The 2024 South Dakota State Fair generated $266,352.21 in tax collections, reflecting a 20% increase from the $222,108.58 collected in 2023. This year’s fair featured 602 booths rented to 301 vendors, marking a 6.5% decrease from the 322 vendors in 2023. Despite the drop in vendor numbers, fairgoers contributed over $3.2 million in total spending Read More…
The Montana Department of Commerce has announced the launch of a new grant program aimed at supporting rural and tribal agricultural businesses while promoting economic diversification throughout the state. The funding will be provided through the newly established Agritourism Grants Program. Paul Green, Director of the Montana Department of Commerce, stated, “This new grant program Read More…
(The Center Square) – If you’re a Washington resident reluctant to buy or drive an electric vehicle due to the lack of charging infrastructure around the state or in cold weather conditions, you’re not alone. Some state agencies are reporting that their staff are hesitant to use EVs for that same reason, highlighting an ongoing challenge Read More…
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has teamed up with 11 other state Attorneys General to urge Congress to pass the AM Radio For Every Vehicle Act of 2024, emphasizing the critical role of AM radios in emergency communication. “Hurricane Helene, much like the severe weather we experience in South Dakota, has highlighted the importance Read More…
Montana’s Commission on Practice is the regulatory body of the legal profession here, tasked by the State Supreme Court with overseeing the ethical and professional conduct of attorneys’ practice of law in the state. Its enforcement arm is the Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC), which investigates and decides whether to prosecute complaints of unethical conduct Read More…
(The Center Square) – The Biden-Harris administration took a tidal wave of criticism this week after U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas told reporters that the Federal Emergency Management Administration did not have enough funds to cover the rest of this hurricane season. Those comments drew criticism from Republican lawmakers, billionaire Elon Musk Read More…
Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced today that the Montana Department of Justice will provide an additional $3.5 million to enhance the state’s Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs). This funding aims to improve the response and care for child survivors of crime and abuse across Montana. The financial support is made possible by a recent settlement with Read More…
Glacier Bancorp, Inc. (NYSE: GBCI) announced today that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.33 per share during a meeting held on September 24, 2024. This latest declaration marks the company’s 158th consecutive quarterly dividend, reflecting a strong commitment to its shareholders over the years. The dividend will be payable on Read More…
n response to escalating wildfire risks, Governor Doug Burgum has signed an executive order declaring a statewide fire emergency. This action activates the State Emergency Operations Plan to strategically position resources for a swift response to wildfires throughout North Dakota. The state has already seen significant fire activity, with nearly 3,500 acres burned in the Read More…
Governor Greg Gianforte visited the HER Campaign last week to showcase the organization’s vital work supporting survivors of human trafficking through their residential programs. “Human trafficking is a despicable, heartbreaking crime, but thanks to dedicated Montanans like Sammy and organizations like the HER Campaign, survivors are offered resources and hope,” Gianforte stated. He emphasized the Read More…
As America observes Columbus Day on October 14, 2024, communities across the nation are engaging in a renewed conversation about the historical significance of the holiday and its implications for contemporary society. Columbus Day was first celebrated in the United States in 1937, established as a federal holiday to honor Christopher Columbus, the Italian explorer Read More…
(The Center Square) – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced Thursday that it will make tele-emergency care available nationwide to improve fast access to virtual emergency care for those enrolled in VA health care. The expansion of care, which was tested in recent months, has shown promise for veterans, helping more than 61,182 callers with a Read More…
The brave Americans who registered voters in the Jim Crow South during the Civil Rights Era endured violence, in some cases even death. Since then, maximizing voter participation has been widely considered a public good worthy of charity status. But the IRS has clear rules prohibiting charities that register voters from favoring political parties or Read More…
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas is facing backlash after stating that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has exhausted its funds for disaster relief, while billions have reportedly been spent on housing and supporting migrants across the country. As Hurricane Helene wreaks havoc on the South and East, many are expressing frustration over FEMA’s perceived Read More…
The highly anticipated pheasant hunting season in Montana kicks off on Saturday, October 12, offering hunters a chance to engage in the state’s beloved outdoor tradition. This fall, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) plans to release nearly 18,000 pheasants across wildlife management areas, fishing access sites, and select school trust lands. This year marks Read More…
When debating legislation, legislators are always looking for unintended consequences. If you are pro-life or pro-choice, CI 128 must be a major concern. Hidden in the text of the initiative is language that gives blanket immunity to abortion providers for malpractice, incompetence or outright criminal behavior. In the complete text of CI 128 it says, Read More…
(The Center Square) – UNC Mobile One Card, a digital photo identification on the Chapel Hill campus of the University of North Carolina, will not be valid in North Carolina’s elections. A temporary injunction was granted Friday afternoon by the North Carolina Court of Appeals, scoring a victory for Republicans at the state and national Read More…
Republican candidate Tim Sheehy emerged victorious in a heated U.S. Senate debate against incumbent Democrat Jon Tester, according to Montana Republican Party Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt. Following the debate, Kaltschmidt issued a statement underscoring Sheehy’s performance and criticizing Tester’s record. “Tim Sheehy’s second debate victory over career politician Jon Tester showed exactly why Montanans will Read More…
Governor Greg Gianforte unveiled an investment of up to $2.5 million aimed at assisting rural counties and tribal communities in Montana to develop and implement tailored solutions for their behavioral health needs. This initiative is part of a broader $300 million funding allocation secured by the governor last year to reform and enhance the state’s Read More…
Governor Greg Gianforte announced that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is awarding Montana $2.7 million to enhance the Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Fort Harrison. “This funding allows us to honor the sacrifices of those who have served our nation,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Each grave is a testament to courage and commitment, and Read More…
