MISSOULA, Mont. — U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez traveled to Missoula Thursday to headline a campaign rally for Democratic congressional candidate Sam Forstag, bringing national progressive star power to Montana’s competitive Western District primary in its final days before the June 2 vote. The event was held at The Wilma in downtown Missoula, a venue with Read More…
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order directing federal health officials to review and potentially update the United States’ childhood vaccine schedule to better align with practices in peer developed nations, citing findings that the U.S. currently recommends more childhood vaccines than any comparable country. The order directs the Centers for Disease Control Read More…
HELENA, Mont. — Independent U.S. Senate candidate Seth Bodnar appears on track to qualify for Montana’s November general election ballot after county election officials certified more than 18,000 signatures and forwarded them to the Secretary of State’s Office for final verification, according to an unofficial tally released Friday. Bodnar’s campaign needed 13,327 valid signatures to Read More…
WASHINGTON — Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen joined Vice President JD Vance, the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, and attorneys general from 15 other states at an anti-fraud roundtable focused on combating wasteful spending, abuse, and fraud in federal benefit programs including Medicaid and SNAP. The White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud 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…
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…
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…
(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…
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…
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE: BRK.A) posted record annual profits and expanded its cash reserves to $334.2 billion, as Warren Buffett used his annual shareholder letter to issue a pointed message to Washington: spend wisely and protect those who draw the “short straws in life.” The 94-year-old investing titan, widely regarded as one of the greatest Read More…
The Trump administration is standing firm against The Associated Press’ lawsuit over restricted press access, asserting the president’s authority to shape media participation in White House events. The lawsuit, filed Friday in U.S. District Court, challenges the administration’s decision to block AP journalists from key presidential activities, but the White House argues that access to Read More…
The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is accepting a second round of comments on a proposed Montana Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (MPDES) permit for snowmelt associated with snowmaking using treated wastewater on Spirit Mountain, Andesite Mountain, and the Spanish Peaks base area near Big Sky. Spanish Peaks Mountain Club (Spanish Peaks) applied to DEQ for Read More…
If American Airlines were looking to hire a new pilot, the most important qualification would be experience flying a plane. After all, someone who has never flown a plane would have neither the knowledge nor the skills necessary to safely transport passengers through the air. In the same way, Christian ministries need to hire people Read More…
Once a relatively popular, if ineffective, public official, Marc Racicot has reappeared on Montana’s political scene after a near 20-year absence. But rather than returning as a statesman, he comes back as a shameless shill of a liberal judiciary that has routinely overstepped its authority. Once trusted with Montana’s highest office, Racicot’s transition from public Read More…
I’m a busy parent. My wife and I juggle the schedule for four kids (three in the Noblesville, Indiana, school system) on top of work, church and fun activities when we can squeeze them in. And like many Hoosier parents, when it comes down to learning about school board candidates, we often find ourselves cramming Read More…
lliance Defending Freedom (ADF) has filed a lawsuit against Sage Publishing after the academic publisher retracted three studies on the risks of abortion drugs, following a complaint about the authors’ pro-life views. The studies, authored by a team of professional researchers between 2019 and 2022, were peer-reviewed and published in Health Services Research and Managerial Read More…
The mostly friendly state battle for tax competition and economic competitiveness is alive and well in our region. Except for some states on the left coast (looking at you Washington), prioritizing additional tax relief is front and center in state capitals across the country. This includes major income tax reduction proposals in Idaho and Montana. Read More…
(The Center Square) – Legislation has been introduced in Congress to repeal the District of Columbia’s Home Rule Act. U.S. Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, and Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn. have introduced the Bringing Oversight to Washington and Safety to Every Resident Act, or BOWSER Act, named after the district’s Democratic Mayor Muriel Bowser. The lawmakers Read More…
Activist investor Elliott Investment Management has acquired a significant stake in BP Plc, as the British oil giant struggles with years of underperformance and weak investor confidence, according to sources familiar with the matter. Elliott is reportedly pressuring BP to consider transformative measures to boost shareholder value, believing the company is undervalued and its performance Read More…
Gov. Kelly Armstrong testified today in support of Senate Bill 2308, a proposal aimed at reducing the number of state boards and commissions to improve efficiency and cut government costs. The bill seeks to establish a task force to review over 150 existing boards and determine which should be consolidated or dissolved. “That’s too many,” Read More…
(The Center Square) – A bill preventing future presidents from unilaterally banning hydraulic fracking is on its way to the Senate after passing the House 226-188 Friday. Sixteen Democrats joined all Republicans in voting for the Protecting American Energy Production Act, which will block future bans on hydraulic fracking without congressional approval, if enacted. “When Read More…
A new wave of phone scams is targeting bank customers, using sophisticated caller ID fraud, also known as “vishing.” Scammers are impersonating representatives from First Interstate Bank, deceiving customers into handing over sensitive financial details. According to reports, fraudsters manipulate caller ID to make it appear as though calls are coming from a legitimate First Read More…
Senate Bill 58, a measure aimed at strengthening human trafficking laws in South Dakota, was unanimously approved Thursday by the Senate Judiciary Committee. Proposed by Attorney General Marty Jackley, the bill revises current human trafficking provisions, prohibits obstruction of enforcement, and introduces penalties for violations. “South Dakota is not immune from human trafficking, and this Read More…
U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) has introduced two key pieces of legislation aimed at promoting American energy independence, strengthening the nation’s energy sector, and supporting rural communities. The “Supporting Made in America Energy Act” seeks to bolster oil and gas development by requiring annual onshore lease sales in top oil-producing states, as well as offshore Read More…
Toyota is recalling more than 140,000 Toyota and Lexus vehicles due to potential safety issues, the company announced Thursday. The recall affects certain Tacoma, Camry, and Lexus RX models from the 2024 and 2025 model years. The Toyota Tacoma recall involves four-wheel-drive models, which may have damaged rear brake hoses due to the accumulation of Read More…
(The Center Square) – Late last month, President Donald Trump signed an executive order restricting “transgender” procedures on youth, including puberty blockers and surgeries such as mastectomies and penile reconstruction. In response, many medical providers including some of the top in the nation for performing them have announced they will comply with the EO. The Read More…
A new report reveals a disturbing trend of self-censorship on our nation’s college campuses, particularly among conservative faculty. While many of our universities have long been viewed as liberal echo chambers, the latest annual report from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) reveals just how one-sided the classroom debate has become. The report Read More…
Gov. Kelly Armstrong has appointed Levi Bachmeier of West Fargo and Patrick Sogard of Williston to four-year terms on the State Board of Higher Education, beginning July 1. Their appointments are subject to confirmation by the state Senate. Armstrong praised the new appointees, citing their expertise in education policy, finance, and operations as essential assets Read More…
Attorney General Austin Knudsen testified today before the Joint Appropriations Subcommittee on Long-Range Planning, advocating for funding to construct an indoor firing range at the Montana Law Enforcement Academy (MLEA) in Helena. The project, if approved by the Montana Legislature, would address longstanding training challenges faced by law enforcement cadets. Currently, MLEA rents space at Read More…
Accounting students from Montana State University’s Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship are offering free help preparing tax returns for MSU students and individuals who made less than $60,000 last year. The 2025 help sessions will be held on the MSU campus in Jabs Hall, Room 215, from 3:15 to 5:15 p.m. on the Read More…
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has joined a coalition of 24 state attorneys general in filing an amicus brief with the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, urging the court to reverse a lower court’s decision allowing a convicted murderer in Indiana to receive taxpayer-funded sex-change surgery. The brief challenges a district court ruling that granted Read More…