The Wyoming Military Department honored Soldiers, Airmen, and civilian employees for their service and contributions during a series of award ceremonies held Nov. 3 and 4 at the Joint Forces Readiness Center, the 153rd Airlift Wing, and Camp Guernsey Joint Training Center. Maj. Gen. Greg Porter, Wyoming’s Adjutant General, praised award recipients for their dedication Read More…
Senator Steve Daines underscored the importance of strong economic and strategic ties between the United States and Central Asia during the C5+1 Tenth Anniversary Business Conference this week, delivering both the opening and closing remarks at the event. Over the past 20 months, Daines has visited all five Central Asian nations, meeting with their presidents Read More…
President Donald J. Trump has directed the Department of Justice to investigate the nation’s largest meat packing companies for potential collusion, price fixing, and manipulation, with a focus on foreign-owned or heavily foreign-influenced firms. The probe targets the “Big Four” meat packers — JBS (Brazil), Cargill, Tyson Foods, and National Beef — which together control Read More…
Congress has long recognized that stablecoins should not function as unregulated bank deposits. The intent of the recently enacted GENIUS Act is clear: to prohibit stablecoin issuers from paying interest or yield to holders, maintaining a distinction between payment instruments and bank deposits which are not only used for payment purposes but also as a Read More…
As Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz steps into the national spotlight, renewed attention is being paid to a 1995 drunk driving incident that has resurfaced in light of his current high-profile candidacy. The controversy traces back to Walz’s 2006 congressional campaign, where his team made several disputed claims about his arrest for driving under Read More…
The Wyoming National Guard proudly celebrated the fourth successful year of its Educator Leadership Rendezvous (ELR) from July 30 to August 1, 2024, at the Camp Guernsey Joint Training Center. This annual event continues to play a pivotal role in fostering strong relationships between educators and Guard members, showcasing the National Guard as a promising Read More…
The United States Supreme Court ruled today to block the Biden-Harris administration’s Title IX rule, a decision that halts the enforcement of regulations perceived as threatening the rights and safety of girls and young women. In response to the ruling, Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen issued a statement reaffirming his commitment to protecting women’s rights Read More…
The Montana Supreme Court ruled that minors do not need parental permission to obtain an abortion in the state. The decision aligns with a previous lower court ruling that found the state’s parental consent law unconstitutional under the privacy clause of the Montana Constitution. Abortion will now be the only medical procedure minors may obtain Read More…
On Thursday, Governor Greg Gianforte met with members of his appointed task force to discuss their recommendations for property tax reform. The governor offered feedback on the proposals, which are expected to be a major topic in the upcoming legislative session. The meeting, held at the Capitol in Helena, featured an overview of the task Read More…
Top Republican leaders from Montana converged in Billings today, just a week after former President Donald Trump’s visit to Bozeman. U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson headlined the event, underscoring the critical need to uphold conservative values in today’s political climate. Montana’s Attorney General Austin Knudsen, State Auditor Troy Downing, Congressman Ryan Zinke, and Governor Greg Read More…
(The Center Square) – Proposed ballot initiatives to ban single-use plastic bags in Bozeman and Missoula have failed to qualify due to lack of signatures. Montana Plastic Free, the organization behind the ballot initiatives, says on its website that plastic is harming the environment and human health. “On average, bans on single-use plastic bags can Read More…
(The Center Square) – A now-deceased former state employee allegedly forged 13 vehicle titles to obtain almost $400,000 in fraudulent loans, South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley said Thursday. The State Department of Revenue contacted Jackley’s office in February. The Division of Criminal Investigation conducted the probe with the cooperation of the Department of Revenue Read More…
Step back in time with David Fuqua, known as ‘DinoDave,’ and embark on an unforgettable journey through his latest book, *Made In Montana*. This heartwarming collection of life stories offers readers a nostalgic glimpse into a time before cell phones, when each day was an adventure brimming with wonder and simplicity. *Made In Montana* is Read More…
In a significant development for the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), Montana Senator Barry Usher has been elected as the organization’s new vice president. This bipartisan body represents the 7,386 state lawmakers and over 30,000 legislative staff across the United States.* Usher, who will serve a one-year term as vice president, is poised to Read More…
(The Center Square) – The “whitewashing” of stolen valor claims leveled against Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz insult servicemembers, who know better than any how to spot a “coward” among them. So says Pat Harrigan, the Army Green Beret vying for North Carolina’s 10th Congressional District seat in Washington, D.C., during a visit to the VFW Read More…
