Featured Articles in Politics

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…

Biden’s Controversial Clemency Grants to Convicted Officials Spark Outrage

President Joe Biden faced bipartisan criticism this week after granting clemency to two disgraced officials convicted in high-profile corruption cases. The decision, part of a larger clemency package for 1,500 individuals, ended house arrest for former Pennsylvania Judge Michael Conahan and ex-Dixon, Illinois, comptroller Rita Crundwell, both of whom had previously been released from prison Read More…

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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…

Biden’s Controversial Clemency Grants to Convicted Officials Spark Outrage

President Joe Biden faced bipartisan criticism this week after granting clemency to two disgraced officials convicted in high-profile corruption cases. The decision, part of a larger clemency package for 1,500 individuals, ended house arrest for former Pennsylvania Judge Michael Conahan and ex-Dixon, Illinois, comptroller Rita Crundwell, both of whom had previously been released from prison 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…

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…

Eco-Terrorism Ties Resurface as Biden Official Takes Role at Environmental Group

Tracy Stone-Manning, a senior official in President Joe Biden’s administration who spearheaded its aggressive climate agenda, has been named the next president of The Wilderness Society, a prominent environmental organization based in Washington, D.C. Stone-Manning’s appointment will take effect in February, the group announced Tuesday. Stone-Manning’s tenure as Director of the U.S. Bureau of Land Read More…

Senator Daines Condemns Biden Administration’s Decision to Halt Montana Coal Leasing

U.S. Senator Steve Daines criticized the Biden administration’s recent decision to prohibit new coal leasing in Montana’s Powder River Basin, following the publication of the Miles City Resource Management Plan (RMP) Record of Decision. The move effectively designates 1,745,040 acres of federally managed land in the Miles City Field Office area as unavailable for coal Read More…

Federal Judge Reverses Semi-Retirement Decision After Trump’s

For the second time since Republican President-elect Donald Trump’s election, a federal judge has reversed a decision to take senior status, citing the apparent lapse of time for a Democratic president to appoint a successor. U.S. District Judge Max Cogburn, appointed by Democratic former President Barack Obama in Asheville, North Carolina, had previously announced in 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…

Governor Brad Little Celebrates Completion of Idaho Water Agreement on “Idaho Water Day”

Governor Brad Little and Lt. Governor Scott Bedke joined farmers and water users today in Idaho Falls and Twin Falls to celebrate “Idaho Water Day,” marking the completion of a new water agreement after months of negotiations. The event highlighted the successful collaboration between farmers, water users, and state officials to secure Idaho’s water future. Read More…

North Dakota Insurance Commissioner Godfread to Lead National Association of Insurance Commissioners

North Dakota Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread will serve as the president of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) for 2025, following his role as president-elect in 2024. As NAIC president, Godfread will lead the nation’s chief insurance regulators across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories. His leadership will focus Read More…

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley Applauds Trump’s Nominee for Attorney General, Pam Bondi

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has expressed strong support for President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi as the next U.S. Attorney General. “I served with, and was impressed by, Pam as Florida’s Attorney General,” Jackley said in a statement. “She is an experienced prosecutor who will strengthen the relationship Read More…

Senator Steve Daines Secures Passage of Key Legislation Addressing Montana Jobs, Quantum Research, and Housing Challenges

  U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) announced today that three of his key legislative priorities have successfully passed the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. These bills, which focus on preserving Montana jobs, advancing quantum research, and tackling housing challenges in federal land management agencies, are poised for further legislative progress. The first bill, introduced Read More…

Montana Department of Commerce Awards $1.4 Million to Boost Rural Emergency Services

he Montana Department of Commerce announced today that 26 rural safety agencies will receive more than $1.4 million in grant funding to enhance emergency service capabilities in areas experiencing increased tourism. The funding, allocated through the Montana Emergency Tourism Assistance Grant Program (METAP), aims to strengthen public safety across rural communities. “Emergency services are critical Read More…

Senators Daines and King Lead Bipartisan Push to Protect and Restore Public Lands

In a bipartisan effort to safeguard and improve America’s public lands, Senator Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Senator Angus King (I-Maine), joined by Senators Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.), have introduced the “America the Beautiful Act.” This landmark legislation seeks to reauthorize and enhance the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF), Read More…

Montana DEQ Expands Air Quality Monitoring with New Glasgow Station

In October, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) installed a new permanent air quality monitor in Glasgow, providing Valley County residents with expanded access to real-time air quality data. This installation is part of a broader initiative to enhance air quality monitoring across the state. The Glasgow monitor was funded through an EPA-administered award Read More…

Governor Opens Applications for District Court Judge Vacancy in Montana’s Seventh Judicial District

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte has begun accepting applications and nominations to fill a district court judge vacancy in the Seventh Judicial District, which serves Dawson, Prairie, McCone, Richland, and Wibaux Counties. The vacancy was officially announced on November 18, 2024, following a notification from the chief justice of the Montana Supreme Court. Qualified attorneys in Read More…

Trump Shapes Second Administration

President-elect Donald Trump has begun appointing officials to top positions in his incoming administration, signaling a departure from the internal strife that marked his first term. This time, Trump is leaning heavily on loyalists to shape his government, even as some of his selections face the prospect of contentious Senate confirmation battles. Cabinet Appointments Treasury Read More…

Trump Nominates Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi as U.S. Attorney General

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi as his pick to head the U.S. Department of Justice. Bondi, a longtime ally of Trump, has been selected for the high-profile role after Representative Matt Gaetz, who was initially chosen for the position, stepped aside. The nomination of Bondi, a well-known figure in Read More…

