All posts by Big Sky Headlines

Caroline Roeder Helle selected to national agriculture scholars program

A soon-to-be two-time graduate of Montana State University is participating in a selective academic and professional development program for young leaders in agriculture through the Farm Foundation. Caroline Roeder Helle is one of five graduate students nationwide to be named to the foundation’s Agricultural Scholars program for 2025. Over a year, selected students participate in Read More…

South Dakota firm to bring ‘Ring of Fire’ LED Display System for New Nissan Stadium

When the Tennessee Titans open the doors to their brand-new Nissan Stadium in 2027, fans will be welcomed into a high-tech visual experience unlike any other in the NFL. Partnering with Daktronics, a leading LED display manufacturer based in Brookings, South Dakota, the Titans will install 37 massive video displays totaling more than 77,000 square Read More…

Montana Becomes First State to Enshrine ‘Right to Compute’ Into Law

Montana has made history as the first state in the U.S. to legally protect its citizens’ right to access and use computational tools and artificial intelligence technologies. Governor Greg Gianforte this week signed Senate Bill 212, officially known as the Montana Right to Compute Act (MRTCA), into law. The groundbreaking legislation affirms Montanans’ fundamental right Read More…

South Dakota to Distribute 20,000 Naloxone Kits in Statewide Overdose Prevention Effort

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announced a major initiative today to combat the state’s growing opioid crisis through the distribution of 20,000 naloxone kits, totaling 40,000 doses, in partnership with nonprofit organization Emily’s Hope and the Departments of Social Services and Health. Funded through the South Dakota Opioid Settlement and supplied by Teva Pharmaceuticals, Read More…

In 3 months, federal oil, gas lease sales total $39 million in 5 western states

(The Center Square) – The Trump administration is continuing to reverse Biden administration energy policies, including its moratorium on new oil and natural gas lease sales on federal land and offshore waters. In response to President Donald Trump’s executive order, “Unleashing American Energy,” Interior Secretary Doug Burgum issued an order to reduce regulatory burdens and Read More…

State Superintendent Honors 46 North Dakota Educators as County Teachers of the Year

North Dakota Superintendent of Public Instruction Kirsten Baesler on Thursday celebrated 46 exceptional educators who have been named County Teachers of the Year, recognizing their outstanding contributions to students, schools, and communities across the state. “These remarkable teachers have earned the admiration of their peers, students, and families for their dedication and excellence,” said Baesler. Read More…

Trevor Graff Appointed Director of Government Relations at Montana State Auditor’s Office

The Montana State Auditor’s Office has named Trevor Graff as its new Director of Government Relations, effective immediately. In this role, Graff will serve as the agency’s chief liaison to the Montana Legislature and other state and federal agencies. State Auditor and Commissioner of Securities and Insurance James Brown praised the appointment, saying, “We are Read More…

Stockman Bank Donates $250,000 to Support Mental Health and Genetics Care for Montana’s Children

Shodair Children’s Hospital has announced a major boost to its Hope Campaign with a $250,000 leadership gift from Stockman Bank, becoming the campaign’s Premier Leadership Sponsor. The donation marks a significant investment in the hospital’s mission to provide vital mental health, allied care, and genetic services to Montana’s children — regardless of their families’ financial Read More…

Montana State University to Honor 2,465 Graduates at Spring Commencement on May 9

Montana State University (MSU) will celebrate its 142nd spring commencement on Friday, May 9, awarding 2,465 degrees during two ceremonies at the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse. The events, scheduled for 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., will mark a milestone for students across undergraduate, graduate, and associate programs. According to the Office of the Registrar, MSU will Read More…

FBI arrests Milwaukee judge for misdirecting federal agents on immigration operation

(The Center Square) – The Federal Bureau of Investigation has arrested Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan, according to a social media post from FBI Director Kash Patel. U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi wrote that the arrest was “for allegedly helping an illegal alien avoid arrest by @ICEgov.” “We believe Judge Dugan intentionally misdirected federal Read More…

Billings Accountant Accused of Embezzling Over $100,000 from Nonprofit

A Billings woman is facing felony charges after allegedly embezzling more than $100,000 from a local nonprofit trade organization. Valary Nichole Obert, 35, has been charged with felony embezzlement exceeding $10,000 in Yellowstone County District Court. According to investigators, Obert is accused of stealing approximately $124,200 from the Billings Home Builders Association (BHBA) by falsifying Read More…

DHL Express to Suspend High-Value Consumer Shipments to U.S. Amid Customs Changes

DHL Express, the international shipping division of Germany’s Deutsche Post, will suspend global business-to-consumer shipments valued over $800 to individuals in the United States starting April 21. The move comes in response to recent changes in U.S. customs regulations that have increased processing times for high-value shipments. The announcement was posted on the company’s website, Read More…

Gordon On Middle East, Asia Tour To Build Wyoming’s International Business Profile

Gov. Mark Gordon is piling up the frequent flier miles, traveling around the world on behalf of the state. The cross-continental trip is based around promoting Wyoming, visiting with the state’s members of the military stationed overseas and building international trade alliances. After visiting the Middle East, Gordon will continue on to East Asia where he’ll visit Read More…

Superintendent Degenfelder Honors Military Kids, Highlights Resources for Military Families

In celebration of Purple Up Day for Military Kids, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder joined students, families, and community leaders at Freedom Elementary on Friday to recognize the important role military children and their families play in supporting the nation’s security. Purple Up Day, observed in April during the Month of the Military Read More…

West Fargo Sheyenne High’s Shaina Eagleson Named State Finalist for National Science Teaching Award

