Featured Articles in News

Trump Administration Announces Fraud Crackdown in Minnesota

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent joined senior federal law enforcement officials to announce expanded efforts to combat government benefits fraud in Minnesota, including new financial reporting guidance, a $25 million whistleblower incentive program and additional enforcement actions targeting alleged Medicaid fraud. The announcement came one day after federal investigators executed search warrants and arrested four individuals Read More…

IRS Proposes Stricter Eligibility Rules for Health Insurance Tax Credits

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service have proposed new regulations tightening eligibility and verification requirements for federal health insurance subsidies, implementing changes enacted under President Trump’s Working Families Tax Cuts legislation. The proposed rules would affect the Premium Tax Credit, a refundable federal tax credit that helps qualifying individuals and families purchase health Read More…

National Security Expert to Speak at University of North Dakota Nov. 5

GRAND FORKS, N.D.—The University of North Dakota will host retired Air Force Col. Patrick “Mike” Shortsleeve, a national security and intelligence expert now working in the defense industry, for a campus presentation Nov. 5. Shortsleeve, vice president of strategic development at General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc., will speak at 2:30 p.m. in the Memorial Union Read More…

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Former South Dakota State Employee Indicted on 26 Forgery-Related Charges

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announced that Renee Strong, 55, of Springfield, has been indicted on 26 forgery-related charges stemming from alleged crimes committed while she was an employee of the South Dakota Department of Public Safety and performing contract work for the Department of Health. “Crimes of this nature violate the public’s trust Read More…

Montana Eases Process for Veterans to Add Designation to Driver Licenses

In a move aimed at improving services for veterans, the Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) is now accepting additional documentation for veterans to obtain a veteran designation on their state-issued driver licenses. Veterans can now use a current Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) or American Legion membership card, in good standing, to receive the designation. Read More…

MSU Graduate School Dean Craig Ogilvie to Step Down

Montana State University announced this week that Craig Ogilvie, dean of the Graduate School and associate vice president of research, will step down from his administrative role at the end of December. Ogilvie, who has led the Graduate School since 2019, will remain at MSU as a faculty member in the Department of Physics within Read More…

Montana Receives $3.5 Million Grant to Support Laid-Off Sibanye-Stillwater Mine Workers

Gov. Greg Gianforte, U.S. Senator Steve Daines, U.S. Representative Ryan Zinke, and the Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) announced that Montana has secured a $3.5 million federal grant to assist workers recently laid off from the Sibanye-Stillwater Mine in the state’s largest recent mining workforce reduction. “This grant is a vital step in Read More…

Lee Johnson Appointed as Division of Criminal Investigation Administrator

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has announced the appointment of Lee Johnson as the new administrator for the Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI). Johnson, a veteran with over three decades of experience at DCI, previously served as the bureau chief of the division’s Investigations Bureau. “I’m confident Lee has the knowledge and experience required to Read More…

Montana Allocates $37 Million in Federal Housing Tax Credits to Build Affordable Homes

The Montana Department of Commerce announced today the allocation of more than $37 million in federal housing tax credits to support the construction of new affordable housing in five Montana communities. The funding will help address the growing need for affordable housing in the state, with 136 new homes planned in Billings, Bozeman, Dillon, Missoula, Read More…

Montana State University Students Win Big at Annual Big Idea Challenge

Montana State University students showcased their entrepreneurial spirit at the annual Big Idea Challenge on Nov. 7, earning $10,000 in prize money for innovative projects ranging from sustainable food products to medical equipment. The competition, hosted by the Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship and MSU’s Blackstone LaunchPad, featured 12 finalist teams selected from Read More…

Wyoming Business Council Welcomes New Team Member

The Wyoming Business Council (WBC) has announced an exciting update to its team, with the addition of a new member and a role transition. These changes reflect the organization’s ongoing dedication to fostering opportunities for Wyoming’s businesses and communities. Cortney Sutcliffe Joins WBC as Administrative Solutions Coordinator Cheyenne native Cortney Sutcliffe has joined the WBC Read More…

Montana Business Owners Notified to Report Equipment for 2025 Tax Year

The Montana Department of Revenue has issued a reminder to business owners with equipment reporting requirements to submit their reports for Tax Year 2025. Businesses and individuals owning business equipment with a total market value exceeding $1 million statewide as of January 1, 2025, must file their reports by March 1, 2025, to avoid a Read More…

Applications Open for Reimagining Rural Program

Montana State University Extension is now accepting applications from rural communities across Montana to participate in Reimagining Rural, a three-part series designed to empower small towns to build stronger partnerships, access resources, and pursue bold community development initiatives. The program is scheduled for Feb. 4, 11, and 18, 2024. Reimagining Rural encourages local volunteers and Read More…

ABC News Settles Trump Defamation Lawsuit for $16 Million, Issues Apology

ABC News has agreed to pay $15 million to a “presidential foundation and museum” and $1 million in legal fees as part of a settlement with President-elect Donald Trump in a defamation lawsuit, according to court documents filed Saturday. The lawsuit was sparked by comments made by anchor George Stephanopoulos during a March 2024 broadcast. Read More…

