On the steps of the Montana State Capitol, Governor Greg Gianforte was officially sworn in Monday for his second term as the 25th Governor of Montana. Accompanied by his wife, First Lady Susan Gianforte, the ceremony marked a historic milestone, as Gianforte became the first Republican governor to secure a second term since 1996. Chief Read More…
(The Center Square) − Pornhub will soon be inaccessible in 13 states after lawmakers passed a slurry of restrictions for social media and other internet sites. The bills require certain age verification measures for websites hosting adult content. A total of 16 states – Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North Read More…
Wyoming families will soon have greater access to educational choices as the first phase of the Wyoming Education Savings Account (ESA) application process goes live on January 1, 2025. The ESA program, established under the Wyoming Education Savings Account Act signed into law in March 2024, aims to empower families by providing financial support for Read More…
In a historic milestone, the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) has announced the investment of more than $92 million in public schools, marking a record-breaking revenue contribution from the state’s trust lands. “Thanks to DNRC’s responsible management of state trust lands, this historic $92 million investment will provide our students with the Read More…
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Monday that Israel’s airstrike on Iran last month targeted a specific element of Tehran’s nuclear program, while also damaging its defense and missile production capabilities. In a speech to the Israeli parliament, Netanyahu stated, “It’s not a secret. There is a specific component in their nuclear program that was Read More…
(The Center Square) – President-elect Donald Trump on Monday confirmed reports that he is planning to declare a national emergency because of the “invasion” of the southern border and use the military to close the border. Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton posted on social media about the reports, a post that Trump shared to his Read More…
Montana State University announced today that William Thomas, a seasoned administrator and faculty member from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, has been selected as the new dean of the MSU College of Letters and Science. Thomas will officially assume his role on January 13, 2025. “William Thomas brings a wealth of experience as a scholar, educator, Read More…
Billings City Administrator Chris Kukulski, currently in the second year of a three-year contract, will see a delay in discussions about his pay increase. The Billings City Council decided to postpone the decision following Kukulski’s recent performance evaluation, citing concerns about public perception as the city continues to address issues with its water billing system. Read More…
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen spearheaded a coalition of 28 states in filing an amicus brief opposing the Biden-Harris administration’s attempt to classify forced reset triggers (FRTs) as machine guns under federal law. The brief, submitted to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, supports the National Association for Gun Rights in their challenge to the Read More…
The 2025 Idaho Rural Success Summit is set to take place on April 30 and May 1 at the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel in Worley, Idaho. The event will bring together community leaders, policymakers, and organizations to share successful strategies for rural development and foster collaboration. The summit will feature dynamic lightning-round presentations, panel Read More…
BOZEMAN — A new six-year, $3 million grant-funded project at Montana State University will support dozens of science, technology, engineering and math teachers in rural and underserved areas of Montana as they work toward graduate degrees in science education or deepen their expertise as teachers. The project ultimately aims to strengthen STEM education for students Read More…
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has drafted a new Montana Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (MPDES) permit to replace an existing permit issued in 2006 for the Montanore Minerals Corporation (MMC) Libby Creek Adit, located south of Libby in Lincoln County. The Libby Exploration Project involves underground exploration for silver and copper ores. MMC Read More…
The University of Montana Alumni Association (UMAA) has announced the recipients of this year’s Distinguished Alumni Awards, recognizing five individuals who have made significant contributions in their fields and brought honor to the university, state, and nation. The awardees are chosen by the UMAA Board of Directors based on their respected careers and community impact. Read More…
The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) is inviting the public to submit creative name ideas for its annual Name-A-Plow Contest. Past winning entries have included clever names like Buzz Iceclear, Alice Scooper, Darth Blader, and CtrlSaltDelete. Submissions can be made through the NDDOT website at www.dot.nd.gov/name-a-plow until November 15. Now in its fourth year, Read More…
The Harlem Globetrotters will bring their signature blend of athleticism and comedy to Montana State University’s Brick Breeden Fieldhouse at 7 p.m. on Friday, February 7, as part of their 2025 world tour. Tickets for this exciting exhibition are set to go on sale at 10 a.m. on Monday, October 28. Fans can purchase tickets Read More…
