The federal government shutdown entered its sixth week this weekend, stretching into the longest in U.S. history and revealing the mounting toll of Washington’s political stalemate. With more than 1,000 flight cancellations nationwide for the second straight day and critical federal services strained, the crisis is now hitting ordinary Americans far harder than the politicians Read More…
A class action lawsuit has been filed against Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana (BCBSMT) over a data breach that allegedly exposed the sensitive personal and medical information of hundreds of thousands of members. The filing comes as Montana State Auditor and Commissioner of Securities and Insurance James Brown launched a separate investigation into the Read More…
Wyoming PBS and the Buffalo Bill Center of the West have launched a new partnership aimed at sharing authentic stories of the American West through a combination of history, storytelling, and visual media. Their inaugural production, From the Center of the West: A Conversation with Authors Dr. Paul Hutton and Peter Cozzens, features an in-depth Read More…
Governor Greg Gianforte announced Wednesday that he is donating a quarter of his annual salary to The Producer Partnership, a Montana nonprofit dedicated to providing locally raised beef and other animal proteins to families in need across the state. The Producer Partnership, founded in 2020, works with Montana livestock producers to accept donated animals, process Read More…
Governor Greg Gianforte visited the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch (YBGR) in Billings on Wednesday, expressing gratitude to staff for their work in supporting youth facing mental health challenges. “From pandemic-related isolation to the pressures of social media, young people across the state and country are facing a mental health crisis,” Gov. Gianforte stated. “It Read More…
Montana Republican Party Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt issued a statement today criticizing Senator Jon Tester for what he claims are false assertions regarding funding for law enforcement in a recent political advertisement. Kaltschmidt’s remarks come after several Montana Sheriff’s Offices publicly disputed Tester’s claims about his support for local law enforcement agencies. “Jon Tester’s true Read More…
The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded a $6.4 million grant to the Western Transportation Institute (WTI) at Montana State University to support workforce development in the railway sector throughout Montana. Announced on October 29, the grant is part of a larger infrastructure initiative funded by the DOT’s Federal Railroad Administration. This initiative is made Read More…
(The Center Square) – Noncitizens, including those in the country illegally, are committing crimes, and they’re being charged, imprisoned and convicted for them in Texas. A new report by the Texas Department of Public Safety highlights the extent of criminal charges, it says, not “to allege that foreign nationals in the country illegally commit more Read More…
(The Center Square) – The Republican-led House Energy and Commerce Committee released a report Wednesday saying that the Biden-Harris Administration spent nearly a billion dollars promoting COVID-era messaging, much of which turned out to be untrue or misleading. The Congressional report examines the $900 million spent by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Read More…
U.S. Senator Steve Daines, along with several Republican colleagues, has formally challenged new guidance from the Biden administration that they claim undermines religious protections and poses risks to women’s safety in the workplace. In a letter addressed to President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, the senators Read More…
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has filed a lawsuit against TikTok, alleging the social media platform knowingly shares addictive and harmful content with children and teens, while engaging in deceptive practices that violate the Montana Consumer Protection Act. The lawsuit follows a comprehensive investigation by the Montana Department of Justice, which found that TikTok presents Read More…
Governor Greg Gianforte joined staff from Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP) Region 7 yesterday to celebrate expanded public access at the Isaac Homestead Wildlife Management Area (WMA). “As we work to increase public access across the state, we enhance and protect our Montana way of life,” said Gov. Gianforte. “We’ll continue to keep public Read More…
The Buffalo Bill Center of the West is set to unveil a new photographic exhibition titled “Fire on the Mountain: Photographs of Wildland Firefighting by Kyle Miller,” opening to the public on October 26, 2024, in the John Bunker Sands Photography Gallery. This compelling exhibition showcases the work of Wyoming Hotshot Captain Kyle Miller, who Read More…
The Montana University System (MUS) is initiating a comprehensive national search to find a successor for Waded Cruzado, who has announced her retirement as President of Montana State University (MSU) at the end of the academic year. To facilitate the recruitment process, MUS has engaged the services of Greenwood Asher and Associates, a firm specializing Read More…
After closing over 100 locations and filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in May, Red Lobster has announced the appointment of Damola Adamolekun as its new CEO. The seafood restaurant chain, which has been a staple for 56 years, has faced significant challenges, including a leadership shake-up with five CEOs since 2021. Adamolekun, 35, expressed Read More…
(The Center Square) – The Federal Emergency Management Agency is taking fire for its increased focus on migrants, and diversity, equity and inclusion policies while its response to recent hurricanes is under scrutiny. Many Americans assume FEMA is only focused on helping respond to disasters, but a closer look at FEMA’s recent internal documents, spending, Read More…
(The Center Square) – The U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments Dec. 4 in a case challenging a bill that prohibits gender-affirming surgeries and treatments for minors. Senate Bill 1 passed by the Tennessee General Assembly in 2023 and signed by Gov. Bill Lee would have taken effect on July 1, 2023. The American Civil Read More…
Governor Greg Gianforte recently praised the innovative efforts of Missoula FFA students during the FFA State Convention, where they showcased their work on building a tiny home. “Innovation in education and programs like FFA are crucial for student success and unlocking the full potential of the next generation of Montanans,” Gov. Gianforte said. He expressed Read More…
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced Tuesday that he is spearheading a coalition of seven attorneys general in filing an amicus brief supporting a lawsuit against a Biden-Harris administration rule. This rule, known as the “Parole-in-Place” (PIP) policy, would permit illegal immigrants to remain in the United States and access employment and public benefits. The Read More…
Governor Greg Gianforte announced today that Montana has been ranked among the top states for fiscal responsibility and tax relief in a recent report by the Cato Institute, a nationally recognized think tank. The report assessed the tax and spending records of all 50 states and their leadership since 2022. “I’m proud of my record Read More…
