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Montana Attorney General Launches Investigation into Lee Enterprises Following Cyberattack

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced Friday that his office has opened an investigation into Lee Enterprises following a February cyberattack that compromised the personal information of nearly 40,000 employees and subscribers, including an undisclosed number of Montanans. Lee Enterprises, based in Davenport, Iowa, owns several major newspapers in Montana, including the Helena Independent Record, Read More…

President Trump Signs Senator Sheehy’s Aerial Firefighting Bill Into Law,

In a major legislative milestone for freshman U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), President Donald J. Trump on Friday signed into law the Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act, Sheehy’s bipartisan bill to expand and modernize the federal government’s aerial wildfire suppression capabilities. The signing ceremony took place in the Oval Office, where President Trump also issued a Read More…

Gianforte Honors Four Montana Veterans with 2024 Governor’s Veteran Commendation

Governor Greg Gianforte this week recognized four distinguished Montana veterans with the 2024 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation during ceremonies held in Ravalli, Flathead, and Missoula counties. The award honors veterans who not only served with distinction in uniform but who also continue to make a lasting impact in their communities. “Montana’s veterans lead by example. Read More…

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Montana Attorney General Launches Investigation into Lee Enterprises Following Cyberattack

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced Friday that his office has opened an investigation into Lee Enterprises following a February cyberattack that compromised the personal information of nearly 40,000 employees and subscribers, including an undisclosed number of Montanans. Lee Enterprises, based in Davenport, Iowa, owns several major newspapers in Montana, including the Helena Independent Record, Read More…

President Trump Signs Senator Sheehy’s Aerial Firefighting Bill Into Law,

In a major legislative milestone for freshman U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), President Donald J. Trump on Friday signed into law the Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act, Sheehy’s bipartisan bill to expand and modernize the federal government’s aerial wildfire suppression capabilities. The signing ceremony took place in the Oval Office, where President Trump also issued a Read More…

Gianforte Honors Four Montana Veterans with 2024 Governor’s Veteran Commendation

Governor Greg Gianforte this week recognized four distinguished Montana veterans with the 2024 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation during ceremonies held in Ravalli, Flathead, and Missoula counties. The award honors veterans who not only served with distinction in uniform but who also continue to make a lasting impact in their communities. “Montana’s veterans lead by example. Read More…

Gianforte Appoints Marta Bertoglio as Department of Commerce Director

Governor Greg Gianforte announced the appointment of State Representative Marta Bertoglio as the new Director of the Montana Department of Commerce, signaling a continued focus on economic growth and job creation in the state. “Marta has been a strong partner in the Legislature and is a driven leader, dedicated to making Montana the best place Read More…

Trump’s Job Approval Hits 53%

A Rasmussen poll conducted June 8-12, 2025, found that 53% of voters approve of former President Donald Trump’s job performance, reflecting robust support across racial groups. Notably, 54% of Black voters, 53% of Hispanic voters, and 53% of White voters expressed approval, a rare instance where a Republican president’s support among Black voters slightly exceeds Read More…

Daines Backs Israel Following Strikes on Iran

In the wake of Israel’s latest strikes on Iranian military targets, U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-Mont.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued a forceful statement supporting Israel’s actions and condemning Iran’s role in regional and global instability. “Israel’s attacks against Iran are so far successful and more than justified, and the United Read More…

Gianforte Honors Seven Central Montana Veterans

Governor Greg Gianforte honored seven distinguished Montana veterans this week with the 2024 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation, recognizing their military service and continued contributions to their communities. The ceremonies took place across Garfield, Musselshell, Fergus, and Meagher counties, with a special tribute to a 104-year-old World War II veteran. “As Americans, we have a duty Read More…

Montana State’s Leon Costello Named FCS Athletic Director of the Year

Montana State University Athletic Director Leon Costello has been named a 2023–24 FCS Athletic Director of the Year by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), recognizing his transformational leadership and the unprecedented success of Bobcat Athletics. Costello, who has led MSU’s athletics department since 2016, was honored this week during NACDA’s annual Read More…

Sheehy’s Bipartisan Wildfire Bill Heads to President Trump’s Desk

U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy’s bipartisan Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act is on its way to President Donald J. Trump’s desk after clearing the House of Representatives today. The legislation, introduced by Sheehy alongside Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) in January, aims to strengthen the nation’s wildfire suppression capabilities amid an increasingly dangerous wildfire season. The bill unanimously Read More…

Montana Attorney General Knudsen Leads 28-State Coalition Against Maine Gun Law

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen is spearheading a 28-state coalition backing a legal challenge to Maine’s newly enacted 72-hour waiting period for firearm purchases, calling the law an unconstitutional infringement on Second Amendment rights. In an amicus brief filed in Beckwith v. Frey, the coalition urged the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit Read More…

