Knudsen Clarifies Task Force Withdrawal Unrelated to State Investigation of Helena
Attorney General Austin Knudsen says the Helena Police Department’s decision to opt out of the Missouri River Drug Task Force was not a factor in the decision by him and Governor Greg Gianforte to investigate the city of Helena for possibly violating state law.
AG Austin Knudsen
Gianforte and Knudsen announced Wednesday they would look into whether the city of Helena violated state statute by refusing to help ICE agents in federal drug enforcement efforts.
Rural Montana Turns to Foreign Workers to Fill Critical Job Vacancies
Rural Montana is facing a critical labor shortage, with hospitals and schools increasingly relying on international workers to stay open. LEE Newspapers reported that Recruiters say these visa-holders aren’t taking local jobs—they’re filling roles that have sat empty for years. However, new federal fees of $100,000 for H-1B applications are sparking lawsuits, as local leaders warn these costs could bankrupt the very facilities keeping remote communities alive.
Federal Agencies Back Daines’ Plan To Strip Montana Wilderness Protections
A long-standing battle over Montana’s backcountry is heating up in Washington. Federal officials now say they support Senator Steve Daines’ bill to remove wilderness study protections from three remote areas, including the Middle Fork Judith WSA. While Daines argues the move will improve forest management and motorized access, conservation groups point to recent polling showing most Montanans want the protections to stay.
Elk captured on the Crow Reservation test negative for brucellosis
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks says all 99 elk recently captured on the Crow Reservation have tested negative for brucellosis. Wildlife crews, working alongside the Crow Tribe, collected blood samples and fitted 30 elk with GPS collars to study migration patterns and potential contact with livestock. Officials say the clean test results help support current disease management boundaries in the region.
Community Rallies Behind Local Father Facing Deportation in Froid
Froid residents are rallying behind Roberto Orozco-Ramirez, a local father arrested by Border Patrol in January. While the government labels him a flight risk due to a 2009 removal, the community is sporting “Orozco Strong” gear to support his family. Following his not-guilty plea on Monday, Orozco-Ramirez remains in custody pending trial, leaving his small town and four children in limbo.
Montana AG Calls for Federal Probe into Climate Groups
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen is leading a coalition of 19 attorneys general calling on the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate more than 150 climate organizations for allegedly taking nearly two billion dollars in foreign funding to influence U.S. energy policy. Knudsen says the groups may be violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act by failing to register as foreign agents. He’s urging U.S. Attorney General Bondi to launch an immediate investigation.
Tensions are rising in the Gallatin Valley With Bozeman Public Schools
Tensions are rising in the Gallatin Valley as Bozeman Public Schools explores potential district consolidation. While Superintendent Casey Bertram says the move could increase teacher pay and administrative efficiency, leaders of rural districts like Anderson and Monforton argue that the plan threatens local control and the unique character of small-town education. No formal proposals have been made yet, but officials say any final decision would ultimately rest with local voters.
Informational Fisheries Meeting Set for Plentywood
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is hosting an informational fisheries meeting in Plentywood, Tuesday evening, February 24th, from 6 to 8 at the Sheridan County Library Jubilee Room. Fisheries staff will share updates on pond and reservoir sampling, including new data from Box Elder Reservoir, and discuss upcoming management actions. The public is invited to attend and ask questions.
The Montana Supreme Court has unanimously upheld the conviction of a Kalispell man arrested while filming a traffic stop. While the court reaffirmed the First Amendment right to record officers, they ruled seven-to-zero that Sean Doman illegally obstructed duties by refusing to step back when ordered. Justices praised the officer’s professionalism, noting that constitutional rights do not permit physical interference with active police scenes.