(The Center Square) – Dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters are now officially facing trespassing charges for demonstrations at Arizona State University in April. The 68 protesters were charged with “criminal trespass” as a third-degree misdemeanor, which is the lowest level, for allegedly participating in the encampment on the Tempe campus’s Old Main lawn that ended up Read More…
(The Center Square) – An Afghan citizen released into the U.S. less than 10 days after the Biden-Harris deadly withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan was arrested for plotting an Election Day terrorist attack on American soil. The U.S. Department of Justice on Tuesday announced charges were brought against 27-year-old Afghan national Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, Read More…
(The Center Square) – In a new national poll released this week, voters signaled they are divided over the Biden administration’s Title IX changes to expand gender identity protections ahead of the general election. The Center Square Voters’ Voice Poll conducted by Noble Predictive Insights found that voters are almost evenly split on the controversial Read More…
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen stood firm in his defense during a formal hearing Wednesday and Thursday regarding a professional conduct complaint against him by a California lawyer, which arises from a long-standing legal dispute between the state Legislature and the judicial branch. The hearing, conducted by an adjudicatory panel of the Montana Commission on Read More…
A new poll indicates that Republican candidate Tim Sheehy is gaining significant support in the race for the U.S. Senate, leading incumbent Jon Tester by a margin of 51% to 45%. This marks a critical moment in Sheehy’s campaign as he seeks to unseat Tester, who has held the position since 2007. Montana Republican Party Read More…
Governor Greg Gianforte has filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in support of Tennessee’s laws aimed at protecting children from permanent and experimental medical and surgical procedures. This move comes as the Supreme Court prepares to hear United States v. Skrmetti, a case initiated by the Biden administration challenging the Tennessee law, Read More…
A recent poll shows Attorney General Austin Knudsen maintaining a commanding lead in his reelection bid, with a 53% to 35% advantage over Democratic challenger Ben Alke. This demonstrates significant support for Knudsen’s conservative agenda as Montanans prepare to vote in the upcoming election. Montana Republican Party Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt expressed confidence in Knudsen’s Read More…
(The Center Square) – The Biden-Harris administration took a tidal wave of criticism this week after U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas told reporters that the Federal Emergency Management Administration did not have enough funds to cover the rest of this hurricane season. Those comments drew criticism from Republican lawmakers, billionaire Elon Musk Read More…
Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced today that the Montana Department of Justice will provide an additional $3.5 million to enhance the state’s Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs). This funding aims to improve the response and care for child survivors of crime and abuse across Montana. The financial support is made possible by a recent settlement with Read More…
Governor Greg Gianforte visited the HER Campaign last week to showcase the organization’s vital work supporting survivors of human trafficking through their residential programs. “Human trafficking is a despicable, heartbreaking crime, but thanks to dedicated Montanans like Sammy and organizations like the HER Campaign, survivors are offered resources and hope,” Gianforte stated. He emphasized the Read More…
(The Center Square) – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced Thursday that it will make tele-emergency care available nationwide to improve fast access to virtual emergency care for those enrolled in VA health care. The expansion of care, which was tested in recent months, has shown promise for veterans, helping more than 61,182 callers with a Read More…
Republican candidate Tim Sheehy emerged victorious in a heated U.S. Senate debate against incumbent Democrat Jon Tester, according to Montana Republican Party Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt. Following the debate, Kaltschmidt issued a statement underscoring Sheehy’s performance and criticizing Tester’s record. “Tim Sheehy’s second debate victory over career politician Jon Tester showed exactly why Montanans will Read More…
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…
(The Center Square) — Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill joined a 20-state coalition to question the American Academy of Pediatrics practices with child gender dysphoria. In a letter, originally written by Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador, the AGs put the organization on notice for possible violations of state consumer protection statutes over its standards on Read More…
(The Center Square) – Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are virtually tied in Nevada, according to a new poll. According to the American Greatness/TIPP poll of 736 likely Nevada voters conducted from Sept. 23-25 in conjunction with TechnoMetrica Institute of Policy and Politics, Harris holds a slim 49.2% to 47.9% advantage over Read More…
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…
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…
(The Center Square) – A coalition of small businesses are calling on Congress to make the 20% small business tax deduction permanent. Small business leaders visited Washington, D.C. this week to call on lawmakers to pass the Main Street Tax Certainty Act, a bill that would prevent the expiration of a small business tax credit Read More…
Montana PBS will host a live debate featuring U.S. Senate candidates Jon Tester and Tim Sheehy at 7 p.m. on Monday, September 30. The one-hour event will take place in a Montana PBS studio located on the University of Montana campus in Missoula. Incumbent Senator Jon Tester, a Democrat, will face Republican challenger Tim Sheehy Read More…
(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…
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…
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…
Montana State University (MSU) has made history by becoming the first university in Montana to enroll over 17,000 students, reaching a fall headcount of 17,144—an increase of 1% from last year’s record of 16,978. This milestone solidifies MSU’s position as the largest university in the four-state region, which includes Wyoming and the Dakotas. The university Read More…
(The Center Square) – The federal government borrowed $1.9 trillion in the first eleven months of fiscal year 2024, including $380 billion in August, a startling amount as federal watchdogs sound the alarm on spending. Those borrowing figures come from the the latest Monthly Treasury Statement from the Treasury Department. Maya MacGuineas, president of the Committee Read More…