Featured Articles in Montana News

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…

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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…

Montana State names 2025 presidential scholars

Montana State University’s most prestigious scholarship has been awarded to 20 high school graduates from across the nation and world, including 15 students from Montana. The MSU  Presidential Scholarship  is awarded based on scholastic achievement, demonstrated leadership and exemplary public service. Students receive an annual stipend plus a tuition waiver. The scholarship is renewable for Read More…

Montana State Auditor James Brown Applauds $1.7 Million Land Board Allocation to Support Public Schools

Montana State Auditor and Commissioner of Securities and Insurance James Brown praised the Montana Board of Land Commissioners this week after approving an estimated $1.7 million in revenue to support the state’s public schools. The decision, made during the Land Board’s May meeting, reflects the board’s continued efforts to responsibly manage Montana’s trust lands in 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…

Commerce Awards Nearly $500,000 to Boost Rural Economic Growth in Montana

The Montana Department of Commerce announced today the 2025 recipients of its Opportunities in Rural Economies (ORE) planning grants, awarding nearly $500,000 in funding to support projects that aim to strengthen local economies across rural Montana. “The ORE Program plays a vital role in creating good-paying jobs, stimulating economic growth, helping businesses grow, and building 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…

State Auditor James Brown Announces Multi-State Settlements Over Excessive Broker Commissions

Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance James Brown announced Tuesday a series of national settlements with five major broker-dealer firms over allegations they charged excessive commissions on small retail equity transactions, in violation of state securities laws. The firms—Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P. (Edward Jones), LPL Financial LLC, RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Stifel, Nicolaus Read More…

DOJ Warns of Scam Texts Impersonating Motor Vehicle Division

The Montana Department of Justice’s Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) is alerting Montanans to a wave of fraudulent text messages impersonating the Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) in an attempt to steal personal information and money. Scammers are sending urgent text messages that falsely claim recipients owe fines or traffic tickets and must pay immediately 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…

Commerce Awards $23.7 Million in Coal Endowment Grants to 39 Communities

The Montana Department of Commerce announced Thursday that 39 cities, towns, counties, and water and sewer districts across the state will share more than $23.7 million in grant funding through the Montana Coal Endowment Program (MCEP), supporting critical infrastructure improvements ranging from water and wastewater system upgrades to bridge replacements. “MCEP project grant funding is Read More…

Flathead Lake to Peak Below Full Pool This Summer

Flathead Lake will not reach full pool this summer, marking the third consecutive year of below-normal water levels. Projections indicate the lake will peak at 2,892.3 feet on June 19, 2025, then gradually decline. Full pool is 2,893 feet. The shortfall is due to reduced snowpack and insufficient spring runoff, combined with demands for hydropower Read More…

Brown Announces New Executive Leadership Appointments in Auditor’s Office

Commissioner of Securities and Insurance and Montana State Auditor James Brown announced new additions to the agency’s executive leadership team this week, naming three seasoned professionals to top roles. The appointments reflect Commissioner Brown’s continued emphasis on building an experienced, consumer-focused, and forward-thinking leadership structure. Erin Snyder Appointed Deputy Insurance Commissioner Effective June 2, Erin Read More…

Zinke Nominates 15 Western Montana Projects for Federal Funding Totaling $64.6 Million

Congressman Ryan Zinke today announced a slate of 15 infrastructure, law enforcement, and rural development projects across Western Montana, requesting federal funding totaling $64,619,833. The funding requests, submitted to the House Appropriations Committee on which Zinke serves, target community improvements spanning 13 counties, including Beaverhead, Flathead, Gallatin, Granite, Lake, Lincoln, Missoula, Mineral, Powell, Ravalli, and Read More…

Knudsen Praises SCOTUS Unanimous Ruling for U.S. Gun Manufacturers

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen celebrated a major legal victory for American gun manufacturers and Second Amendment advocates on Thursday after the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Mexican government against several U.S. firearms companies. The case, Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc., et al. v. Mexico, centered on Mexico’s attempt to 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…

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…

Max Baucus Institute Announces 2025 Baucus Leader Scholars

The Max S. Baucus Institute has announced its Baucus Leader Class of 2025. The more than 40 University of Montana students selected represent Ambassador Baucus’ commitment to create outstanding service opportunities at home and abroad for undergraduate and graduate students from across Montana. Inspired by Baucus’ belief that “there is no higher calling than public Read More…

Bridger Aerospace Lands Record-Breaking Wildfire Contracts for Super Scooper Aircraft

Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: BAER, BAERW), one of the nation’s leading aerial firefighting companies, announced today it has secured two unprecedented 120-day task orders from the U.S. Forest Service for its fleet of CL-415EAF “Super Scooper” aircraft. The contracts, each covering two aircraft, mark the longest task orders ever awarded to Bridger for 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…

Montana Ranks Third Nationally for Lowest Unemployment

Montana continues to outperform much of the nation in employment, ranking third among U.S. states for the lowest unemployment rate, Governor Greg Gianforte announced. The state’s jobless rate held steady at 2.7% in April, trailing only South Dakota and North Dakota. The figure marks an ongoing trend of low unemployment in Montana, maintaining 46 consecutive Read More…

Montana State professor Elizabeth Shanahan receives Fulbright Scholar Award for research in Australia

Elizabeth Shanahan, a professor of political science at Montana State University, has received a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program award to Australia, where she will investigate Australian public responses and policy development related to the prevention of emerging infectious disease. Shanahan will collaborate with a researcher in the University of Wollongong’s School of Health and Society Read More…

Montana State Research Development Team Earns National Innovation Award

Montana State University’s Office of Research Development has received national recognition for its innovative efforts to strengthen research collaboration across universities in the western U.S. At the National Organization of Research Development Professionals (NORDP) annual conference held April 28–May 1, MSU’s research development team was presented with the prestigious Innovation Award. The award honors individuals Read More…

Montana Expands Conduit Bond Financing

The Montana Department of Commerce announced a major expansion in financing options for businesses and nonprofits today, following the enactment of Senate Bill 104, which significantly broadens the reach of the Montana Facility Finance Authority (MFFA). Signed into law by Governor Greg Gianforte on April 16, 2025, the legislation allows the MFFA to issue conduit Read More…

Gianforte Launches Fifth Annual 56 County Tou

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…

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…

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…

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…

Brown Announces Settlement with Vanguard Over Target Retirement Fund

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…

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…