The federal government’s crackdown on commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) for immigrants has uncovered problems in eight states, following a series of deadly crashes involving truck drivers who were not authorized to be in the U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has publicly threatened to withhold millions in federal funding from California, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, and New York Read More…
U.S. Sen. Tim Sheehy has nominated four Montana students for admission to United States Service Academies, recognizing their academic achievement, leadership, and commitment to public service. Sheehy said the nominations reflect both the students’ accomplishments and the importance of military service to the nation. “My wife and I met at the Naval Academy, and we Read More…
A new Government Accountability Office (GAO) investigation has uncovered massive fraud and systemic weaknesses in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace, including fake identities receiving subsidies, misuse of Social Security numbers, billions in unreconciled payments, and insurers collecting tax credits for deceased individuals. The report validates longstanding Republican concerns that the ACA subsidy system lacks Read More…
More than 32,000 Montana businesses will see a reduction in unemployment insurance (UI) tax rates in 2026, resulting in over $23 million in savings, the Montana Department of Labor & Industry announced. “By reforming our tax code and cutting back the thicket of red tape tying up job creators, we’re helping Montana businesses grow and Read More…
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…
J. Michael Cline, the founder of Fandango, tragically passed away after a fatal fall from a luxury hotel in New York City on Tuesday morning, authorities have confirmed. Cline, aged 64 and a resident of Palm Beach, Florida, was discovered “unconscious and unresponsive” at the Kimberly Hotel located at 145 East 50th St. in Manhattan. Read More…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
A terrifying scene unfolded at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday as former President Donald Trump narrowly escaped an apparent assassination attempt. Law enforcement officials confirmed that Trump was the target of gunfire during his speech, resulting in injuries to the former president. Trump, with blood visible on his ear, was swiftly whisked away Read More…
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…
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…
(The Center Square) – President Joe Biden’s attempt to re-interpret Title IX and thereby implement a sweeping LGBTQ agenda at schools around the country may be put on hold after a few key court rulings. The Biden administration’s overhaul of Title IX is set to take effect Aug. 1, but a flurry of court decisions Read More…
(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…
(The Center Square) – A bill that bans China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia or Venezuela from owning agricultural land in South Dakota took effect Monday. The bill also prohibits any of the countries from leasing agricultural land unless it is for research and is no more than 320 acres or is for the contract Read More…
(The Center Square) – Idaho Gov. Brad Little issued an executive order Wednesday meant to protect Idaho’s water resources from federal intervention. The order comes after the U.S. Supreme Court blocked an agreement between water users in Texas, New Mexico and Colorado over the Rio Grande Compact, asserting federal control in water disputes. That decision Read More…
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…
Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen headlined the Montana Chamber of Commerce’s “Big Sky, Bright Future Economic Summit,” where she engaged in a fireside chat with Chamber CEO Todd O’Hair on topics of work culture and leadership. “I take great pride in the daily efforts of the Secretary of State’s Office. Our team is dedicated Read More…
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…
Governor Greg Gianforte celebrated Montana’s recent ranking as the third most patriotic state in the nation ahead of Independence Day. “God bless America, and Montana,” Gov. Gianforte exclaimed. “This study confirms what I’ve long known: Montana is home to some of the most freedom-loving and patriotic individuals in our country. From our unwavering support for Read More…
Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan strongly criticized her conservative colleagues on Friday for overturning the Chevron deference, a major decision that shifts power from federal agencies to the courts. In her dissent, Kagan condemned the majority’s action, stating that it effectively transforms the Court into the nation’s administrative czar. Alongside liberal Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Read More…
The Montana VA announced the appointment of Duane Gill as the new director for the Montana VA Health Care System. Effective June 30, Gill will officially take on the role of director, transitioning from his previous position as interim director, as stated in a news release. Expressing his commitment, Gill remarked, “I am honored to Read More…
Governor Greg Gianforte continued his fourth annual 56 County Tour as governor, meeting with Montanans in Gallatin and Park counties. “Montana is home to a diverse range of industries, from pioneering research to small businesses that bolster tourism and the arts,” Gov. Gianforte emphasized. “Investing in our state laboratories and tourism sector is pivotal for Read More…
Attorney General Knudsen spearheaded a coalition of 24 states urging the Supreme Court to overturn the lower court’s decision in March. On Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a previous ruling by a lower court that prevented states and local governments from enforcing laws aimed at preventing public spaces from turning into homeless encampments. Following Read More…
