In a move aimed at improving services for veterans, the Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) is now accepting additional documentation for veterans to obtain a veteran designation on their state-issued driver licenses. Veterans can now use a current Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) or American Legion membership card, in good standing, to receive the designation. Read More…
Montana State University announced this week that Craig Ogilvie, dean of the Graduate School and associate vice president of research, will step down from his administrative role at the end of December. Ogilvie, who has led the Graduate School since 2019, will remain at MSU as a faculty member in the Department of Physics within Read More…
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has filed a lawsuit against the Biden administration over its plan to halt federal coal leasing in the Powder River Basin, a region responsible for 85% of coal production on federal lands. Knudsen argues the decision will devastate Montana’s coal industry and harm the state’s economy. The lawsuit, filed in Read More…
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has announced the appointment of Lee Johnson as the new administrator for the Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI). Johnson, a veteran with over three decades of experience at DCI, previously served as the bureau chief of the division’s Investigations Bureau. “I’m confident Lee has the knowledge and experience required to Read More…
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…
Governor Greg Gianforte presented the Spirit of Montana award to Grayson Williams and Chancy Segeberg in Columbus, recognizing their heroic actions that saved a friend’s life after a serious car accident. “As Montanans, we’re defined by our resilience, sense of community, and our willingness to help one another in times of need,” Gov. Gianforte stated Read More…
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 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…
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…
BOZEMAN — Jim Weatherly, whose career includes leading an influential Montana-based engineering firm for nearly 30 years, will be inducted into the Montana Professional Engineers Hall of Fame on Nov. 6. Montana State University’s Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering houses the hall of fame, which was founded in 2002 to recognize engineers who have made Read More…
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 (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…
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…
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…
Next month Tryg Koch, a familiar face to many in Montana’s agricultural community, will be recognized by the Montana State University College of Agriculture during the annual Celebrate Ag event. Koch is the 2024 recipient of the college’s Outstanding Agricultural Leader award. Each year ahead of Celebrate Ag, members of the agricultural community across the 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…
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…
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 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…
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…
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…
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 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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Governor Greg Gianforte announced that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is awarding Montana $2.7 million to enhance the Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Fort Harrison. “This funding allows us to honor the sacrifices of those who have served our nation,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Each grave is a testament to courage and commitment, and Read More…
Governor Greg Gianforte announced that Montana’s unemployment rate increased by 0.1% to 3.2% in August, still holding steady below the national average of 4.2%, according to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Montana Department of Labor and Industry. Montana’s unemployment rate has now been at or below 3.4% Read More…
The production team for the television series “1923” is making a return to Butte as they begin construction of the Dutton Ranch set down a dirt road near the Mining City. Some scenes for the show’s second season will be filmed in and around Butte this October and possibly into November. After filming its first 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…
Montana State University will welcome four finalists for the position of dean of the Office of International Programs during the week of September 30. Each candidate will conduct interviews on campus, engaging with students, faculty, and administrators throughout the day. As part of the interview process, each finalist will hold an open forum at 4 Read More…
From the time he was a child, Paul E. Funk II knew he wanted to serve in the U.S. military. He watched his father, also named Paul, fly a Cobra helicopter in 1968, sparking some of his earliest fascination with the armed forces. An avid athlete, Funk had always felt the deep importance of being Read More…
When J. Mitchell Vaterlaus worked as a marriage and family therapist, he noticed that many of his clients lacked basic relational skills, including skills in communication, setting boundaries, and combining and establishing familial traditions. “It made me really interested in thinking about how to do more prevention science,” Vaterlaus said. “How do we prevent these 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…
Montana State University’s Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering is set to host its annual Shadow Day events on October 16 and 17, inviting high school students interested in engineering, computer science, and Army and Air Force ROTC programs to participate. The first day, October 16, will focus on ROTC programs, featuring Army ROTC activities from Read More…
Governor Greg Gianforte, joined by Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) Director Amanda Kaster, praised the state’s enhanced investments in wildfire prevention and suppression during a press conference today. The announcement emphasized the impact of $60 million in funding from House Bill 883, which aims to improve forest management and fire response. “This Read More…