Featured Articles in Featured

Netanyahu Confirms Israeli Airstrike Targeted Iran’s Nuclear Capabilities

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Monday that Israel’s airstrike on Iran last month targeted a specific element of Tehran’s nuclear program, while also damaging its defense and missile production capabilities. In a speech to the Israeli parliament, Netanyahu stated, “It’s not a secret. There is a specific component in their nuclear program that was Read More…

Montana State University Appoints William Thomas as New Dean of College of Letters and Science

Montana State University announced today that William Thomas, a seasoned administrator and faculty member from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, has been selected as the new dean of the MSU College of Letters and Science. Thomas will officially assume his role on January 13, 2025. “William Thomas brings a wealth of experience as a scholar, educator, Read More…

Billings City Administrator’s Pay Increase Postponed Amid Ongoing Water Bill Audit

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…

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Netanyahu Confirms Israeli Airstrike Targeted Iran’s Nuclear Capabilities

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Monday that Israel’s airstrike on Iran last month targeted a specific element of Tehran’s nuclear program, while also damaging its defense and missile production capabilities. In a speech to the Israeli parliament, Netanyahu stated, “It’s not a secret. There is a specific component in their nuclear program that was Read More…

Montana State University Appoints William Thomas as New Dean of College of Letters and Science

Montana State University announced today that William Thomas, a seasoned administrator and faculty member from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, has been selected as the new dean of the MSU College of Letters and Science. Thomas will officially assume his role on January 13, 2025. “William Thomas brings a wealth of experience as a scholar, educator, Read More…

Billings City Administrator’s Pay Increase Postponed Amid Ongoing Water Bill Audit

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 Leads 28-State Coalition Challenging Biden Admin’s New Firearm Regulation

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…

Trump Picks Brendan Carr as Chairman of the FCC

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…

DEQ Proposes New Permit for Montanore Minerals Corporation’s Libby Creek Project

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…

University of Montana Alumni Association Honors Five Distinguished Alumni

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…

North Dakota DOT Invites Public to Participate in Annual Name-A-Plow Contest

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…

Unbreakables Foundation Launches Scholarship Program for Montana High School Students

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…

Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings to Announce Third Quarter Financial Results

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…

University of Montana Secures NSA Grant for Cybersecurity Education Initiative

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…

Wyoming Veterans Commission Announces New Appointment and Re-appointments of Commissioners

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…

Tim Sheehy Defeats Jon Tester

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…

Greg Gianforte Declared Winner of Montana Governor’s Race

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…

Austin Knudsen Wins Re-election as Montana Attorney General

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…

Collaboration between Montana State and Smithsonian elevates prairie and grassland research

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 Gianforte Visits Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch to Support Youth Mental Health Initiatives

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…

Knudsen launches investigation into pediatric group for misleading puberty blocker guidelines

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 Calls Out Tester Over Law Enforcement Funding Claims

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…

Montana State University Receives $6.4 Million Grant for Railway Workforce Development

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…

ComEd to get $50 million grant from taxpayer funds for Rockford grid expansion

(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…

Eight Arrested in Human Trafficking Operation in Missoula

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 Extension to Host Inaugural Cattle Academy in Miles City

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…

Daines Criticizes Biden Administration’s Mining Regulations as “Cynical”

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…

Gianforte Celebrates $700 Million Investment in Montana’s Energy Infrastructure

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…

Report: Biden-Harris admin spent $900 million pushing faulty COVID messaging

(The Center Square) – The Republican-led House Energy and Commerce Committee released a report Wednesday saying that the Biden-Harris Administration spent nearly a billion dollars promoting COVID-era messaging, much of which turned out to be untrue or misleading. The Congressional report examines the $900 million spent by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Read More…

Daines Challenges Biden Administration’s “Gender Identity” Guidance

U.S. Senator Steve Daines, along with several Republican colleagues, has formally challenged new guidance from the Biden administration that they claim undermines religious protections and poses risks to women’s safety in the workplace. In a letter addressed to President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, the senators Read More…

More than 525,000 illegal border crossers reported in California in fiscal 2024

(The Center Square) – More than 525,000 illegal border crossers were reported in California in fiscal 2024, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection data. This excludes those who illegally entered and evaded capture, known as gotaways. CBP doesn’t publicly report gotaway data. The Center Square first reported gotaway data in 2021 after obtaining it Read More…

Annual Montana FFA Ag Expo set for Nov. 14-16

Montana State University (MSU) is set to welcome nearly 1,800 high school and middle school students from across the state for the annual Montana FFA Ag Expo, taking place from November 14 to 16. The expo will feature a variety of activities designed to enhance leadership skills and provide educational opportunities. Students will participate in Read More…

California may lose two more refineries, would have to rely on gas from abroad

(The Center Square) – Short on the heels of another major refinery closure, Valero signaled it is considering closing its two California refineries that produce over 14% of the state’s gasoline. Refinery closures already have the state importing 8% of its gasoline supply, which means the state could soon have to significantly increase its imports Read More…

GOP Chairman Criticizes Suspension Recommendation for Attorney General Knudsen

Montana Republican Party Chairman Don Kaltschmidt has condemned the Commission on Practices (COP) following their recommendation to suspend Attorney General Austin Knudsen for 90 days. Kaltschmidt described the recommendation as “absurd,” claiming it reflects the interests of “a group of Democrat donors looking to advance the electoral interests of their party’s candidate for Attorney General.” Read More…

Uncompensated care for migrants flagged as burdensome

(The Center Square) – The surge of undocumented immigration in the U.S. strains resources far beyond the border, leaving many areas grappling with mounting pressures on social services. This includes hospitals that face the cost of uncompensated care. Uncompensated care refers to services provided without payment, such as charity care and unanticipated bad debt. Federal Read More…

Colorado launches new hospital price finder tool

(The Center Square) – Colorado Governor Jared Polis launched the Colorado Hospital Price Finder this week. It’s a tool made available to the public by HB22-1285. It hopes to “connect Coloradans with services, increase price transparency, and save people money on health care,” according to the governor’s office. It complements another state-generated price transparency initiative Polis announced Read More…

Montana Attorney General Sues TikTok Over Harmful Content to Minors

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has filed a lawsuit against TikTok, alleging the social media platform knowingly shares addictive and harmful content with children and teens, while engaging in deceptive practices that violate the Montana Consumer Protection Act. The lawsuit follows a comprehensive investigation by the Montana Department of Justice, which found that TikTok presents Read More…