April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and advocates across Montana are emphasizing both prevention and recovery efforts for children and families impacted by abuse. On Voices of Montana, host Tom Schultz opened a three-part discussion by noting the lasting impact of child abuse and the importance of addressing both the causes and consequences...
Montana Supreme Court Upholds Injunction on Birth Certificate Battle in 5–2 Decision
The Montana Supreme Court has sided with a lower court in continuing to block enforcement of a 2023 Montana law defining sex as strictly male or female for purposes of state records. In a 5–2 decision released April 14, the court upheld a preliminary injunction against Senate Bill 458, allowing the lawsuit challenging the law to continue in di...
Forbes Recognizes Stockman Bank, CEO Bill Coffee Reflects on Banking, Economy, Agriculture
Stockman Bank was recently named to the Forbes list of the world’s best banks for 2026, marking the fifth consecutive year the 73-year-old Montana institution has appeared in the rankings. Among U.S. institutions, just 72 banks were included in the rankings this year. Stockman Bank is the only bank headquartered in Montana to make the list. CE...
Should Montana’s PSC be Elected or Appointed?
By Tom Schultz A growing policy debate in Montana centers on a fundamental question of governance: should the state’s Public Service Commission remain elected by voters, or transition to an appointed regulatory body? The discussion is expected to surface during the 2027 legislative session, where lawmakers are considering a proposal that would...
From Free Speech to Citizenship, the 411 on Key Cases Before the High Court
Supreme Court Decisions Spotlight Free Speech and Birthright Citizenship Two high‑profile U.S. Supreme Court cases were on the Voices of Montana docket as host Tom Schultz was joined by Derek Oestreicher, Chief Legal Counsel and Director of Government Affairs for the Montana Family Foundation. Together, they unpacked the implications of a majo...
Montana’s Industrial Heritage: The Tallest Brick Structure in the World!
Written by Cody Ross Discover Montana’s Historic Icon: The Anaconda Smoke Stack Perched above the landscape of Anaconda, Montana, the towering silhouette of the Anaconda Smoke Stack commands attention. Standing at an impressive 585 feet, it is the tallest free-standing brick structure in the world—a relic from Montana’s industrious past. Built...
Operation Lifesaver in Montana: Promoting Rail Safety for All
Written by Cody Ross Northern News Network A Mission to Prevent Collisions and Fatalities Railroad safety is a vital concern across Montana’s expansive landscapes, where open spaces can sometimes lull drivers and pedestrians into a false sense of security. To address this, Operation Lifesaver, a non-profit organization, works tirelessly to edu...
Iran Conflict Raises Energy Concerns as Montana Pipeline Faces Review
Global Conflict Highlights Strain on Energy Supply Chains Instability in the Middle East is once again putting pressure on global energy markets, underscoring the importance of reliable transportation infrastructure for oil and gas. During a recent interview on Voices of Montana, Montana Petroleum Association Executive Director Sonny Capece sa...
Inherited Shame and Pain: The Tragedy of Child Abuse
By Ken Adelblue Northern News Network BILLINGS, Mont. (April 2, 2026) — April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness and strengthening families to ensure children grow up in safe, supportive environments. Ken Adelblue of the Northern News Network spoke with Bill Kennedy of the Family Tree Nurturing Cent...
NorthWestern Energy Proposes New Tariff to Protect Montana Customers
Montana Data Centers | NorthWestern Energy A New Framework for Large Energy Consumers NorthWestern Energy has formalized a request to the Montana Public Service Commission for a new Large New Load Tariff, designed to support Montana’s economic growth and ensure a reliable energy future. This proposed framework aims to balance the service needs...