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By DARRELL EHRLICK

"Those of us who live in Montana understand that bison belong on the land. Bison are woven into America’s conservation legacy and Montana’s history and cultures.” – Michelle Uberuaga, National Parks Conservation Association Program Manager, on the recent federal court victory allowing bison to remain grazing on federal lands.

Fraudsters hit Missoula College in national financial aid ‘ghost student’ scheme

Fraudsters hit Missoula College in national financial aid ‘ghost student’ scheme

by Keila Szpaller

A fraudulent enrollment scheme drained $673,745 in federal money from the University of Montana’s Missoula College in 2025, according to a new report from the Legislative Audit Division. The report says UM returned all the money to the federal government in the 2026 fiscal year, and the university’s net cash loss was $377,937. UM Vice […]
Montana lawmaker looks to strengthen privacy laws surrounding license plate recognition, camera use

Montana lawmaker looks to strengthen privacy laws surrounding license plate recognition, camera use

by Micah Drew

Within a few hours of a social media post showing a license plate recognition camera installation in the parking lot of a big box store in Kalispell, hundreds of people had commented in the local community group. Many comments expressed concern or outrage at the camera installation, with many suggesting vandalism might be the solution […]
Secretary of state responds to legislative subpoena, with pushback

Secretary of state responds to legislative subpoena, with pushback

by Keila Szpaller

Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen responded to a legislative subpoena to disclose voter roll information her office provided to the federal government, but also objected to the demand and described it as “political theater.” For months, members of the State Administration and Veterans’ Affairs Interim Committee have been trying to find out exactly what […]
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