Featured Articles in Montana News

Montana State University Appoints William Thomas as New Dean of College of Letters and Science

Montana State University announced today that William Thomas, a seasoned administrator and faculty member from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, has been selected as the new dean of the MSU College of Letters and Science. Thomas will officially assume his role on January 13, 2025. “William Thomas brings a wealth of experience as a scholar, educator, Read More…

Billings City Administrator’s Pay Increase Postponed Amid Ongoing Water Bill Audit

Billings City Administrator Chris Kukulski, currently in the second year of a three-year contract, will see a delay in discussions about his pay increase. The Billings City Council decided to postpone the decision following Kukulski’s recent performance evaluation, citing concerns about public perception as the city continues to address issues with its water billing system. Read More…

Montana Attorney General Leads 28-State Coalition Challenging Biden Admin’s New Firearm Regulation

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen spearheaded a coalition of 28 states in filing an amicus brief opposing the Biden-Harris administration’s attempt to classify forced reset triggers (FRTs) as machine guns under federal law. The brief, submitted to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, supports the National Association for Gun Rights in their challenge to the Read More…

DEQ Proposes New Permit for Montanore Minerals Corporation’s Libby Creek Project

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has drafted a new Montana Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (MPDES) permit to replace an existing permit issued in 2006 for the Montanore Minerals Corporation (MMC) Libby Creek Adit, located south of Libby in Lincoln County. The Libby Exploration Project involves underground exploration for silver and copper ores. MMC Read More…

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Montana Law Enforcement Academy Graduates 62 New Officers

The Montana Law Enforcement Academy (MLEA), part of the Montana Department of Justice, celebrated the graduation of 62 new officers today. These graduates will serve in 40 agencies across the state, bolstering law enforcement efforts in state, county, city, and tribal jurisdictions. Attorney General Austin Knudsen attended the ceremony, commending the graduates on their achievement Read More…

Montana State University Appoints William Thomas as New Dean of College of Letters and Science

Montana State University announced today that William Thomas, a seasoned administrator and faculty member from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, has been selected as the new dean of the MSU College of Letters and Science. Thomas will officially assume his role on January 13, 2025. “William Thomas brings a wealth of experience as a scholar, educator, Read More…

Billings City Administrator’s Pay Increase Postponed Amid Ongoing Water Bill Audit

Billings City Administrator Chris Kukulski, currently in the second year of a three-year contract, will see a delay in discussions about his pay increase. The Billings City Council decided to postpone the decision following Kukulski’s recent performance evaluation, citing concerns about public perception as the city continues to address issues with its water billing system. Read More…

Montana Attorney General Leads 28-State Coalition Challenging Biden Admin’s New Firearm Regulation

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen spearheaded a coalition of 28 states in filing an amicus brief opposing the Biden-Harris administration’s attempt to classify forced reset triggers (FRTs) as machine guns under federal law. The brief, submitted to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, supports the National Association for Gun Rights in their challenge to the Read More…

DEQ Proposes New Permit for Montanore Minerals Corporation’s Libby Creek Project

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has drafted a new Montana Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (MPDES) permit to replace an existing permit issued in 2006 for the Montanore Minerals Corporation (MMC) Libby Creek Adit, located south of Libby in Lincoln County. The Libby Exploration Project involves underground exploration for silver and copper ores. MMC Read More…

University of Montana Alumni Association Honors Five Distinguished Alumni

The University of Montana Alumni Association (UMAA) has announced the recipients of this year’s Distinguished Alumni Awards, recognizing five individuals who have made significant contributions in their fields and brought honor to the university, state, and nation. The awardees are chosen by the UMAA Board of Directors based on their respected careers and community impact. Read More…

Unbreakables Foundation Launches Scholarship Program for Montana High School Students

The Unbreakables Foundation, co-founded by Montana native and entrepreneur Dr. Braxton Norwood, has announced the launch of its inaugural scholarship program aimed at high school students across Montana. The Unbreakables Scholarship is designed to support and uplift graduating seniors, providing financial assistance to selected members of the Class of 2025 as they pursue higher education Read More…

University of Montana Secures NSA Grant for Cybersecurity Education Initiative

The University of Montana has been awarded a grant from the National Security Agency (NSA) to lead a coalition of five western states in enhancing cybersecurity education for students and teachers. Through the GenCyber program, the nearly $600,000 grant will enable UM to collaborate with other colleges to develop a regional initiative aimed at strengthening Read More…

Collaboration between Montana State and Smithsonian elevates prairie and grassland research

BOZEMAN – While it’s known for its museums in Washington, D.C., the Smithsonian Institution also comprises dozens of research and education bodies around the world. And through a unique collaboration with one of those teams, faculty and students at Montana State University are amplifying ecological research in the northern Great Plains. The Smithsonian’s Great Plains Read More…

Governor Gianforte Visits Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch to Support Youth Mental Health Initiatives

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 State University Receives $6.4 Million Grant for Railway Workforce Development

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…

Eight Arrested in Human Trafficking Operation in Missoula

A human trafficking operation conducted this week by the Montana Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), along with the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office and the Missoula Police Department, resulted in the arrest of eight individuals, Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced today. All individuals were arrested on pending charges of patronizing a prostitute, with Read More…

