Over 230 attendees, including leaders from Idaho cities and counties, state and federal agencies, business owners, and community organizations, convened for the fourth annual Idaho Rural Success Summit held in Worley, Idaho, on April 30 and May 1, 2025. The two-day event served as a platform for discussion and collaboration on key issues impacting rural Read More…
(The Center Square) – The Federal Reserve said Wednesday it would hold interest rates unchanged as it warned about the potential for higher unemployment and higher inflation as a result of President Donald Trump’s trade plans. “If the large increases in tariffs that have been announced are sustained, they’re likely to generate a rise in Read More…
(The Center Square) – As congressional Democrats push back against second-term Republican President Donald Trump’s policies, from border security and his mass deportation efforts to tariffs and energy policies, nearly 3 in 4 Democratic voters say their elected representatives in Congress aren’t doing enough. Only Democrats were asked: “Should Democrats in Congress fight Trump more Read More…
(The Center Square) – Resentencing hearings for murderers Erik and Lyle Menendez have been set for Tuesday and Wednesday despite objections from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. During a hearing Friday in a Van Nuys courtroom, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic set the hearing dates, which will also be in Van Read More…
The Make America Healthy Again movement has gained significant attention throughout the nation and many of the top initiatives highlighted have found their way into state legislatures this session. Louisiana is no exception and Senator Patrick McMath, R-Covington, has, via Senate Bill 14, proposed a significant cleanup of our food supply, especially focused on kids. Read More…
“Conservatism has always been about reforming government and solving problems, and that’s why the conservative movement should lead on immigration reform.” – Marco Rubio The United States has long been a destination for freedom and opportunity for millions of men and women from around the globe. Immigration has been an essential element for the socioeconomic Read More…
For the second summer in a row, Montana State University student Lukas Kosel has been selected to participate in a cultural exchange program in China through the Max S. Baucus Institute. The junior from the small town of Roberts, who is majoring in English and history in the College of Letters and Science, is one Read More…
The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP) has awarded Congressman Ryan Zinke (R-MT-01) its highest honor, the James D. Range Conservation Award, recognizing his leadership in wildlife conservation and protection of public lands. Zinke, a former Secretary of the Interior and a longtime advocate for public access and land stewardship, was honored during the TRCP’s annual Read More…
The North Dakota Department of Commerce announced today that Tugboat Solutions, Inc. and Verdethos, Inc. have been approved for a combined total of $255,000 in funding through the state’s Angel Match Program (AMP) for the first quarter of 2025. The Angel Match Program, designed to support early-stage, high-growth companies, will provide Tugboat Solutions with a Read More…
As part of Small Business Week, Governor Greg Gianforte visited Swanky Roots, a family-run aquaponics greenhouse in Billings, to celebrate local entrepreneurship and highlight the role of small businesses in Montana’s economy. “Small businesses like Swanky Roots are the backbone of our communities and economy,” Governor Gianforte said during his visit. “It’s inspiring to see Read More…
U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy (R–Mont.) led a coalition of 16 Republican lawmakers in sending a letter to former President Donald J. Trump, voicing strong support for potential executive action aimed at strengthening America’s wildfire response. In the letter, the lawmakers urged Trump to pursue executive-level reforms to streamline federal wildfire response efforts, increase interagency cooperation, Read More…
(The Center Square) – Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte is pitching gun manufacturers based in Colorado to relocate to his state. Gianforte, whose office posted a video to social media on Wednesday, cited Colorado’s new gun law, Senate Bill 25-003, and other laws not friendly to the industry. SB 25-003, which Colorado Gov. Jared Polis signed into law earlier Read More…
A Montana State University graduate hopes a youthful, in-charge, purple civil engineer with large, pointy ears will pique the interests of children about her own chosen profession. Lisa Schleuter (previously Woerlein), graduated from MSU’s Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering in 2014 with a degree in civil engineering and minors in aerospace and Spanish. It was Read More…
