Billings City Administrator Chris Kukulski, currently in the second year of a three-year contract, will see a delay in discussions about his pay increase. The Billings City Council decided to postpone the decision following Kukulski’s recent performance evaluation, citing concerns about public perception as the city continues to address issues with its water billing system. Read More…
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen spearheaded a coalition of 28 states in filing an amicus brief opposing the Biden-Harris administration’s attempt to classify forced reset triggers (FRTs) as machine guns under federal law. The brief, submitted to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, supports the National Association for Gun Rights in their challenge to the Read More…
The 2025 Idaho Rural Success Summit is set to take place on April 30 and May 1 at the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel in Worley, Idaho. The event will bring together community leaders, policymakers, and organizations to share successful strategies for rural development and foster collaboration. The summit will feature dynamic lightning-round presentations, panel Read More…
BOZEMAN — A new six-year, $3 million grant-funded project at Montana State University will support dozens of science, technology, engineering and math teachers in rural and underserved areas of Montana as they work toward graduate degrees in science education or deepen their expertise as teachers. The project ultimately aims to strengthen STEM education for students Read More…
President-elect Donald Trump has announced his selection of Brendan Carr as chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), a move that is expected to reshape the agency’s direction on telecom policies. Carr, 45, currently serves as the top Republican on the FCC, the independent agency responsible for regulating telecommunications in the U.S. Carr has been Read More…
Idaho is one of 17 states that requires a fiscal impact statement for a proposed ballot measure. While this is an important transparency tool to help provide voters with details on the potential fiscal cost of citizen initiatives, the debate surrounding the recently defeated Proposition 1 demonstrates the need for reforms to this process. Here Read More…
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has drafted a new Montana Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (MPDES) permit to replace an existing permit issued in 2006 for the Montanore Minerals Corporation (MMC) Libby Creek Adit, located south of Libby in Lincoln County. The Libby Exploration Project involves underground exploration for silver and copper ores. MMC Read More…
The University of Montana Alumni Association (UMAA) has announced the recipients of this year’s Distinguished Alumni Awards, recognizing five individuals who have made significant contributions in their fields and brought honor to the university, state, and nation. The awardees are chosen by the UMAA Board of Directors based on their respected careers and community impact. Read More…
The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) is inviting the public to submit creative name ideas for its annual Name-A-Plow Contest. Past winning entries have included clever names like Buzz Iceclear, Alice Scooper, Darth Blader, and CtrlSaltDelete. Submissions can be made through the NDDOT website at www.dot.nd.gov/name-a-plow until November 15. Now in its fourth year, Read More…
The Harlem Globetrotters will bring their signature blend of athleticism and comedy to Montana State University’s Brick Breeden Fieldhouse at 7 p.m. on Friday, February 7, as part of their 2025 world tour. Tickets for this exciting exhibition are set to go on sale at 10 a.m. on Monday, October 28. Fans can purchase tickets Read More…
The Unbreakables Foundation, co-founded by Montana native and entrepreneur Dr. Braxton Norwood, has announced the launch of its inaugural scholarship program aimed at high school students across Montana. The Unbreakables Scholarship is designed to support and uplift graduating seniors, providing financial assistance to selected members of the Class of 2025 as they pursue higher education Read More…
agle Bancorp Montana, Inc. (NASDAQ: EBMT), the parent company of Opportunity Bank of Montana, announced today a net income of $2.7 million, or $0.34 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2024. This marks an increase from the previous quarter’s net income of $1.7 million, or $0.22 per diluted share, and is consistent with Read More…
Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. (“Bridger” or “Bridger Aerospace”) (NASDAQ: BAER, BAERW), one of the largest aerial firefighting companies in the United States, has announced that it will release its financial results for the third quarter ending September 30, 2024, on Monday, November 11, 2024, after the market closes. Management will host an investor conference Read More…
