Attorney General Austin Knudsen and Gov. Greg Gianforte on Tuesday recognized Human Trafficking Prevention Month by encouraging Montanans to learn the warning signs of human trafficking and report suspicious activity to help stop the crime. Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery in which traffickers—often part of organized criminal enterprises—exploit adults or children for Read More…
The Montana 250th Commission has announced nearly $420,000 in grants to 32 organizations across the state to mark America’s 250th anniversary in 2026. The $419,721 in funding will support projects that celebrate Montana’s culture and heritage while connecting communities to the nation’s semiquincentennial. Following a call for proposals in September, the Commission received 84 applications Read More…
The Montana Department of Administration (DOA) announced a leadership change at the Office of Public Defender (OPD) today, naming Koan Mercer as the agency’s new director. Mercer will replace Brett Schandelson, who is stepping down after nearly eight years with the office. “Schandelson’s work during his time at OPD was highly impactful and effective,” DOA Read More…
Governor Greg Gianforte joined Johnson Metal Works in Bozeman to celebrate the expansion of apprenticeship opportunities that prepare Montana students for high-demand, well-paying careers. “Apprenticeships open doors for Montanans to learn valuable skills, earn while they learn, and step directly into rewarding careers,” Gianforte said. “Thanks to employers like Johnson Metal Works, we are connecting Read More…
The South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation is launching a new monthly webinar series aimed at expanding understanding of Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) and supporting workforce development across the state. The Apprenticeship Knowledge Series will cover a range of apprenticeship-related topics, offering education for employers, education partners, community stakeholders, and current apprenticeship sponsors. The Read More…
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) announced that the Board of Water and Natural Resources has approved $48.9 million in loans and grants for projects across the state, supporting drinking water, wastewater, and infrastructure improvements. The funding includes $36.96 million in state loans, including $425,000 in principal forgiveness, for drinking water Read More…
An angler ice fishing for trout on Island Park Reservoir on January 3, 2026, unexpectedly caught a 5-inch Yellow Perch, a species that does not belong in the reservoir. The angler reported the catch immediately to the Citizens Against Poaching hotline. Idaho Fish and Game Conservation Officers met the angler on the ice and confirmed Read More…
North Dakota has been awarded $199 million in federal funding to support the first year of a new statewide Rural Health Transformation Program aimed at strengthening health care delivery in rural communities, Gov. Kelly Armstrong announced today. The funding, awarded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), is part of a five-year initiative Read More…
President Donald Trump on Friday announced a proposal to cap credit card interest rates at 10% for one year, starting January 20. Trump did not provide details on how the policy would be implemented or how credit card companies would be required to comply with the cap. The announcement echoes a promise Trump made during Read More…
The White House announced Friday that the United States will begin withdrawing from a broad range of international organizations, conventions, and treaties deemed “contrary to the interests of the United States,” according to a presidential memorandum. The memorandum, issued to the heads of executive departments and agencies, follows Executive Order 14199, which directed a comprehensive Read More…
(The Center Square) – Following U.S. strikes against Venezuela resulting in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Attorney General Pam Bondi said Saturday the Maduros have been indicted in the Southern District of New York and will be tried on U.S. soil. In a social media post, Bondi confirmed Maduro and Read More…
Wall Street finished the first full trading week of 2026 on a mixed note, with major U.S. indexes posting modest losses for the week as investors digested the end of the holiday trading lull and looked ahead to key economic data and corporate news. Stocks start the year with modest gains but weekly lossesThe Dow Read More…