AGP Executive Report

Live Music: Glendive gets Montana’s only stop from Uganda’s Watoto Children’s Choir on Oct. 15, with a free concert at Glendive Alliance Church. Hamilton hosts the U.S. Air Force Band and Singing Sergeants on Oct. 21, while Red Lodge’s classical concert series returns Oct. 27 with four performances planned. Film: A controversial Daily Wire production in Livingston has resumed after residents objected to street closures, gunfire and a scene resembling Renee Good’s killing. The dispute has raised questions about how film crews work with Montana communities. Visual Arts: A grain elevator in Montana has become the state’s largest mural, bringing a striking new landmark to the landscape. Montana Music: Bozeman-connected band Buffalo Traffic Jam is drawing growing crowds beyond the state, with sold-out New York shows and major festival dates ahead.

Film & TV: Livingston officials have allowed the Daily Wire film Pawn Shop to resume after a permit suspension and public safety concerns. The controversy has raised worries that future productions could face a harder welcome in the Montana film town. Public Art: In Glendive, artists are turning a vacant grain elevator into what’s expected to be Montana’s largest mural, drawing daily crowds to watch it take shape. Local Festivals: Missoula’s 33-year-old Germanfest added Montana’s steinholding championship to its live music, food and traditional festivities. Montana Arts: Photographer Tom Murphy was named Park County Artist Laureate, while A River Runs Through It is being celebrated 50 years after its release.

Film in Livingston: Production of Bonfire Pawn Shop has resumed under new permit conditions after safety concerns and protests disrupted filming. Tourism leaders hope the controversy won’t discourage future productions in the film-loving community. Public Art: In Glendive, artists are turning a vacant grain elevator into what’s expected to be Montana’s largest mural, drawing residents to watch its progress. Montana on Screen: The 50th anniversary of A River Runs Through It is prompting a look back at the film’s Montana legacy. Regional Film Festival: The Yellowstone Film Festival opens its second year in Cody Oct. 9–11, with regional films, a student showcase and stories from Montana, Wyoming and Idaho honoring founder Jake Graham. Visual Arts: Photographer Tom Murphy has been named Park County’s 2027 Artist Laureate.

Film in Livingston: The Daily Wire’s “Pawn Shop” resumed filming Tuesday after the city commission restored its permit, with conditions addressing noise, security and access to the local food resource center. Montana on Screen: Bozeman Film Festival will premiere “Hard Twist,” a documentary about Big Timber-raised Western photographer Barbara Van Cleve, on Oct. 9, with Van Cleve joining a post-screening Q&A. Local Music: Bozeman deathcore band Grove Ritual released “Forged in Malice,” featuring Ryan Labenske, ahead of its new EP, “Ascension,” due Oct. 9; Cut Bank-raised country singer Trevor Panczak is set to perform in Malta on Oct. 26. Arts & Heritage: Montana marks 50 years since Norman Maclean published “A River Runs Through It.” A recent Hooks for Books event honored the novel’s lasting influence on the state’s fishing culture and presented its Writers on Water award to Maclean’s son, John. Montana Star: Luke Grimes, who moved to Montana in 2019, is leading CBS’s “Marshals,” the “Yellowstone” spinoff that has become the network’s top show.

Gaming & Pop Culture: Wargaming is bringing Blue Archive back to World of Warships and World of Warships: Legends this October, with returning Commanders and ships plus new in-game events. Local Arts & Community: Wyoming State Archives’ Speaker Series spotlights commercial art historian Colton Bowden on Edgar Church, with a free virtual talk and live Q&A in Cheyenne. Montana Film Controversy: Ben Shapiro’s Daily Wire “Pawn Shop” production has faced renewed scrutiny after Livingston residents protested filming, with claims it disrupted local businesses and blocked access to a food pantry. Music: Alter Bridge released the official video for “Tested and Able,” and announced a fall U.S. tour with stops including Spokane. Sports (Montana ties): Montana football coach Ed Lamb said UNC’s loss to the Grizzlies left lingering doubt, while Montana Tech’s home slate and match times were outlined for the week. Outdoors & Health: UM researchers say bird-watching may help stroke survivors with aphasia communicate again. Community Events: Great Falls Public Schools announced a Community Powwow at Charles M. Russell School on Nov. 14.

