Berkshire Hathaway Inc. reported net earnings attributable to shareholders of $10.1 billion in the first quarter of 2026, more than double the $4.6 billion reported in the same period a year ago, according to the company’s quarterly report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 2, 2026. The results were driven by strong Read More…
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has invoked supervisory control over Gallatin County Attorney Audrey Cromwell, following her failure to issue a memorandum clarifying that Gallatin County may share confidential criminal justice information (CCJI) with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for civil immigration enforcement functions. On April 2, Attorney General Knudsen sent a letter to Read More…
Congressman Ryan Zinke announced the House passage of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, commonly known as the Farm Bill, a comprehensive piece of legislation designed to strengthen American agriculture, support rural communities, and improve forest and land management. The bill includes six provisions sponsored or co-sponsored by Zinke. “The Farm Bill Read More…
Spirit Airlines announced on May 2 that it was suspending all operations after years of financial hardships, compounded by a recent spike in fuel prices, leaving travelers scrambling for alternative flights and refunds. All Spirit flights have been canceled and the airline’s customer service is no longer available. “For more than 30 years, Spirit Airlines Read More…
Wall Street capped a strong week with fresh all-time highs on Friday, as upbeat earnings from Apple and hopes for a resolution to the U.S.-Iran conflict helped push major indexes higher for a fifth consecutive week. The Nasdaq led the way, surpassing the 25,000 level and closing at 25,114.44, a new record. The S&P 500 Read More…
(The Center Square) – A federal appeals court on Friday temporarily halted a Biden-era rule that allowed individuals to receive the abortion pill mifepristone through the mail without a prescription from a doctor. A three-judge panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans ruled that the state of Louisiana likely would win Read More…
The U.S. Department of the Treasury intensified its economic pressure campaign against Iran on Friday, sanctioning a major China-based refinery and dozens of shipping firms and vessels accused of helping move Iranian oil to global markets. The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, or OFAC, said it imposed sanctions on Hengli Petrochemical (Dalian) Refinery Read More…
Nearly 250 tourism and hospitality professionals gathered this week in Grand Forks as the 2026 North Dakota Travel Industry Conference entered its second day with a focus on collaboration, innovation, and future growth. Hosted by Visit Greater Grand Forks, the North Dakota Travel Industry Alliance, and the North Dakota Department of Commerce, the conference is Read More…
Small businesses and nonprofit organizations in parts of Wyoming are now eligible for low-interest federal disaster loans following a drought declaration issued by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The assistance is available to businesses in Goshen County, Laramie County, and Niobrara County, which were included in a multi-state disaster declaration covering drought conditions that began Read More…
The ND250 Commission has awarded a new round of community grants to support projects across North Dakota celebrating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence. The ND250 Community Initiatives Grant Program helps organizations and local governments create projects recognizing North Dakota’s role in the nation’s history while encouraging public engagement ahead Read More…
In recognition of its strong commitment to economic engagement, the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) has designated UND as an Innovation & Economic Prosperity (IEP) University. The IEP designation highlights how the University works together with public and private sector partners to support economic development, spark innovation, foster entrepreneurship, develop a skilled workforce and strengthen communities. “Earning the Read More…
The Montana Department of Commerce announced Friday that more than $90,000 in grant funding has been awarded to the Roundup to help complete rehabilitation of the historic Wier Building. The funding comes through Commerce’s Montana Main Street Final Stage Funding Grant Program, which supports projects in downtown communities across the state. Commerce Director Marta Bertoglio Read More…
Jafar Tafakori allegedly charged some clients as much as $30,000 to arrange travel from South America through Mexico and into the United States A 57-year-old Iranian national was arrested in Colombia this week on federal charges that he ran a smuggling operation moving large numbers of migrants — primarily fellow Iranian citizens — illegally into Read More…
