Governor recognized two veterans with Montana’s top commendation and addressed the state VFW’s annual convention Gov. Greg Gianforte recently continued his 56 County Tour and honored veterans in Yellowstone and Custer counties as part of his annual effort to visit every county in Montana. “As I travel the state for my 56 County Tour, I Read More…
Attorney general says MVD will waive renewal and replacement fees in July for Montanans adding the state’s new eagle-in-flight citizenship marker Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced that the state’s Motor Vehicle Division will waive certain driver license and identification card fees throughout July for residents who add the state’s new citizenship marker to their Read More…
Siding with SpaceX and the attorney general’s office, the Texas Supreme Court on Friday ruled that environmental groups did not have a right to sue to preserve public access to a beach that has been closed during rocket launches. The unanimous ruling said a trial judge properly dismissed the lawsuit with prejudice, meaning the groups Read More…
Abutting the first-floor hallway of Montana State University’s Romney Hall, the Travis W. Atkins Veteran Support Center resembles a typical campus study space. But through the center doors is much more. Equipped with rows of tables, printers and grab-and-go snacks, the center dedicated to supporting MSU’s military population provides a comfortable place for veterans and their family members to study, relax and find community. Started in 2011, the Veteran Support Center has consistently invested in the 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…
(The Center Square) – The U.S. Department of Energy will be returning to American taxpayers $13 billion in “unobligated wasteful spending” that was originally intended for former President Joe Biden’s climate agenda. In response, Larry Behrens from Power the Future told The Center Square that “by returning $13 billion, the Department of Energy under President Read More…
(The Center Square) – A watchdog group says the U.S. Department of Education ignored a federal court order on the Biden administration’s expansion of Title IX protections and is dragging its feet on a report about it. Empower Oversight said a whistleblower came forward showing the Department’s Office for Civil Rights continued to process complaints Read More…
This week in the stock market was marked by a tug-of-war between optimism about rate cuts and caution sparked by strong economic data and political risk. Major indexes briefly flirted with new highs, but volatility crept back in as investors weighed mixed signals. Rally Fueled by AI Pushes Markets to Records Early in the week, 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…
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announced Wednesday that five people, including a former correctional officer and two current inmates, have been indicted for transporting contraband into the South Dakota State Penitentiary. “Transporting illegal items into the prison makes the facility less safe for staff and inmates,” Jackley said. “We will not tolerate such activity Read More…
(The Center Square) – Virginia is the No. 1 state for teachers’ pay and public spending per student. At the same time, it’s No. 51 for students’ math scores, behind 49 states and Washington, D.C. More pay for teachers and more spending for schools don’t necessarily equal better performances by students, according to a Center Square Read More…
Wyoming Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder joined U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon Tuesday at Jackson Hole Classical Academy as part of the nationwide Returning Education to the States 50-State Tour. The initiative celebrates the shift of educational decision-making from the federal level back to individual states. “Wyoming students have consistently outperformed national learning Read More…
The Sioux Falls School District marked a major milestone on Tuesday, August 19, with the ribbon-cutting of its first-ever SmartLab at the newly built Marcella LeBeau Elementary School. The state-of-the-art STEM learning environment is designed to give students hands-on, project-based learning experiences that foster creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking while preparing them for future careers. Read More…
U.S. stocks surged this week, with all three major indexes closing at record highs after the Federal Reserve delivered its first interest rate cut of the year, fueling hopes that more easing is on the horizon. The Dow Jones Industrial Average pushed further into record territory, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite also notched 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…
The North Dakota Department of Commerce has relaunched Innovate ND, a voucher-based reimbursement program providing up to $50,000 to help entrepreneurs validate business ideas and accelerate growth. The program is divided into two six-month phases, each offering up to $25,000 in reimbursements, which participants must complete within 12 months. “Innovate ND is more than funding Read More…
U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R–Mont.) emphasized the importance of expanding energy production in tribal communities during a Senate Indian Affairs Committee hearing this week. Speaking with David Conrad, Acting Director of the Department of Energy’s Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs, Daines highlighted the potential for tribal energy projects to strengthen sovereignty and fuel Read More…
Registration opens in early October for middle and high school teams for the Montana Science Olympiad state tournament, which is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, at Montana State University. MSU’s Science Math Resource Center, which is part of the College of Education, Health and Human Development, runs the annual statewide competition and will host Read More…
The North Dakota Department of Commerce has announced the 2025 Autonomous Agriculture Grant Program, a competitive funding opportunity offering up to $7.5 million to support transformative projects that advance autonomous agriculture in the state. The program is designed to accelerate the development and deployment of next-generation agricultural technologies, infrastructure, and workforce solutions. Funding may be Read More…
