ACTIVE LINKS - NOVEMBER 29, 2025
- Economy & Society: Holiday shopping is poised to break records amid a post-Thanksgiving blitz.
- Politics & National Security: President Trump has declared Venezuela's airspace closed, escalating the administration's war on drug cartels and warning of potential U.S. actions.
- Environment & Culture: Fort Peck is advancing a biodiversity credit program for bison grazing, drawing from studies at Yellowstone and the Blackfeet Reservation to quantify environmental value.
- Business & Community: The Department of Public Health and Human Services is constructing a new behavioral health facility in Laurel, supported by recent legislation.
- Business & Community: Carroll College has named Jennifer Glowienka as its first female president in the school's 116-year history, after serving as interim since July.
- Funding Terrorism: President Trump tears up protected status for Somalis living in Minnesota after article shows ties between massive Medicaid fraud funding terrorism. The article laid out an intricate fraud using their own children being diagnosed as autistic in order to secure Medicaid funds.
- Man Charged with Kidnapping in Bozeman: Authorities charged a suspect after he allegedly stole a car with a 7-year-old inside. The child was safely recovered, and the case is proceeding in court.
- Tribes Slaughter Buffalo Amid Shutdown Impacts: On the Fort Peck reservation, about 30 bison are being killed to provide food due to delayed federal benefits affecting one-third of residents.
- Judge Hears Arguments on Wolf Hunting Regulations: In Helena, lawyers for conservation groups argued that new state regulations on wolf hunting could harm populations. The hearing highlights ongoing debates over wildlife management in Montana.
- Brawl of the Wild: Montana State vs. Montana Football: The 124th rivalry game kicks off today with the Big Sky title on the line. High stakes and emotions expected in this annual showdown. The first time in history that the teams hold spots in the top 3 nationally when meeting. Local Flavor: 76 Montana natives feature on both rosters, hailing from 24 communities, adding to the in-state rivalry intensity. Ticket prices soared to $280 on resale sites, reflecting high demand. Top moments from the past decade recalled, including Montana State's largest comeback in rivalry history (29-25 in 2015). Season Reviews: The Grizzlies' undefeated run included a come-from-behind thriller over North Dakota. The Bobcats raced past UC Davis in their last outing, led by Caden Dowler's interceptions to go to 9-2 following early losses. Generations of Bobcat Pride with the Eiden family.
- Stock Futures Surge on Jobs Data: Markets rally as cooling job growth eases AI bubble worries and hints at potential rate adjustments.
- Groups Petition Against Montana's Data Center Expansion: Nonprofits are challenging the rapid growth of data centers in Montana through a petition to the utility commission, citing environmental and energy concerns in the "data center boom."
- Tax Hike Draws Criticism in Open Letter to Governor Gianforte: An open letter highlights how recent property tax increases are burdening Montanans, making them vulnerable to financial pressures as winter approaches.
- MSU Honors and Wins: Bobcats' Caden Dowler and Colby Frokjer named Big Sky players of the week; women's basketball goes 4-0 after beating UNLV.
- Football Anticipation Builds for Brawl of the Wild: No. 2 Montana Grizzlies (11-0) host No. 3 Montana State Bobcats (9-2) this Saturday in a historic matchup for the Big Sky title.
- Public Input Sought on New 'Welcome to Montana' Highway Signs: Residents are invited to vote on designs for updated highway welcome signs, enhancing the state's iconic entry points.
- DNRC Issues Cease-and-Desist to Crazy Mountain Ranch: The Department of Natural Resources and Conservation has ordered Crazy Mountain Ranch to stop unauthorized water use for its golf course.
- Roof Issues Force Relocation of Daycares in Missoula: Structural problems at a former elementary school in Missoula have led to the relocation of daycares, affecting local families and services.
- Montana's $300M Broadband Plan Gains Federal Approval: The state's plan to expand high-speed internet access has been approved by federal authorities, aiming to bridge digital divides in rural communities.
- Billings Clinic Trains Future Rural Doctors Amid Shortage: Billings Clinic is addressing the national shortage of rural physicians by training and retaining doctors in underserved areas of Montana.
- Montana PSC Approves Partial Rate Increase for NorthWestern Energy: The Montana Public Service Commission has greenlit a partial rate hike for NorthWestern Energy, impacting utility bills statewide. This decision comes amid ongoing discussions on energy costs and infrastructure.
- Libby Zoning Commission Public Hearing Scheduled: A public hearing on zoning matters is set for November 24 at Libby City Hall, as announced in today's legals.
- Builders Highlight Labor and Material Costs in Housing Shortage: Montana's construction sector is raising concerns over escalating building costs, including labor, permit fees, and materials, which are exacerbating the state's housing crunch.
- Almonty Initiates U.S. Operations with Montana Tungsten Project: Almonty Industries has begun operations at its tungsten project in Montana, marking its entry into the U.S. market. Metallurgical tests show over 90% tungsten recovery and 20-25% garnet recovery.
- Did You Know?: Montana's right to know is enshrined in its constitution, setting it apart from neighboring states by guaranteeing public access to government information beyond legislative measures.
