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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 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…

Texas Troopers Rescue Migrants from Cloned Truck in Rural Southwest Texas

Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers discovered 17 migrants hidden inside a cloned semi-trailer in rural southwest Texas on Thursday, potentially saving their lives as temperatures approached 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The semi-truck, which had fraudulent markings resembling those of the popular Lowe’s home improvement chain, was driven by a man from Mississippi. He now Read More…

Montana Cancer Doctor Accused of Fraud and Overprescription

A Montana cancer specialist, Dr. Thomas Weiner, is facing serious allegations following a four-year federal investigation into his medical practices. The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced a civil lawsuit on Tuesday against Weiner and a $10.8 million settlement with St. Peter’s Health, where Weiner worked until late 2020. According to the lawsuit, Weiner, who saw up Read More…

Political Group Attempts to Pay College Athletes to Endorse Tester

Democrat Senator Jon Tester  is receiving support from an outside group that is leveraging new NCAA guidelines to solicit endorsements from college athletes in Montana. This initiative essentially pays athletes to make political endorsements through their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights. According to Lily Meskers, a track athlete and journalism major at the University Read More…

Gianforte Celebrates Multi-Generation Montana Family Businesses

Governor Greg Gianforte visited two prominent multi-generation family businesses in Missoula and Jefferson counties on  as part of his 56 County Tour, highlighting the enduring spirit of the American Dream in Montana. “The American Dream is alive and well in Montana thanks to our hardworking job creators committed to carrying on their family legacy,” Gov. Read More…

Greg Gianforte

Governor Gianforte Urges Montana Schools to Adopt “Cell Phone-Free” Policies

Governor Greg Gianforte has called on Montana’s superintendents and school board trustees to implement “cell phone-free” policies in a bid to reduce classroom distractions and enhance student academic performance. In a letter sent to school leaders across the state, Gianforte emphasized the need to minimize disruptions in the learning environment. “For our Montana students to Read More…

15 states sue Biden-Harris administration for enrolling noncitizens in Obamacare

(The Center Square) – A coalition of states led by Kansas has sued the Biden-Harris administration to block the federal government from providing free health care through the taxpayer-funded Affordable Care Act, otherwise known as Obamacare, to foreign nationals in the U.S. illegally. Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court Read More…

Pro-Palestine protest shuts down LA freeway during peak rush hour

(The Center Square) – Pro-Palestine protesters shut down a major Los Angeles freeway during the height of rush hour, leading California Highway Patrol to detain several protesters. The protest of several dozen individuals, the organizers for which include pro-Palestinian Jewish organization IfNotNow Los Angeles, started at around 9:00 a.m., which is peak rush hour. Protesters, Read More…

Montana State University President Waded Cruzado Announces Retirement

Montana State University President Waded Cruzado has announced she will retire in June 2025, concluding a groundbreaking 15-year tenure at the helm of the state’s land-grant institution. Cruzado, who became MSU’s 12th president in 2010, has overseen a period of significant growth and innovation at the university. In a heartfelt letter to the university community, Read More…

Dem VP Nominee Tim Walz Lied about 1995 DUI Arrest

As Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz steps into the national spotlight, renewed attention is being paid to a 1995 drunk driving incident that has resurfaced in light of his current high-profile candidacy. The controversy traces back to Walz’s 2006 congressional campaign, where his team made several disputed claims about his arrest for driving under Read More…

Knudsen on Supreme Court Blocks Biden-Harris Administration’s Title IX Rule

The United States Supreme Court ruled today to block the Biden-Harris administration’s Title IX rule, a decision that halts the enforcement of regulations perceived as threatening the rights and safety of girls and young women. In response to the ruling, Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen issued a statement reaffirming his commitment to protecting women’s rights Read More…

Montana Supreme Court Rules Minors Can Obtain Abortions Without Parental Consent

The Montana Supreme Court ruled that minors do not need parental permission to obtain an abortion in the state. The decision aligns with a previous lower court ruling that found the state’s parental consent law unconstitutional under the privacy clause of the Montana Constitution. Abortion will now be the only medical procedure minors may obtain Read More…

Speaker Mike Johnson Campaigns With Republicans in Billings

Top Republican leaders from Montana converged in Billings today, just a week after former President Donald Trump’s visit to Bozeman. U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson headlined the event, underscoring the critical need to uphold conservative values in today’s political climate. Montana’s Attorney General Austin Knudsen, State Auditor Troy Downing, Congressman Ryan Zinke, and Governor Greg Read More…

South Dakota AG: Former state employee obtained $400,000 in loans using fake vehicle titles