Congressman Ryan Zinke (R–Mont.) this week welcomed Montana’s inaugural Honor Flight as 32 veterans from across the state traveled to the nation’s capital to visit the memorials and monuments dedicated to their service. Zinke met the group at the U.S. Navy Memorial, where he spoke with the veterans, answered questions, and reflected on the meaning Read More…
Governor Greg Gianforte this week signed an executive order creating a new Energy Task Force charged with developing strategies to expand affordable, reliable energy production in Montana. “With increasing demand on our energy grid, we must meet the challenge head-on to ensure affordable, reliable power for Montanans now and into the future,” Gianforte said. “After Read More…
U.S. Senator John Hoeven announced that U.S. Secretary of the Air Force Dr. Troy E. Meink will be a featured guest speaker at the 19th annual UAS Summit & Expo, scheduled for October 14–15 at the Alerus Center. The Summit, one of the nation’s premier gatherings for unmanned aircraft systems, draws government, military, and commercial Read More…
Idaho Fish and Game officials have issued an update on the state’s fall Chinook salmon season, noting that lower-than-expected wild fish returns may prompt regulation changes later this month. Adult wild fall Chinook returns are measured by the number of fish passing over Lower Granite Dam. A sliding scale developed with NOAA Fisheries sets harvest Read More…
The Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) announced today that Montana has been selected to participate in the National Governors Association (NGA) Policy Academy on Youth Apprenticeship, a national initiative aimed at expanding high-quality apprenticeship opportunities for students and young adults. The program, supported by a $50,000 award, will allow Montana to work with Read More…
The Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) is now accepting applications for the Chrome for Kids Wish Fund, a grant program that supports nonprofits dedicated to granting wishes for chronically or seriously ill children. The Chrome for Kids Wish Fund was created by the Montana Legislature and is financed through voluntary $20 donations collected when residents Read More…
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen filed the opening brief in William Trevor Case v. State of Montana ahead of oral arguments at the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) scheduled for October 15. The Attorney General’s Office will defend a Montana Supreme Court ruling that law enforcement may enter a home without a search Read More…
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announced Tuesday that a former state Department of Health employee has been sentenced for falsifying her own medical marijuana card. Alexandra Feiner, 24, of Pierre, pleaded guilty to one felony count of offering a false or forged instrument for filing, registering, or recording. She was sentenced in Hughes County Read More…
The Wyoming Air National Guard’s 153rd Airlift Wing will host Discovery Day 2025, the state’s largest science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM) event, on September 25 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Wyoming Air National Guard Base in Cheyenne. The event brings together local colleges, universities, trade career experts, and STEAM-focused organizations Read More…
(The Center Square) – Charlie Kirk, Turning Point USA founder and executive director and close ally of President Donald Trump, was assassinated Wednesday at a Utah Valley University event. A manhunt for the shooter is ongoing. During an American Comeback Tour, sponsored by the Turning Point USA chapter at Utah Valley, Kirk, 31, was seen Read More…
Montana’s State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and the State Historic Preservation Review Board will hold their tri-annual public meeting on September 18 at the Big Timber Carnegie Library. During the meeting, the board will review and forward nominations for six historic properties across Montana to the Keeper of the National Register at the U.S. Department Read More…
As a growing number of schools across Montana ponder moving to a four-day school week, a researcher at Montana State University and her colleagues are examining the impacts of such a change on children. Among other topics, MSU’s Emily Tomayko and her collaborators have examined questions related to the impact of a four-day school Read More…
(The Center Square) – The Biden administration spent more than $10 million over three years on a security detail and related expenses for former First Son Hunter Biden after denying similar protections to other high-profile political figures, documents obtained by the Center to Advance Security in America and shared exclusively with The Center Square show. The Read More…
overnor Greg Gianforte this week recognized Montana veterans for their service to the nation and their lasting contributions to their communities, presenting the 2024 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation during ceremonies in Beaverhead and Silver Bow counties. “Montana is stronger because of the selflessness and leadership of our veterans,” Gianforte said. “These men and women answered Read More…
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen is warning Montanans about the dangers of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a powerful opioid derivative that is being sold over the counter in gas stations, vape shops, and convenience stores across the state. 7-OH is a concentrated byproduct of the kratom plant and has been linked to a growing number of deaths. Read More…
The Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) command staff has wrapped up its annual district tour, a statewide effort to connect directly with troopers, captains, sergeants, and professional staff across MHP’s seven districts. The yearly tour provides an opportunity to strengthen internal bonds, set future goals, and celebrate accomplishments. This year, Colonel Kurt Sager and MHP leadership Read More…
(The Center Square) – Facing multiple lawsuits, workers’ compensation, and unemployment claims, the Spokane City Council is considering pulling $1.55 million from its reserves to settle before it’s too late. Chief Financial Officer Matt Boston told the council on Monday that the risk management, workers’ and unemployment compensation funds are all experiencing higher activity than anticipated. Read More…