Board of Regents approves new institute at Montana State to address national security

BOZEMAN — The Montana Board of Regents today approved Montana State University’s proposal to establish a new institute to help address the nation’s security needs through applied research, technology development and education for the next generation of leaders. The Institute for National Security Research and Education, or INSRE, will serve as a hub at MSU, Read More…

Poll: Celebrity endorsements don’t move voters

(The Center Square) – High-profile celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Beyoncé, Robert DeNiro, and countless others endorsed Kamala Harris in the weeks leading up to the Nov. 5 election, when she lost decisively to Donald Trump. But an overwhelming majority of American voters say celebrity endorsements of the 2024 presidential candidates had no influence on Read More…

Energy independence group hails Trump cabinet picks

(The Center Square) – A group that advocates for American energy independence is applauding President Donald Trump’s recent cabinet selections, including Saturday’s nomination of Chris Wright as secretary of the Department of Energy. Environmental advocates, on the other hand, criticized the selection. Wright is founder, chief executive officer, and chairman of the board of Liberty Read More…

Trump Picks Brendan Carr as Chairman of the FCC

President-elect Donald Trump has announced his selection of Brendan Carr as chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), a move that is expected to reshape the agency’s direction on telecom policies. Carr, 45, currently serves as the top Republican on the FCC, the independent agency responsible for regulating telecommunications in the U.S. Carr has been Read More…

Ryan Zinke Wins Montana’s 1st Congressional District Race

The Associated Press has declared Ryan Zinke the winner of Montana’s 1st Congressional District race, securing re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives. Zinke, the Republican incumbent, defeated Democratic challenger Monica Tranel in a closely watched race that highlighted key issues such as housing affordability and government spending. At an election watch party in Missoula, Read More…

Tim Sheehy Defeats Jon Tester

Republican Tim Sheehy has won Montana’s high-stakes U.S. Senate race, defeating three-term Democratic incumbent Jon Tester in a contest that saw record-breaking spending and national attention. Sheehy’s victory bolsters the GOP’s newly acquired majority in the Senate and signals a continued shift toward Republican dominance in Montana. The 38-year-old Sheehy, a former U.S. Navy SEAL Read More…

Greg Gianforte Declared Winner of Montana Governor’s Race

Decision Desk HQ has officially called Montana’s Governor race for incumbent Republican Greg Gianforte, as early results show him leading Democratic challenger Ryan Busse by a wide margin. With 6.2% of the vote counted as of 9:25 p.m., Gianforte has garnered 22,188 votes, while Busse trails with 12,777 votes. Libertarian candidate Kaiser Leib is currently Read More…

Austin Knudsen Wins Re-election as Montana Attorney General

The Associated Press has called Austin Knudsen the winner of the race for Montana Attorney General, with 86.1% of the votes counted. Knudsen, the Republican incumbent, has successfully secured a second term in office, defeating Democratic challenger Ben Alke. Knudsen, who was raised in Culbertson, Montana, has held the position of Attorney General since 2020. Read More…

Republicans Unveil Ambitious 100-Day Agenda Following Election Sweep

After a decisive election victory, Republicans are preparing an aggressive 100-day agenda with President-elect Donald Trump returning to the White House and GOP lawmakers in control of Congress. The proposed policies aim to reshape America’s tax system, safety net programs, energy initiatives, and immigration enforcement, reigniting debates over income inequality, government size, and federal deficits. Read More…

Montana Republican Party Chairman Calls Out Tester Over Law Enforcement Funding Claims

Montana Republican Party Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt issued a statement today criticizing Senator Jon Tester for what he claims are false assertions regarding funding for law enforcement in a recent political advertisement. Kaltschmidt’s remarks come after several Montana Sheriff’s Offices publicly disputed Tester’s claims about his support for local law enforcement agencies. “Jon Tester’s true Read More…

Texas sues administration for not verifying voter registration citizenship info

(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…

Georgia early voting nears 2.5M ballots cast

(The Center Square) – Just over one week after early voting began in Georgia, nearly 2.5 million ballots have been received. With early voting ending on Friday, Nov. 1, today marks the last day that absentee and overseas ballots can be requested from the state. Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger said early voting this year is Read More…

GOP Chairman Criticizes Suspension Recommendation for Attorney General Knudsen

Montana Republican Party Chairman Don Kaltschmidt has condemned the Commission on Practices (COP) following their recommendation to suspend Attorney General Austin Knudsen for 90 days. Kaltschmidt described the recommendation as “absurd,” claiming it reflects the interests of “a group of Democrat donors looking to advance the electoral interests of their party’s candidate for Attorney General.” Read More…

Cruz campaign files complaint with FEC over Allred, Democratic committee ads

(The Center Square) – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz’s campaign filed a complaint late Thursday with the Federal Election Commission alleging that his Democratic challenger was coordinating with the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee on television ad buys in violation of federal law. U.S. Rep. Collin Allred, D-Dallas, is challenging Cruz, a Republican running for reelection to Read More…

Trump receives endorsements from Muslim, Arab leaders at Michigan rally

(The Center Square) – Some Arab- and Muslin-American leaders endorsed Republican presidential nominee and former President Donald Trump during a campaign rally Saturday in Novi, Michigan. The endorsements are notable in the key swing state that is home to more than 200,000 Muslim-American voters. According to RealClearPolitics’ polling average, Trump holds the narrowest of leads Read More…