Montana

Tester advocated for Montana tech executives who donated to campaign – Washington Examiner

Published

1 year ago

August 27, 2024

Tester advocated for Montana tech executives who donated to campaign – Washington Examiner

Executives at two technology companies met privately with Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) and donated to his reelection campaign as he helped secure federal funding for their tech hub in Montana.

The leadership team of defense-focused artificial intelligence company Reveal Technologies and venture capital firm Next Frontier Capital, part of a consortium focused on defense technology, gave nearly $30,000 in personal donations to the Tester campaign and an affiliated joint fundraising committee, according to federal fundraising records reviewed by the Washington Examiner.

The donations, given in small increments across a two-year time frame, coincided with a series of meetings Tester held with the executives and their lobbyists as he helped Headwaters Hub, a Montana business tech consortium, receive federal accreditation and ultimately $41 million in grant money approved through the federal CHIPS and Science Act last month.

Tester has long made clear his support for the consortium. In February 2023, he held a roundtable to encourage the Biden administration to designate Headwaters as a regional tech hub and, once that designation was granted, urged officials including Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo to award it next-phase funding.

But the donations have raised ethics concerns as Tester, the chairman of the Senate Appropriations defense subcommittee, runs for a fourth term in the Senate.

Richard Painter, a chief ethics lawyer under President George W. Bush and former Democratic House candidate, said Tester was no “different than the rest of them,” referring to other politicians who accept campaign donations from companies that stand to benefit from their advocacy.

But he called the contributions “indicative of what’s wrong with our campaign finance system.”

“I think we need to really tighten up, to say they shouldn’t be meeting with people who can make contributions at all,” Painter said. “This is the type of thing that doesn’t promote public confidence in the government.”

Tester joined other members of the Montana congressional delegation advocating the tech hub, hailing the grant as a chance to bring cutting-edge jobs to a rural state. Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT), his Republican counterpart in the Senate, also voted for the CHIPS and Science Act, lobbied for Headwaters to get funding, and claimed credit for its grant.

But Daines did not receive campaign donations from Reveal or Next Frontier; neither did any other member of the Montana delegation besides Tester, outside of a one-time $50 contribution Reveal made to Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-MT) in 2022.

“Sen. Tester worked with Republicans and Democrats to pass bipartisan legislation that will help America outcompete China and allow a rural state like Montana to lead the nation in critical technological innovation,” a Tester spokesperson told the Washington Examiner. “He is proud to have worked with Republicans like Sen. Steve Daines on this bipartisan bill to bring good-paying jobs back to the United States, secure our domestic supply chains, and develop next-generation technology right at home in the Treasure State.”

Tester’s office did not address questions about whether he was aware of the donations from Reveal Technologies and Next Frontier Capital. The spokesperson noted he “played no direct role” in which companies were chosen for the Headwaters Hub, while his campaign declined to comment and directed the Washington Examiner to his Senate office.

Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) questions during a Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing titled “CHIPS and Science Implementation and Oversight”, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib)

Tester’s relationship with Reveal extends back to at least March 2022, when Tester held a call with Reveal CEO Garrett Smith. Smith began donating to Tester a month later with a $1,000 contribution to his campaign.

Over the next year, from July 2022 to July 2023, Smith made periodic donations to Tester’s campaign totaling $3,550. On at least two occasions around the same period, in March and August 2023, Tester issued public press releases urging the Biden administration to select Montana to create the tech hub consortium that would become Headwaters.

In October 2023, the tech hub was ultimately awarded $500,000 in funds to establish itself.

Most of the meetings, listed on Tester’s public schedule, occurred after the creation of Headwaters, while the majority of the donations from executives began this year.

In January, Tester met with Smith, Reveal Director of Business Development Dave Caudle, and registered Reveal lobbyist Dan Sennott. Later that same month, Next Frontier founder and General Partner Will Price became his company’s first executive to donate to Tester’s reelection with a $500 contribution.

Headwaters submitted its grant application for $75 million in February. That same day, Tester publicly called for the administration to select them.

From March until the $41 million was granted to Headwaters on July 2, Smith, Caudle, and other Reveal executives, including Chief Operating Officer Andrew Dixon and Chief Product Officer John Laxson, contributed another combined $11,650 to Tester or his affiliated joint fundraising committee.