A soon-to-be two-time graduate of Montana State University is participating in a selective academic and professional development program for young leaders in agriculture through the Farm Foundation. Caroline Roeder Helle is one of five graduate students nationwide to be named to the foundation’s Agricultural Scholars program for 2025. Over a year, selected students participate in Read More…
When the Tennessee Titans open the doors to their brand-new Nissan Stadium in 2027, fans will be welcomed into a high-tech visual experience unlike any other in the NFL. Partnering with Daktronics, a leading LED display manufacturer based in Brookings, South Dakota, the Titans will install 37 massive video displays totaling more than 77,000 square Read More…
Montana has made history as the first state in the U.S. to legally protect its citizens’ right to access and use computational tools and artificial intelligence technologies. Governor Greg Gianforte this week signed Senate Bill 212, officially known as the Montana Right to Compute Act (MRTCA), into law. The groundbreaking legislation affirms Montanans’ fundamental right Read More…
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announced a major initiative today to combat the state’s growing opioid crisis through the distribution of 20,000 naloxone kits, totaling 40,000 doses, in partnership with nonprofit organization Emily’s Hope and the Departments of Social Services and Health. Funded through the South Dakota Opioid Settlement and supplied by Teva Pharmaceuticals, Read More…
Nearly a year after a University of Wyoming arts instructor disappeared on a mountain bike ride, there are still no clues as to what might have happened to him. Nash Quinn, now 40, is believed to have left his home sometime between July 8 – 21, 2024, never to return. His keys, wallet, and cellphone were left Read More…
The first quarter financial reports for Congress are in and U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis is seeing the green. Lummis now has more than $1.5 million cash-on-hand heading into the 2026 election season between her main campaign committee and Steer political action committee. No one has announced that they plan to challenge Lummis. If someone does, Read More…
(The Center Square) – The Trump administration is continuing to reverse Biden administration energy policies, including its moratorium on new oil and natural gas lease sales on federal land and offshore waters. In response to President Donald Trump’s executive order, “Unleashing American Energy,” Interior Secretary Doug Burgum issued an order to reduce regulatory burdens and Read More…
North Dakota Superintendent of Public Instruction Kirsten Baesler on Thursday celebrated 46 exceptional educators who have been named County Teachers of the Year, recognizing their outstanding contributions to students, schools, and communities across the state. “These remarkable teachers have earned the admiration of their peers, students, and families for their dedication and excellence,” said Baesler. Read More…
The Montana State Auditor’s Office has named Trevor Graff as its new Director of Government Relations, effective immediately. In this role, Graff will serve as the agency’s chief liaison to the Montana Legislature and other state and federal agencies. State Auditor and Commissioner of Securities and Insurance James Brown praised the appointment, saying, “We are Read More…
Governor Greg Gianforte joined small business owners in Kalispell today to rally support for his push to deliver permanent property and income tax relief for Montanans. Speaking at a press conference hosted at The Rancher’s Daughter, a local farm-to-table store, Gianforte laid out his tax reform agenda and emphasized the urgency of passing relief measures Read More…
Shodair Children’s Hospital has announced a major boost to its Hope Campaign with a $250,000 leadership gift from Stockman Bank, becoming the campaign’s Premier Leadership Sponsor. The donation marks a significant investment in the hospital’s mission to provide vital mental health, allied care, and genetic services to Montana’s children — regardless of their families’ financial Read More…
Montana State University (MSU) will celebrate its 142nd spring commencement on Friday, May 9, awarding 2,465 degrees during two ceremonies at the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse. The events, scheduled for 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., will mark a milestone for students across undergraduate, graduate, and associate programs. According to the Office of the Registrar, MSU will Read More…
(The Center Square) – The Federal Bureau of Investigation has arrested Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan, according to a social media post from FBI Director Kash Patel. U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi wrote that the arrest was “for allegedly helping an illegal alien avoid arrest by @ICEgov.” “We believe Judge Dugan intentionally misdirected federal Read More…
A Billings woman is facing felony charges after allegedly embezzling more than $100,000 from a local nonprofit trade organization. Valary Nichole Obert, 35, has been charged with felony embezzlement exceeding $10,000 in Yellowstone County District Court. According to investigators, Obert is accused of stealing approximately $124,200 from the Billings Home Builders Association (BHBA) by falsifying Read More…
