Featured Articles in Montana News

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…

Knudsen Marks MMIP Awareness Day

In recognition of Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Awareness Day, Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen reaffirmed his office’s commitment to addressing the disproportionate impact of violence on tribal communities across the state. “I have had a front row seat to the devastation inflicted on Montana’s tribal communities by the missing and murdered Indigenous persons Read More…

Ryan Zinke

Zinke Receives Top Conservation Honor from Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership

The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP) has awarded Congressman Ryan Zinke (R-MT-01) its highest honor, the James D. Range Conservation Award, recognizing his leadership in wildlife conservation and protection of public lands. Zinke, a former Secretary of the Interior and a longtime advocate for public access and land stewardship, was honored during the TRCP’s annual Read More…

All in: Montana News

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…

Filming for “1923” Returns to Butte

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…

Montana Ranked Fourth Best State for Regulatory Freedom

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 professor to discuss research on family dynamics at Oct. 15 provost’s lecture

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 Sets Enrollment Records

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…

Greg Gianforte

Gianforte Highlights Success of Montana’s Wildfire Management Efforts

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…

Five Montanans Honored with Governor’s Arts Awards

Five Montanans Honored with Governor’s Arts Awards HELENA, Mont. (September 20, 2024) – Five distinguished Montana artists have been recognized with the state’s highest honor for those whose careers exemplify the visual, performing, literary, and traditional arts. The 2024 Governor’s Arts Award recipients are:   Jackie Larson Bread of Great Falls Jim Dolan of Belgrade Read More…

Montana Highway Patrol Welcomes Three New Troopers

The Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) celebrated the graduation of three new troopers during a ceremony held in Helena on Friday. The event marked the official commissioning of the recruits, who completed the rigorous 79th MHP Advanced Academy. Attorney General Austin Knudsen and MHP Colonel Kurt Sager addressed the newly minted troopers before they received their Read More…

Attorney General Knudsen Launches Naloxone Kit Program in Montana Schools to Combat Fentanyl Crisis

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen unveiled a new initiative today aimed at addressing the state’s growing fentanyl crisis. The program will provide life-saving naloxone kits to middle and high schools across Montana, equipping schools with essential tools to handle opioid overdoses. The naloxone kits, which include the overdose-reversal medication naloxone, a CPR respirator mask, a Read More…

Gianforte Highlights Montana’s Job and Wage Growth

Governor Greg Gianforte, alongside Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) Commissioner Sarah Swanson, showcased new data today illustrating the robust performance of Montana’s economy. During a press conference at the state capitol, Gianforte emphasized the impact of the state’s “strong work ethic” and “pro-business, pro-jobs policies” on its economic vitality. “Montana’s economy is thriving,” Read More…

Montana State sets new record in annual research expenditures at over $257 million

BOZEMAN —Montana State University has set a new record for expenditures on research at more than $257 million, exceeding the prior year’s total by 12% and marking six consecutive years of record-setting research growth at the state’s largest university. In its annual report to the National Science Foundation, MSU recorded research activities totaling $257.9 million Read More…

Knudsen Launches New Human Trafficking Awareness Course for Students

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced today the launch of a new educational course designed to raise awareness about human trafficking and online exploitation among students. The course, titled “Enlightened,” was developed by the Montana Department of Justice in collaboration with anti-human trafficking organizations and features insights from human trafficking survivors and Division of Criminal Read More…

Governor Gianforte Honors Montana Veterans

Governor Greg Gianforte recognized 39 distinguished veterans this week with the 2023 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation during ceremonies held across Madison, Missoula, Deer Lodge, and Silver Bow counties. Each recipient was awarded a special commemorative flag that had flown over the Montana State Capitol in their honor. “No one embodies our Montana values and commitment Read More…

Montana Attorney General Launches Investigation into MSCI Inc. Over Alleged Discriminatory Practices

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced today the initiation of an investigation into MSCI Inc., a prominent investment firm, over allegations of discriminatory practices against Israeli companies. The probe, conducted under Montana’s Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Act, targets MSCI’s purported involvement in boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) actions against Israel. The investigation follows Read More…

Montana Cancer Doctor Accused of Fraud and Overprescription

A Montana cancer specialist, Dr. Thomas Weiner, is facing serious allegations following a four-year federal investigation into his medical practices. The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced a civil lawsuit on Tuesday against Weiner and a $10.8 million settlement with St. Peter’s Health, where Weiner worked until late 2020. According to the lawsuit, Weiner, who saw up Read More…

Greg Gianforte

Governor Gianforte Urges Montana Schools to Adopt “Cell Phone-Free” Policies

Governor Greg Gianforte has called on Montana’s superintendents and school board trustees to implement “cell phone-free” policies in a bid to reduce classroom distractions and enhance student academic performance. In a letter sent to school leaders across the state, Gianforte emphasized the need to minimize disruptions in the learning environment. “For our Montana students to Read More…

City of Helena Joins Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority

The Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority (BSPRA) announced today that the City of Helena has officially joined as a government partner, marking a crucial development in efforts to revitalize passenger rail service to southern Montana and the Greater Northwest. This rail corridor, known as the Big Sky North Coast Corridor, once operated as the North Read More…

Montana State University President Waded Cruzado Announces Retirement

Montana State University President Waded Cruzado has announced she will retire in June 2025, concluding a groundbreaking 15-year tenure at the helm of the state’s land-grant institution. Cruzado, who became MSU’s 12th president in 2010, has overseen a period of significant growth and innovation at the university. In a heartfelt letter to the university community, Read More…

Knudsen on Supreme Court Blocks Biden-Harris Administration’s Title IX Rule

The United States Supreme Court ruled today to block the Biden-Harris administration’s Title IX rule, a decision that halts the enforcement of regulations perceived as threatening the rights and safety of girls and young women. In response to the ruling, Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen issued a statement reaffirming his commitment to protecting women’s rights Read More…

Montana Supreme Court Rules Minors Can Obtain Abortions Without Parental Consent

The Montana Supreme Court ruled that minors do not need parental permission to obtain an abortion in the state. The decision aligns with a previous lower court ruling that found the state’s parental consent law unconstitutional under the privacy clause of the Montana Constitution. Abortion will now be the only medical procedure minors may obtain Read More…

Montana Homeowners Can Now Claim Property Tax Rebate

Governor Greg Gianforte announced today that starting tomorrow, August 15, eligible Montana homeowners can claim a property tax rebate of up to $675 through the website getmyrebate.mt.gov. Homeowners have until October 1, 2024, to file their claims. “Property taxes are too high, which is why we prioritized property tax relief for Montanans in the 2023 Read More…

Gianforte Honors Veterans in Red Lodge and Columbus During Statewide Tour

Governor Greg Gianforte presented the 2023 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation to three distinguished veterans this week, continuing his fourth annual 56 County Tour with ceremonies in Stillwater and Carbon counties. “The dedication of these Montana veterans, both in military service and their contributions to our communities, exemplifies the spirit of service,” Gov. Gianforte said. “As Read More…