At a press conference held at Central Plumbing, Heating, Excavation in Great Falls, Governor Greg Gianforte discussed his proposed tax cuts aimed at delivering significant property tax relief for Montana homeowners and small businesses, specifically through the Homestead Rate Cut. “Through the Homestead Rate Cut, we can provide permanent property tax relief, giving Montanans more Read More…
The Senate Ethics Committee convened its first witness testimonies on Friday as part of its investigation into Sen. Jason Ellsworth’s alleged conflict of interest. The inquiry centers on a six-figure state-funded contract Ellsworth arranged without disclosing his long-standing personal relationship with the vendor. A legislative audit in February found that he had structured the contract Read More…
The Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (CSI) is calling for public comments on the regulation of digital assets, including cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, blockchain tokens, and other related financial instruments. With the rise of digital assets, the Commissioner is seeking input to help develop industry standards aimed at protecting investors from fraud and abuse while encouraging Read More…
Snow crunched underfoot as Mark Hebblewhite scanned the ridgelines of Canada’s Banff National Park. It was 1995, and the young biologist, fresh out of undergrad, was trailing one of the park’s most elusive wildlife species – the gray wolf. Though rare to see, the wolves of Banff had radio collars that allowed biologists like Hebblewhite Read More…
A new survey reveals that while the vast majority of Americans claim they’ve never cheated on their taxes, a significant portion of the population still worries about the possibility of an audit by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). According to a recent Rasmussen Reports national survey, 33% of American adults express concern that the IRS Read More…
Border Patrol agents in Texas, working in coordination with sheriff’s deputies from two counties, have seized more than half a million dollars in cash linked to alleged criminal activities. The occupants of the vehicles involved now face state charges related to cash smuggling. U.S. Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks reported the significant bust on Friday, Read More…
(The Center Square) – Almost 60,000 University of California health care and service workers continued to strike Thursday throughout the state. The UC employees are represented by two unions that began separate strikes Wednesday after the unions and the university failed to reach a new contract. Neither strike is scheduled to continue beyond this week. Both Read More…
For the fourth consecutive year, the Montana State University men’s hockey club will play in the American Collegiate Hockey Association’s Division 2 national tournament. The team will travel to St. Louis, where the tournament will be held March 14-18 at the Centene Community Ice Center. All games will be streamed live on FloHockey at flohockey.tv, Read More…
Prospects for a federal wealth tax could be nil in the Trump era, but states – specifically blue states – may be tempted to take up that cause, demonstrating the devastating effect that policy would have on citizens, businesses and the economy. Massachusetts went first, adopting a “millionaire tax” in 2022 that imposes a 4 Read More…
(The Center Square) – A large majority of the 75 largest cities in the U.S. are in financial trouble, according to a new report. Truth in Accounting released the report, which evaluated the 75 largest cities in the country, arguing that the majority of cities have financial problems and owe thousands of dollars in debt Read More…
For Montana State University junior Ashlin Ivester, a home-cooked meal is the key ingredient to bringing people together. Just ask the hundreds of families who would have otherwise struggled to afford a Christmas dinner but for Ivester’s efforts this winter. Montana State University psychology student, Ashlin Ivester, pictured Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025, in Bozeman, Mont Read More…
Montana state Senator Ellie Boldman, a Democrat from Missoula, pleaded guilty Monday morning to a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence after being found asleep in her running vehicle in downtown Helena early Sunday. Boldman, who had attended the Montana Democratic Party’s annual Mansfield Metcalf fundraising dinner earlier that evening, admitted in Helena Municipal Read More…
The Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) and County Treasurer’s offices are preparing for the launch of a new vehicle titling and registration system on March 17, 2025. The new system aims to improve customer service and efficiency across the state, but in preparation for the transition, all MVD exam stations and County Treasurer offices will Read More…