Montana State University Extension to Host Inaugural Cattle Academy in Miles City

Montana State University (MSU) Extension is set to launch the first Cattle Academy, a biennial regional conference for beef cattle producers, on November 19-20 at the Custer County Event Center, located at 72 Garryowen Road. The Cattle Academy aims to equip beef cattle producers with valuable insights on contemporary topics, current research, and innovative technologies Read More…

Daines Criticizes Biden Administration’s Mining Regulations as “Cynical”

U.S. Senator Steve Daines today condemned new guidance issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury regarding the Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit (45X), labeling it a “cynical and desperate attempt to get votes before the election.” Daines’ remarks came after the Treasury made minor adjustments to its draft guidance, which he had previously criticized for Read More…

Gianforte Celebrates $700 Million Investment in Montana’s Energy Infrastructure

Governor Greg Gianforte joined community leaders today to announce a $700 million investment aimed at enhancing affordable and reliable energy in Montana through the North Plains Connector Interregional Innovation project. This initiative will establish the first high-voltage transmission line connecting Montana’s eastern and western power grids. “Access to affordable and reliable energy is a top Read More…

Daines Challenges Biden Administration’s “Gender Identity” Guidance

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…

Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program Kicks Off at Montana State University

In mid-September, Montana State University (MSU) welcomed 23 educators from 20 different countries as part of the Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement (FTEA) program. This six-week initiative aims to share effective teaching methods and practices with international teachers. MSU is one of only five U.S. universities hosting FTEA participants this fall, a program sponsored by Read More…

Annual Montana FFA Ag Expo set for Nov. 14-16

Montana State University (MSU) is set to welcome nearly 1,800 high school and middle school students from across the state for the annual Montana FFA Ag Expo, taking place from November 14 to 16. The expo will feature a variety of activities designed to enhance leadership skills and provide educational opportunities. Students will participate in Read More…

Montana Attorney General Sues TikTok Over Harmful Content to Minors

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 Gianforte Celebrates Increased Public Access at Isaac Homestead Wildlife Management Area

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…

Montana State University to Host 18th Annual Agricultural Economics Conference

Montana State University’s Department of Agricultural Economics and Economics, in collaboration with MSU Extension, will host the 18th Annual Agricultural Economics Conference from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, November 8. The event will take place at the Best Western GranTree Inn, located at 1325 N. Seventh Ave. in Bozeman. This year’s conference is Read More…

Montana State University Hosts Free Mathematics Contests for High School Students

High school students are invited to register for free mathematics contests taking place on Wednesday, November 6, and Tuesday, November 12, at Montana State University (MSU) in Bozeman. The exams will be administered in person on campus, with results submitted online and compared against a national competition pool. The contests, known as the American Mathematics Read More…

Governor Gianforte Spotlights Missoula FFA Students’ Tiny Home Project

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…

Attorney General Knudsen Leads Coalition in Legal Challenge Against Biden-Harris Immigration Rule

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…

Montana Recognized for Fiscal Responsibility and Tax Relief by Cato Institute

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…

Attorney General Austin Knudsen Defends Actions Amid Professional Conduct Hearing

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…

Riley Gaines Advocates for Women’s Sports at Billings event

All-American swimmer Riley Gaines addressed the importance of preserving women’s sports during the Montana Family Foundation Banquet held at the Northern Hotel on Friday. Her remarks came in light of recent developments in collegiate athletics, including the University of Wyoming women’s volleyball team’s decision to forfeit a match against San Jose State, reportedly due to Read More…

Gianforte Honors Sheriff Lonnie Johnson with Veteran Commendation

In a heartfelt ceremony at the Sheridan County Courthouse, Governor Greg Gianforte presented Sheriff Lonnie Johnson with the prestigious 2023 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation. Joined by Johnson’s wife and fellow V.F.W. members, the governor acknowledged the sheriff’s dedication to both military and community service. “I was honored to recognize Sheridan County Sheriff Lonnie Johnson with Read More…

Gianforte Files Amicus Brief with U.S. Supreme Court Supporting Tennessee Law on Children’s Medical Protections

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…

Montana Launches New Grant Program to Boost Rural and Tribal Agritourism

The Montana Department of Commerce has announced the launch of a new grant program aimed at supporting rural and tribal agricultural businesses while promoting economic diversification throughout the state. The funding will be provided through the newly established Agritourism Grants Program. Paul Green, Director of the Montana Department of Commerce, stated, “This new grant program Read More…

Montana Attorney General Announces $3.5 Million Funding Boost for Children’s Advocacy Centers

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…

Montana Pheasant Season Opens October 12

The highly anticipated pheasant hunting season in Montana kicks off on Saturday, October 12, offering hunters a chance to engage in the state’s beloved outdoor tradition. This fall, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) plans to release nearly 18,000 pheasants across wildlife management areas, fishing access sites, and select school trust lands. This year marks Read More…

Gianforte Announces $2.5 Million Investment for Behavioral Health Solutions in Rural and Tribal Communities

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…