The U.S. stock market delivered a gripping performance this week, propelled by tech sector strength, a solid jobs report, and flickers of optimism in U.S.-China trade talks, though tariff jitters and uneven economic data kept investors on their toes. The S&P 500, Nasdaq Composite, and Dow Jones Industrial Average eked out gains, closing a turbulent Read More…
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen is spearheading a 28-state coalition backing a legal challenge to Maine’s newly enacted 72-hour waiting period for firearm purchases, calling the law an unconstitutional infringement on Second Amendment rights. In an amicus brief filed in Beckwith v. Frey, the coalition urged the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit Read More…
The U.S. Supreme Court issued a series of unanimous decisions this week, resolving contentious disputes and clarifying legal boundaries on discrimination, religious tax exemptions, gun manufacturer liability, and environmental regulations. Handed down by June 5, 2025, these rulings addressed pressing issues, shaping policies and lives across the nation. In Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Read More…
Governor Greg Gianforte on Thursday praised the Trump Administration’s approval of a crucial mining permit for the Signal Peak Energy coal mine, calling the move a major victory for Montana coal miners and a lifeline for American energy independence. The U.S. Department of the Interior, under Secretary Doug Burgum, authorized Signal Peak to move forward Read More…
U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Representative Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.) teamed up with Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Representative Rick Larsen (D-Wash.) to introduce the bipartisan PROTECT Act, aimed at tackling drug trafficking in tribal communities across the country, including Montana. The bill—Protection for Reservation Occupants Against Trafficking and Evasive Communications Today (PROTECT) Act—would expand Read More…
Today, on the 81st anniversary of D-Day, the world pauses to honor one of the most defining moments of the 20th century—the Allied invasion of Normandy during World War II. On this day in 1944, over 156,000 troops from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and other Allied nations stormed the beaches of Normandy, France, Read More…
Senator Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) has followed through on a key campaign promise by placing up to $50 million of his Bridger Aerospace stock into two blind trusts — a move that sets a high standard for transparency and ethical responsibility. The blind trusts, which were filed with the U.S. Senate Financial Disclosures Office recently, mark Read More…
Governor Greg Gianforte continued his fifth annual 56 County Tour this week, meeting with Montanans in Golden Valley, Wheatland, and Fergus counties to celebrate legislative wins and highlight rural resilience. During stops across central Montana, the governor met with lawmakers, small business owners, and community leaders, emphasizing the importance of local leadership and education. “The Read More…
(The Center Square) – American colleges are not preparing students for the workforce, according to a recent poll, with hiring managers saying many graduates are entitled, easily offended, and on their phones too much. A May release on the Resume.org poll said that “the class of 2025 college graduates [are] entering a difficult job market. Read More…
(The Center Square) – In just a few months, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have arrested more than 1,000 “illegal alien workers without employment authorization.” It’s “the highest rate of arrest in HSI’s history,” HSI acting Executive Associate Director Robert Hammer said in April. “We’ve subpoenaed the business records of about 1,200 businesses, and Read More…
(The Center Square) – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is calling on law enforcement officials in all U.S. counties to participate in a federal program, 287(g). Those who do receive free training and resources, potentially federal grant money, and a partnership with the Trump administration to identify violent criminals illegally in the country, many of Read More…
(The Center Square) – Montana recently became the sixth state this year to pass a ban on foreign spending on ballot measures. Watchdog organizations, however, say the state’s new law is inadequate. Montana’s new law bars non-U.S. citizens, foreign governments, foreign political parties and foreign-owned entities from contributing to campaigns surrounding ballot measures. The legislation Read More…
BOZEMAN – Two years ago, a research team led by Montana State University assistant professor Martin Mosquera discovered that photons – the smallest possible units of light – can be controlled with color superposition to interact with and reveal specific information about molecules. For that discovery and its significance, as well as his work Read More…
As a registered and licensed dietitian nutritionist for over 15 years in Louisiana, I have worked alongside many providers with the common goal of providing the best possible care and supporting patients with guidance on balanced diets. With high rates of childhood obesity in Louisiana, I recognize that the state legislature is looking to apply Read More…