Governor Greg Gianforte announced today the appointment of John A. Mercer to the Twentieth Judicial District Court, which covers Lake and Sanders Counties. “John served the people of the Twentieth Judicial District well when I appointed him to serve his community last year, and I’m glad he was willing to do so once again,” said Read More…
MISSOULA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today visited Missoula County Public Schools (MCPS) to spotlight innovative programs that prepare students for success in the workforce. “Career and Technical Education plays an important role in preparing the next generation of Montana’s workforce,” Gov. Gianforte said. “By equipping students with hands-on skills and real-world experience, CTE and Read More…
Barrett Hospital & HealthCare in Dillon, Montana, is proud to announce its recognition as one of the 2025 Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals by The Chartis Center for Rural Health. This prestigious honor, awarded annually, highlights outstanding performance among rural hospitals across the country based on the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX®. “The Top 100 Read More…
U.S. Senator Steve Daines, Senator Tim Sheehy, Congressman Ryan Zinke, introduced a bicameral bill today aimed at protecting Montana mining jobs by prohibiting the import of critical minerals from Russia. The bill, which focuses on minerals such as platinum, palladium, and copper—resources that can be mined in the U.S.—seeks to reduce American reliance on foreign Read More…
In a cautious assessment of its business in China, Nvidia executives warned during the company’s quarterly earnings call Wednesday that the ongoing U.S.-China trade conflict is hurting its revenue, with tariffs and export controls adding significant uncertainty to its outlook. CEO Jensen Huang highlighted that Nvidia’s sales in China have been slashed by half since Read More…
The United States is falling behind in energy and infrastructure development, and the culprit is our own federal bureaucracy. This can change if Congress implements significant permitting reform, repeals decades of senseless and duplicative regulations, and restores regulatory order by returning power to the states as our founding fathers intended. While states like Texas can Read More…
Newly confirmed FBI Director Kash Patel begins his tenure with a 47% favorability rating, according to a recent national survey from Rasmussen Reports. The poll, conducted via telephone and online, reveals that 47% of likely U.S. voters hold a favorable view of Patel, with 29% expressing a very favorable opinion. In contrast, 36% of voters Read More…
Funding from the National Institutes of Health will allow a Montana State University research team to deepen explorations into a disease that is posing an increasing threat in the U.S. Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted by ticks, and nearly 90,000 cases in the U.S. were reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Read More…
Governor Brad Little announced today that he has signed House Bill 93, establishing the Parental Choice Tax Credit program, which will provide $50 million in tax credits to help Idaho families access a wide range of educational opportunities. “With the passage of the $50 million Parental Choice Tax Credit program, Idaho is once again leading Read More…
The Montana Senate has passed Senate Bill 42, a bill that would require judicial candidates at all levels – from Supreme Court justices to municipal judges – to declare a political party affiliation when running for office. Sponsored by Sen. Daniel Emrich, R-Great Falls, SB 42 passed the Senate by a 28-22 vote on Thursday, Read More…
A recent national poll reveals that 60% of voters support the idea of requiring paper ballots in U.S. elections, a measure that has gained significant attention following advocacy by former President Donald Trump. The proposal, which aims to strengthen election integrity, has sparked widespread discussion on both sides of the political spectrum. The survey, conducted Read More…
Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: BAER, BAERW), one of the largest aerial firefighting companies in the United States, today announced its participation in two upcoming investor conferences: the Canaccord Genuity Sustainability Forum and the 37th Annual ROTH Conference. On Wednesday, February 26, 2025, Bridger Aerospace’s management will speak at the virtual Canaccord Genuity Sustainability Read More…
Michael Saylor, the executive chairman of the newly renamed Strategy, stirred up a social media storm this week with an eyebrow-raising suggestion to his 4 million followers on X (formerly Twitter). In a post on Thursday, Saylor told his audience to “sell a kidney if you must, but keep the Bitcoin,” as the cryptocurrency faced Read More…
As the 2026 midterm elections approach, a new Cygnal poll reveals shifting political dynamics that could reshape the electoral landscape. Former President Donald Trump’s approval rating has climbed to 50%, with particularly notable gains among historically Democratic-leaning voter groups. Among Black men, 42% now approve of Trump’s performance, highlighting a growing realignment as the Republican Read More…