The Unbreakables Foundation, co-founded by Montana native and entrepreneur Dr. Braxton Norwood, has announced the launch of its inaugural scholarship program aimed at high school students across Montana. The Unbreakables Scholarship is designed to support and uplift graduating seniors, providing financial assistance to selected members of the Class of 2025 as they pursue higher education Read More…
The University of Montana has been awarded a grant from the National Security Agency (NSA) to lead a coalition of five western states in enhancing cybersecurity education for students and teachers. Through the GenCyber program, the nearly $600,000 grant will enable UM to collaborate with other colleges to develop a regional initiative aimed at strengthening Read More…
On October 23, 2024, the Wyoming Veterans Commission announced the appointment of a new commissioner and the re-appointment of several dedicated members committed to advocating for veterans throughout the state. Bobby Werner from Basin, Wyoming, has been appointed as the new commissioner for Judicial District 5. The commission also re-appointed the following individuals: – Rosemarie Read More…
Governor Greg Gianforte presented the Spirit of Montana award to Grayson Williams and Chancy Segeberg in Columbus, recognizing their heroic actions that saved a friend’s life after a serious car accident. “As Montanans, we’re defined by our resilience, sense of community, and our willingness to help one another in times of need,” Gov. Gianforte stated Read More…
BOZEMAN – While it’s known for its museums in Washington, D.C., the Smithsonian Institution also comprises dozens of research and education bodies around the world. And through a unique collaboration with one of those teams, faculty and students at Montana State University are amplifying ecological research in the northern Great Plains. The Smithsonian’s Great Plains Read More…
Governor Greg Gianforte visited the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch (YBGR) in Billings on Wednesday, expressing gratitude to staff for their work in supporting youth facing mental health challenges. “From pandemic-related isolation to the pressures of social media, young people across the state and country are facing a mental health crisis,” Gov. Gianforte stated. “It Read More…
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced today the launch of an investigation involving a coalition of 12 state attorneys general into the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The inquiry centers on allegations that the AAP has disseminated misleading and deceptive information regarding the use of puberty blockers to treat children with gender dysphoria, potentially violating Read More…
The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded a $6.4 million grant to the Western Transportation Institute (WTI) at Montana State University to support workforce development in the railway sector throughout Montana. Announced on October 29, the grant is part of a larger infrastructure initiative funded by the DOT’s Federal Railroad Administration. This initiative is made Read More…
BOZEMAN — Jim Weatherly, whose career includes leading an influential Montana-based engineering firm for nearly 30 years, will be inducted into the Montana Professional Engineers Hall of Fame on Nov. 6. Montana State University’s Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering houses the hall of fame, which was founded in 2002 to recognize engineers who have made Read More…
(The Center Square) – Noncitizens, including those in the country illegally, are committing crimes, and they’re being charged, imprisoned and convicted for them in Texas. A new report by the Texas Department of Public Safety highlights the extent of criminal charges, it says, not “to allege that foreign nationals in the country illegally commit more Read More…
A human trafficking operation conducted this week by the Montana Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), along with the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office and the Missoula Police Department, resulted in the arrest of eight individuals, Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced today. All individuals were arrested on pending charges of patronizing a prostitute, with Read More…
Montana State University (MSU) Extension is set to launch the first Cattle Academy, a biennial regional conference for beef cattle producers, on November 19-20 at the Custer County Event Center, located at 72 Garryowen Road. The Cattle Academy aims to equip beef cattle producers with valuable insights on contemporary topics, current research, and innovative technologies Read More…
U.S. Senator Steve Daines today condemned new guidance issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury regarding the Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit (45X), labeling it a “cynical and desperate attempt to get votes before the election.” Daines’ remarks came after the Treasury made minor adjustments to its draft guidance, which he had previously criticized for Read More…
(The Center Square) – Following Florida, Texas sued the Biden-Harris administration Tuesday after requesting citizenship status information about registered voters in Texas, and not receiving it from federal agencies as required by law. Last week, a coalition of attorneys general, including from Florida and Texas, called on Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to Read More…
