Montana

Broadband assistance funds dry up; New leader for Heart Butte schools; Rosendale enters Senate race

Published

2 years ago

February 9, 2024

Broadband assistance funds dry up; New leader for Heart Butte schools; Rosendale enters Senate race

Rep. Rosendale joins the U.S. Senate race
Montana Public Radio | Shaylee Ragar

Montana Republican Congressman Matt Rosendale is running for the U.S. Senate – despite pressure from GOP leaders to stay out of the race. He’s kickstarted a contentious Republican primary, which will decide who takes on U.S. Democratic Senator Jon Tester.

Rosendale filed his official paperwork at the state Capitol Friday. He was surrounded by Republican lawmakers, members of the far-right state Freedom Caucus and other supporters.

Rosendale says his record over a decade in Montana politics makes him the best candidate to take on Tester.

“They know that they can trust me. I don’t just make campaign promises. I actually serve the way I campaign. And that’s the refreshing difference that they’re looking for in their representation.”

Former Navy Seal and Bozeman business owner Tim Sheehy entered the race last June. He has the backing of several prominent Republicans, including Montana U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, who’s leading GOP efforts to take back the Senate.

Sheehy also clinched the endorsement of former President Donald Trump shortly after Rosendale announced his candidacy.

Daines said in a statement it’s “unfortunate” Rosendale decided to run and create a “divisive primary.” He pointed to Rosendale’s unsuccessful bid to unseat Tester in 2018, saying Republicans cannot risk losing the chance to flip Tester’s seat, and possibly, the U.S. Senate.

Although big names and super PACs are rallying behind Sheehy, Rosendale is betting on his grassroots support from Montana Republicans. Speaker of the House Matt Regier was among Rosendale’s supporters Friday.

“We need to fight to change the direction of this country and Matt Rosendale is a fighter. And the other candidates are just question marks.”

Chair of the Montana GOP Party Don K Kaltscmidt says the state party will not endorse a candidate for the U.S. Senate primary. He said he’s confident in whoever wins to take on Tester.

Federal broadband assistance program runs out of funds
Montana Public Radio | By Najifa Farahat

The federal program that helps people pay broadband internet bills stopped accepting new enrollments this week due to lack of funds. Millions of people could lose access to the internet as a result.

The remaining funds will fully run out in May 2024.

The Affordable Connectivity Program helps around 23 million households across the country.

Their internet bills will now increase up to $30 in the next few months.

The Biden Administration has urged Congress for an extra $6 billion to keep the program going until the end of 2024, but lawmakers have not yet acted.

Montana ranks as 44 in the nation for internet coverage, speed and availability.

According to BroadbandNow’s survey, nearly half of Montanans cannot find broadband for $60 a month or less.

Blackfeet Reservation school gets a new interim superintendent
Montana Public Radio | By Austin Amestoy

A longtime public schools administrator is taking the reins at a school on the Blackfeet Reservation struggling with financial woes. That’s according to a report from the Daily Montanan.

Greg Upham took over as interim superintendent at Heart Butte School Friday. Upham served as superintendent for Billings Public Schools for four years before retiring in 2023 after 36 years in education.

The Daily Montanan reports the Heart Butte school board selected Upham to help the district recover from millions of dollars in debt due to financial mismanagement. The school terminated more than 30 staff last month in an effort to save money.

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Montana

Montana Lottery Lucky For Life, Big Sky Bonus results for Jan. 15, 2026

Published

5 hours ago

January 16, 2026

Press Room

The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Jan. 15, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Jan. 15 drawing

03-24-32-39-41, Lucky Ball: 18

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from Jan. 15 drawing

03-08-30-31, Bonus: 05

Check Big Sky Bonus payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the Montana Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 9 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
Lucky For Life: 8:38 p.m. MT daily.
Lotto America: 9 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Big Sky Bonus: 7:30 p.m. MT daily.
Powerball Double Play: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Montana Cash: 8 p.m. MT on Wednesday and Saturday.

Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.

Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.

Where can you buy lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms: jackpocket.com/tos.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Great Falls Tribune editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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Montana

Montana Morning Headlines: Thursday, January 15, 2026

Published

17 hours ago

January 15, 2026

Press Room

WESTERN MONTANA — Here’s a look at Western Montana’s top news stories for Thursday.

Aaron Walker, a mill worker severely burned in a fire at Montana Timberline Firewood Company on Dec. 30, died at a Salt Lake City burn facility on Sunday. Walker’s medical team said they transitioned to comfort care before his death, while officials said the cause of the fire remains under investigation. (Read the full story)

Political speculation is swirling around University of Montana President Seth Bodnar as a potential challenger to Senator Steve Daines after former Senator Jon Tester sent a text suggesting the possibility. Bodnar declined to comment on the speculation, but did not deny it either. (Read the full story)

The Whitefish School District has started its superintendent search with community meetings to gather input from parents, students and staff about the next leader. McPherson and Jacobson consulting firm will conduct candidate interviews in early March with selection expected by the end of the month. (Read the full story)

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Montana

How to Make the Most of Montana’s Unusually Warm Winter

Published

1 day ago

January 15, 2026

Press Room

How to Make the Most of Montana’s Unusually Warm Winter

Montana winters have a reputation for being bitterly cold with temperatures that average well-below zero. It’s also one of America’s snowiest states. If you’re a fan of winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, Montana is a hidden gem waiting to be explored.

However, this winter is a bit different. Above-average temperatures across the state have broken records on multiple occasions. It may not be the white winter that we all hoped for, but there are some advantages. I’m the type of person that tries to find the silver lining in everything, so here it goes.

I’ve been through quite a few winters in Montana, and this is the warmest it’s ever been this time of year. As someone who commutes a fair distance for work, I’ve really enjoyed not having to deal with snow and ice on the interstate. I haven’t noticed nearly as many people wrecked on the side of the road either.

I haven’t had to put on multiple layers of clothing in order to go outside and hope that my car would actually starting in the morning after scraping an inch of ice my windshield. Not gonna lie, it’s been nice.

The lack of snow also means that you can get to many places that are normally inaccessible by vehicle this time of year. So, if you’re the adventurous type, and want to take a road trip, right now might be a good time to hit the road.

Before you get too crazy, remember that getting too far off the grid in Montana can be dangerous if you’re not prepared. You can easily get stranded, and there’s a lot of places where you can’t get cell service. Just be careful, that’s all I’m saying.

Look, I know that we need snow, and I really hope a late winter is in the forecast. I’m just trying to make the best of a bad situation.

10 Helpful Montana Weather Terms You Need to Know

Weather in Montana can be unpredictable. Here are 10 weather terms that you need to know.

Gallery Credit: Jesse James

THESE ARE THE TOP 20 BEST PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOLS IN MONTANA

Niche published its ranking of the top public high schools in Montana, considering factors like state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, teacher quality, overall school ratings, student and parent reviews, and data from the U.S. Department of Education.

Gallery Credit: jessejames