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Trump Administration Moves to Repeal 'Roadless Rule' for National Forests, Sparking Environmental Concerns

Trump Administration Moves to Repeal 'Roadless Rule' for National Forests, Sparking Environmental Concerns

The Trump administration has filed a proposal to repeal the 'roadless rule,' a 2001 regulation that protects nearly 45 million acres of national forests from road construction and logging. This move primarily affects forests in 10 Western states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. The Agriculture Department states the change aims to reduce regulatory burdens and localize forest management decisions, with the U.S. Forest Service and some Republican governors citing fire management concerns and the need to clear fuel. However, critics argue that only a small fraction of wildfires originate in roadless areas. The proposal will undergo a 30-day public comment period before potential finalization, though legal challenges are anticipated.
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Montana Governor Gianforte Addresses Tribal Concerns, Honors Veteran, and Promotes Agriculture During 56-County Tour

Montana Governor Gianforte Addresses Tribal Concerns, Honors Veteran, and Promotes Agriculture During 56-County Tour

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte recently concluded a segment of his annual 56-county tour, engaging with various communities and addressing key state issues. During a visit to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT), Governor Gianforte discussed a range of concerns, including the state's prison system, housing shortages, delays in Medicaid processing, a proposed mine near the Bitterroot, and a stalled land exchange. The Governor also recognized Staff Sergeant Greg Atherton with a Veteran Commendation for his extensive community service, which includes volunteering as an EMT, firefighter, CPR instructor, and patient care technician. Furthermore, Governor Gianforte participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Combined State Laboratories building in Bozeman, a facility dedicated to supporting Montana's agricultural producers through research, education, and diagnostic services. He also visited the G&G Livestock ranch in Irvine Flats to acknowledge its sustainable practices and highlighte...
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Idaho Leaders Support Proposed Revision to Endangered Species Act's '4(d) Rule' for Grizzly Bear Management

Idaho Leaders Support Proposed Revision to Endangered Species Act's '4(d) Rule' for Grizzly Bear Management

Idaho officials, including Governor Brad Little and U.S. Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo, are backing a proposed revision to the Endangered Species Act's '4(d) rule' by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This proposal aims to shift management responsibility for grizzly bear recovery to state levels, granting Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming greater control. Currently, the '4(d) rule' makes harming or killing grizzlies illegal unless specifically permitted by federal authorities. The proposed change would allow the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to create specific rules for species designated as 'threatened,' potentially expanding the circumstances under which grizzly bears could be killed. Attorney General Raúl Labrador has also submitted formal comments supporting the change, arguing that Idaho has successfully grown its grizzly bear population and that the federal government should acknowledge this success. Conservation groups, however, are criticizing the proposal, expressing concerns that it could jeopar...
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Idaho Leaders and Conservationists Clash Over Proposed Grizzly Bear Management Shift

Idaho Leaders and Conservationists Clash Over Proposed Grizzly Bear Management Shift

Idaho officials and conservation groups are at odds over a proposed rule by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) that would shift grizzly bear management authority to the states of Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. The proposal, announced in July, aims to revise the Endangered Species Act's '4(d) rule' for threatened species, potentially expanding the allowable killing of grizzly bears. Idaho leaders, including Governor Brad Little, U.S. Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo, and Attorney General Raúl Labrador, support the change, arguing that local wildlife agencies are best equipped to manage the bears based on science and without bureaucratic inefficiencies. Conversely, environmental organizations like Earthjustice criticize the proposal, asserting it could jeopardize grizzly bear recovery by weakening federal protections and allowing for potentially unlimited mortality outside core recovery areas, setting back decades of progress.
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U.S. Senator Steve Daines Introduces Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authorization Act to Advance Water Project

U.S. Senator Steve Daines Introduces Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authorization Act to Advance Water Project

U.S. Senator Steve Daines introduced S. 4489, the Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authorization Act, on May 12, 2026, during the 119th Congress. This bill, co-sponsored by U.S. Tim Sheehy, aims to provide the necessary federal approval for the Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authority (DRWA) to proceed with its water project. Concurrently, U.S. Representative Troy Downing introduced an identical bill, H.R. 8745, in the House. Both bills have been referred to their respective committees: the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and the House Committee on Natural Resources. The DRWA project, which received a concluding report from the Bureau of Reclamation in December 2025, seeks to deliver high-quality water from the Missouri River to approximately 1,500 rural households and several towns in Montana, including Jordan, Circle, Richey, Lambert, Savage, Glendive, and Fallon. The project also plans to install pasture taps for the livestock industry. Connection to the DRWA system will be voluntary, and exist...
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Montana Attorney General's Office Warns Public About Proliferation of Fake Websites Targeting Online Shoppers

