Featured Articles in Montana News

Montana State awarded $1.1 million to expand facility for photonics research and development

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…

Original Governor’s Mansion to Close for Major Restoration Work

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…

Montana DOJ, Billings Police Warn of Carfentanil Surge in Yellowstone County

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…

Missoula Artist Creates UM’s Latest Native Griz Design

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…

All in: Montana News

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…

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…

Gianforte Celebrates Small Business Week with Visit to Innovative Billings Greenhouse

As part of Small Business Week, Governor Greg Gianforte visited Swanky Roots, a family-run aquaponics greenhouse in Billings, to celebrate local entrepreneurship and highlight the role of small businesses in Montana’s economy. “Small businesses like Swanky Roots are the backbone of our communities and economy,” Governor Gianforte said during his visit. “It’s inspiring to see Read More…

Sheehy Leads Letter Backing Trump’s Efforts to Tackle Wildfire Crisis

U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy (R–Mont.) led a coalition of 16 Republican lawmakers in sending a letter to former President Donald J. Trump, voicing strong support for potential executive action aimed at strengthening America’s wildfire response. In the letter, the lawmakers urged Trump to pursue executive-level reforms to streamline federal wildfire response efforts, increase interagency cooperation, Read More…

Montana governor courts Colorado gun makers after state restricts semi-auto guns

(The Center Square) – Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte is pitching gun manufacturers based in Colorado to relocate to his state. Gianforte, whose office posted a video to social media on Wednesday, cited Colorado’s new gun law, Senate Bill 25-003, and other laws not friendly to the industry. SB 25-003, which Colorado Gov. Jared Polis signed into law earlier Read More…

Montana State University alumna authors children’s book on civil engineering

A Montana State University graduate hopes a youthful, in-charge, purple civil engineer with large, pointy ears will pique the interests of children about her own chosen profession. Lisa Schleuter (previously Woerlein), graduated from MSU’s Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering in 2014 with a degree in civil engineering and minors in aerospace and Spanish. It was Read More…

Caroline Roeder Helle selected to national agriculture scholars program

A soon-to-be two-time graduate of Montana State University is participating in a selective academic and professional development program for young leaders in agriculture through the Farm Foundation. Caroline Roeder Helle is one of five graduate students nationwide to be named to the foundation’s Agricultural Scholars program for 2025. Over a year, selected students participate in Read More…

Trevor Graff Appointed Director of Government Relations at Montana State Auditor’s Office

The Montana State Auditor’s Office has named Trevor Graff as its new Director of Government Relations, effective immediately. In this role, Graff will serve as the agency’s chief liaison to the Montana Legislature and other state and federal agencies. State Auditor and Commissioner of Securities and Insurance James Brown praised the appointment, saying, “We are Read More…

Stockman Bank Donates $250,000 to Support Mental Health and Genetics Care for Montana’s Children

Shodair Children’s Hospital has announced a major boost to its Hope Campaign with a $250,000 leadership gift from Stockman Bank, becoming the campaign’s Premier Leadership Sponsor. The donation marks a significant investment in the hospital’s mission to provide vital mental health, allied care, and genetic services to Montana’s children — regardless of their families’ financial Read More…

Billings Accountant Accused of Embezzling Over $100,000 from Nonprofit

A Billings woman is facing felony charges after allegedly embezzling more than $100,000 from a local nonprofit trade organization. Valary Nichole Obert, 35, has been charged with felony embezzlement exceeding $10,000 in Yellowstone County District Court. According to investigators, Obert is accused of stealing approximately $124,200 from the Billings Home Builders Association (BHBA) by falsifying Read More…

Student Veterans Thrive on UM’s Woodsman Team

Jared Landin’s first few axe throws were far from bullseyes. Last fall, Landin spent weeks practicing axe throwing, often landing hits everywhere except the target. Over time his persistence paid off, earning him the chance to represent the University of Montana’s Woodsman Team at timber sports competitions around the country. On Friday and Saturday, April Read More…