Montana Film & TV: Livingston officials voted unanimously to let the Daily Wire-affiliated “Pawn Shop” film resume after a near-week of local backlash, with producers promising tighter permit compliance and less disruption as shooting wraps soon. Local Theatre: Anaconda Ensemble Theatre marks its fifth anniversary by bringing back “War of the Worlds,” blending old radio-drama vibes with live performance for October audiences. Music & Performance: The U.S. Air Force Band and Singing Sergeants will tour Northwest Montana with free, ticketed concerts in Kalispell, Polson, and Eureka (plus more dates across the state). Conservation & Outdoors: University of Montana researchers and Ducks Unlimited volunteers continue a long-running lesser scaup duck banding project in Centennial Valley, adding another season to one of the region’s biggest wildlife datasets. Sports Spotlight: The “Marshals” Yellowstone spinoff Season 2 premiere drew 20.6 million viewers, a major scripted-series debut for CBS. Arts & Craft: Wood & Wire opens in Great Falls as a boutique, handmade-instrument shop built for quieter, hands-on guitar browsing.

Streaming Spotlight: “Marshals” Season 2 premiered Sunday on CBS/Paramount+ with a record 20.6 million viewers, continuing Luke Grimes’ Kayce Dutton shift into Montana U.S. Marshals work. Local Film/Politics: Livingston paused filming of Daily Wire’s ICE-themed “Pawn Shop” after community complaints about disruptions and safety concerns. Montana Sports: Montana’s Grizzlies jumped to No. 2 in FCS rankings after a 36-14 Homecoming win; Glacier’s Hunter Daniels committed to play at UM. Rodeo & Community Events: The Riggin Masters bareback bronc event is coming to Billings Oct. 16-17 with a $100,000 purse. Arts & Culture: Wyoming State Archives announced a Speaker Series talk on Western commercial artist Edgar Church (Oct. 8). Public Safety: Great Falls police say an infant died after a weekend stabbing; charges against the suspect were amended to homicide. Food Recall: WinCo recalled salsa bean dip trays after peperoncini linked to a dead-mouse-in-jar video.

TV & Streaming: “Marshals” returns for Season 2 tonight on CBS with “All Hat No Cattle,” picking up after Tate’s kidnapping and Kayce going rogue to rescue him, while the show’s big Season 1 exit storyline gets walked back. Local Arts & Community: Missoula’s Soft Landing shared refugee stories through the short film “Stories of Home” and a panel at Zootown Community Arts Center. Montana Business Watch: Bozeman residents are mourning the closure of long-running spots like Wild Joe’s Coffee and Joe’s Parkway, while Bob Ward’s is shutting down in Bozeman and rebranding as Al’s Sporting Goods. Film Production Controversy: Livingston temporarily suspended Daily Wire’s “Pawn Shop” filming permit after complaints about disruptions, street closures, and impacts on the Livingston Food Resource Center. Local Culture Calendar: A Lewistown Harvest Train brought Central Montana agriculture to passengers with on-board demos, local food, and community musicians. Sports: Southern Oregon edged Montana Western 28-27 in Frontier Conference West play.

TV & Streaming: “Yellowstone” spinoff “Marshals” returns for Season 2 tonight (Oct. 4) at 8:30 p.m. ET on CBS, with Kayce going rogue to rescue Tate after a hostage-taking tied to the East Camp land grab. Local Arts & Culture: A 100-year-old Glendive grain silo is getting a mural upgrade by Bozeman artist Griffin Foster, funded through a Montana tourism grant to pull more visitors into downtown. Montana Sports: The Montana Grizzlies rolled past Northern Colorado 36-14 at home, with Brooks Davis posting a career day and UM’s defense holding the Bears scoreless for nearly three quarters. Community & Recreation: A Lewistown-area Harvest Train brought passengers aboard a vintage rail car for hands-on Central Montana agriculture demos and local food. Health & Science: New research highlights birdwatching as a low-pressure way to support stroke survivors with aphasia through shared curiosity. Media & Film Controversy: Livingston officials temporarily suspended filming of Daily Wire’s “Pawn Shop” after complaints about disruption and lack of notice.