Two recent court rulings will temporarily prevent the Biden administration from implementing further parts of the president’s student loan repayment plan, which has already lowered or eliminated monthly payments for millions of federal student loan borrowers. These decisions put the SAVE Plan, introduced by President Joe Biden, into uncertainty, causing borrowers to once again face Read More…
(The Center Square) – Illegal border crossings at the northern border continue to break records, according to the latest data released by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. A record-breaking 18,644, were apprehended illegally entering the U.S. at the northern border in May, the highest total for the month of May in recorded history. The northern Read More…
(The Center Square) – In March 2021, the Los Angeles Times published a story with a headline that asked, “What constitutes a border crisis?” The story quoted then House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy as saying, “There is no other way to claim it than a Biden border crisis.” Then the LA Times asked, “But is Read More…
(The Center Square) – Fentanyl has been a problem in Montana for years, and 2024 appears to be no different. Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (RMHIDTA) task forces seized 163,184 dosage units of fentanyl in Montana during the first quarter of this year. That is compared to 65,142 during the same period last year, an Read More…
BOZEMAN – Science teacher Doree Thilmony jumped at the chance when she learned last fall that Montana State University could help her put on a summer camp to teach geospatial skills in her rural community. “I teach drones, so I know they are used a lot for mapping,” said Thilmony, the science teacher at Thompson Read More…
(The Center Square) – Wyoming transportation officials believe a temporary detour can be built around where Highway 22 in Teton Pass collapsed once the area is secured, the Department of Transportation said on Monday. The pass, which connects Jackson, Wyoming to Victor, Idaho, was closed Thursday following a landslide that caused cracking in the road. Read More…
Jenifer Powell has been named the 2024 Centennial Bell Montana History Teacher of the Year. Powell, who teaches seventh-grade social studies at Corvallis Middle School, was recognized for her exceptional dedication and passion for educating students about Montana’s history. “Jenifer excels at creating an engaging learning environment that promotes critical thinking, curiosity, and a deep Read More…
Governor Greg Gianforte underscored Montana’s thriving economy and recent initiatives to enhance the state’s business environment during his address at the Big Sky, Bright Futures Economic Summit in Bozeman, where he joined the Montana Chamber of Commerce. “With record business creation and a historically high employment rate, Montana’s economy is moving forward,” Governor Gianforte emphasized. Read More…
Zachary Eugene Norman, 26, of Three Forks, received a 110-year prison sentence in Gallatin County District Court on Monday for the murder of Chase Estabrook in January 2022, Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced. Norman was convicted in May of deliberate homicide with a weapons enhancement for fatally shooting Chase Estabrook outside a Three Forks residence. Read More…
Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced today the appointments to the Montana Missing Indigenous Persons Task Force. The task force aims to overcome jurisdictional obstacles and identify underlying causes contributing to the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous persons. During the 2023 legislative session, Attorney General Knudsen supported House Bill sponsored by Rep. Tyson Running Wolf, Read More…
The Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) at the Montana Department of Justice has received reports of fraudulent activities where scammers impersonate law enforcement officers. These scammers contact unsuspecting Montanans, claiming there is an arrest warrant due to missed jury duty, and then coerce victims into transferring thousands of dollars. The scammers instruct individuals to visit Read More…
A truck driver who collided with an SUV carrying a Wyoming family on Interstate 25 was sentenced on Friday to serve 11 years in the Department of Corrections, followed by a mandatory three-year parole period. Jesus Puebla, 27, had been found guilty by a jury in March on five counts of vehicular homicide, as well Read More…
Antonio Conigliaro, an 86-year-old former captain of the Genovese crime family known as “Tony Cakes” and “Tony the Dessert Man,” tragically lost his life last week in Brooklyn. He was fatally struck by a New York City Department of Transportation truck while crossing a street on June 12. Authorities reported that Antonio Conigliaro, 86, was Read More…
After concluding a guided food-tour in Mexico with her friends, Gretchen Stelter settled into her business class window seat on an American Airlines flight, intending to focus on editing a book manuscript for her new job. Despite hoping her open laptop and AirPods would dissuade conversation, she engaged in small talk with her seatmate after Read More…
Everyone ponders the same question, whether a billionaire or someone living paycheck to paycheck: How much should I keep in my checking account? For billionaires, deciding on a checking account balance is more of an academic exercise than a necessity. Conversely, for those constantly grappling with cash flow issues, it’s a crucial and serious matter. Read More…
Billings City and Billings Logan International Airport have jointly announced the commencement of seasonal air service to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, facilitated by Sun Country Airlines. The service is set to commence this Wednesday, June 19, and will operate through late August. The inaugural flight from Minneapolis-St. Paul is scheduled to arrive just after 12 Read More…
Glendive Police Chief Jeremy Lee Swisher is facing potential felony charges following allegations of hunting violations on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation and tampering with witnesses, according to court documents filed last Thursday. The filings detail accusations that Swisher possessed three mule deer buck racks harvested illegally on the reservation. An investigation conducted by Montana Read More…