Glendive’s “Beats and Brushstrokes” Art Walk is set for July 10, with live music, food vendors, and a “Paint your Partner” activity at The Gallery. Health Care in the Spotlight: Patients and supporters rallied in Kalispell after Logan Health declined to renew a physician’s contract, with union leaders alleging the move is tied to his union activity. Public Lands Talk: Two separate opinion pieces urge Montanans to protect public lands as the nation marks its 250th anniversary. Film & TV Nostalgia: Disney greenlit “The Cheetah Girls: Next Gen,” bringing back Raven-Symoné and Adrienne Bailon for a new music-driven story.

Healthcare & Labor: In Kalispell, patients and supporters rallied for Dr. Ruben Hipolito after Logan Health declined to renew his contract, with union negotiators saying there’s no documented performance reason. Community & Culture: Missoula Folklore Society opened registration for Bear Hug 2026 (Sept. 11-13) with contra dancing, a “Masquerade Ball” theme, and live music by Raven and Goose plus The Unstrung String Band. Wildfire & Public Lands: A Missoula smokejumper profile spotlights the “Swiss Army knife” role of smokejumpers as wildfires surge across the Northern Rockies. Weather Watch: Severe thunderstorms and flash flooding hit Glasgow, with nearly two inches of rain and flooded underpasses and basements. Politics: A district judge blocked new Montana GOP bylaws, issuing a restraining order amid a legal challenge over dues, loyalty pledges, and removal rules. Arts & Entertainment: The Beat Farmers are back for a July 11 Hootenanny at the Belly Up in San Diego, with Montana ties highlighted by the band’s late leader Country Dick Montana. Sports: TJ Lanning, a Helena-born U.S. alpine skier, died at 41. Local Events: Dutton Fun Day returns July 10-11 for “Glory Days,” and Fairfield Swim Days kicks off July 15.

Montana Folk Festival buzz in Butte: The Covellite’s week lineup is set for open mic night, a free “Big Trouble in Little China” movie, and three festival afterparties—ending with Igor and the Red Elvises at 10:30 p.m. Arts in Northwest Montana: Glacier Art Museum’s 56th annual Arts in the Park runs July 10-12 in Depot Park with juried artists, live music, plein air painting, and a beer/wine garden. Community outdoors: River Fest marks 50 years of the Flathead Wild and Scenic River on July 10 at Marantette Park, with Flathead Rivers Alliance and American Rivers hosting a free celebration. Music leadership: Great Falls Symphony names Robert Kahn its new music director after a two-year search. Wildlife & travel safety: Montana launches a new wildlife crossing specialty license plate to fund connectivity and collision-risk reduction. Sports on TV: Montana Grizzlies’ 2026 kickoff times and broadcast details are finalized, with most Big Sky games on ESPN+ and statewide TV. Local events: Tickets are on sale for the Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo in Kalispell (Aug. 12-16), featuring Walker Hayes and pro-rodeo nights.

Big Sky Football on TV: The Big Sky Conference set 2026 kickoff times and broadcast plans for Montana’s Grizzlies, including five early-afternoon home games plus two night games at Washington-Grizzly Stadium, with eight of nine league matchups on statewide TV and ESPN+ and one mid-November conference game on ESPN networks. MSU Prime-Time Exposure: Montana State’s 2026 slate includes three nationally televised games in the first six weeks—Nevada on The CW, Northern Arizona on ESPN2, and Idaho on ESPN—plus a full home schedule with multiple 1 p.m. kickoffs. Regional Game Coverage: Eastern Washington will air seven 2026 games on SWX (including all six home contests), while Idaho’s Vandals will have select Big Sky matchups on SWX-TV and at least one additional nonconference game. Bridge Closure: Sportsman’s Bridge on the Flathead River near Bigfork will close to watercraft July 8-9 for beam installation, with no road impacts expected. Local Entertainment Buzz: Great Falls’ Taco Takedown returns Aug. 29 at the Newberry, and organizers are still seeking more taco vendors. Pop Culture: Charli xcx dropped the tracklist for “Music, Fashion, Film,” featuring director David Cronenberg on the closing track. Dutton Ranch Music: “Dutton Ranch” Season 1 is now streaming on Paramount+, with a country soundtrack spotlighting songs featured across the season.

Bar & Nightlife: Bar Leone co-founder Lorenzo Antinori was named among the world’s most influential bar figures on Drinks International’s Bar World 100 list, highlighting the Hong Kong spot’s “cocktail popolari” approach. Montana Arts & Community: Butte’s nonprofit newspaper The Shaft is thriving by spotlighting local artists, food, and community columns—proof print still brings people together. Music & Live Events: Glendive’s Beats & Brushstrokes Art Walk kicks off downtown this weekend, pairing local art and music to draw crowds back into the streets. Sports & Local Pride: Big Sky State Games announced the field for the Montana Mile at the July 17 opening ceremonies in Lockwood, with free admission and a packed invitational lineup. Outdoors Safety: Montana FWP is urging caution as rattlesnake season ramps up, recommending proper footwear, staying alert in brush, and giving snakes space. TV/Streaming Buzz: Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone universe keeps shifting—Beth and Rip’s Yellowstone story is officially canceled, even as Dutton Ranch heads into season 2.

Celebrity Spotting in Montana: A new roundup highlights big-name visitors and residents in Big Sky Country, from John Mayer and Michael Keaton to Lily Gladstone and Glenn Close. Wildfire Watch: Custer Gallatin firefighters contained three new fire starts (all 100% contained) after hot, dry conditions boosted risk—check current restrictions before heading out. Taylor Swift Backlash: Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding guest list sparked outrage after reports that ICE contractor Steven J. Demetriou attended, tying the controversy to Amentum’s Camp East Montana role. Local Arts & Community: Bozeman’s Downtown Art Walk returns July 10, and a new co-creative ArtLab space in the Gallatin Valley is opening doors for makers. Montana Culture on Stage: “Fire in the Mountains” brings heavy metal to the Blackfeet Reservation with a mental-health and healing focus. Sports & Entertainment: “Dutton Ranch” season one finale is driving major fan buzz as Paramount+ teases what’s next. Outdoor History: Pompeys Pillar stabilization work is keeping Lewis and Clark-era sandstone from crumbling.