Montana Arts & Culture: Glendive’s 100-year-old GTA grain elevator just got a mural upgrade, turning a classic landmark into a new tourism magnet funded by a Montana Department of Commerce tourism grant. Streaming & Local Fandom: Fans are mapping out where to watch “Dutton Ranch” as Paramount+ becomes the home base for the expanding Yellowstone universe, with Season 2 already green-lit for early 2027. True Crime on Netflix: A new Netflix “Unabomber” film is drawing mixed reviews, and one writer’s personal Montana connection—growing up next door to Ted Kaczynski—adds a deeply unsettling perspective. Health & Community Programs: University of Montana researchers are testing bird-watching as a low-pressure rehab tool for stroke survivors with aphasia through the ICAP program. Sports (Montana Focus): Montana rolled past Northern Colorado 36-14, while Idaho stunned No. 1 Montana State 35-34 on a last-play finish. Griz Nation Traditions: UM launched “Griz Fridays,” asking fans statewide to wear maroon and silver every Friday. Halloween in Billings: A roundup highlights spooky local haunts and tours for the season.

Montana Football Spotlight: No. 3 Montana kept rolling in Missoula, crushing Northern Colorado 36-14 as QB Keali’i Ah Yat lit up the scoreboard with five TD passes in a 5-1 start. Bobcats Shocked: Montana State’s 19-game winning streak ended in Moscow, Idaho, with Idaho’s last-second Hail Mary and a 35-34 upset on ESPN. Local College Culture: UM launched “Griz Fridays,” a new weekly tradition urging fans statewide to wear maroon and silver every Friday. Pro Sports on the Radar: The Seahawks’ Week 4 matchup vs. the Chargers is streaming-only on ESPN Select, with CBS carrying the game in limited local markets. Montana Arts & Community: Bozeman’s Wildrye Distilling earned a USA Today nomination for a top craft whiskey award, with voting open until Oct. 12. Spooky Season in Billings: A roundup of Billings-area haunts and Halloween attractions is out for October. Sports Betting Debate: A Mormon church leader warned that online prediction markets and sports betting are fueling greed, especially among youth.

Local Arts & Community: Miles City Public Library landed a $1,000 AgWest Farm Credit grant to expand free adult programming, with staff crediting growing demand for more community events. Arts, Culture & Film: Livingston residents are pushing back on a Daily Wire production filming downtown under the working title “Pawn Shop,” saying businesses weren’t properly notified and questioning whether permits were handled correctly. Sports (Big Sky): Idaho stunned No. 1 Montana State 35-34 at the Kibbie Dome on a last-second touchdown and two-point conversion, snapping MSU’s 19-game winning streak. Sports (Health & Community): Bozeman runner Ashley Pecora rang the bell after completing breast cancer treatment, finishing the 28K Rut Mountain Runs in Big Sky as part of her recovery journey. Music/Pop Culture: ComplexCon returns for its 10th anniversary Oct. 3-4 in Los Angeles with an Opium takeover headlined by Playboi Carti and Ken Carson. Wildlife Policy: Montana’s Fish and Wildlife Commission rejected a petition that would have required hunters to carry bear spray in grizzly habitat.