Montana State University has once again been recognized by the Carnegie Classification of Institutes of Higher Education and the American Council on Education as one of the most productive research institutions in the United States. MSU received R1 designation, which denotes very high research output and doctoral education – making it one of 187 institutions Read More…
Montana State University’s leading wool and sheep expert was featured recently in Time magazine, highlighting ongoing work to explore novel uses for wool. Brent Roeder, MSU Extension sheep specialist and a faculty member in the College of Agriculture’s Department of Animal and Range Sciences, appeared in the article, “Farmers are Using Wool to Save Water Read More…
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has ignited a passionate debate over who should be the next James Bond after taking to social media to ask his followers for their top pick. Bezos’ inquiry comes as Amazon solidifies its stake in the iconic British spy franchise. The retail and streaming giant acquired MGM Studios—the exclusive distributor of Read More…
(The Center Square) – The U.S. Department of Education under the Trump administration says that race-based decisions in education – including race-based hiring, admissions, and scholarships – are unlawful, and any institution that does not comply with the department’s antidiscrimination requirements will face loss of federal funding. “The Department of Education will no longer allow Read More…
In a controversial decision that flies in the face of biological science, a Montana District Court judge ruled that Senate Bill 458— which legally defined sex as strictly male or female— is unconstitutional. The ruling, handed down by Judge Leslie Halligan, claims the law violates the Montana Constitution’s guarantees of privacy and equal protection. However, Read More…
For the third consecutive year, UM has been named the top university in the nation for community and national service, an honor that highlights institutions excelling in student and alumni contributions to public service. “This ranking confirms what we know to be true: UM students and alumni continuously outperform their peers in the fields of Read More…
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has signed an immigration enforcement agreement with the Trump Administration’s Department of Homeland Security (DHS), allowing state law enforcement to take a more active role in deportation efforts. Under the agreement, Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) troopers and Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) agents will have the authority to arrest illegal Read More…
(The Center Square) – Spokane joined the ranks of others suing the Trump administration on Friday amid attempts to reduce federal spending after research institutions spent $9 billion in NIH grants on “indirect costs.” The National Institutes of Health posted on X earlier this month that of the $35 billion it handed out in research grants Read More…
Housing affordability is a real concern, but Washington lawmakers are proposing a deeply flawed solution: rent control. While Argentina reaps the benefits of repealing its disastrous rent control law, Washington legislators are hurling headlong down the path of ruinous third-world housing policy. House Bill 1217 would limit rent increases to 7% per year, prohibit any increases during a Read More…
(The Center Square) – Bitcoin and digital asset bills have been field in at least 31 state legislatures, according to a Bitcoin Laws website tracking state legislative filings. The website breaks down each bill filed and its progress in its respective chamber. Digital currency bills have been filed in the state legislatures of Alabama, Arizona, Read More…
The University of Montana (UM) is continuing its upward enrollment trend, reporting a 4.3% increase in student numbers for the spring 2025 semester compared to the previous year. “The trend is clear—more students are choosing the University of Montana than at any point in the past decade,” said UM President Seth Bodnar. “With student enrollment, Read More…
A Montana State University ice researcher recently won a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center to help a multi-institution team develop technologies to enable more readily sustained military operations in cold regions, such as within the Arctic Circle. The project is funded by a program of the Defense Advanced Read More…
Governor Greg Gianforte and Lieutenant Governor Kristen Juras marked a significant milestone in their administration’s ongoing efforts to streamline government regulations, celebrating the repeal or amendment of over 25% of state regulations in the last four years. Speaking on the success of the Red Tape Relief Task Force, Gov. Gianforte emphasized the state’s commitment to Read More…