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From left: Attorney General Ken Paxton and state Rep. James Talarico

Ken Paxton and James Talarico are neck and neck in U.S. Senate race, new poll finds

The vast majority of Republicans indicated they had moved on from the bitter GOP primary and now support Paxton. Talarico had commanding leads among independents and moderates. Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico are neck and neck in the race for U.S. Senate, according to a new poll released Tuesday by the Texas Politics Project at the University of Texas Read More…

Federal panel proposes new definition for sports betting

(The Center Square) – Betting on a football score isn’t gambling. At least not according to the federal Commodities Futures Trading Commission. The commission recently proposed rule changes to strengthen its governance over prediction markets and sports betting. The changes involve how the panel defines “gaming” and “gambling.” The proposal defines limitations for the CFTC’s Read More…

Minnesota special districts report $5.4B debt, federal aid declines

The Center Square) – Minnesota’s special districts reported $5.4 billion in outstanding long-term debt in 2023, while increasingly relying on state funding as pandemic-era federal aid declined. This is according to a new report from the Minnesota Office of the State Auditor. The 91-page report examined 572 special districts that submitted financial data to the auditor’s Read More…

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Gianforte Announces $2.5 Million Investment for Behavioral Health Solutions in Rural and Tribal Communities

Governor Greg Gianforte unveiled an investment of up to $2.5 million aimed at assisting rural counties and tribal communities in Montana to develop and implement tailored solutions for their behavioral health needs. This initiative is part of a broader $300 million funding allocation secured by the governor last year to reform and enhance the state’s Read More…

Boeing’s ‘Final Offer’ Falls Short for Striking Workers, Says Union

Boeing announced Monday that it had made a “best and final offer” to its striking machinists, including bigger pay raises and larger bonuses. However, the workers’ union quickly rejected the proposal, stating it wasn’t sufficient, and no ratification vote would occur before Boeing’s deadline at the end of the week. The union criticized Boeing for Read More…

Governor Celebrates Opening of Ultimate Defense Technologies Headquarters in Billings

Governor Greg Gianforte cut the ribbon  on the new headquarters and production facility for Ultimate Defense Technologies in Billings, a weapons safety manufacturer expected to create nearly 90 jobs for Montanans. “Thanks to our pro-business policies and strong Second Amendment heritage, businesses like Ultimate Defense Technologies are choosing to relocate to Montana,” Gov. Gianforte said. Read More…

Trump Intensifies Criticism of Harris’ Mental Fitness

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump ramped up his personal attacks on Kamala Harris, his Democratic opponent, during a rally in Erie, Pennsylvania, on Sunday. Trump repeated his claim that Harris is “mentally impaired,” going as far as to suggest she should be “impeached and prosecuted.” These remarks followed a rally from the day before, which Read More…

Montana Ranked Fourth Best State for Regulatory Freedom

Governor Greg Gianforte recently emphasized a report from the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, which identifies Montana as one of the least regulated states in the country. The report ranks Montana fourth, following North Dakota, South Dakota, and Idaho, citing the state’s efforts to reduce regulatory burdens. Governor Gianforte stated that cutting red tape Read More…

GTUIT Secures Two Key Patents for Gas Processing Technologies

In July, GTUIT was awarded two significant patents that enhance its gas processing capabilities. The first patent, 12,025,373, titled “System and Method for Treating Associated Gas,” is central to GTUIT’s innovative technology. It features a liquid chiller designed to maintain a stable thermal reservoir, allowing for consistent treatment of associated gas, even amid rapid fluctuations Read More…

Biden administration criticized for obstructing congressional subpoenas

(The Center Square) – Lawfully issued congressional subpoenas are not subject to interference from the White House or its appointed leaders of departments, North Carolina Congresswoman Virginia Foxx said Friday. The Republican bidding for an 11th term in the Beltway chastised Education Secretary Miguel Cardona for “repeatedly” trying to interfere with the work of the Read More…

Three Mile Island powering back up

(The Center Square) – Three Mile Island came out of retirement on Friday, exactly five years after mounting economic pressure and shifting energy demand forced the infamous Pennsylvania nuclear generation plant to shut down. Constellation Energy announced that Microsoft will buy 835 megawatts of energy from the facility to power the company’s data centers spread Read More…

Poll: Harris and Trump tied nationally, tight race in Pennsylvania

As the Nov. 5 U.S. presidential election approaches, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump remain in a stalemate, according to recent polls. New data released on Thursday indicates a particularly close race in the crucial battleground state of Pennsylvania. A national poll conducted by The New York Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and Read More…

How Congress allocates billions to fund the border crisis nationwide

(The Center Square) – As Americans struggle with high inflationary costs, paying record high grocery costs and energy bills, Congress continues to allocate billions of dollars of taxpayer money to fund services for illegal border crossers living in U.S. cities. Prior to the last budget funding showdown in March, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, said Read More…

Top Dem donor processor Act Blue faces U.S. House investigation

(The Center Square) – A top Democratic donation processor, Act Blue, is facing an investigation over concerns that the donation processing service is being used to circumvent campaign finance laws. The Republican-led House Oversight Committee launched the investigation, citing “reports of potentially fraudulent and illicit financial activity” in a letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. Read More…

Tester Hides from Harris, Focuses on Abortion Amid Tight Race

Montana U.S. Senator Jon Tester is positioning the protection of abortion as a cornerstone of his campaign to maintain his seat, the last Democratic hold in statewide office in Montana. His efforts include campaigning alongside Planned Parenthood officials, launching advertisements advocating for abortion rights, and endorsing a proposed state constitutional amendment to secure abortion access. Read More…

