Gov. Greg Gianforte on donated a quarter of his annual salary to the Mountain Shadow Association in Lodge Grass, marking the twelfth and final day of his fifth annual 12 Days of Giving campaign. The donation supports the nonprofit’s work strengthening families, restoring parent-child relationships, and advancing community-led healing and addiction recovery efforts in Lodge Read More…
Prosecutors in the Montana Attorney General’s Office filed official misconduct charges against state Sen. Jason Ellsworth, alleging he acted outside the scope of his lawful authority as a public servant and improperly handled a state contract. Prosecutors also asked the court to suspend Ellsworth from office pending final judgment. The charges stem from a Montana Read More…
U.S. Sen. Tim Sheehy has nominated four Montana students for admission to United States Service Academies, recognizing their academic achievement, leadership, and commitment to public service. Sheehy said the nominations reflect both the students’ accomplishments and the importance of military service to the nation. “My wife and I met at the Naval Academy, and we Read More…
A new Government Accountability Office (GAO) investigation has uncovered massive fraud and systemic weaknesses in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace, including fake identities receiving subsidies, misuse of Social Security numbers, billions in unreconciled payments, and insurers collecting tax credits for deceased individuals. The report validates longstanding Republican concerns that the ACA subsidy system lacks Read More…
The Montana Microfabrication Facility at Montana State University recently received a $1.1 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration through its Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs program. The funding will support current and new Montana Microfabrication Facility customers to rapidly develop, assemble and test photonic integrated circuits, or PICs. In this 2023 file photo, Read More…
Montana State Auditor and Commissioner of Securities and Insurance James Brown announced an immediate investigation into Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana (BCBSMT) following a major data breach that may have compromised the personal and medical information of up to 462,000 Montanans. “This breach is not just a technical lapse. This is a deeply disturbing Read More…
The Original Governor’s Mansion will temporarily close to public tours beginning November 1, 2025, as contractors begin a series of critical exterior repairs aimed at preserving one of Montana’s most cherished historic landmarks. The restoration effort, funded through the Governor’s Long-Range Building Program, will address both the mansion and its adjacent historic carriage house. Planned Read More…
University of Montana alum Cassidy Randall will serve as the 2026 Kittredge Distinguished Visiting Writer in Environmental Studies. As an author and freelance journalist, the Missoula resident covers adventure and the environment in the West. Her most recent book, “Thirty Below: The Harrowing and Heroic Journey of the First All-Women’s Ascent of Denali,” recently won Read More…
The Montana Department of Justice (MTDOJ) and Billings Police Department (BPD) are alerting residents of Yellowstone County about an increased presence of the deadly synthetic opioid carfentanil. The warning follows a significant seizure by the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force, which confiscated 5,300 pills suspected of being trafficked into Montana Read More…
Montana State University’s Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing and the Montana State University Alumni Foundation recently received a Blue Impact Grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana. The $43,685 grant, awarded in August, will help the nursing college collaborate with clinical agencies in rural areas to develop a post-graduate transition-to-practice program Read More…
Watching William Shakespeare’s plays come to life is a bit like walking into a dark room. The longer someone is immersed, the more everything comes into focus. Montana Shakespeare in the Schools, a branch of Montana Shakespeare in the Parks and an outreach program of Montana State University’s College of Arts and Architecture, shares this Read More…
As an Indigenous artist, Kendallynn Charging has admired the Native Griz designs created the past three years for the University of Montana’s Nike N7-inspired campaign, which honors Native culture and heritage in Montana. When the University asked for applications from Indigenous artists this spring for its fourth version of the Native Griz design, Charging was Read More…
The second annual Montana Agritourism Conference will be held at Montana State University next month on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 20-21. The event will be hosted by the Montana Agritourism Association, which was established last year through collaboration between MSU’s Department of Agricultural and Technology Education, the Montana Department of Agriculture and Western Sustainable Agriculture, Read More…
U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Tim Sheehy released a joint statement praising the Senate’s confirmation of William Mercer to serve as U.S. District Judge for the District of Montana. “We congratulate William Mercer on his long-awaited confirmation to serve as U.S. District Judge for Montana,” the senators said. “Bill will have a lasting impact on Read More…
The Associated Students of Montana State University will host its annual TEDxMontanaStateUniversity event on Wednesday, Nov. 5. The event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at Inspiration Hall inside Norm Asbjornson Hall on MSU’s campus and will conclude with a small reception. Student tickets are $5, and general public tickets are $15. Both Read More…