DHL Express, the international shipping division of Germany’s Deutsche Post, will suspend global business-to-consumer shipments valued over $800 to individuals in the United States starting April 21. The move comes in response to recent changes in U.S. customs regulations that have increased processing times for high-value shipments. The announcement was posted on the company’s website, Read More…
Gov. Mark Gordon is piling up the frequent flier miles, traveling around the world on behalf of the state. The cross-continental trip is based around promoting Wyoming, visiting with the state’s members of the military stationed overseas and building international trade alliances. After visiting the Middle East, Gordon will continue on to East Asia where he’ll visit Read More…
In celebration of Purple Up Day for Military Kids, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder joined students, families, and community leaders at Freedom Elementary on Friday to recognize the important role military children and their families play in supporting the nation’s security. Purple Up Day, observed in April during the Month of the Military Read More…
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley is joining forces with a bipartisan coalition of 51 Attorneys General to issue a warning to nine major voice service providers, alerting them that they may be violating both state and federal laws by continuing to route allegedly unlawful robocalls through their networks. “These companies are allowing harmful scams Read More…
Shaina Eagleson, a science teacher at West Fargo’s Sheyenne High School, has been named a state finalist for the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST), North Dakota’s Department of Public Instruction announced Thursday. The award, considered the highest national recognition for K-12 STEM educators, honors outstanding teaching in science, technology, Read More…
The U.S. Interior Department announced Friday that it is opening the public comment process for a new five-year offshore oil and gas leasing program, potentially paving the way for expanded drilling in the Arctic and other previously restricted areas. The move is part of the Trump administration’s broader push to boost domestic energy production. The Read More…
Jared Landin’s first few axe throws were far from bullseyes. Last fall, Landin spent weeks practicing axe throwing, often landing hits everywhere except the target. Over time his persistence paid off, earning him the chance to represent the University of Montana’s Woodsman Team at timber sports competitions around the country. On Friday and Saturday, April Read More…
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen led a coalition of 21 states in filing an amicus brief supporting President Donald Trump’s decision to reduce the workforce at the Department of Education, a move aimed at returning more educational authority to state governments. The brief was filed on Monday in the case State of New York v. Read More…
The Wyoming Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday regarding the classification of abortion as healthcare, a case that could significantly impact the future of abortion access in the state. The state is challenging a Teton County judge’s ruling that abortion is a form of healthcare, arguing that laws passed in 2023, which could impose a near-total Read More…
Governor Kelly Armstrong signed Senate Bill 2214 into law today, officially approving the merger of the North Dakota Securities Department into the North Dakota Insurance Department. The consolidation aims to streamline regulatory oversight of the state’s financial services industry. Under the new law, regulatory authority will be unified under the elected insurance commissioner. The merger Read More…
The Wyoming Business Council (WBC) is excited to announce the addition of three new team members who bring a shared passion for Wyoming’s communities, businesses, and future growth. These individuals are eager to help foster innovation and support local enterprises as the state continues to prosper. Emma Gregg – Accounting Solutions Coordinator Emma Gregg joins Read More…
Black Hills Corp. (NYSE: BKH) announced it will release its first-quarter 2025 financial results after market close on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. The company will host a live conference call and webcast the following day, Thursday, May 8, at 11 a.m. EDT to discuss its earnings and operational highlights. Investors and analysts who wish to Read More…
Alpha Omega Disaster Restoration, a leading provider of damage restoration services in Billings, Montana, has launched a new website designed to improve user experience and deliver more comprehensive information to residential and commercial customers. The updated site is now integrated within the main platform of Alpha Omega’s parent company, FLEET Response—a national network of local Read More…