Governor Greg Gianforte presented the 2023 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation to three distinguished veterans this week, continuing his fourth annual 56 County Tour with ceremonies in Stillwater and Carbon counties. “The dedication of these Montana veterans, both in military service and their contributions to our communities, exemplifies the spirit of service,” Gov. Gianforte said. “As Read More…
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has spearheaded a coalition of 21 state attorneys general in urging the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia to uphold the national TikTok divest-or-ban legislation passed by Congress earlier this year. The federal law mandates that TikTok, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, must either divest Read More…
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has joined a coalition of attorneys general in urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to implement a new rule aimed at establishing consistent pesticide labeling requirements nationwide. The proposed rule seeks to address current discrepancies and burdens faced by farmers due to varying state regulations. Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, Read More…
Weeks after President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race and endorses Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Ryan Busse has yet to publicly address the situation. Montana Republican Party Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt criticized Busse for his silence, calling it a “disservice to all Montanans.” Kaltschmidt argued Read More…
In his first interview since announcing his exit from the 2024 presidential race, President Joe Biden spoke candidly with CBS News’s Robert Costa at the White House on Wednesday. The interview, airing Sunday, focused on Biden’s reflections on his presidency, his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris, and his concerns about the 2024 election. Biden Read More…
Continuing his 56 County Tour, Governor Greg Gianforte visited Sweet Grass, Stillwater, and Carbon counties today to showcase local small business achievements and discuss how pro-business policies are supporting Montana’s rural economies. “It’s great to spotlight our small business owners who are building community and fueling our rural economies,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Through our pro-business, Read More…
The Montana Department of Revenue (DOR) is preparing to distribute its second round of property tax rebates to eligible taxpayers. This initiative is part of a broader property tax relief package signed into law by Governor Greg Gianforte in 2023. Eligible taxpayers can receive a rebate of up to $675 on property taxes paid for Read More…
Former President Donald Trump held a campaign rally in Bozeman, Montana, on Friday night, aiming to energize supporters and impact down-ballot races in a state he previously won in the 2020 presidential election. “Less than three months from now, we are going to defeat radical left Democrat John Tester and send Tim Sheehy to the Read More…
Governor Greg Gianforte recently honored Cheryl Russell, a dedicated teacher from Havre Public Schools, with the Spirit of Montana award, recognizing her exceptional commitment to education and service. During a surprise ceremony held at Havre Public Schools, Governor Gianforte celebrated Russell’s nearly 30-year career in education. “One of the greatest pleasures I have as governor Read More…
A recent agreement facilitated by Beijing to unify Palestinian factions has sparked controversy, with experts accusing China of aligning with terrorist organizations in the Middle East. The deal, announced on July 23, involves 14 Palestinian factions, including Hamas, which the U.S. designates as a terrorist organization. The accord aims to end internal divisions and form Read More…
(The Center Square) – Voters in Wyoming have a new way to find out where to vote. Secretary of State Chuck Gray said voters can go to his “Wyoming Votes” webpage and provide information about their residence to locate their polling place this year. “The enhancements made to our polling place locator provide a great Read More…
(The Center Square) – During President Joe Biden’s address to the American public Wednesday night, he said his administration secured the border. Without discussing border policies in his 10-minute address, he touted his efforts in two sentences, saying, “We are also securing our border. Border crossings are lower today than when the previous administration left Read More…
As President Joe Biden announced his decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris, Montana’s Democratic gubernatorial candidate Ryan Busse has remained notably silent on the matter. The Montana Republican Party is expressing frustration over Busse’s lack of comment. Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt criticized Busse for not addressing Biden’s Read More…
The U.S. Supreme Court recently wrapped up its 2023-2024 term and will be in recess until October 2024. During this term, the Court heard a number of cases that will have a significant impact on small businesses and the Main Street economy. NFIB filed amicus briefs in 12 of the cases presented. Of those, five Read More…
