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…
From the time he was a child, Paul E. Funk II knew he wanted to serve in the U.S. military. He watched his father, also named Paul, fly a Cobra helicopter in 1968, sparking some of his earliest fascination with the armed forces. An avid athlete, Funk had always felt the deep importance of being Read More…
(The Center Square) – Three Mile Island came out of retirement on Friday, exactly five years after mounting economic pressure and shifting energy demand forced the infamous Pennsylvania nuclear generation plant to shut down. Constellation Energy announced that Microsoft will buy 835 megawatts of energy from the facility to power the company’s data centers spread Read More…
When J. Mitchell Vaterlaus worked as a marriage and family therapist, he noticed that many of his clients lacked basic relational skills, including skills in communication, setting boundaries, and combining and establishing familial traditions. “It made me really interested in thinking about how to do more prevention science,” Vaterlaus said. “How do we prevent these Read More…
(The Center Square) – As Americans struggle with high inflationary costs, paying record high grocery costs and energy bills, Congress continues to allocate billions of dollars of taxpayer money to fund services for illegal border crossers living in U.S. cities. Prior to the last budget funding showdown in March, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, said Read More…
This week marked a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group. Hostilities intensified following two days of deadly attacks attributed to Israel, which caused casualties among civilians in Lebanon. For nearly a year, the two sides have exchanged fire along the Lebanese-Israeli border, often stepping back from the Read More…
Montana State University (MSU) has made history by becoming the first university in Montana to enroll over 17,000 students, reaching a fall headcount of 17,144—an increase of 1% from last year’s record of 16,978. This milestone solidifies MSU’s position as the largest university in the four-state region, which includes Wyoming and the Dakotas. The university Read More…
Montana State University’s Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering is set to host its annual Shadow Day events on October 16 and 17, inviting high school students interested in engineering, computer science, and Army and Air Force ROTC programs to participate. The first day, October 16, will focus on ROTC programs, featuring Army ROTC activities from Read More…
Governor Greg Gianforte, joined by Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) Director Amanda Kaster, praised the state’s enhanced investments in wildfire prevention and suppression during a press conference today. The announcement emphasized the impact of $60 million in funding from House Bill 883, which aims to improve forest management and fire response. “This Read More…
Five Montanans Honored with Governor’s Arts Awards HELENA, Mont. (September 20, 2024) – Five distinguished Montana artists have been recognized with the state’s highest honor for those whose careers exemplify the visual, performing, literary, and traditional arts. The 2024 Governor’s Arts Award recipients are: Jackie Larson Bread of Great Falls Jim Dolan of Belgrade Read More…
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Boston arrested an “unlawfully present” Salvadoran national charged with 11 counts of sex crimes against a child in Nantucket. Elmer Sola, 49, was taken into custody on September 10 in Nantucket. He remains in ICE custody pending removal proceedings. Sola was indicted by a Read More…
(The Center Square) – The federal government borrowed $1.9 trillion in the first eleven months of fiscal year 2024, including $380 billion in August, a startling amount as federal watchdogs sound the alarm on spending. Those borrowing figures come from the the latest Monthly Treasury Statement from the Treasury Department. Maya MacGuineas, president of the Committee Read More…
The Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) celebrated the graduation of three new troopers during a ceremony held in Helena on Friday. The event marked the official commissioning of the recruits, who completed the rigorous 79th MHP Advanced Academy. Attorney General Austin Knudsen and MHP Colonel Kurt Sager addressed the newly minted troopers before they received their Read More…
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has postponed the implementation of a controversial rule that would have drastically cut reimbursement rates for air and ground ambulance services for veterans. The delay comes after sustained oversight and demands from Congressman Ryan Zinke, who has been a vocal critic of the proposed changes. The rule, originally set Read More…
(The Center Square) – North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley said the state will appeal a district court decision to strike down North Dakota’s abortion law. South Central District Court Judge Bruce Romanick said Thursday the law was unconstitutional due to its “vagueness” and that “pregnant women in North Dakota have a fundamental right to Read More…
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen unveiled a new initiative today aimed at addressing the state’s growing fentanyl crisis. The program will provide life-saving naloxone kits to middle and high schools across Montana, equipping schools with essential tools to handle opioid overdoses. The naloxone kits, which include the overdose-reversal medication naloxone, a CPR respirator mask, a Read More…
(The Center Square) – More than 138,000 North Dakotans applied for the new primary residence credit, and 134,893 applications were approved, Tax Commissioner Brian Kroshus told a legislative committee on Wednesday. Approved North Dakotans received $500 toward their property tax for their primary residence, which could include houses, condominiums and mobile homes. Taxpayers could only claim Read More…
(The Center Square) – Concerns over free speech on college campuses have intensified since the war in Gaza began last October, according to a new report. The study shows a growing decline in students’ trust in their institutions’ commitment to protect First Amendment rights, with low-performing schools failing to provide clear policies on free expression. Read More…
BOZEMAN – Over 30 years at Montana State University, Darrin Boss has worn many hats, most frequently a cowboy hat. Since finishing his master’s degree in beef cattle nutrition in 1994 and his doctorate in plant science focusing on forages in 2007 – both at MSU – he has served as a research associate, assistant Read More…
At the 2024 annual meeting of the State Bar Association of North Dakota, State Court Administrator Sally Holewa was awarded the prestigious Gerald W. VandeWalle Medal. This honor, bestowed by the State Bar Association’s Board of Governors, recognizes individuals for their exceptional dedication and contributions to the administration of justice and the enhancement of the Read More…
A 60-year-old Wells Fargo employee, Denise Prudhomme, was discovered deceased in her cubicle on August 20, four days after she was last seen scanning into the Tempe office. Authorities were alerted by on-site security who suspected Prudhomme was dead. She was pronounced dead at 4:55 p.m. that day. Prudhomme last scanned into the Wells Fargo Read More…
Governor Greg Gianforte, alongside Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) Commissioner Sarah Swanson, showcased new data today illustrating the robust performance of Montana’s economy. During a press conference at the state capitol, Gianforte emphasized the impact of the state’s “strong work ethic” and “pro-business, pro-jobs policies” on its economic vitality. “Montana’s economy is thriving,” Read More…
BOZEMAN —Montana State University has set a new record for expenditures on research at more than $257 million, exceeding the prior year’s total by 12% and marking six consecutive years of record-setting research growth at the state’s largest university. In its annual report to the National Science Foundation, MSU recorded research activities totaling $257.9 million 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…