The University of Montana has been awarded a grant from the National Security Agency (NSA) to lead a coalition of five western states in enhancing cybersecurity education for students and teachers. Through the GenCyber program, the nearly $600,000 grant will enable UM to collaborate with other colleges to develop a regional initiative aimed at strengthening Read More…
On October 23, 2024, the Wyoming Veterans Commission announced the appointment of a new commissioner and the re-appointment of several dedicated members committed to advocating for veterans throughout the state. Bobby Werner from Basin, Wyoming, has been appointed as the new commissioner for Judicial District 5. The commission also re-appointed the following individuals: – Rosemarie Read More…
Donald Trump has been elected the 47th president of the United States, completing an extraordinary political comeback. With his victory in Wisconsin, Trump secured the 270 electoral votes needed to reclaim the White House, just four years after losing to Joe Biden. The former president’s return to power marks a stunning reversal after his 2020 Read More…
Cory Swanson has been declared the winner of the race for Montana Supreme Court Chief Justice, defeating Jerry Lynch in a closely watched contest. As of early Wednesday morning, Swanson held a lead of 54% to Lynch’s 46%, with a majority of votes now counted. Swanson, a Montana native, gained strong support in the race Read More…
The Associated Press has called the race for Montana Secretary of State in favor of incumbent Republican Christi Jacobsen. As of 8:01 a.m. Wednesday, Jacobsen leads with 62% of the vote, while Democratic challenger Jesse Mullen has secured 35%, and Libertarian candidate John Lamb trails with 3%. Jacobsen, who was first sworn into office on Read More…
The Associated Press has declared Ryan Zinke the winner of Montana’s 1st Congressional District race, securing re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives. Zinke, the Republican incumbent, defeated Democratic challenger Monica Tranel in a closely watched race that highlighted key issues such as housing affordability and government spending. At an election watch party in Missoula, Read More…
Republican Tim Sheehy has won Montana’s high-stakes U.S. Senate race, defeating three-term Democratic incumbent Jon Tester in a contest that saw record-breaking spending and national attention. Sheehy’s victory bolsters the GOP’s newly acquired majority in the Senate and signals a continued shift toward Republican dominance in Montana. The 38-year-old Sheehy, a former U.S. Navy SEAL Read More…
Decision Desk HQ has officially called Montana’s Governor race for incumbent Republican Greg Gianforte, as early results show him leading Democratic challenger Ryan Busse by a wide margin. With 6.2% of the vote counted as of 9:25 p.m., Gianforte has garnered 22,188 votes, while Busse trails with 12,777 votes. Libertarian candidate Kaiser Leib is currently Read More…
The Associated Press has called Austin Knudsen the winner of the race for Montana Attorney General, with 86.1% of the votes counted. Knudsen, the Republican incumbent, has successfully secured a second term in office, defeating Democratic challenger Ben Alke. Knudsen, who was raised in Culbertson, Montana, has held the position of Attorney General since 2020. Read More…
lack Hills Corp. (NYSE: BKH) announced today that its board of directors declared a quarterly dividend during a meeting held on October 28, 2024. Common shareholders on record as of the close of business on November 18, 2024, will receive a dividend of $0.65 per share, payable on December 1, 2024. Additionally, the company confirmed Read More…
Governor Greg Gianforte presented the Spirit of Montana award to Grayson Williams and Chancy Segeberg in Columbus, recognizing their heroic actions that saved a friend’s life after a serious car accident. “As Montanans, we’re defined by our resilience, sense of community, and our willingness to help one another in times of need,” Gov. Gianforte stated Read More…
BOZEMAN – While it’s known for its museums in Washington, D.C., the Smithsonian Institution also comprises dozens of research and education bodies around the world. And through a unique collaboration with one of those teams, faculty and students at Montana State University are amplifying ecological research in the northern Great Plains. The Smithsonian’s Great Plains Read More…
Governor Greg Gianforte visited Oxbow Cattle Company in Missoula, celebrating the innovative work of owners Bart and Wendy Morris in promoting the value of Montana products. “Across Montana, producers like Bart and Wendy are adding value to our world-class beef, grains, and other high-quality products,” Gov. Gianforte said. “We’ll continue to promote and invest in Read More…
Governor Greg Gianforte visited the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch (YBGR) in Billings on Wednesday, expressing gratitude to staff for their work in supporting youth facing mental health challenges. “From pandemic-related isolation to the pressures of social media, young people across the state and country are facing a mental health crisis,” Gov. Gianforte stated. “It Read More…
