Montana State University Extension and a group of scientists who are studying drought impacts on Montana and Wyoming pasture and soil health are seeking feedback through a survey of beef cattle producers. During the past few years, Montana and Wyoming have had record-setting droughts, and producers regularly altered management decisions to reduce drought impacts on pastures and cattle, said

U.S. Sens. Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) have reintroduced the “Voluntary Public Access Improvement Act of 2023.” This bill would expand opportunities for hunting, fishing, hiking and other wildlife- dependent activities in America. “As a lifelong sportsman, I grew up hunting, fishing and backpacking and it’s a family tradition that I’ll

As part of his continued efforts to secure America’s borders and combat the flow of fentanyl to Montana, U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., pressed Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on the administration’s plan to stop illicit drug trafficking during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing. Tester specifically questioned Secretary Mayorkas on whether drug cartels

In Cascade County last week, Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte honored critical care flight paramedic Keith Bicsak for five decades of service to Montana. Bicsak recently capped off a 52-year career as a first responder. “One of the greatest pleasures I have as governor is recognizing Montanans who go above and beyond to serve their neighbors and our state,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Keith is one

The House Judiciary Committee last week endorsed a proposed constitutional amendment that would end state Supreme Court elections in Montana, giving the governor power to appoint justices to the bench with Senate confirmation. House Bill 915, sponsored by Rep. Bill Mercer, R-Billings, is the long-awaited culmination of legislative Republicans’ efforts this year to remake the state court system

The House Education Committee tabled a bill 12-1 last week that would have provided funding for free school meals to all students in the public school system. Rep. Melissa Romano, D-Helena, sponsored House Bill 863, which would require $22 million yearly of the state’s general fund to be appropriated to the Office of Public Instruction, which would then distribute the money to public schools

The Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority is pleased to announce the submission of a Corridor ID Program proposal to the Federal Railroad Administration. According to the FRA, “The Corridor ID Program is intended to become the primary means for directing Federal financial support and technical assistance toward the development of proposals for new or improved intercity passenger rail services throughout