Supreme Court Delivers Wave of Unanimous Rulings

The U.S. Supreme Court issued a series of unanimous decisions this week, resolving contentious disputes and clarifying legal boundaries on discrimination, religious tax exemptions, gun manufacturer liability, and environmental regulations. Handed down by June 5, 2025, these rulings addressed pressing issues, shaping policies and lives across the nation. In Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Read More…

Gianforte Hails Trump Administration for Approving Signal Peak Mine Permit

Governor Greg Gianforte on Thursday praised the Trump Administration’s approval of a crucial mining permit for the Signal Peak Energy coal mine, calling the move a major victory for Montana coal miners and a lifeline for American energy independence. The U.S. Department of the Interior, under Secretary Doug Burgum, authorized Signal Peak to move forward Read More…

Gov. Gianforte visitng Crazy Mountain Veterinary Service in Harlowton

Gianforte Continues 56 County Tour

Governor Greg Gianforte continued his fifth annual 56 County Tour this week, meeting with Montanans in Golden Valley, Wheatland, and Fergus counties to celebrate legislative wins and highlight rural resilience. During stops across central Montana, the governor met with lawmakers, small business owners, and community leaders, emphasizing the importance of local leadership and education. “The Read More…

Law enforcement agencies in 40 states are partnering with ICE 287(g) program

(The Center Square) – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is calling on law enforcement officials in all U.S. counties to participate in a federal program, 287(g). Those who do receive free training and resources, potentially federal grant money, and a partnership with the Trump administration to identify violent criminals illegally in the country, many of Read More…

Watchdogs: New Montana law restricting foreign money in elections insufficient

(The Center Square) – Montana recently became the sixth state this year to pass a ban on foreign spending on ballot measures. Watchdog organizations, however, say the state’s new law is inadequate. Montana’s new law bars non-U.S. citizens, foreign governments, foreign political parties and foreign-owned entities from contributing to campaigns surrounding ballot measures. The legislation Read More…

Governor Gianforte Honors Veterans for Distinguished Service in Glendive and Miles City

As part of his ongoing 56 County Tour, Governor Greg Gianforte made stops in eastern Montana this week to recognize two veterans with the 2024 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation, honoring their military service and continued contributions to their communities. On Thursday in Glendive, Gov. Gianforte presented the award to U.S. Army veteran Rick Berg during Read More…

Knudsen Urges Gallatin County to Support ICE Partnership

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen is calling on the Gallatin County Commission to reject legal guidance from the Democrat county attorney and partner with the Trump Administration’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain undocumented immigrants with criminal backgrounds. In a letter sent Wednesday, Knudsen criticized a recent legal opinion from Democrat Gallatin County Attorney Read More…

Berkshire Hathaway Surpasses Federal Reserve in T-Bill Holdings

Berkshire Hathaway, the conglomerate helmed by legendary investor Warren Buffett, has become the largest private holder of short-term U.S. government debt — and now holds more Treasury bills than even the U.S. Federal Reserve. In its latest earnings report released Saturday, Berkshire revealed it now holds $314.1 billion in short-term Treasuries as of March 31, Read More…

Miles City Student Wins Statewide Law Enforcement Appreciation Poster Contest

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…

Daines Joins Push to Reverse Biden-Era IRS Initiative Targeting Small Businesses

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…

UM and Blackfoot Communications Launch Cybersecurity Partnership

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…

Montana Department of Justice Issues Warning on Dangerous Surge of Carfentanil in Billings

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 Gianforte Signs Ban on Lab-Grown Meat

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 Leads 26-State Coalition Challenging Hawaii Gun Ban at Supreme Court

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…

Wyoming Air National Guard to Receive C-130J Super Hercules Upgrade

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…

Construction Begins on New Signal Peak Energy Ice Arena in Billings

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…

Knudsen Marks MMIP Awareness Day

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…

Sheehy Leads Letter Backing Trump’s Efforts to Tackle Wildfire Crisis

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…

Montana State University alumna authors children’s book on civil engineering

A Montana State University graduate hopes a youthful, in-charge, purple civil engineer with large, pointy ears will pique the interests of children about her own chosen profession. Lisa Schleuter (previously Woerlein), graduated from MSU’s Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering in 2014 with a degree in civil engineering and minors in aerospace and Spanish. It was Read More…

South Dakota firm to bring ‘Ring of Fire’ LED Display System for New Nissan Stadium

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 Becomes First State to Enshrine ‘Right to Compute’ Into Law

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…

Stockman Bank Donates $250,000 to Support Mental Health and Genetics Care for Montana’s Children

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 to Honor 2,465 Graduates at Spring Commencement on May 9

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…