Some Montana Airports Say Kristi Noem’s Video Violates Their Policy
Airports in Bozeman, Missoula, and Billings are refusing to play a video produced and shared by the Department of Homeland Security, citing policies against displaying political advertisements or partisan content.
The video features Secretary Kristi Noem speaking directly to viewers and blaming Democrats in Congress for the government shutdown, which began two weeks ago today.
Hope for Prison Water Restoration as Officials Identify Leak Locations
Inmates at the Montana State Prison near Deer Lodge may soon see the end of the water crisis that began last Friday morning, after maintenance crews identified three leaks inside the facility.
To test the system, the maintenance team is currently repressurizing and monitoring it. The Montana Department of Environmental Quality will then test the water to ensure it is safe for consumption.
Judge Denies Molnar’s Motion to Stop Suspension by Governor
Lewis and Clark County District Court Judge Mike Menahan has ruled that Governor Greg Gianforte has the authority and responsibility to investigate a complaint filed against Montana Public Service Commission President Brad Molnar. The complaint alleges Molnar interfered with an internal investigation and should be suspended from elected office.
On Tuesday, PSC spokesperson Alana Lake said she could not comment on the status of the investigation. Molnar said he has not been presented with the results of that investigation.
Ballot Initiative Groups Accuse Montana AG of Political Maneuvering
Two groups — Montanans for Fair and Impartial Judges and Montanans for Nonpartisan Courts — are suing the Montana Attorney General’s Office, alleging that the rewrite of one group’s proposed ballot issue language would mislead voters. They are asking the Montana Supreme Court to overrule the AG’s revisions.
In question are three ballot measures proposed by the two organizations.
Gianforte to Continue 56-County Tour in Lewis and Clark County
Governor Greg Gianforte will be in Lewis and Clark County this afternoon at the Lincoln Fire Hall to highlight new investments in Montana’s wildfire response resources.
He will ceremonially sign House Bill 127, which ensures state access to record levels of wildfire-fighting resources, and House Bill 130, which allows the state to bill the agency responsible for the land where a wildfire occurred to recover state or county suppression costs.
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The Cascade County Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday to approve a contract with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to ensure payment for detaining immigrants. The agreement maintains the rate of $115 per prisoner per day, unchanged since 2021, and formalizes a new payment method under a contract previously held with the U.S. Marshals Service.
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Cenate, a Norwegian battery materials company, told a Butte-Silver Bow board that Butte is now the only U.S. location it is considering for a potential expansion. The proposed factory would employ 100 to 250 people. Cenate had previously been evaluating at least three other U.S. sites.
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Valley Credit Union in Billings plans to invest over $1 million in financial literacy education for high school students across Montana. The program aims to prepare students for financial responsibilities after graduation and help them “get a leg up” in managing their money.
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The Montana Stockgrowers Foundation has launched its Explore Agriculture Classroom Grant, which provides up to $500 to educators who incorporate agriculture into their curriculum. The program’s goal is to help teachers highlight the role of Montana agriculture and how it integrates into everyday life.
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WBI Energy’s Elk Basin Project is under construction on Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway land between Billings and Laurel. The new pipeline will increase natural gas capacity into the Billings area by 22.5 million cubic feet per day. An extension has been requested to complete construction by December.