Montana Arts & Events: Billings’ October ArtWalk returns Friday, Oct. 2, with dozens of stops and live music, plus a themed “Horror Politic” show at Kirks’ Grocery. Local Culture: Livingston’s ArtWeek wrapped with auctions supporting Montana artists, with proceeds largely going to creators and a portion backing art education. Streaming Picks: This week’s must-watch includes “Funny Money: The Dane Cook Story” and the return of “Marshals” for season 2. TV & Film (Yellowstone universe): “Marshals” season 2 adds Yellowstone’s Luke Grimes’ original stuntman, Jordan Warrack, as the show’s stunt coordinator. Music: Swae Lee and French Montana reunite for the “SUITCASE” video, a fashion-forward, Northern Lights dream sequence. Sports on TV (Montana focus): Montana State hosts Idaho tonight in a nationally televised ESPN matchup, with the Bobcats aiming to keep momentum while Idaho plays without key starters. Community Spotlight: Montana Stockgrowers Association opens registration for its 142nd Annual Convention & Trade Show in Billings, Dec. 3–5.

Death Penalty Scrutiny: Tennessee’s botched execution of Christa Pike has Gov. Bill Lee pausing lethal injections and ordering a third-party review, raising fresh questions about pentobarbital and likely fueling more appeals. Local Sports Spotlight: Montana State hosts winless Idaho in a nationally televised ESPN matchup, with the key storyline centered on stopping Idaho QB Joshua Wood and protecting MSU’s offense if Justin Lamson remains out. Griz Nation Culture: Missoula bar Red’s Bar owner Mike Helean is profiled for decades of service to UM fans and the community. Campus Tech for Focus: The University of Montana rolls out “Brick” devices to help students block distracting apps while keeping calls, texts, and GPS active. Community Events: Zootown Challenge returns for its fifth year at Washington-Grizzly Stadium, with proceeds supporting Opportunity Resources. Music Charts: Miley Cyrus’ “Bass Persuades” hits No. 1 on the Billboard 200, her first chart-topper in 13 years. Indigenous Arts & Film: Neighboring Nations Indigenous Arts & Culture Festival brings Indigenous food, art markets, and film screenings to the Beartooth region Oct. 9-12.

Local Arts & Community: Bozeman’s Shredtober is back at Kirk Park skate park, with contests, clinics, live music, local artists, food, and raffles to fund new skate spaces and year-round programming after a key park was demolished. High School Music: Montana State’s Spirit of the West will host a free Showcase of Bands Oct. 3, featuring 10 high schools plus a 406Cirque performance, with music themed around Nintendo classics. Education & Schools: Froid’s new superintendent Lance Olson says he’ll “fine tune the machinery” while pushing safety, clearer staff roles, and upgrades like a bus barn and playground plans. Accountability in Education: The Montana Board of Public Education revoked former Scobey teacher Lucas Knight’s license after allegations of inappropriate interactions with students. Arts & Events: Whitefish Oktoberfest kicks off Oct. 1 with Locals Night and runs two weekends, with steinholding, polka, keg-tapping, and a Hop Queen qualifier. Politics & Speech: I-194 (“Montana Plan”) is criticized as dangerously overbroad, potentially threatening nonprofits and businesses for normal election-related posts. Sports Preview: FCS Football Week 5 spotlights the “most wonderful and wacky” season, with South Dakota State vs. Illinois State as the featured matchup.

Bozeman Community & Youth Sports: Shredtober returns to Kirk Park with skate clinics, contests, live music, local art and raffles to raise money for new skate spaces and year-round programming. Local Film Controversy: Livingston’s downtown is serving as a set for “Pawn Shop,” recreating an ICE-related fatal shooting; residents and protesters are reacting, and a food pantry says filming road closures have cut access. College & Campus Pride: UM launches “Griz Fridays,” urging the campus community to wear maroon and silver each week, kicking off Oct. 2 during Homecoming. Arts & Culture: Tinworks Art in Bozeman debuts “Chisel & Razor,” spotlighting Edmonia Lewis’s legacy through contemporary artists, with a second act opening Oct. 11. Sports Schedules: Gonzaga releases its full 2026-27 slate for its first Pac-12 season, including a Jan. 6 opener at Washington State. Health & Care: Intermountain Health expands its OBGYN program in Billings amid a national shortage, aiming for more consistent prenatal and postpartum care. Winter Events: The Quality Ski Time Film Tour heads to Sandpoint with avalanche-safety talks and winter-themed raffles.