(The Center Square) – Fraud could cost federal taxpayers as much as $521 billion annually, according to a Foundation for Government Accountability report citing a federal estimate. The report estimates that improper payments by the federal government have totaled about $3 trillion since 2003. Liesel Crocker, the report’s author and senior research fellow at FGA, spoke with Read More…
HELENA—Gov. Greg Gianforte has named Larry Flynn director oAll Postsf the Montana Department of Transportation, elevating a longtime agency official who has spent more than three decades working for the department. Flynn replaces outgoing Director Chris Dorrington and takes over one of Montana’s largest state agencies, with more than 2,000 employees and an annual budget Read More…
MINNEAPOLIS—Laura Vedder has been appointed assistant vice president in Treasury Services at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, expanding her leadership role at the bank less than two years after joining the organization. In the new position, Vedder is responsible for Treasury Services’ compliance and risk program, including vendor management and Treasury-specific compliance efforts. She Read More…
For some students, earning an undergraduate degree can create financial pressure to enter the workforce immediately, putting graduate school – and the specialized knowledge, research experience and expanded career opportunities an advanced degree can provide – seemingly out of reach. In this MSU file photo, a student works in a lab in MSU’s Norm Asbjornson Read More…
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced today the launch of a new educational course designed to raise awareness about human trafficking and online exploitation among students. The course, titled “Enlightened,” was developed by the Montana Department of Justice in collaboration with anti-human trafficking organizations and features insights from human trafficking survivors and Division of Criminal Read More…
Governor Greg Gianforte recognized 39 distinguished veterans this week with the 2023 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation during ceremonies held across Madison, Missoula, Deer Lodge, and Silver Bow counties. Each recipient was awarded a special commemorative flag that had flown over the Montana State Capitol in their honor. “No one embodies our Montana values and commitment Read More…
The United States District Court for the District of North Dakota will hold two naturalization ceremonies in Bismarck on Friday, September 13, 2024. The ceremonies will take place at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. in Courtroom 2 at the William L. Guy Federal Building, located at 220 East Rosser Avenue. U.S. Magistrate Judge Clare R. Read More…
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced today the initiation of an investigation into MSCI Inc., a prominent investment firm, over allegations of discriminatory practices against Israeli companies. The probe, conducted under Montana’s Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Act, targets MSCI’s purported involvement in boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) actions against Israel. The investigation follows Read More…
Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers discovered 17 migrants hidden inside a cloned semi-trailer in rural southwest Texas on Thursday, potentially saving their lives as temperatures approached 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The semi-truck, which had fraudulent markings resembling those of the popular Lowe’s home improvement chain, was driven by a man from Mississippi. He now Read More…
A Montana cancer specialist, Dr. Thomas Weiner, is facing serious allegations following a four-year federal investigation into his medical practices. The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced a civil lawsuit on Tuesday against Weiner and a $10.8 million settlement with St. Peter’s Health, where Weiner worked until late 2020. According to the lawsuit, Weiner, who saw up Read More…
The Montana Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is looking into an officer-involved shooting that occurred late Saturday night in Valley County. Around 9:19 p.m., deputies from the Valley and McCone County Sheriff’s Offices were responding to a disturbance at Roundhouse Point Campground. En route, a McCone County deputy—working under contract with Valley County—came across an Read More…
Superintendent Elsie Arntzen has announced the four finalists for the 2025 Montana Teacher of the Year award. The winner will represent Montana in the 2025 National Teacher of the Year Program in Washington, D.C. Kevin Kicking Woman, the 2024 Montana Teacher of the Year, currently teaches Blackfeet Language and Culture at Browning High School. This Read More…
Twin Falls is gearing up for a major celebration this Sunday, September 1, marking the 50th anniversary of Evel Knievel’s legendary attempt to jump the Snake River Gorge using a steam-powered rocket. The festivities will kick off at 10 AM with a special tribute by local daredevil Kyle Miller. Miller will execute a dramatic motorcycle Read More…
Montana State pulled off a dramatic comeback to defeat New Mexico 35-31 in their season opener on Saturday. Adam Jones’ 93-yard touchdown run and Scottre Humphrey’s 4-yard touchdown run in the final four and a half minutes propelled the Bobcats to victory, stunning the Lobos. New Mexico, under the leadership of new head coach Bronco Read More…
Montana State University (MSU) will debut a new free shuttle service this fall, designed to improve campus mobility and accessibility. The CatTracks shuttle service will start operating on Wednesday, August 21, providing transportation across various campus locations. The shuttle will run from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, with vans operating continuously on two Read More…
On National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day, the Montana Meth Project announced a major expansion of its efforts to address the escalating Fentanyl crisis. The organization is introducing the Montana Fentanyl Prevention Lesson and the “Not Even Once: One Pill Can Kill” campaign to educate teenagers about the severe dangers associated with Fentanyl. Amy Rue, Read More…
Governor Greg Gianforte has called on Montana’s superintendents and school board trustees to implement “cell phone-free” policies in a bid to reduce classroom distractions and enhance student academic performance. In a letter sent to school leaders across the state, Gianforte emphasized the need to minimize disruptions in the learning environment. “For our Montana students to Read More…