(The Center Square) – A day after Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the Trump administration was terminating Harvard University’s foreign student visa “privileges,” a federal judge has temporarily blocked the administration from halting the program. Judge Allison Burroughs of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts issued a temporary restraining order Friday Read More…
(The Center Square) – Los Angeles’ deputy mayor for public safety has pleaded guilty to calling in a fake, anti-Israel bomb threat to himself in October. Brian Williams, who was charged by federal prosecutors Thursday, faces up to 10 years in federal prison. Mayor Karen Bass announced in December that Williams had been put on administrative Read More…
The Max S. Baucus Institute has announced its Baucus Leader Class of 2025. The more than 40 University of Montana students selected represent Ambassador Baucus’ commitment to create outstanding service opportunities at home and abroad for undergraduate and graduate students from across Montana. Inspired by Baucus’ belief that “there is no higher calling than public Read More…
For states like Washington, Wyoming, Idaho and Montana, the 10-year regulatory moratorium on artificial intelligence recently passed by the House Energy and Commerce Committee represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity. The committee’s decision to advance this pause on state-level AI regulations marks a crucial step toward creating the regulatory certainty needed to attract substantial tech investment to our region, Read More…
U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) has introduced new legislation aimed at reinforcing the Department of Veterans Affairs’ commitment to accessible, high-quality health care for America’s veterans. Joined by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Daines is championing the “Protecting Veteran Community Care Act,” a bill that would bolster the VA’s Community Care program Read More…
Congressman Ryan Zinke (MT-01) announced his vote in favor of the Big Beautiful Bill Act, landmark legislation that he says delivers long-awaited reforms to federal tax policy, border security, entitlement programs, and land conservation—all while safeguarding Montana’s values and public lands. Zinke hailed the bill as a “bold, decisive action” to restore fiscal sanity and Read More…
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is seeking public input on its draft Mountain Goat Management Plan for 2025–2030, with the comment period open through June 8. Hunters, wildlife advocates, and other interested individuals are encouraged to review the draft plan and share their level of support—whether they generally support, support with concerns, or Read More…
North Dakota Tax Commissioner Brian Kroshus announced today that the state’s taxable sales and purchases for the first quarter of 2025 totaled $5.65 billion, reflecting a 1.53% decrease compared to the same period last year. Despite the modest decline, Kroshus said the data show signs of underlying economic stability amid national economic uncertainty. “While we Read More…
Daktronics, Inc. (Nasdaq: DAKT), a dynamic video communication displays and control systems company, announced today that Interim Chief Executive Officer Brad Wiemann and Acting Chief Financial Officer Howard Atkins will represent the company at the Craig-Hallum Capital Group’s 22nd Annual Institutional Investor Conference. The event will take place on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Minneapolis, Read More…
(The Center Square) – President Donald Trump signed several executive orders on nuclear energy Friday that Trump said would make the U.S. the “real power” in the industry. U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said the orders marked “a huge day for the nuclear industry,” enabling America to pursue nuclear innovation in ways it hasn’t Read More…
Just days before Memorial Day, U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) introduced new legislation aimed at ensuring national cemeteries remain open to the public on all federal holidays. The bill is designed to provide families, friends, and veteran organizations with consistent access to honor fallen service members on the days set aside for remembrance. “Federal holidays Read More…
The Wyoming Veterans Commission wrapped up its inaugural Veteran Services Symposium this week at Casper College, marking a major milestone in the state’s efforts to strengthen the network of care for veterans and their families. The two-day event brought together more than 150 service providers, advocates, and leaders from across Wyoming for a robust exchange Read More…
In a candid and forward-looking quarterly meeting this week, the Wyoming Business Council (WBC) Board of Directors turned its focus toward bold strategies aimed at reversing persistent economic challenges, including stagnant job growth and population decline. During a strategic work session held May 20, WBC CEO Josh Dorrell presented a stark assessment of Wyoming’s current Read More…
Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: BAER, BAERW), one of the nation’s leading aerial firefighting companies, announced today it has secured two unprecedented 120-day task orders from the U.S. Forest Service for its fleet of CL-415EAF “Super Scooper” aircraft. The contracts, each covering two aircraft, mark the longest task orders ever awarded to Bridger for Read More…
With Memorial Day weekend kicking off the unofficial start of summer, Attorney General Austin Knudsen and the Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) are urging Montanans to drive safely as the state enters the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer” — the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when traffic fatalities historically spike. To prevent tragedies, MHP Read More…
As part of his ongoing 56 County Tour, Governor Greg Gianforte made stops in eastern Montana this week to recognize two veterans with the 2024 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation, honoring their military service and continued contributions to their communities. On Thursday in Glendive, Gov. Gianforte presented the award to U.S. Army veteran Rick Berg during Read More…
Montana continues to outperform much of the nation in employment, ranking third among U.S. states for the lowest unemployment rate, Governor Greg Gianforte announced. The state’s jobless rate held steady at 2.7% in April, trailing only South Dakota and North Dakota. The figure marks an ongoing trend of low unemployment in Montana, maintaining 46 consecutive Read More…
The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has awarded the 2025 Excellence in Mining Reclamation Award in the coal category to the Buckskin Mine for its outstanding work restoring native sagebrush habitat in Campbell County. The award, which recognizes exceptional achievements in mine reclamation, will be officially presented during the 69th Annual Wyoming Mining Association Read More…
Congressman Ryan Zinke (MT-01), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Foreign Military Sales Task Force, has introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at modernizing the outdated Congressional Notification (CN) process for Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and Direct Commercial Sales (DCS). The bill is co-sponsored by Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-19). Zinke’s legislation comes as FMS and DCS Read More…
North Dakota State Superintendent of Public Instruction Kirsten Baesler’s nomination to serve as the U.S. Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education has advanced to the full United States Senate. The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) approved Baesler’s nomination Friday in a party-line vote of 12-11, as part of an en Read More…
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announced today the promotion of two veteran law enforcement officers to newly created leadership positions within the Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI). Supervisory Special Agents Mike Hockett and Dane Rasmussen have been named Special Agents in Charge (SAC) for the Eastern and Western regions of the state, respectively. “Special Read More…
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen is calling on the Gallatin County Commission to reject legal guidance from the Democrat county attorney and partner with the Trump Administration’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain undocumented immigrants with criminal backgrounds. In a letter sent Wednesday, Knudsen criticized a recent legal opinion from Democrat Gallatin County Attorney Read More…
The Wyoming Public Safety Communications Commission (PSCC) will convene in Casper next week for a two-day session focused on strategic planning and key updates to the state’s emergency communications infrastructure. The meetings will take place May 28–29 at the Thyra Thomson State Office Building, located at 444 W. Collins Dr., and will include both an Read More…
Berkshire Hathaway, the conglomerate helmed by legendary investor Warren Buffett, has become the largest private holder of short-term U.S. government debt — and now holds more Treasury bills than even the U.S. Federal Reserve. In its latest earnings report released Saturday, Berkshire revealed it now holds $314.1 billion in short-term Treasuries as of March 31, Read More…
Microsoft the technology titan that reshaped personal computing, celebrated its 50th anniversary on April 4, 2025, reflecting on a storied legacy while charting an ambitious path forward in artificial intelligence and cloud computing. Founded in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen, the company has evolved from a scrappy software startup to a $3 trillion Read More…
Elizabeth Shanahan, a professor of political science at Montana State University, has received a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program award to Australia, where she will investigate Australian public responses and policy development related to the prevention of emerging infectious disease. Shanahan will collaborate with a researcher in the University of Wollongong’s School of Health and Society Read More…