After a decisive election victory, Republicans are preparing an aggressive 100-day agenda with President-elect Donald Trump returning to the White House and GOP lawmakers in control of Congress. The proposed policies aim to reshape America’s tax system, safety net programs, energy initiatives, and immigration enforcement, reigniting debates over income inequality, government size, and federal deficits. Read More…
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced today the launch of an investigation involving a coalition of 12 state attorneys general into the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The inquiry centers on allegations that the AAP has disseminated misleading and deceptive information regarding the use of puberty blockers to treat children with gender dysphoria, potentially violating Read More…
Montana Republican Party Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt issued a statement today criticizing Senator Jon Tester for what he claims are false assertions regarding funding for law enforcement in a recent political advertisement. Kaltschmidt’s remarks come after several Montana Sheriff’s Offices publicly disputed Tester’s claims about his support for local law enforcement agencies. “Jon Tester’s true Read More…
The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded a $6.4 million grant to the Western Transportation Institute (WTI) at Montana State University to support workforce development in the railway sector throughout Montana. Announced on October 29, the grant is part of a larger infrastructure initiative funded by the DOT’s Federal Railroad Administration. This initiative is made Read More…
BOZEMAN — Jim Weatherly, whose career includes leading an influential Montana-based engineering firm for nearly 30 years, will be inducted into the Montana Professional Engineers Hall of Fame on Nov. 6. Montana State University’s Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering houses the hall of fame, which was founded in 2002 to recognize engineers who have made Read More…
(The Center Square) – Noncitizens, including those in the country illegally, are committing crimes, and they’re being charged, imprisoned and convicted for them in Texas. A new report by the Texas Department of Public Safety highlights the extent of criminal charges, it says, not “to allege that foreign nationals in the country illegally commit more Read More…
(The Center Square) – Tens of millions of federal tax dollars are coming to Illinois to further support Rockford’s electric grid. During an event in front of a banner saying “Biden-Harris Administration; Investing in America,” Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced the $50 million in federal tax funds coming to the community to help achieve his “ambitious Read More…
A human trafficking operation conducted this week by the Montana Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), along with the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office and the Missoula Police Department, resulted in the arrest of eight individuals, Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced today. All individuals were arrested on pending charges of patronizing a prostitute, with Read More…
Montana State University (MSU) Extension is set to launch the first Cattle Academy, a biennial regional conference for beef cattle producers, on November 19-20 at the Custer County Event Center, located at 72 Garryowen Road. The Cattle Academy aims to equip beef cattle producers with valuable insights on contemporary topics, current research, and innovative technologies Read More…
U.S. Senator Steve Daines today condemned new guidance issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury regarding the Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit (45X), labeling it a “cynical and desperate attempt to get votes before the election.” Daines’ remarks came after the Treasury made minor adjustments to its draft guidance, which he had previously criticized for Read More…
(The Center Square) – Following Florida, Texas sued the Biden-Harris administration Tuesday after requesting citizenship status information about registered voters in Texas, and not receiving it from federal agencies as required by law. Last week, a coalition of attorneys general, including from Florida and Texas, called on Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to Read More…
Governor Greg Gianforte joined community leaders today to announce a $700 million investment aimed at enhancing affordable and reliable energy in Montana through the North Plains Connector Interregional Innovation project. This initiative will establish the first high-voltage transmission line connecting Montana’s eastern and western power grids. “Access to affordable and reliable energy is a top Read More…
Next month Tryg Koch, a familiar face to many in Montana’s agricultural community, will be recognized by the Montana State University College of Agriculture during the annual Celebrate Ag event. Koch is the 2024 recipient of the college’s Outstanding Agricultural Leader award. Each year ahead of Celebrate Ag, members of the agricultural community across the Read More…