(The Center Square) — New York City could save taxpayers tens of millions of dollars by moving local elections to even-numbered years to align with federal and state elections, according to a new report. New York’s Independent Budget Office report found that the city could save up to $42 million by making the switch. It Read More…
(The Center Square) – A coalition of states led by Kansas has sued the Biden-Harris administration to block the federal government from providing free health care through the taxpayer-funded Affordable Care Act, otherwise known as Obamacare, to foreign nationals in the U.S. illegally. Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court Read More…
BOZEMAN – Montana State will continue its annual “Pack the Place in Pink” tradition to promote breast cancer awareness on Sept. 21 at the Bobcats’ home football game. Fans are invited to purchase limited edition apparel to wear during the game against Mercyhurst. The items for purchase include a pink T-shirt and two styles of Read More…
MISSOULA – A compound discovered by the University of Montana Center for Translational Medicine has started Phase I clinical trials with cancer patients. The center’s partner in the effort is Inimmune Corp., a Missoula-based biotechnology company. Jay Evans, a UM researcher and director of the center, said reaching human clinical trials is a milestone for Read More…
(The Center Square) – Pro-Palestine protesters shut down a major Los Angeles freeway during the height of rush hour, leading California Highway Patrol to detain several protesters. The protest of several dozen individuals, the organizers for which include pro-Palestinian Jewish organization IfNotNow Los Angeles, started at around 9:00 a.m., which is peak rush hour. Protesters, Read More…
(The Center Square) – The Washington Employment Security Department (ESD) is out with June’s unemployment numbers for the state. The June rate is 4.9%, which doesn’t sound too bad until you compare Washington’s performance to the rest of the nation. “When you compare us to somewhere like North and South Dakota, they’re at the 2.0% and Read More…
MISSOULA – Despite the balmy June heat, Tamila Morgan was clad head to toe in a tan beekeeping suit as hives teeming with the fuzzy black and yellow pollinators buzzed behind her at the Fort Missoula apiary. “I’m like, really allergic to bees,” Morgan said with a laugh. “So I’m just careful.” Despite her allergy, Read More…
The Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority (BSPRA) announced today that the City of Helena has officially joined as a government partner, marking a crucial development in efforts to revitalize passenger rail service to southern Montana and the Greater Northwest. This rail corridor, known as the Big Sky North Coast Corridor, once operated as the North Read More…
Montana State University President Waded Cruzado has announced she will retire in June 2025, concluding a groundbreaking 15-year tenure at the helm of the state’s land-grant institution. Cruzado, who became MSU’s 12th president in 2010, has overseen a period of significant growth and innovation at the university. In a heartfelt letter to the university community, Read More…
The Wyoming National Guard proudly celebrated the fourth successful year of its Educator Leadership Rendezvous (ELR) from July 30 to August 1, 2024, at the Camp Guernsey Joint Training Center. This annual event continues to play a pivotal role in fostering strong relationships between educators and Guard members, showcasing the National Guard as a promising Read More…
The United States Supreme Court ruled today to block the Biden-Harris administration’s Title IX rule, a decision that halts the enforcement of regulations perceived as threatening the rights and safety of girls and young women. In response to the ruling, Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen issued a statement reaffirming his commitment to protecting women’s rights Read More…
The Montana Supreme Court ruled that minors do not need parental permission to obtain an abortion in the state. The decision aligns with a previous lower court ruling that found the state’s parental consent law unconstitutional under the privacy clause of the Montana Constitution. Abortion will now be the only medical procedure minors may obtain Read More…
Governor Greg Gianforte announced today that starting tomorrow, August 15, eligible Montana homeowners can claim a property tax rebate of up to $675 through the website getmyrebate.mt.gov. Homeowners have until October 1, 2024, to file their claims. “Property taxes are too high, which is why we prioritized property tax relief for Montanans in the 2023 Read More…
(The Center Square) – Proposed ballot initiatives to ban single-use plastic bags in Bozeman and Missoula have failed to qualify due to lack of signatures. Montana Plastic Free, the organization behind the ballot initiatives, says on its website that plastic is harming the environment and human health. “On average, bans on single-use plastic bags can Read More…
(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…
Step back in time with David Fuqua, known as ‘DinoDave,’ and embark on an unforgettable journey through his latest book, *Made In Montana*. This heartwarming collection of life stories offers readers a nostalgic glimpse into a time before cell phones, when each day was an adventure brimming with wonder and simplicity. *Made In Montana* is Read More…
BOZEMAN – Montana State University Athletics is continuing its summer tradition of movie night at Bobcat stadium with a screening of Kung Fu Panda 4 on August 22nd. The film will be shown on the stadium’s scoreboard starting at 7 p.m. Gates will open at 6 p.m. Admission is free. Popcorn and water will be Read More…
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 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…
The Montana Department of Revenue (DOR) is preparing to distribute its second round of property tax rebates to eligible taxpayers. This initiative is part of a broader property tax relief package signed into law by Governor Greg Gianforte in 2023. Eligible taxpayers can receive a rebate of up to $675 on property taxes paid for Read More…
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 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…
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…
This month, stargazers are in for a celestial treat as the Perseid meteor shower makes its annual appearance. Known for its spectacular displays, the Perseids are set to light up the night sky during the warmest nights and early mornings of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. The 2024 Perseid meteor shower promises to deliver Read More…
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…
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…
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…