Montana Attorney General's Office Warns Public About Proliferation of Fake Websites Targeting Online Shoppers

The Montana Attorney General's Office has issued a public warning regarding a surge in fraudulent websites designed to mimic legitimate online retailers. Scammers are creating these sophisticated fake sites to deceive consumers, aiming to steal their money and personal information. Officials advise online shoppers to be vigilant and look for specific red flags, such as unusually low prices, the absence of contact information on the website, and suspicious web addresses. This alert comes as online shopping continues to grow in popularity, providing more opportunities for cybercriminals to exploit unsuspecting individuals. The Attorney General's Office emphasizes the importance of consumer awareness and caution when conducting transactions online.
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Governor Gianforte Celebrates Opening of New Multi-Use Agricultural Facility in Montana

Governor Gianforte Celebrates Opening of New Multi-Use Agricultural Facility in Montana

Governor Greg Gianforte, alongside the Montana Department of Agriculture, the Montana Department of Livestock, and Montana State University, celebrated the inauguration of the new Combined State Laboratories building in Bozeman. This multi-use agricultural facility integrates the Montana Department of Livestock’s Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, the Montana Department of Agriculture’s Analytical Lab, and the MSU Wool Lab. The project aims to bolster Montana's agricultural producers through enhanced research, education, outreach, testing, and diagnostic services. The new facility replaces outdated infrastructure, some of which relied on equipment over 70 years old, and is expected to significantly expand testing capacity, improve operational efficiency, and provide modern resources to better serve agricultural communities across the state.
Cincinnati Enquirer Cincinnati Enquirer
After shutdown announcement, terminated employees sue 80 Acres

After shutdown announcement, terminated employees sue 80 Acres

Indoor farming company 80 Acres Farms is facing multiple lawsuits in the wake of its announcement that it will shut down.
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Trump says US and Canada have a trade deal, but key terms remain unclear

Trump says US and Canada have a trade deal, but key terms remain unclear

Canada has dodged President Donald Trump’s threat of 50% tariffs — at least for now
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Wildfire Smoke to Impact Montana Amid Hot, Dry Conditions

Wildfire Smoke to Impact Montana Amid Hot, Dry Conditions

High pressure is building over Montana, bringing hot, dry, and windy conditions that are expected to persist through the end of the week. These weather patterns are intensifying fire activity in the region, particularly in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, and are pushing smoke into Montana. Satellite imagery from Wednesday morning shows significant smoke over the northern half of the state. Air quality has deteriorated in several areas, with particulate levels reaching moderate levels in cities such as Missoula, Great Falls, and Helena. The Rapid Refresh Forecast System predicts increased smoke production from regional wildfires, with light surface smoke expected across parts of the state.
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Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel Share Glimpse of Family Life at Montana Yellowstone Club Residence

Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel Share Glimpse of Family Life at Montana Yellowstone Club Residence

Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel Share Glimpse of Family Life at Montana Yellowstone Club Residence
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Montana Freedom Caucus Chairman Accused of Attempting to Steer State Funds to Private PTSD Therapy Company After Lost Bid

Montana Freedom Caucus Chairman Accused of Attempting to Steer State Funds to Private PTSD Therapy Company After Lost Bid

Montana Freedom Caucus Chairman Jerry Schillinger is facing scrutiny for allegedly attempting to direct $600,000 of state money to Quresta, a New York-based private company offering PTSD therapy, even after the company lost a competitive bid for a state contract. The contract, intended to provide training for post-traumatic stress disorder therapy, originated from House Bill 832 in the 2025 Montana legislative session. Public records obtained by The Daily Montanan reveal Schillinger's efforts to steer the funds to Quresta, which was rated last among three companies that submitted proposals. Schillinger, a bill sponsor, defended his actions, stating that legislators intended the money to go to Quresta, despite the bill calling for a competitive selection process. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs currently states there is insufficient evidence to recommend Quresta's RTM Protocol, though a clinical study indicated fewer PTSD-related problems in patients who underwent the therapy. The Department of Labo...