- USDA Secretary, Brooke Rollins Says She Will Fix SNAP Fraud: 186,000 Deceased men, woman and children have been found to receiving SNAP benefits.
- University of Providence - Great Falls Fiscally Fails: When you rely on someone else to pay your bills, a reckoning will ultimately happen. The University of Providence is finding out the hard way. They have laid off 7 support staff so far with more seemingly on the way.
- GREAT FALLS NATIVE COMES HOME TO SERVE: Great Falls native and attorney Trevor Funseth launches bid for Montana's 21st House District.
- Power Outages Affect Montana from Wyoming Transmission Lines: Tens of thousands in Montana experienced outages after two high-voltage lines tripped near Medicine Bow, Wyoming, impacting regional power supply.
- Former Troy Police Officer Sought in Evidence Tampering Probe: Layton Artigo, recently terminated from the Troy Police Department, turned himself in amid an investigation into misconduct and evidence tampering.
- Missing Teen Sought by Blackfeet Law Enforcement: Authorities are searching for 15-year-old James Patterson, last seen on November 2. He is described as 5'6", 145 lbs, with black hair and brown eyes. Tips are requested.
- Many Glacier Road Closed for the Season in Glacier National Park: Glacier National Park officials announced the closure of Many Glacier Road due to seasonal conditions, effective immediately.
- Lawsuit Challenges Montana Water Well Law for Rural Subdivisions: Environmental groups have sued the state over a law allowing water wells in low-density rural areas without permits, arguing it risks groundwater contamination and over-extraction.
- New CWD Case in Deer on Flathead Reservation Prompts Testing Push: A deer on the Flathead Indian Reservation tested positive for chronic wasting disease, leading wildlife officials to urge hunters to submit samples for testing to monitor spread.
- Avian Flu Detected in Wild Bird on Blackfeet Reservation: Officials confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza in a wild bird sample from the Blackfeet Reservation. This marks a concerning development for wildlife health in the area.
- Secret DEI Program at Billings Clinic: Reports surfaced of a secret DEI training program at Billings Clinic, defying a presidential executive order, including policies on pronouns and staff education.
- Billings Woman Pleads Not Guilty to Murder: Dameka Rose American Horse pleaded not guilty to federal murder charges related to a November 2024 killing near Pryor on the Crow Indian Reservation. She faces life in prison if convicted.
- Poaching Investigations: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking information on a mule deer buck shot and left to waste in Black Eagle Park, reported on November 9. Additionally, three elk were found shot and abandoned on the Sun River Wildlife Management Area near Augusta.
- School Budget Adjustments: Cascade County Commissioners corrected mill levies for Great Falls Public Schools. The school board also approved $5,000 for installing a Raiders Course at Paris Gibson Education Center for the JROTC program.
- House Fire Response: Great Falls Fire Rescue responded to a fire at 800 4th Ave SW on the evening of November 15. No further details on injuries or cause have been released.
- Not Enough!: In Billings, demonstrators rallied against Gov. Greg Gianforte during a "Liberty Dinner," criticizing delays in SNAP benefits processing. Protesters argue the backlog leaves families struggling as winter approaches, demanding faster action.
- College Football: Montana Grizzlies crushed Portland State 63-17, with Keali’i Ah Yat accounting for four TDs and Eli Gillman rushing for two. Montana State pulls away from #9 UC Davis 38-17, sets up a Brawl of the Wild for the Big Sky Championship.
- Hunters Warned on Carcass Disposal Amid Rising Violations: FWP reminds hunters that improper disposal of animal remains can lead to loss of hunting privileges. Recent cases highlight the need for proper waste management to protect wildlife and public health during the season.
- Man Convicted in Grisly Campsite Murder Initially Blamed on Bear Attack: A jury has found Daren Christopher Abbey guilty of the brutal murder of Dustin Kjersem at a remote campsite near Big Sky. Abbey, linked to white supremacist groups, attacked Kjersem with an axe, wood block, and screwdriver. The crime was first reported as a bear mauling but unraveled during investigation. Abbey faces life in prison; sentencing is pending.
- New York Jets Player Shot: Kris Boyd was shot in the abdomen around 2am Sunday morning in midtown Manhattan.
- High School Football: Billings West hangs on for a thrilling 20-17 win over Big Sky in the Class AA semifinals, will take on Glacier in State Championship Game.
- United States Extradites Three Alleged Members of Tren de Aragua to Chile: Alleged gang members will face prosecution for murder, kidnapping, and other violent offenses.
- Trump Goes Nuclear on Marjorie Taylor Greene, Rep Responds: President calls his former ally a ranting lunatic while Greene claps back that it is about the Epstein file release.
- Billings Woman Pleads Not Guilty to Federal Murder Charges: Dameka Rose American Horse entered a not guilty plea in connection with a 2024 killing near Pryor on the Crow Reservation, facing life in prison if convicted.
- White Supremacist Convicted in Brutal Montana Killing: Daren Christopher Abbey was found guilty of a murder so violent it was initially mistaken for a bear attack.