Shaina Eagleson, a science teacher at West Fargo’s Sheyenne High School, has been named a state finalist for the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST), North Dakota’s Department of Public Instruction announced Thursday. The award, considered the highest national recognition for K-12 STEM educators, honors outstanding teaching in science, technology, Read More…

Student Veterans Thrive on UM’s Woodsman Team

Jared Landin’s first few axe throws were far from bullseyes. Last fall, Landin spent weeks practicing axe throwing, often landing hits everywhere except the target. Over time his persistence paid off, earning him the chance to represent the University of Montana’s Woodsman Team at timber sports competitions around the country. On Friday and Saturday, April Read More…

Attorney General Joins Coalition Supporting President Trump’s Efforts to Restore Education Authority to States

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen led a coalition of 21 states in filing an amicus brief supporting President Donald Trump’s decision to reduce the workforce at the Department of Education, a move aimed at returning more educational authority to state governments. The brief was filed on Monday in the case State of New York v. Read More…

North Dakota Governor Signs Bill Merging Insurance and Securities Oversight

Governor Kelly Armstrong signed Senate Bill 2214 into law today, officially approving the merger of the North Dakota Securities Department into the North Dakota Insurance Department. The consolidation aims to streamline regulatory oversight of the state’s financial services industry. Under the new law, regulatory authority will be unified under the elected insurance commissioner. The merger Read More…

Wyoming Business Council Welcomes Three New Team Members

The Wyoming Business Council (WBC) is excited to announce the addition of three new team members who bring a shared passion for Wyoming’s communities, businesses, and future growth. These individuals are eager to help foster innovation and support local enterprises as the state continues to prosper. Emma Gregg – Accounting Solutions Coordinator Emma Gregg joins Read More…

Alpha Omega Disaster Restoration Launches New Website

Alpha Omega Disaster Restoration, a leading provider of damage restoration services in Billings, Montana, has launched a new website designed to improve user experience and deliver more comprehensive information to residential and commercial customers. The updated site is now integrated within the main platform of Alpha Omega’s parent company, FLEET Response—a national network of local Read More…

U.S. Regulators Approve Capital One’s $35.3 Billion Merger with Discover

U.S. banking regulators on Friday approved Capital One’s $35.3 billion acquisition of Discover Financial Services, clearing the way for the creation of the nation’s eighth-largest bank by assets insured by the federal government. The merger, one of the largest in the financial sector in recent years, has drawn sharp criticism from consumer advocates and lawmakers Read More…

Ackman’s Bold Bets and Tariff Tussles Define a Volatile 2025

Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, known for his outsized bets and outspoken commentary, has been a lightning rod in 2025, navigating a turbulent market landscape while wielding influence in both finance and politics. His Pershing Square Capital Management’s portfolio is down nearly 14% year-to-date, a rare stumble for the activist investor, yet his high-profile Read More…

Attorney General Knudsen and Colonel Sager Honor MHP Dispatchers

Attorney General Austin Knudsen and Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) Colonel Kurt Sager visited the MHP Communications Center today to recognize the vital work of dispatchers in honor of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, observed from April 13 to 19. The dispatchers at the MHP Communications Center are trained in emergency medical dispatch and work around Read More…

NorthWestern Energy Reaches Settlement Agreements in Montana Rate Review

NorthWestern Energy has reached key settlement agreements with several major stakeholders in its ongoing regulatory rate review for electric and natural gas services in Montana. The agreements, if approved by the Montana Public Service Commission (PSC), would result in modest increases in residential utility bills, helping to fund continued investment in safe and reliable energy Read More…

Google to Appeal Portion of U.S. Monopoly Ruling

Google, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., announced plans to appeal part of a recent U.S. federal court ruling in the Department of Justice’s antitrust case against the tech giant. The move follows a decision on Thursday by U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema, who found that Google had willfully acquired and maintained monopoly power in the Read More…

Gianforte Celebrates Ribbon Cutting for Amazon’s New Facility in Belgrade

Governor Greg Gianforte joined U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Tim Sheehy to officially cut the ribbon on Amazon’s new 50,000-square-foot delivery station in Belgrade. The state-of-the-art facility is part of Amazon’s continued expansion in Montana, representing a $27 million investment and creating dozens of jobs in Gallatin County. “Montana is open for business, and Amazon’s Read More…

Montana Legislature Passes Bills to Support Future Nuclear Energy Development

Two bills aimed at laying the groundwork for a nuclear energy industry in Montana have passed the state legislature and are awaiting the governor’s signature. House Bill 623 would permit the establishment of nuclear waste storage facilities in the state. This measure aligns with national Nuclear Regulatory Commission requirements, which mandate that nuclear power plants Read More…

Wyoming Tribe’s Law Firm One Of The Few Fighting Trump’s Big-Law Orders

While nine law firms have made deals to avoid President Donald Trump’s orders targeting them, the one that works for Wyoming’s largest federally recognized Indian tribe is continuing to fight the federal government in court. As of Tuesday, nine firms had settled with Trump and agreed to perform, collectively, nearly $1 billion worth of free work in causes Read More…

Stock Market Experiences Volatility Amid Trade Policy Shifts and Earnings Reports

The U.S. stock market endured another turbulent week, with major indexes grappling with persistent volatility driven by ongoing trade policy uncertainties, particularly surrounding President Donald Trump’s tariff announcements. The S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average, and Nasdaq Composite all posted losses, reflecting investor concerns over the economic fallout from escalating global trade tensions. The week Read More…

Five Briefs Filed in Support of AG Knudsen’s SCOTUS Request in Planned Parenthood Parental Rights Case

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen’s petition to the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) for a review of a Montana Supreme Court decision concerning parental rights in abortion cases has gained significant support. Five amicus briefs were filed urging SCOTUS to reverse a decision that, according to Knudsen, puts the health and safety of children at risk Read More…