To honor the service and sacrifice of America’s military heroes, Pulitzer Prize-nominated authors Dino Garner and Liz Fetter will host a special Veterans Day tribute and multimedia presentation on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at the historic Hotel Baxter in downtown Bozeman. The one-hour evening event, which runs from 7 to 8 p.m., is free and Read More…
A weeklong interdiction operation led by the Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) in Butte resulted in multiple drug seizures and arrests as law enforcement worked to curb criminal activity and keep illegal narcotics out of Montana communities. From October 7–14, MHP troopers partnered with the United States Border Patrol and the Air National Guard Counterdrug Aviation Read More…
Concluding his trade mission to Japan, Governor Greg Gianforte this week celebrated more than four decades of partnership between Montana and Kumamoto Prefecture, emphasizing the enduring cultural, educational, and economic ties that have defined the sister-state relationship since its founding in 1982. Gianforte’s visit marks the first time in fifteen years that a Montana governor Read More…
Superintendent of Public Instruction Susie Hedalen has issued a directive to all Montana school districts, reminding them of their legal obligations to comply with state and federal laws amid rising concerns over ideological activism in public education. In a formal letter sent this week, Hedalen reinforced that adherence to these laws is a condition for Read More…
The Montana State University Department of Agricultural Economics and Economics and MSU Extension will host the annual Agricultural Economics Conference on Friday, Nov. 7, at the Bozeman Hilton Garden Inn, 2023 Commerce Way. The conference is part of the College of Agriculture’s annual Celebrate Ag week, which highlights and honors the state and university’s joint agricultural legacy and celebrates current students, alumni and Read More…
he TechLink Center at Montana State University recently secured a five-year partnership agreement to help the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs move new technologies from its research centers to the commercial marketplace, a process known as tech transfer. Since 2018, TechLink’s role in establishing commercial partnerships for VA research interests has been renewed annually. This Read More…
The Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (CSI) and the Missoula County Attorney’s Office have charged an Idaho man with conspiracy to defraud investors, including elderly Montanans, through a scheme tied to cryptocurrency investments. According to charging documents, Shawn Cutting, an Idaho resident, along with two unidentified co-conspirators — one from Idaho and one from Read More…
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen is leading a coalition of 20 states in backing President Donald Trump’s deployment of federal and National Guard forces to Portland, Oregon, in response to violent protests and threats against federal officers. The coalition filed an amicus brief Wednesday in the case State of Oregon and the City of Portland Read More…
Governor Greg Gianforte and the Montana Chamber of Commerce will host the 2nd Annual Big Sky, Bright Future Economic Summit on Thursday, October 16, in Bozeman, bringing together business leaders, policymakers, and energy experts to focus on the theme of unleashing American-made energy in Montana. “With rising demand on our energy grid, Montana must continue Read More…
The U.S. Senate has confirmed Kurt Alme to serve as U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana, returning the Great Falls native to a post he previously held from 2017 to 2020. A seasoned prosecutor and respected public servant, Alme brings decades of experience in both state and federal law enforcement. His confirmation drew strong Read More…
Montana State University is a key player in launching a new AmeriCorps program designed to bolster the community health workforce in Montana. After nearly a year of planning, the Community Health Corps Montana program will kick off in January 2026. In its first year, the program will support 14 AmeriCorps service members paired with around Read More…
The Montana Department of Commerce announced that more than $1.8 million in grant funding has been awarded to six Montana communities to support critical public safety and infrastructure projects in coal-impacted areas. The funding comes from the Montana Coal Board, which assists local governments and schools in addressing the impacts of coal development and energy Read More…
Governor Greg Gianforte is celebrating a major investment to expand the Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery, ensuring that Montana’s veterans and their families continue to have a lasting place of honor. “We have a solemn responsibility to honor and remember the veterans who have served our country and passed on,” Gov. Gianforte said. “With this Read More…
Before bear spray, encounters between people and bears often ended in bullets. That changed when graduate student Carrie Hunt developed the life-saving deterrent at the University of Montana in the 1980s. Over 40 years later, bear spray is one of the most important tools for human-wildlife coexistence. https://bigskyheadlines.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/MVD-office15.mp4 Hunt grew up in Chile, where she Read More…