Intel Corporation delivered a quarterly report that suggests one of the most important markets in technology is tightening again: central processing units are in short supply just as demand rebounds. Shares of Intel surged nearly 30% after the company’s fiscal first-quarter results topped expectations and management outlined stronger trends in servers, improved product mix, and Read More…
American manufacturing is showing fresh momentum, with factory activity climbing to its strongest level in four years as companies expand domestic production and investors warm to an industrial rebound. Recent data point to a broad pickup across the sector. The Institute for Supply Management’s manufacturing index rose for a third straight month, reaching its highest Read More…
Mark Gordon has signed a finalized regulatory agreement between the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, expanding Wyoming’s authority over certain nuclear source materials tied to rare earth and critical mineral development. State officials said the agreement, formally executed April 30, marks a major milestone in Wyoming’s effort to become Read More…
The United States Navy on Saturday commissioned the USS Idaho (SSN-799) during a ceremony at Naval Submarine Base New London, adding the 26th Virginia-class submarine to the fleet. The event marked the formal entry of the vessel into active service as the Navy continues expanding undersea capabilities amid growing strategic competition overseas. James Risch delivered Read More…
Daniel Perez Rojas, a former Mexican special forces soldier who rose to near the top of one of the country’s most violent cartels, faces up to life in prison A former high-ranking member of the Los Zetas cartel pleaded guilty to federal drug trafficking conspiracy charges, the Justice Department announced, marking a significant victory in Read More…
President Donald Trump has signed legislation reauthorizing two of the federal government’s flagship small-business research programs, clearing the way for a major Pentagon push to speed new technologies from startups and universities to the battlefield. The Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act renews the Small Business Innovation Research Program and Small Business Technology Transfer Read More…
Gov. Greg Gianforte has appointed a seven-member advisory council to help review candidates for the vacant district court judgeship in Montana’s Sixth Judicial District, which serves Park County and Sweet Grass County. The council will assist the governor in evaluating the lone applicant for the position, Livingston attorney Rebecca Robyn Swandal, after the application and Read More…
Gov. Larry Rhoden has appointed Chad Callahan as a circuit judge in the Fourth Circuit, filling a vacancy created by the retirement of Mike Day. Rhoden praised Callahan’s integrity and professionalism, saying he is confident the judge will uphold the rule of law, treat everyone fairly in the courtroom, and serve the state well. Callahan Read More…
Tesla, Inc. investors are again confronting the company’s defining question: Is it an automaker with an expensive valuation, or an artificial-intelligence company still early in its growth story? The debate intensified after Tesla reported first-quarter results that showed rising revenue, improving profits and sharply higher capital expenditures. The company spent $2.49 billion in the quarter, Read More…
The term “K-shaped economy” arose after the COVID-19 pandemic to characterize the diverging economic paths of high-income Americans and everyone else. It became ubiquitous in 2025, one of the “biggest business buzzwords” of the year. Growing U.S. inequality in income and wealth is not a new phenomenon. But the recent K-shaped story is often told Read More…
The University of South Dakota has announced that Susan Tuve will deliver the commencement address at USD’s 139th Commencement Ceremonies. The ceremonies will take place on Saturday, May 9, 2026, in the Sanford Coyote Sports Center. Tuve has been recognized for her career achievements in trust and investment banking, contributions to her local community and Read More…
he Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship at Montana State University will offer a noncredit project management course in May, preparing participants to take a certification exam. Registration closes on Sunday, May 10. The course, titled “Project Management Essentials and Certified Associate in Project Management Exam Prep,” will take place from 9 a.m. to Read More…
Gov. Greg Gianforte joined leaders from BHE Montana in Great Falls to celebrate the opening of the company’s new office and to emphasize the need for affordable, reliable energy as demand continues to grow across the state. Gianforte said Montana must continue investing and innovating to meet increasing energy needs for homes, schools, businesses, and Read More…
Marty Jackley announced that the South Dakota State Open Meeting Commission will meet Monday, April 27, in Pierre. During the meeting, the commission is expected to announce findings of fact and conclusions of law for two complaints previously heard at its Nov. 3, 2025 meeting. Members will also take testimony on four additional pending complaints. Read More…