Escalation of Conflict Between Israel and Hezbollah

This week marked a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group. Hostilities intensified following two days of deadly attacks attributed to Israel, which caused casualties among civilians in Lebanon. For nearly a year, the two sides have exchanged fire along the Lebanese-Israeli border, often stepping back from the Read More…

Five Montanans Honored with Governor’s Arts Awards

Five Montanans Honored with Governor’s Arts Awards HELENA, Mont. (September 20, 2024) – Five distinguished Montana artists have been recognized with the state’s highest honor for those whose careers exemplify the visual, performing, literary, and traditional arts. The 2024 Governor’s Arts Award recipients are:   Jackie Larson Bread of Great Falls Jim Dolan of Belgrade Read More…

Angel moms to Texas US rep.: Comments about murdered children are ‘insulting’

(The Center Square) – A Texas congresswoman is under fire after saying Angel moms who testified about how their children were brutally murdered by criminal illegal border crossers released into the U.S. were “being exploited for political purposes.” U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, a Democrat from El Paso, Texas, made the remarks at a U.S. House Read More…

Democrat Raph Graybill admits to Breaching Campaign Finance Law

In a recent development, Raph Graybill, running mate of gubernatorial candidate Ryan Busse, has admitted to violating campaign finance regulations. The Montana GOP has lodged a formal complaint with the Commissioner of Political Practices after an audio recording surfaced of Graybill acknowledging that he received confidential polling data that he was not authorized to access. Read More…

Zinke secures win for Montana veterans, VA scraps plan to gut air ambulance service

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has postponed the implementation of a controversial rule that would have drastically cut reimbursement rates for air and ground ambulance services for veterans. The delay comes after sustained oversight and demands from Congressman Ryan Zinke, who has been a vocal critic of the proposed changes. The rule, originally set Read More…

Attorney General Knudsen Launches Naloxone Kit Program in Montana Schools to Combat Fentanyl Crisis

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen unveiled a new initiative today aimed at addressing the state’s growing fentanyl crisis. The program will provide life-saving naloxone kits to middle and high schools across Montana, equipping schools with essential tools to handle opioid overdoses. The naloxone kits, which include the overdose-reversal medication naloxone, a CPR respirator mask, a Read More…

More than 134,000 approved for North Dakota’s new primary residence credit

(The Center Square) – More than 138,000 North Dakotans applied for the new primary residence credit, and 134,893 applications were approved, Tax Commissioner Brian Kroshus told a legislative committee on Wednesday. Approved North Dakotans received $500 toward their property tax for their primary residence, which could include houses, condominiums and mobile homes. Taxpayers could only claim Read More…

Student perspectives on campus protests mixed

(The Center Square) – Concerns over free speech on college campuses have intensified since the war in Gaza began last October, according to a new report. The study shows a growing decline in students’ trust in their institutions’ commitment to protect First Amendment rights, with low-performing schools failing to provide clear policies on free expression. Read More…

Jon Tester top recipient of lobbyist donations

As the 2024 election cycle progresses, Senator Jon Tester (D-Mont.) has emerged as the top recipient of lobbyist campaign donations. Tester’s campaign has received $489,440 from lobbyists, contributing to a total of $502,591 in contributions. This places him at the forefront of Senate candidates benefiting from lobbyist support, surpassing other notable figures such as Sen. Read More…

State Court Administrator Sally Holewa Honored with Gerald W. VandeWalle Medal

At the 2024 annual meeting of the State Bar Association of North Dakota, State Court Administrator Sally Holewa was awarded the prestigious Gerald W. VandeWalle Medal. This honor, bestowed by the State Bar Association’s Board of Governors, recognizes individuals for their exceptional dedication and contributions to the administration of justice and the enhancement of the Read More…

Kennedy off Wyoming ballot

(The Center Square) – Former presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has withdrawn his name from the Wyoming general election ballot. The son of former U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and nephew to President John F. Kennedy petitioned the state to appear as an independent candidate for president on Aug. 26. “Following his notice of Read More…

Gianforte Highlights Montana’s Job and Wage Growth

Governor Greg Gianforte, alongside Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) Commissioner Sarah Swanson, showcased new data today illustrating the robust performance of Montana’s economy. During a press conference at the state capitol, Gianforte emphasized the impact of the state’s “strong work ethic” and “pro-business, pro-jobs policies” on its economic vitality. “Montana’s economy is thriving,” Read More…

Montana State sets new record in annual research expenditures at over $257 million

BOZEMAN —Montana State University has set a new record for expenditures on research at more than $257 million, exceeding the prior year’s total by 12% and marking six consecutive years of record-setting research growth at the state’s largest university. In its annual report to the National Science Foundation, MSU recorded research activities totaling $257.9 million Read More…

Knudsen Launches New Human Trafficking Awareness Course for Students

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced today the launch of a new educational course designed to raise awareness about human trafficking and online exploitation among students. The course, titled “Enlightened,” was developed by the Montana Department of Justice in collaboration with anti-human trafficking organizations and features insights from human trafficking survivors and Division of Criminal Read More…

Governor Gianforte Honors Montana Veterans

Governor Greg Gianforte recognized 39 distinguished veterans this week with the 2023 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation during ceremonies held across Madison, Missoula, Deer Lodge, and Silver Bow counties. Each recipient was awarded a special commemorative flag that had flown over the Montana State Capitol in their honor. “No one embodies our Montana values and commitment Read More…