Governor Greg Gianforte joined community leaders today to announce a $700 million investment aimed at enhancing affordable and reliable energy in Montana through the North Plains Connector Interregional Innovation project. This initiative will establish the first high-voltage transmission line connecting Montana’s eastern and western power grids. “Access to affordable and reliable energy is a top Read More…
Next month Tryg Koch, a familiar face to many in Montana’s agricultural community, will be recognized by the Montana State University College of Agriculture during the annual Celebrate Ag event. Koch is the 2024 recipient of the college’s Outstanding Agricultural Leader award. Each year ahead of Celebrate Ag, members of the agricultural community across the Read More…
(The Center Square) – The Republican-led House Energy and Commerce Committee released a report Wednesday saying that the Biden-Harris Administration spent nearly a billion dollars promoting COVID-era messaging, much of which turned out to be untrue or misleading. The Congressional report examines the $900 million spent by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Read More…
U.S. Senator Steve Daines, along with several Republican colleagues, has formally challenged new guidance from the Biden administration that they claim undermines religious protections and poses risks to women’s safety in the workplace. In a letter addressed to President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, the senators Read More…
(The Center Square) – More than 525,000 illegal border crossers were reported in California in fiscal 2024, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection data. This excludes those who illegally entered and evaded capture, known as gotaways. CBP doesn’t publicly report gotaway data. The Center Square first reported gotaway data in 2021 after obtaining it Read More…
In mid-September, Montana State University (MSU) welcomed 23 educators from 20 different countries as part of the Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement (FTEA) program. This six-week initiative aims to share effective teaching methods and practices with international teachers. MSU is one of only five U.S. universities hosting FTEA participants this fall, a program sponsored by Read More…
Montana State University (MSU) is set to welcome nearly 1,800 high school and middle school students from across the state for the annual Montana FFA Ag Expo, taking place from November 14 to 16. The expo will feature a variety of activities designed to enhance leadership skills and provide educational opportunities. Students will participate in Read More…
(The Center Square) – The surge of undocumented immigration in the U.S. strains resources far beyond the border, leaving many areas grappling with mounting pressures on social services. This includes hospitals that face the cost of uncompensated care. Uncompensated care refers to services provided without payment, such as charity care and unanticipated bad debt. Federal Read More…
(The Center Square) – Colorado Governor Jared Polis launched the Colorado Hospital Price Finder this week. It’s a tool made available to the public by HB22-1285. It hopes to “connect Coloradans with services, increase price transparency, and save people money on health care,” according to the governor’s office. It complements another state-generated price transparency initiative Polis announced Read More…
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has filed a lawsuit against TikTok, alleging the social media platform knowingly shares addictive and harmful content with children and teens, while engaging in deceptive practices that violate the Montana Consumer Protection Act. The lawsuit follows a comprehensive investigation by the Montana Department of Justice, which found that TikTok presents Read More…
(The Center Square) – The Washington Supreme Court on Thursday rejected a bid brought by Washington State Republican Party Chair Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, to stop the state from issuing financial impact statements on three initiatives on the Nov. 5 ballot. The three measures are Initiative 2109, to repeal the state’s capital gains tax; Initiative 2117, to Read More…
Governor Greg Gianforte joined staff from Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP) Region 7 yesterday to celebrate expanded public access at the Isaac Homestead Wildlife Management Area (WMA). “As we work to increase public access across the state, we enhance and protect our Montana way of life,” said Gov. Gianforte. “We’ll continue to keep public Read More…
State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler announced on Friday that the application deadline for two openings on the North Dakota Board of Higher Education has been extended to 5 p.m. Central Time on Tuesday, December 17. The terms of current board members Casey Ryan and Jeffry Volk expire on June 30, 2025. Volk, an engineer and Read More…
(The Center Square) – The Pritzker administration continues to deny the state is losing population. During a panel discussion about pensions with the Better Government Association this week, Deputy Gov. Andy Manar was asked about the state’s economic trends, including population decline. “There has never been more people living in the state of Illinois than Read More…
The Buffalo Bill Center of the West is set to unveil a new photographic exhibition titled “Fire on the Mountain: Photographs of Wildland Firefighting by Kyle Miller,” opening to the public on October 26, 2024, in the John Bunker Sands Photography Gallery. This compelling exhibition showcases the work of Wyoming Hotshot Captain Kyle Miller, who Read More…