Featured Articles in News

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…

Gov. Armstrong Meets with EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin

Governor Kelly Armstrong of North Dakota met with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin today to discuss critical issues affecting the state’s energy and agriculture sectors. The meeting focused on collaborating with the federal government and industry partners to protect North Dakota’s natural resources while fostering responsible energy development and economic growth. Armstrong Read More…

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South Dakota AG: Former state employee obtained $400,000 in loans using fake vehicle titles

(The Center Square) – A now-deceased former state employee allegedly forged 13 vehicle titles to obtain almost $400,000 in fraudulent loans, South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley said Thursday. The State Department of Revenue contacted Jackley’s office in February. The Division of Criminal Investigation conducted the probe with the cooperation of the Department of Revenue 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…

Montana Attorney General Leads Push for Uniform Pesticide Labeling Rule

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has joined a coalition of attorneys general in urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to implement a new rule aimed at establishing consistent pesticide labeling requirements nationwide. The proposed rule seeks to address current discrepancies and burdens faced by farmers due to varying state regulations. Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, Read More…

Attorney General Leads Coalition Investigating Asset Managers Over Fiduciary Duties

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen is spearheading a coalition of 24 attorneys general in a high-profile inquiry into whether major asset managers are neglecting their fiduciary responsibilities to their clients. The coalition sent a letter on Thursday to 25 top asset managers, raising concerns about their support for environmental shareholder proposals recommended by Institutional Shareholder Read More…

Governor Greg Gianforte Presents Spirit of Montana Award to Havre Teacher Cheryl Russell

Governor Greg Gianforte recently honored Cheryl Russell, a dedicated teacher from Havre Public Schools, with the Spirit of Montana award, recognizing her exceptional commitment to education and service. During a surprise ceremony held at Havre Public Schools, Governor Gianforte celebrated Russell’s nearly 30-year career in education. “One of the greatest pleasures I have as governor Read More…

China’s Role in Palestinian Unity Deal Draws Criticism from Experts

A recent agreement facilitated by Beijing to unify Palestinian factions has sparked controversy, with experts accusing China of aligning with terrorist organizations in the Middle East. The deal, announced on July 23, involves 14 Palestinian factions, including Hamas, which the U.S. designates as a terrorist organization. The accord aims to end internal divisions and form Read More…

Manhattan DA Argues Supreme Court Ruling on Presidential Immunity Doesn’t Affect Trump’s Conviction

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office has filed a brief asserting that a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity does not impact the criminal case against former President Donald Trump. The July 24 filing states that the Supreme Court’s decision “has no bearing on this prosecution” and does not warrant overturning the jury’s Read More…

Former California School Official Sentenced to Over Five Years for Embezzlement Scheme

A former senior director of fiscal services for the Magnolia School District has been sentenced to 70 months in federal prison for embezzling nearly $16.7 million from the district, federal officials announced Thursday. Jorge Armando Contreras, 53, was also ordered to pay restitution totaling $16,694,942. Contreras, who held his position with the district—serving Anaheim and Read More…

Sheridan Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Killing Montana Woman in Colorado

Casey Childers of Sheridan has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder of Rachel Holeman, a Montana woman, in Colorado. Childers was convicted of first-degree murder, second-degree kidnapping, and conspiracy to commit second-degree kidnapping, according to Sheridan Media. The case unfolded in November 2021 when Childers, Shantel Edlund Read More…

Israel Strikes Hezbollah Targets in Lebanon Following Deadly Rocket Attack on Golan Heights

Israel’s air force has launched airstrikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon following a deadly rocket attack that killed 12 children and young adults in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights on Saturday. The attack, which struck a football pitch in the Druze town of Majdal Shams, has intensified tensions between Israel and the Lebanese militant group. The Read More…

Gov. Gianforte Issues Executive Order Declaring Disaster in Missoula and Mineral Counties

HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today issued an executive order declaring a disaster in Missoula and Mineral counties. “A recent severe thunderstorm toppled trees and downed power poles in the Missoula area, leaving too many residents without power. I appreciate the rapid response of our electric cooperatives to restore power to affected communities,” Gov. Read More…

Southeast Idaho Mule Deer Advisory Committee efforts are underway

Southeastern Idaho boasts abundant wildlife and expansive outdoor adventures, but perhaps none captivates local interest and conversation quite like the mule deer. Thriving in the sagebrush steppe and mountain shrub/aspen habitats that define the region, mule deer hold a special place in the hearts of Idahoans. However, the iconic mule deer herds face numerous challenges. Read More…

Montana SBDC Honors Quincy Walter of Wolf Point as 2024 State Star

In a distinguished accolade, Quincy Walter of Wolf Point has been named the 2024 Montana “State Star” by the Montana Department of Commerce and the Montana Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network. This national honor recognizes outstanding contributions and performance among SBDC directors across the country. Walter, serving as SBDC Regional Director hosted by the Read More…

Governor Gianforte Commits to Enhancing Behavioral Health Care in Montana Tribal Communities