(The Center Square) – A now-deceased former state employee allegedly forged 13 vehicle titles to obtain almost $400,000 in fraudulent loans, South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley said Thursday. The State Department of Revenue contacted Jackley’s office in February. The Division of Criminal Investigation conducted the probe with the cooperation of the Department of Revenue Read More…

Barry Usher

Montana Senator Barry Usher Elected Vice President of National Conference of State Legislatures

In a significant development for the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), Montana Senator Barry Usher has been elected as the organization’s new vice president. This bipartisan body represents the 7,386 state lawmakers and over 30,000 legislative staff across the United States.* Usher, who will serve a one-year term as vice president, is poised to Read More…

Gianforte Honors Veterans in Red Lodge and Columbus During Statewide Tour

Governor Greg Gianforte presented the 2023 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation to three distinguished veterans this week, continuing his fourth annual 56 County Tour with ceremonies in Stillwater and Carbon counties. “The dedication of these Montana veterans, both in military service and their contributions to our communities, exemplifies the spirit of service,” Gov. Gianforte said. “As Read More…

Biden Reflects on His Decision to Withdraw from 2024 Race

In his first interview since announcing his exit from the 2024 presidential race, President Joe Biden spoke candidly with CBS News’s Robert Costa at the White House on Wednesday. The interview, airing Sunday, focused on Biden’s reflections on his presidency, his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris, and his concerns about the 2024 election. Biden Read More…

Trump Rallies in Bozeman

Former President Donald Trump held a campaign rally in Bozeman, Montana, on Friday night, aiming to energize supporters and impact down-ballot races in a state he previously won in the 2020 presidential election. “Less than three months from now, we are going to defeat radical left Democrat John Tester and send Tim Sheehy to the Read More…

Attorney General Leads Coalition Investigating Asset Managers Over Fiduciary Duties

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen is spearheading a coalition of 24 attorneys general in a high-profile inquiry into whether major asset managers are neglecting their fiduciary responsibilities to their clients. The coalition sent a letter on Thursday to 25 top asset managers, raising concerns about their support for environmental shareholder proposals recommended by Institutional Shareholder Read More…

Governor Greg Gianforte Presents Spirit of Montana Award to Havre Teacher Cheryl Russell

Governor Greg Gianforte recently honored Cheryl Russell, a dedicated teacher from Havre Public Schools, with the Spirit of Montana award, recognizing her exceptional commitment to education and service. During a surprise ceremony held at Havre Public Schools, Governor Gianforte celebrated Russell’s nearly 30-year career in education. “One of the greatest pleasures I have as governor Read More…

FACT CHECK: Biden’s claim that illegal border crossings lower than Trump’s is false

(The Center Square) – During President Joe Biden’s address to the American public Wednesday night, he said his administration secured the border. Without discussing border policies in his 10-minute address, he touted his efforts in two sentences, saying, “We are also securing our border. Border crossings are lower today than when the previous administration left Read More…

Montana GOP Questions Ryan Busse’s Silence on Biden’s Endorsement of Kamala Harris

As President Joe Biden announced his decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris, Montana’s Democratic gubernatorial candidate Ryan Busse has remained notably silent on the matter. The Montana Republican Party is expressing frustration over Busse’s lack of comment. Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt criticized Busse for not addressing Biden’s Read More…

Former California School Official Sentenced to Over Five Years for Embezzlement Scheme

A former senior director of fiscal services for the Magnolia School District has been sentenced to 70 months in federal prison for embezzling nearly $16.7 million from the district, federal officials announced Thursday. Jorge Armando Contreras, 53, was also ordered to pay restitution totaling $16,694,942. Contreras, who held his position with the district—serving Anaheim and Read More…

Gov. Gianforte Issues Executive Order Declaring Disaster in Missoula and Mineral Counties

HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today issued an executive order declaring a disaster in Missoula and Mineral counties. “A recent severe thunderstorm toppled trees and downed power poles in the Missoula area, leaving too many residents without power. I appreciate the rapid response of our electric cooperatives to restore power to affected communities,” Gov. Read More…

Governor Gianforte Commits to Enhancing Behavioral Health Care in Montana Tribal Communities

Governor Greg Gianforte recently engaged with the Rocky Boy Agency Tribal council in Box Elder, Montana, to discuss significant investments in behavioral health care across north central Montana. During his visit to the Rocky Boy Health Center, Governor Gianforte underscored the state’s commitment to supporting mental health and substance abuse initiatives rather than neglecting those Read More…