Raúl Labrador sharply criticized a series of political advertisements he said falsely invoke his office and the state’s Internet Crimes Against Children unit, calling the attacks deceptive and shameful. Labrador’s comments came in response to ads from a political organization known as Idaho Values First that claim certain Idaho lawmakers voted against funding for the Read More…
Wall Street ended the week with a mixed but largely positive tone as technology shares pushed major indexes higher, sending the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite to fresh record highs. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, however, slipped and snapped a three-week winning streak. For the week, the S&P 500 gained about 0.5%, while the Nasdaq Read More…
(The Center Square) – An alleged attempt by a U.S. Army Special Forces soldier to profit from classified military intelligence on a prediction market platform has resulted in the first-ever insider trading case involving event contracts – a legal milestone that comes at a critical juncture for Polymarket and the broader prediction market industry. Federal Read More…
(The Center Square) – U.S. Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro said Friday she is closing the Justice Department’s criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, days after a key hearing for his replacement. Pirro said she is referring the matter to the Fed’s own inspector general, the same watchdog Powell had formally asked to Read More…
Montana residents living in South Korea and Korean residents living in Montana will soon have an easier path to obtaining local driver’s licenses after state officials signed a new reciprocity agreement this week. Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen, who oversees the Montana Motor Vehicle Division, signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Police Agency Read More…
A regional anti-human trafficking conference wrapped up in Billings after bringing together law enforcement officers, prosecutors, educators and victim-service advocates from across the Rocky Mountain region for specialized training on combating trafficking and exploitation. The 2026 Greater Rockies Immersive Training Conference, known as GRIT, concluded Wednesday after a multi-day program focused on the unique challenges Read More…
The U.S. Department of the Treasury said Friday it plans to overhaul disclosure requirements for tax-exempt organizations, aiming to shed more light on how nonprofits receive and spend public money. Treasury announced that the Internal Revenue Service intends to revise Form 990, the annual information return filed by many nonprofits, to require clearer reporting on Read More…
Sixty-three new law enforcement officers graduated last week from the Montana Law Enforcement Academy and will now begin service with 32 agencies across the state. The academy, which operates under the Montana Department of Justice, provides basic and advanced training for state, county, city and tribal law enforcement officers. The new graduates are expected to Read More…
Mark Gordon announced he will not seek a third term as Wyoming governor, confirming his current term will be his last in office. Gordon recently met with his cabinet to outline priorities for the remainder of his administration, focusing on strengthening Wyoming’s economy, supporting key industries, protecting natural resources, and investing in local communities and Read More…
New allegations of sexual misconduct have emerged against Montana state Sen. Jonathan Windy Boy days after he suspended his campaign for Montana’s eastern congressional district. The latest claims come from a former legislative staffer who said Windy Boy showed her explicit nude photos of himself while she was working during the 2017 legislative session. The Read More…
A $16 billion financing package for a massive Oracle Corp. data center in Michigan has closed after months of difficult negotiations, the latest sign of both the enormous appetite for AI infrastructure and the growing wariness among investors asked to fund it. Bank of America sold $14 billion in bonds tied to the project, with Read More…
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will welcome King Charles III and Queen Camilla to Washington next week for a four-day state visit, marking the first official state visit of Trump’s second term. The April 27-30 visit is expected to highlight the longstanding alliance between the United States and the United Kingdom as Read More…
The University of Montana will hold an on-campus listening session Wednesday, May 6, to gather public comment on the proposal to rename the Adams Center auxiliary gyms after Steve and Shirley Nelson. The proposed name of the facility will be the Steve and Shirley Nelson Training Center. “Steve and Shirley Nelson are amongst the strongest Read More…