(The Center Square) – Thanks to $2.5 million in state funding, south Los Angeles may get a new Black cultural district, according to one of L.A.’s state senators. Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, D-Los Angeles, secured the funding earlier this year after the Legislature approved the money for the establishment of the Black cultural district, according to Read More…
Idaho Governor Brad Little has appointed Don Hall to fill the District 25 House seat vacated by Lance Clow. Hall, who currently serves as Chairman of the Twin Falls County Commission and is a former Mayor of Twin Falls, will complete the remainder of Clow’s term, which runs through November 30, 2026. “I am honored Read More…
The Montana Department of Justice’s Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) is warning residents about scammers operating fraudulent county jail websites that target families of inmates in an effort to steal personal and financial information. OCP has received reports of a fake website, musselshellcountyjail.org, which impersonates the official Musselshell County Detention Center. The site falsely offers Read More…
Attorney General Raúl Labrador recognized Detective Jared Mendenhall of the Idaho Falls Police Department and Detective Korey Payne of the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office for achieving 100 combined arrests through the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. The milestone highlights years of work protecting vulnerable children from online predators across the state. Both Read More…
The Center Square) – The Washington State Department of Ecology is proposing updates to regulations that reduce pollution from new semi-trucks and other commercial vehicles sold in the state. Ecology contends the updates will increase flexibility and help the industry transition to zero-emission trucks. DOE is offering over $130 million in taxpayer funding to buy clean trucks and build charging infrastructure Read More…
(The Center Square) – A recent Trump administration order that seeks to boost critical mineral production could be a boon for Colorado, Arizona and Wyoming, which are home to key critical minerals needed for clean energy technologies, a new report claims. President Donald Trump in March signed Executive Order 14241, citing the economic and national security Read More…
(The Center Square) – As China continues to expand its military presence worldwide, a bipartisan group of senators is introducing legislation to counter potential risks. Sens. Tim Kaine, D-Va., Chris Coons, D-Del., and Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., introduced the Combating PRC (People’s Republic of China) Overseas and Unlawful Networked Threats through Enhanced Resilience Act. The senators Read More…
Kicking off his fifth annual 56 County Tour, Governor Greg Gianforte hit the road this week, visiting Montanans in Sheridan, Daniels, Roosevelt, McCone, and Richland counties, spotlighting legislative wins, economic development, and investments in education. “Over the course of the next few months, we’ll hit the road visiting each of Montana’s 56 counties to celebrate Read More…
Attorney General Austin Knudsen has announced Jordyn Muggli, a fifth-grade student at Lincoln Grade School in Miles City, as the winner of the 2025 Law Enforcement Appreciation Poster Contest, held annually during National Police Week. Jordyn’s artwork was selected from more than 175 entries submitted by students across 35 classrooms throughout Montana. In her artist Read More…
U.S. Senator Steve Daines is calling on the U.S. Department of the Treasury to reverse a Biden-era Internal Revenue Service (IRS) initiative that he and several Republican colleagues argue unfairly targets Main Street businesses. In a letter co-signed by Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), and James Lankford (R-Okla.), Daines criticized the creation of Read More…
The University of Montana and Blackfoot Communications have joined forces to launch a critical new initiative aimed at bolstering cybersecurity defense in Montana’s rural communities. Announced this week, the partnership marks the first corporate collaboration for the Public Infrastructure Security Cyber Education System (PISCES) in the state. The program will provide cyber threat monitoring and Read More…
The Montana Department of Justice (MTDOJ) and Billings Police Department (BPD) are alerting the public to a significant and alarming increase in the presence of the deadly synthetic opioid carfentanil in the Billings area. The warning follows a major drug seizure by the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) task force, which uncovered Read More…
Governor Greg Gianforte has signed House Bill 401 into law, banning the manufacture, sale, and distribution of lab-grown meat in Montana. The legislation, aimed at safeguarding the state’s ranching industry, takes effect October 1, 2025, and positions Montana as a staunch defender of traditional agriculture. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Braxton Mitchell (R-Columbia Falls), prohibits Read More…
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen is leading a 26-state coalition urging the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn a Hawaii law that imposes broad restrictions on where law-abiding citizens can carry firearms. The coalition filed an amicus brief in the case Wolford v. Lopez, arguing that Hawaii’s so-called “sensitive places” firearm restrictions violate the Second Amendment. Read More…
The Wyoming Air National Guard has been selected to receive the C-130J Super Hercules, a modern upgrade to replace its aging fleet of C-130H aircraft. This announcement marks a significant milestone for the 153rd Airlift Wing and recognizes the exemplary performance of Wyoming’s Airmen in supporting critical missions both domestically and globally. A total of 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…