A former senior director of fiscal services for the Magnolia School District has been sentenced to 70 months in federal prison for embezzling nearly $16.7 million from the district, federal officials announced Thursday. Jorge Armando Contreras, 53, was also ordered to pay restitution totaling $16,694,942. Contreras, who held his position with the district—serving Anaheim and Read More…
Casey Childers of Sheridan has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder of Rachel Holeman, a Montana woman, in Colorado. Childers was convicted of first-degree murder, second-degree kidnapping, and conspiracy to commit second-degree kidnapping, according to Sheridan Media. The case unfolded in November 2021 when Childers, Shantel Edlund Read More…
This week promises to be pivotal for the tech industry, with major companies set to release their earnings reports amidst a climate of heightened scrutiny and market volatility. Raymond James analysts have highlighted Apple as a “more stable AI play for volatile times,” positioning it as a key player in the ongoing debate over the Read More…
Israel’s air force has launched airstrikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon following a deadly rocket attack that killed 12 children and young adults in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights on Saturday. The attack, which struck a football pitch in the Druze town of Majdal Shams, has intensified tensions between Israel and the Lebanese militant group. The Read More…
Following an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump earlier this month, the FBI has confirmed that Trump was indeed hit by a bullet. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump described being “shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear.” The FBI’s confirmation came Friday evening, verifying Read More…
HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today issued an executive order declaring a disaster in Missoula and Mineral counties. “A recent severe thunderstorm toppled trees and downed power poles in the Missoula area, leaving too many residents without power. I appreciate the rapid response of our electric cooperatives to restore power to affected communities,” Gov. Read More…
(The Center Square) – A coalition of Republican attorneys general have called on the U.S. Senate to pass the SAVE Act, a bill that would ensure additional safeguards are in place to prevent noncitizens from voting in federal elections. The coalition, led by Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird, sent a letter to the leaders of Read More…
BOZEMAN — The Montana 4-H Foundation has recently disbursed close to $40,000 in scholarships to 45 graduating 4-H members and alumni across the state, aiming to support their educational pursuits for the upcoming academic year of 2024-2025. The recipients, representing 28 counties and tribal areas in Montana, were honored during the 2024 Montana 4-H Congress Read More…
Southeastern Idaho boasts abundant wildlife and expansive outdoor adventures, but perhaps none captivates local interest and conversation quite like the mule deer. Thriving in the sagebrush steppe and mountain shrub/aspen habitats that define the region, mule deer hold a special place in the hearts of Idahoans. However, the iconic mule deer herds face numerous challenges. Read More…
In a distinguished accolade, Quincy Walter of Wolf Point has been named the 2024 Montana “State Star” by the Montana Department of Commerce and the Montana Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network. This national honor recognizes outstanding contributions and performance among SBDC directors across the country. Walter, serving as SBDC Regional Director hosted by the Read More…
Governor Greg Gianforte recently engaged with the Rocky Boy Agency Tribal council in Box Elder, Montana, to discuss significant investments in behavioral health care across north central Montana. During his visit to the Rocky Boy Health Center, Governor Gianforte underscored the state’s commitment to supporting mental health and substance abuse initiatives rather than neglecting those Read More…
Governor Brad Little has appointed Brandon Shippy to fill the vacant District 9 Senate seat left by Abby Lee, marking a significant addition to Idaho’s legislative roster. Shippy, a native of Payette County, brings a wealth of community involvement and entrepreneurial experience to his new role. He is the owner and operator of Shippy Sprinkler Read More…
Glacier Bancorp, Inc. (NYSE: GBCI) announced its financial results for the second quarter and first half of 2024, highlighting significant developments in earnings and operational performance. For the second quarter ended June 30, 2024, Glacier Bancorp reported a net income of $44.7 million, marking a notable increase of $12.1 million, or 37 percent, from the Read More…
(The Center Square) – South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem said Monday she plans to us an $80.7 million budget surplus to offset prison construction costs. The $80 million surplus includes $24.3 million, which was above the forecast for fiscal year 2024 and $56.4 million saved by reductions in state government spending, according to Noem. “South Read More…
Senator Steve Daines made a compelling case today at a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing for the delisting of grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone and Northern Continental Divide Ecosystems. He highlighted the discrepancy between the robust grizzly populations and the prolonged delay in their delisting review by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Read More…