Governor, Attorney General Question Helena’s Compliance with State Immigration Law
Governor Greg Gianforte held a joint press conference with Attorney General Austin Knudsen, raising concerns the city of Helena could be violating state law by its refusal to cooperate with federal immigration officials.
Governor Greg Gianforte
Attorney General Knudsen ‘s office has agreed to investigate the matter.
Senate President Matt Regier Backs State Probe Into Helena’s Potential Sanctuary City Violations
Senate President Matt Regier, R‑Kalispell, issued a statement today in response to the Governor and Attorney General’s investigation into potential violations of Montana’s law banning sanctuary cities. He said he welcomes the executive branch’s efforts to enforce the laws passed by the Legislature and expressed concern that Helena’s actions could put local tax dollars at risk. Regier added that residents should expect their city government to prioritize essential services and infrastructure over policies he described as ideological.
Daniels County to Break Ground on $35 Million Hospital Replacement
After more than seventy years, northeastern Montana is getting a major healthcare upgrade. Daniels County Memorial Healthcare Center in Scobey is set to break ground this summer on a thirty-five-million-dollar facility. The new one-story building will expand the emergency room and add space for specialists like dermatology and podiatry. Funding for the project comes from a U-S-D-A loan along with over three million dollars in local donations.
Daines, Smith Unveil Bipartisan Bill to Expand Telehealth Access for Rural Patients
U.S. Senators Steve Daines of Montana and Tina Smith of Minnesota have introduced the Expanded Telehealth Access Act, a bipartisan bill to expand which healthcare providers can offer Medicare telehealth services. The bill was introduced today in Washington, D.C., aiming to improve access to care for patients in rural communities by adding providers like audiologists, physical and occupational therapists, and speech‑language pathologists.
Montana is taking aim at the future of outdoor recreation.
The state’s Shooting Facilities Task Force holds a Communications Subcommittee meeting Thursday at 3 p.m. via Zoom. Officials are looking for public input on how to best share updates regarding new range developments and upgrades across the state. Visit the Montana FWP website to join the call.
Billings Man Faces Life in Prison Following Major Meth Bust
A 45-year-old Billings man could spend the rest of his life behind bars following a months-long federal drug investigation. Authorities say Lane Demarais was arrested after a drug task force discovered forty-five pounds of methamphetamine and several firearms hidden in a safe at his mother’s Laurel residence. According to court documents, agents tracked Demarais’s vehicles for months as he took “obscure routes” to the home to avoid detection. Demarais is now charged with possession with intent to distribute meth and faces a minimum of ten years in prison.
A Bozeman man is facing federal prison time after admitting to threatening high-profile public officials.
Forty-six-year-old Daniel Verbanec pleaded guilty Monday in Missoula federal court. Prosecutors say Verbanec targeted Montana Governor Greg Gianforte and U.S. Representative Jim Jordan with violent threats via social media and email. Verbanec expressed remorse in court, citing paranoia and fear. He is scheduled for sentencing on June 24th.
Shocking news out of Glacier County.
A Cut Bank man is behind bars after a woman’s body was discovered hidden inside a basement freezer. Authorities have identified the victim as 36-year-old Cerenity Marie Shawl. Police arrested Alfred Joseph Smith in Fort Benton Monday following a brief manhunt and an anonymous tip. Smith is currently being held on a one-million-dollar bond for deliberate homicide.
Special Olympics Montana cancels alpine skiing and snowboarding for Glacier Area Winter Games
Special Olympics Montana has officially canceled the alpine skiing and snowboarding events for the upcoming 2026 Glacier Area Winter Games. Organizers say a combination of poor mountain snow coverage and complex new event requirements made it impossible to move forward safely this month. While the slopes will stay quiet, the snowshoeing competition is still set to take place as scheduled on March 2nd.
