Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) recently released its 2025 Freedom Index Rankings for states. SEL is a global leader in power system protection, automation and control solutions. The SEL report ranks the most economically and politically free states in the nation. It utilizes data from the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), the Cato Institute, and various government agencies to Read More…
(The Center Square) – Border czar Tom Homan told reporters that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations will expand after Labor Day in sanctuary cities nationwide, including Seattle, Wash., and Portland, Ore. “You’re going to see a ramp up of operations in New York. You’re going to see a ramp up of operations continue in Read More…
(The Center Square) – The Trump administration directed 46 states and territories to remove gender ideology from their sex ed materials or else face possible termination of federal Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP) funding, with a family advocate praising the move. Policy director for family advocacy group American Principles Project Paul Dupont told The Center Read More…
(The Center Square) – The Seattle Police Department is gearing up for what it hopes will be a peaceful event Saturday at Gas Works Park. Christian artist Sean Feucht, the founder of the Let Us Worship movement, is bringing his “Revive in ’25” tour to the city. “The city of Seattle has invited us back Read More…
Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance James Brown announced a significant settlement with Vanguard Marketing Corporation and The Vanguard Group, Inc., resolving an investigation into unexpected capital gains tax distributions from Vanguard’s Target Retirement Funds in 2021. The settlement addresses concerns that affected Montana investors and others nationwide. The investigation, conducted alongside the U.S. Securities Read More…
President Donald Trump has nominated Kurt Alme to serve as the U.S. Attorney for Montana, a move that has garnered strong support from Montana’s U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Tim Sheehy. Alme, who previously held the position during Trump’s first administration, brings extensive experience and a proven track record to the role. Senator Steve Daines Read More…
Community leaders, local businesses, and young athletes gathered this week to break ground on the highly anticipated Signal Peak Energy Ice Arena, a new multi-sport facility set to transform youth athletics and recreational opportunities in Billings. The arena, which will be built at Amend Park, will feature two full-sized ice sheets, indoor sports courts, outdoor Read More…
In a rare display of cross-party collaboration, U.S. Representatives Ryan Zinke (R-MT-01) and Gabe Vasquez (D-NM-02) have announced the formation of the Public Lands Caucus, a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers dedicated to conserving America’s public lands and expanding access for all Americans. The new caucus aims to champion practical, consensus-driven policies that support land conservation, Read More…
U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) joined Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) and several Republican colleagues in introducing legislation that would allow the death penalty for illegal immigrants convicted of murdering American citizens. The proposed legislation, titled the Justice for American Victims of Illegal Aliens Act, aims to codify a previous executive order issued under President Donald Read More…
In recognition of Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Awareness Day, Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen reaffirmed his office’s commitment to addressing the disproportionate impact of violence on tribal communities across the state. “I have had a front row seat to the devastation inflicted on Montana’s tribal communities by the missing and murdered Indigenous persons Read More…
Governor Kelly Armstrong of North Dakota met with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin today to discuss critical issues affecting the state’s energy and agriculture sectors. The meeting focused on collaborating with the federal government and industry partners to protect North Dakota’s natural resources while fostering responsible energy development and economic growth. Armstrong Read More…
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…
“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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, known for his outsized bets and outspoken commentary, has been a lightning rod in 2025, navigating a turbulent market landscape while wielding influence in both finance and politics. His Pershing Square Capital Management’s portfolio is down nearly 14% year-to-date, a rare stumble for the activist investor, yet his high-profile Read More…
Hank’s Reno Junction Travel Plaza sits at the busy intersection of Wyoming Highways 387 and 59, making it a strategic stop for travelers, truckers and coal miners working at the nearby North Antelope Rochelle Mine. When Peabody Energy announced Tuesday it planned to ramp up production at the mine, Hank Pridgeon — the namesake of Read More…
Camp Guernsey Joint Training Center is home to semi-arid scrubland, prairie grass, and conifer cover, all of which can be primed for fire during hot, dry conditions, especially when troops shoot round after round of heavy artillery at the camp’s vast impact area. Due to this heightened risk, the firefighters in the camp’s Army National Read More…
Attorney General Austin Knudsen and Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) Colonel Kurt Sager visited the MHP Communications Center today to recognize the vital work of dispatchers in honor of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, observed from April 13 to 19. The dispatchers at the MHP Communications Center are trained in emergency medical dispatch and work around Read More…
NorthWestern Energy has reached key settlement agreements with several major stakeholders in its ongoing regulatory rate review for electric and natural gas services in Montana. The agreements, if approved by the Montana Public Service Commission (PSC), would result in modest increases in residential utility bills, helping to fund continued investment in safe and reliable energy Read More…
Google, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., announced plans to appeal part of a recent U.S. federal court ruling in the Department of Justice’s antitrust case against the tech giant. The move follows a decision on Thursday by U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema, who found that Google had willfully acquired and maintained monopoly power in the Read More…
Governor Greg Gianforte joined U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Tim Sheehy to officially cut the ribbon on Amazon’s new 50,000-square-foot delivery station in Belgrade. The state-of-the-art facility is part of Amazon’s continued expansion in Montana, representing a $27 million investment and creating dozens of jobs in Gallatin County. “Montana is open for business, and Amazon’s Read More…
Two bills aimed at laying the groundwork for a nuclear energy industry in Montana have passed the state legislature and are awaiting the governor’s signature. House Bill 623 would permit the establishment of nuclear waste storage facilities in the state. This measure aligns with national Nuclear Regulatory Commission requirements, which mandate that nuclear power plants Read More…