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Northwestern rate case delayed

Dates and information for NorthWestern Energy’s rate case public hearings but the Public Service Commission (PSC) has delayed public notices on opportunities for public hearings or comments following breaking news of a settlement with the Montana Consumer Advocate. Enviro groups will look into this settlement but are wondering if the PSC will make room for new analysis that phasing out Colstrip could save consumers over $1 billion.  All of this comes as the Trump administration finalizes clean air act exemptions for nearly 70 coal units nationwide, including Colstrip, giving utilities a free pass to continue spewing deadly pollutants into the air.  Why this matters: ...


Groundbreaking ‘Right to Compute’ legislation signed into law 

News from Kyle Schmauch, MT Senate Republicans HELENA — An innovative and groundbreaking technology bill sponsored by Senator Daniel Zolnikov, R-Billings, has been signed into law.  Senate Bill 212, the “Right to Compute Act,” protects Montanans fundamental free speech and prop...


Montana’s unemployment rate remains below 3% for six consecutive months 

News from the office of Governor Gianforte HELENA — Montana’s unemployment rate fell slightly to 2.7% in March, marking the sixth consecutive month of unemployment below 3%.  Total employment (which includes payroll, agricultural, and self-employed workers) decreased slightly in Marc...


Gianforte visits White House to celebrate executive orders to restore coal industry Gianforte visits White House to celebrate executive orders to restore coal industry

News from the office of Governor Gianforte WASHINGTON, D.C. – Joining President Donald J. Trump at the White House, Governor Greg Gianforte today celebrated executive orders signed by the president aimed at unleashing American energy. “After years of Joe Biden picking winners and losers, ...


State health officials report significant increase in fentanyl, opioid overdoses

News from DPHHS HELENA - Department of Public Health and Human Services officials are raising awareness about an identified increase in overdoses across the state and reminding Montanans of available recovery and treatment programs. “This current overdose spike serves as a startling reminder of...


Right to know bills before Montana legislature explained

By Caroline Bullock for Montana Transparency Project Montanans’ constitutional right to know is a cornerstone of government transparency, commanding that we can all access public documents, “except in cases in which the demand of individual privacy clearly exceeds the merits of public disclo...


Governor signs bill delivering historic funding for K-12 public schools Governor signs bill delivering historic funding for K-12 public schools

News from the Office of Governor Gianforte EAST HELENA — At a second-grade class at Prickly Pear Elementary School, Governor Greg Gianforte recently signed a bill to fund Montana’s K-12 public schools at historic levels. The funding measure adds $52.1 million to the state’s K-12 BASE a...


Governor proclaims April 2nd as ‘Jeanette Rankin Day’ to celebrate first woman in Congress Governor proclaims April 2nd as ‘Jeanette Rankin Day’ to celebrate first woman in Congress

News from the office of Governor Gianforte  HELENA - Governor Greg Gianforte recently celebrated the legacy of Jeanette Rankin by proclaiming April 2, 2025 “Jeannette Rankin Day” in Montana. “Jeannette Rankin dedicated her life to pursuing equality for all Americans,” Gov...


National Endowment for Humanities cuts threaten cultural, educational landscape

News from Jill Baker, Executive Director Humanities Montana MONTANA — On March 31, DOGE and the Trump Administration notified the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) of deep cuts to staff and programs at the agency, which would put crucial funding for state humanities councils, including H...


County election administrator gives May 6, 2025, school election update

News from Toni Kramer, Lake County Election Administrator LAKE COUNTY - Filing closed for the school district election at 5 p.m. on Friday, March 28.  The withdrawal and write-in deadlines are on Thursday, April 3, at 5 p.m. Ballots will be mailed on April 18.  The May 6, 2025, School Ele...


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