Two University of Montana accounting students recently won national scholarships geared toward outstanding graduates considering careers in auditing. Ella Pheifer and Brandi Ashford each earned a $15,000 scholarship from the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. They were among a select group from across the country to receive this recognition for the 2025-26 academic year. Pheifer Read More…
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen, joined by 15 other state attorneys general, announced Wednesday the launch of an investigation into major technology companies over what they allege are misleading claims about being powered entirely by renewable energy. In a letter sent to executives at Microsoft, Meta, Google, and Amazon, Knudsen said the companies’ reliance on Read More…
Governor Greg Gianforte on Monday welcomed a delegation from the Taiwan Flour Millers Association (TFMA) to Montana for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that strengthens the state’s long-standing trade relationship with Taiwan. “For over forty years, Montana and Taiwan have enjoyed a truly remarkable friendship and trade relationship, built on a shared Read More…
Senator Tim Sheehy (R–Mont.) visited Three Forks and Manhattan to host town halls and meet with local students to discuss leadership, service, and opportunities available through the United States Service Academies. Sheehy, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and former Navy SEAL officer, told students that attending a service academy can open doors to Read More…
Between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, the Montana Auditor’s Office, also known as the Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (CSI), denied millions of dollars in proposed insurance rate increases, shielding tens of thousands of Montanans from higher premiums. During the 12-month period, the agency’s Insurance Rates Bureau reviewed and closed 3,551 insurance rate Read More…
Montana’s First Congressional District, giving residents in rural communities the opportunity to meet with staff for help on a range of federal matters. The mobile office hours are designed to assist constituents with issues involving federal agencies, grant applications, permitting, and other government services. Staff can also provide guidance on passports and visas, veterans’ affairs, Read More…
Less than a week after launching his Unleashing American-Made Energy Task Force, Governor Greg Gianforte announced the 20 members appointed to guide Montana’s energy future. “Montana’s future and the prosperity of our people require access to affordable and reliable energy,” Gianforte said. “Just as important, our nation’s security requires us to be not only energy Read More…
Montana State University and the Downtown Bozeman Association will host the university’s 2025 Homecoming pep rally Friday, Sept. 26. The event will kick off at 6 p.m. at the intersection of Main Street and Willson Avenue in downtown Bozeman. Head coach Brent Vigen and the 2025 football captains will help rally the crowd along with Read More…
Students at Morning Star School in Bozeman had an unusual start to their Friday morning: a visit from Governor Greg Gianforte and U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. McMahon is traveling to all 50 states as part of her “Returning Education to the States” tour, an initiative aligned with President Donald Trump’s goal of shifting Read More…
Governor Greg Gianforte recognized Sergeant Bob Longcake of Shelby with the 2024 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation, honoring both his military service during the Vietnam War and his decades of dedication to veterans and his community. “Sergeant Longcake exemplifies the very best of Montana’s veterans,” Gianforte said. “From his courageous service in Vietnam to his tireless Read More…
The Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) welcomed 11 new troopers into its ranks Friday during the 82nd Advanced Academy graduation ceremony. The event included remarks from Attorney General Austin Knudsen and MHP Colonel Kurt Sager, followed by a formal swearing-in and badge-pinning ceremony. “I am proud to welcome 11 new troopers to the Montana Highway Patrol,” Read More…
As a project manager who specializes in campus recruiting for one of the world’s largest professional service firms, Reannon Crider insists on visiting her alma mater – the University of Montana. Crider grew up in Helena and graduated from UM in 2015 with a degree in management information systems, one of UM’s highest earning degrees, Read More…
The Reimagining Rural program, an initiative of Montana State University Extension, will host the second annual Reimagining Rural Roadshow Oct. 1-2 in Glasgow. Designed as a one-stop connection point, the roadshow brings state and regional resource providers together with rural community leaders in a rural setting. Launched in 2019, Reimagining Rural is dedicated to providing Read More…
Governor Greg Gianforte announced today the opening of the fourth annual Governor’s Youth Hunting Story Contest, inviting Montana youth and apprentice hunters ages 10 to 17 to share their hunting experiences. “For the past three years, young hunters across Montana have shared incredible stories that celebrate our hunting heritage and love of the outdoors,” Gov. Read More…
Montana State Auditor James Brown has joined elected leaders and financial officers nationwide urging the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to investigate the delisting of Chinese companies that fail to meet U.S. anti-fraud and transparency standards. The move is aimed at protecting American investors and strengthening national security. “Montanans should not be forced to roll Read More…