After Trump threatens Mexico, authorities make largest fentanyl bust in history

(The Center Square) – After President-elect Donald Trump vowed to impose tariffs on Mexico and spoke to Mexico’s new president, Claudia Sheinbaum, demanding that Mexico stop facilitating illegal entry into the U.S., Mexican authorities have made major drug and cartel busts. Sheinbaum claimed they’d been working on the operation for a while, but some members Read More…

Hillsdale students write 4k thank-you cards in stark contrast to Yale’s “Transgiving”

(The Center Square) – While some schools across the nation hosted meagerly-attended “Transgivings” around Thanksgiving time, students at Hillsdale College wrote over 4,000 thank-you cards on the school’s annual “Day of Thanks.” Throughout the day on Nov. 21, participating Hillsdale students wrote the thousands of grateful notes to “donors, family members, professors, friends, and others Read More…

Montana Department of Commerce Opens Applications for 2024 Big Sky Film Grant

The Montana Department of Commerce has announced the opening of the 2024 Big Sky Film Grant (BSFG), offering financial support to filmmakers creating projects that showcase Montana’s unique landscapes, culture, and talent. The grant program is open for applications until February 7, 2025 and is designed to foster growth and opportunities for Montana-based film and Read More…

Montana Attorney General Leads Coalition Defending U.S. Gun Manufacturers

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen is spearheading a coalition of 28 states in urging the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) to protect American firearm manufacturers from liability claims brought by the Mexican government. In a brief filed Tuesday, the coalition challenges a lower court ruling that Mexico alleges could hold U.S. gun manufacturers Read More…

North Dakota Development Fund Approves Over $6.6 Million in Loans

The North Dakota Department of Commerce announced today that 10 businesses have been approved for a combined total of $6,628,000 in loans through the North Dakota Development Fund, Inc. (NDDF). The funding aims to drive economic growth, create jobs, and address critical community needs across the state. “The NDDF is dedicated to fostering growth by Read More…

Buffalo Bill Center Acquires Deborah Butterfield’s Striking Sculpture “Portal”

The Whitney Western Art Museum at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West proudly announces the acquisition of Portal, a monumental bronze sculpture by internationally acclaimed artist Deborah Butterfield. Created in 2023, the piece represents a significant addition to the museum’s collection and underscores its dedication to contemporary Western art. Butterfield, celebrated for her evocative Read More…

Montana Officials Urge Safe and Sober Driving During National Impaired Driving Prevention Month

Attorney General Austin Knudsen and the Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) are urging drivers to prioritize safety this December as part of National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. In response to an uptick in roadway fatalities, MHP will increase patrols statewide from December 11 through January 1 to target drunk and drugged drivers during the holiday season. Read More…

Idaho Fish and Game Launches Helicopter Surveys and Wildlife Monitoring in Clearwater Region

Beginning this December, Idaho Fish and Game (IDFG) will conduct helicopter surveys and wildlife capture operations across the Clearwater Region. This effort, running through the next couple of months, aims to provide critical data on big game populations, including abundance, herd composition, survival rates, and movement patterns. Wildlife staff will focus on capturing and collaring Read More…

Governor Doug Burgum Delivers Final Budget Address

Governor Doug Burgum presented his final executive budget to the 69th Legislative Assembly today, outlining a $95 million package aimed at improving housing affordability, accessibility, and stability for the 2025-27 biennium. The proposal also includes $54 million for workforce-related initiatives, such as child care support, to address North Dakota’s ongoing workforce shortage—all without introducing new Read More…

Governor Gianforte Appoints Christy Clark as Director of Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks

Governor Greg Gianforte announced today the appointment of Christy Clark as the new Director of the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP). “Christy Clark is a strong leader with the skills needed to lead the agency tasked with protecting Montana’s cherished recreational opportunities and public access to public lands,” said Gov. Gianforte. “With Read More…

Trevor Sparrow Appointed as Idaho’s First Health and Social Services Ombudsman

Governor Brad Little announced the appointment of Trevor Sparrow as Idaho’s inaugural Health and Social Services Ombudsman, a position established under Senate Bill 1380 earlier this year. The new role aims to enhance oversight and responsiveness within the state’s child welfare system, ensuring that services provided to foster children, those under protective supervision, and residents Read More…

Two Hunters Found Dead After Search South of Laurel

Two hunters who went missing south of Laurel on Wednesday were found dead on Thursday. The men were identified as Ray Bernard Wells, 71, of Park City, and James Rheinhart Horton, 71, of Laurel, according to Yellowstone County Deputy Coroner Rich Hoffman. The hunters had departed from Laurel on Wednesday morning to hunt on private Read More…

Kila Man Sentenced to 100 Years for Martin City Bar Murder

Kila resident Del Orrin Crawford, 42, has been sentenced to 100 years in the Montana State Prison for the fatal shooting of a woman during a 2022 argument outside a Martin City bar, Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced. Crawford was convicted in July 2024 on charges of deliberate homicide, attempted deliberate homicide, assault with Read More…

Governor Gianforte Supports Helena Food Drive Ahead of Thanksgiving

HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte yesterday afternoon visited the new Helena Food Share facility to support the organizations’ food drive ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. “We have so much to be grateful for as Montanans,” Gov. Gianforte said. “This Thanksgiving week, I encourage Montanans to give what they can, including the gift of their Read More…