Attorney General Knudsen and Colonel Sager Honor MHP Dispatchers

Attorney General Austin Knudsen and Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) Colonel Kurt Sager visited the MHP Communications Center today to recognize the vital work of dispatchers in honor of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, observed from April 13 to 19. The dispatchers at the MHP Communications Center are trained in emergency medical dispatch and work around Read More…

NorthWestern Energy Reaches Settlement Agreements in Montana Rate Review

NorthWestern Energy has reached key settlement agreements with several major stakeholders in its ongoing regulatory rate review for electric and natural gas services in Montana. The agreements, if approved by the Montana Public Service Commission (PSC), would result in modest increases in residential utility bills, helping to fund continued investment in safe and reliable energy Read More…

Five Briefs Filed in Support of AG Knudsen’s SCOTUS Request in Planned Parenthood Parental Rights Case

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen’s petition to the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) for a review of a Montana Supreme Court decision concerning parental rights in abortion cases has gained significant support. Five amicus briefs were filed urging SCOTUS to reverse a decision that, according to Knudsen, puts the health and safety of children at risk Read More…

Montana Communities Receive Over $400,000 in Coal Board Grants

HELENA, Mont. — The Montana Department of Commerce announced today that more than $400,000 in grant funding has been awarded to three communities in coal-impacted areas to support essential public safety and development initiatives. The grants, allocated by the Montana Coal Board, will aid in infrastructure improvements, public safety enhancements, and community development in regions Read More…

UM Earns National No. 1 ‘Military Friendly’ Rank

A national organization recently named the University of Montana the No. 1 “Military Friendly” college in the United States. The ranking is for top “tier-1 research institutions.” The Military Friendly Schools list is compiled each year from data collected from 8,800 schools nationwide. Input is provided by student veterans and a Military Friendly survey by Read More…

President Trump and Governor Gianforte Push for American Energy Dominance at White House

In a powerful show of support for American energy, Governor Greg Gianforte joined President Donald J. Trump at the White House on Thursday to celebrate the signing of executive orders aimed at revitalizing the U.S. coal industry and unleashing American-made energy. The orders, which directly counter the energy policies of the Biden administration, are designed Read More…

Montana’s Bathroom Bill Halted by Democrat-Appointed Judge

A Missoula judge appointed by former Democratic Governor Steve Bullock has temporarily blocked a newly enacted law that protects women’s bathrooms and locker rooms from being accessed by biological males. District Court Judge Shane Vannatta, who openly identifies as a member of the LGBTQ community, issued a ruling Wednesday putting the law on hold just Read More…

Two Montana State University students win prestigious Goldwater scholarships

nna Erickson, a junior from Dalton, Minnesota, majoring in psychology and cell biology and neuroscience, and Derek Jollie, a junior from Butte majoring in mathematical sciences and physics, are Montana State University’s two newest winners of the scholarship given by the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation. The foundation announced Friday that 441 students Read More…

Governor Gianforte, Billings Law Enforcement Highlight $150M Public Safety Investment

Governor Greg Gianforte joined law enforcement leaders in Billings to emphasize the importance of major new investments in Montana’s public safety infrastructure, including a proposed $150 million in one-time funding to expand the capacity of the Montana State Prison. Standing alongside local officials at a press conference, Gianforte stressed the urgency of addressing rising crime Read More…

Belgrade High School wins culinary and business competitions

Belgrade High School was victorious in the Montana ProStart Invitational held March 20 at Montana State University, securing the school’s spot in the national competition in May. ProStart, a two-year culinary and business management program, prepares thousands of high school students nationwide for industry work through catering events, field trips and an annual competition. Gallatin Read More…

Montana’s Unemployment Rate Holds Steady at 2.8% for February, Continuing Historic Low

Governor Greg Gianforte announced that Montana’s unemployment rate remained at 2.8% in February, marking the 44th consecutive month of unemployment at or below 3.4%—a historic low. The strong labor market continues to be a key indicator of Montana’s resilient economy. “Montana’s economy is strong, adding 3,000 new jobs and reaching a record-high labor force of Read More…