Boeing announced Monday that it had made a “best and final offer” to its striking machinists, including bigger pay raises and larger bonuses. However, the workers’ union quickly rejected the proposal, stating it wasn’t sufficient, and no ratification vote would occur before Boeing’s deadline at the end of the week. The union criticized Boeing for Read More…
Governor Greg Gianforte announced that Montana’s unemployment rate increased by 0.1% to 3.2% in August, still holding steady below the national average of 4.2%, according to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Montana Department of Labor and Industry. Montana’s unemployment rate has now been at or below 3.4% Read More…
The production team for the television series “1923” is making a return to Butte as they begin construction of the Dutton Ranch set down a dirt road near the Mining City. Some scenes for the show’s second season will be filmed in and around Butte this October and possibly into November. After filming its first Read More…
Governor Greg Gianforte cut the ribbon on the new headquarters and production facility for Ultimate Defense Technologies in Billings, a weapons safety manufacturer expected to create nearly 90 jobs for Montanans. “Thanks to our pro-business policies and strong Second Amendment heritage, businesses like Ultimate Defense Technologies are choosing to relocate to Montana,” Gov. Gianforte said. Read More…
(The Center Square) — Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill joined a 20-state coalition to question the American Academy of Pediatrics practices with child gender dysphoria. In a letter, originally written by Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador, the AGs put the organization on notice for possible violations of state consumer protection statutes over its standards on Read More…
(The Center Square) – Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are virtually tied in Nevada, according to a new poll. According to the American Greatness/TIPP poll of 736 likely Nevada voters conducted from Sept. 23-25 in conjunction with TechnoMetrica Institute of Policy and Politics, Harris holds a slim 49.2% to 47.9% advantage over Read More…
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump ramped up his personal attacks on Kamala Harris, his Democratic opponent, during a rally in Erie, Pennsylvania, on Sunday. Trump repeated his claim that Harris is “mentally impaired,” going as far as to suggest she should be “impeached and prosecuted.” These remarks followed a rally from the day before, which Read More…
Governor Greg Gianforte recently emphasized a report from the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, which identifies Montana as one of the least regulated states in the country. The report ranks Montana fourth, following North Dakota, South Dakota, and Idaho, citing the state’s efforts to reduce regulatory burdens. Governor Gianforte stated that cutting red tape Read More…
Montana State University will welcome four finalists for the position of dean of the Office of International Programs during the week of September 30. Each candidate will conduct interviews on campus, engaging with students, faculty, and administrators throughout the day. As part of the interview process, each finalist will hold an open forum at 4 Read More…
(The Center Square) – A coalition of small businesses are calling on Congress to make the 20% small business tax deduction permanent. Small business leaders visited Washington, D.C. this week to call on lawmakers to pass the Main Street Tax Certainty Act, a bill that would prevent the expiration of a small business tax credit Read More…
Montana PBS will host a live debate featuring U.S. Senate candidates Jon Tester and Tim Sheehy at 7 p.m. on Monday, September 30. The one-hour event will take place in a Montana PBS studio located on the University of Montana campus in Missoula. Incumbent Senator Jon Tester, a Democrat, will face Republican challenger Tim Sheehy Read More…
In July, GTUIT was awarded two significant patents that enhance its gas processing capabilities. The first patent, 12,025,373, titled “System and Method for Treating Associated Gas,” is central to GTUIT’s innovative technology. It features a liquid chiller designed to maintain a stable thermal reservoir, allowing for consistent treatment of associated gas, even amid rapid fluctuations Read More…
(The Center Square) – Lawfully issued congressional subpoenas are not subject to interference from the White House or its appointed leaders of departments, North Carolina Congresswoman Virginia Foxx said Friday. The Republican bidding for an 11th term in the Beltway chastised Education Secretary Miguel Cardona for “repeatedly” trying to interfere with the work of the Read More…
From the time he was a child, Paul E. Funk II knew he wanted to serve in the U.S. military. He watched his father, also named Paul, fly a Cobra helicopter in 1968, sparking some of his earliest fascination with the armed forces. An avid athlete, Funk had always felt the deep importance of being Read More…
Michael Partnow, a seasoned veteran of the financial services industry, has partnered with Digital Wealth News (DWN) to announce the inaugural Big Sky | AI Roundtable, taking place on October 23-24 at the historic Baxter Hotel in Bozeman, Montana. This invitation-only event aims to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and the financial services sector. Read More…
(The Center Square) – Three Mile Island came out of retirement on Friday, exactly five years after mounting economic pressure and shifting energy demand forced the infamous Pennsylvania nuclear generation plant to shut down. Constellation Energy announced that Microsoft will buy 835 megawatts of energy from the facility to power the company’s data centers spread Read More…
As the Nov. 5 U.S. presidential election approaches, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump remain in a stalemate, according to recent polls. New data released on Thursday indicates a particularly close race in the crucial battleground state of Pennsylvania. A national poll conducted by The New York Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and Read More…
When J. Mitchell Vaterlaus worked as a marriage and family therapist, he noticed that many of his clients lacked basic relational skills, including skills in communication, setting boundaries, and combining and establishing familial traditions. “It made me really interested in thinking about how to do more prevention science,” Vaterlaus said. “How do we prevent these Read More…
(The Center Square) – As Americans struggle with high inflationary costs, paying record high grocery costs and energy bills, Congress continues to allocate billions of dollars of taxpayer money to fund services for illegal border crossers living in U.S. cities. Prior to the last budget funding showdown in March, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, said Read More…
(The Center Square) – A top Democratic donation processor, Act Blue, is facing an investigation over concerns that the donation processing service is being used to circumvent campaign finance laws. The Republican-led House Oversight Committee launched the investigation, citing “reports of potentially fraudulent and illicit financial activity” in a letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. Read More…