Governor Greg Gianforte recently engaged with the Rocky Boy Agency Tribal council in Box Elder, Montana, to discuss significant investments in behavioral health care across north central Montana. During his visit to the Rocky Boy Health Center, Governor Gianforte underscored the state’s commitment to supporting mental health and substance abuse initiatives rather than neglecting those Read More…

Senator Steve Daines Advocates for Grizzly Bear Delisting Despite Administrative Hurdles

Senator Steve Daines made a compelling case today at a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing for the delisting of grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone and Northern Continental Divide Ecosystems. He highlighted the discrepancy between the robust grizzly populations and the prolonged delay in their delisting review by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Read More…

Former South Dakota Department of Social Services Employee Indicted for Stealing $1.8 Million

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has announced a significant development in a case involving alleged embezzlement from the state’s Department of Social Services. Lonna Carroll, 68, of Algona, IA, has been indicted for reportedly stealing an estimated $1.8 million in state and federal funds from the department’s Child Protection Services program. Carroll faces two Read More…

DeliverFund and Whooster Announce Partnership to Fight Against Human Trafficking

In a significant development aimed at combating human trafficking, DeliverFund, a nonprofit specializing in intelligence operations, has partnered with Whooster, a leading provider of investigative data solutions. This collaboration marks a pivotal advancement in leveraging technology to fight against one of the world’s most pressing issues. Whooster, renowned for its cutting-edge data analysis intelligence SaaS Read More…

Unbreakables Foundation Launches Initiative to Empower Disadvantaged Families

A newly established nonprofit organization, the Unbreakables Foundation, has announced its inaugural initiatives aimed at enhancing self-reliance and welfare among disadvantaged families in the United States and former conflict zones. Founded under the leadership of Braxton Norwood PhD, Unbreakables Foundation is dedicated to fostering independence and prosperity for vulnerable groups, with a particular emphasis on Read More…

Burgum appoints Greg Hoffman to serve as chief information officer

Governor Doug Burgum has appointed Greg Hoffman to serve as the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the North Dakota Information Technology (NDIT) department, effective immediately. Hoffman, recognized for his extensive leadership within the agency, steps into the role following his tenure as interim CIO since June 1, succeeding Kuldip Mohanty. With a career spanning nearly Read More…

Wyoming Transportation Commission to meet July 18

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – The Wyoming Transportation Commission is scheduled to convene for its regular business meeting on Thursday, July 18, starting at 8:30 a.m. The meeting will be conducted exclusively via Zoom to address agenda items and conduct necessary votes. The primary agenda items include critical discussions related to transportation infrastructure and pertinent statewide initiatives. Read More…

FBI Identifies Shooter in Attempted Assassination of Former President Trump

The FBI has identified 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks as the suspect in the attempted assassination of former U.S. President Donald Trump. The incident, which unfolded on Saturday, ended with the suspect being fatally shot by Secret Service agents just seconds after shots were fired towards the stage where Trump was addressing the crowd. According to Read More…

Montana State’s Blake Wiedenheft receives regional award for research excellence

BOZEMAN – Montana State University scientist Blake Wiedenheft was recognized last month with a prestigious award from agricultural deans and directors around the Western U.S. Wiedenheft received the Agricultural Research and Innovation Award from agInnovation West, an organization made up of the experiment station directors and agriculture deans at land-grant universities in the western half Read More…

NorthWestern Energy Seeks Rate Increases for Electric and Gas Customers in Montana

NorthWestern Energy has formally requested approval from Montana regulators to raise rates for its electric and natural gas customers, marking its first rate adjustment petition since its last review two years ago. NorthWestern Energy submitted its proposal to the Montana Public Service Commission (PSC) for an interim rate increase. The initial request outlines a $2 Read More…

Navigating Dual Citizenship: Exploring Opportunities Through Ancestry

For individuals looking to reconnect with their family heritage, explore new horizons abroad, or secure the flexibility of a second passport, citizenship by descent offers a compelling avenue. Across at least 50 countries worldwide, varying paths exist for individuals to acquire citizenship based on familial ties. However, the journey to dual citizenship is often labyrinthine, Read More…

Montana gets $40 million in federal funds for innovation research

(The Center Square) – Montana is receiving $40 million in federal funds due to legislation sponsored by U.S. Sen. Steve Daines. The “Endless Frontier Act” calls for increased investments in science and technology innovation as a way of strengthening the U.S. economy and national security to compete with China and other nations. “Montana continues to lead Read More…

Governor Honors Three Forks Veteran

Governor Greg Gianforte recently honored Sergeant Major Sean Gifford during a ceremony in Three Forks, presenting him with the 2023 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation. “Giving back and serving our neighbors is integral to our identity as Montanans,” Governor Gianforte remarked. “It’s a privilege to recognize Sergeant Major Gifford for his exceptional contributions to the Three Read More…

Teachers’ union staff goes on strike

The National Education Association Staff Organization, the union representing NEA employees, set up picket lines around the Pennsylvania Convention Center in downtown Philadelphia on Friday and had planned a three-day strike during the event. President Joe Biden canceled his scheduled address at the National Education Association’s annual conference in Philadelphia after union staff initiated a Read More…