Over the same period, Next Frontier leadership gave $13,200 by way of three contributions from Richard Harjes, another founder and general partner.

All of the men extended donations in the days and weeks leading up to a June 24 meeting between Reveal, Next Frontier, and Tester that included representatives from the Air Force and Space Force. One of the donations occurred on the same day as the meeting.

The donations, in aggregate, are small compared to the tens of millions of dollars raised by the Tester campaign. But Painter said the donations present a possible conflict of interest and could be construed as an attempt to gain access to the senator.

“They want someone in Washington, and they give money, and then they get meetings, and then whatever happens, happens,” he said.

It’s unclear if or how much Reveal and Next Frontier stand to gain from the grant, or how the funds will be divided among the 27 companies, associations, or public higher-education schools that comprise Headwaters. A breakdown was neither provided in the group’s funding application nor in its award.

Headwaters did not respond to a request for comment by press time.

Not all of the companies stand to receive the funding, according to other company members of Headwaters. Nonetheless, Reveal was referenced in Headwaters’s grant bid, touting the company’s “innovations in Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) remote sensing technology, as reflected by Reveal Technologies’ rapid growth.”

Smith, its CEO, also thanked elected officials for helping secure the award in a press release on the day of the grant’s announcement.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

Reveal declined to comment about its donations and meetings with Tester, in addition to how much of the grant it expects to receive. Next Frontier did not respond to requests for comment.

Headwaters was one of 12 consortiums selected to receive additional funding out of the 31 regional hubs established across the country.

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Montana

Film Trailer Released for the Montana Backcountry Discovery Route Project

Published

6 hours ago

January 13, 2026

Press Room

Film Trailer Released for the Montana Backcountry Discovery Route Project

Press Release | January 12, 2026

Backcountry Discovery Routes has released the official trailer for its newest route, the Montana Backcountry Discovery Route (MTBDR). A full-length expedition documentary will release February 7 at the Ellen Theatre in Bozeman, Montana, prior to its nationwide film tour.

This is a press release from BDR…

Photos By Miguel Santana / Courtesy of BDR

Seattle, WA – (January 9, 2026) — Backcountry Discovery Routes (BDR), the non-profit organization dedicated to creating and preserving off-highway riding opportunities for adventure and dual-sport motorcyclists, has released the official trailer for its newest route, the Montana Backcountry Discovery Route (MTBDR).

The full-length expedition documentary will make its world premiere during the MTBDR Route Release Event on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the Ellen Theatre in Bozeman, Montana, before launching a nationwide film tour at motorcycle dealerships and clubs across the country.

About the Route

The MTBDR is BDR’s 23rd route and completes the final link in the Western BDR system, creating a continuous backcountry network across the western United States. The approximately 900-mile route begins in Island Park, Idaho, and travels north through Montana before ending near the U.S.–Canada border outside of Eureka.

Montana Backcountry Discovery Route Project

Crossing more than 13 mountain ranges, the MTBDR takes riders deep into Big Sky Country, weaving together alpine ridgelines, remote valleys, dense pine forests, historic mining towns, wide-open ranchlands, and rugged two-track roads. Highlights include the Gravelly Range, Ruby River Valley, Virginia City, Butte, and the wild landscapes of the East Pioneer, Highland, and Cabinet Mountains.

Blending scenic gravel, flowing forest roads, and optional harder sections for more experienced riders, the MTBDR offers an ideal balance of accessibility and challenge. The route is best enjoyed between July and September, depending on snow levels and seasonal closures.

With the release of the route, riders will have access to free GPS tracks, detailed travel resources, FAQs, route updates, and the official MTBDR Motorcycle Map, providing everything needed to plan a self-guided Montana backcountry adventure.

“The Montana BDR completes the last piece of the Western BDR puzzle, and it’s been one of the most anticipated routes we’ve ever created. It delivers on every level: big landscapes, remote riding, historic towns, and a true sense of exploration. This route does not disappoint.” ~ Bryce Stevens, MTBDR Co-Architect & BDR Co-Founder and Routes Development Director

Film & Route Release

The MTBDR documentary follows the BDR team and special guests as they verify and ride the route, capturing both the scale of Montana’s landscapes and the collaborative effort required to develop a route of this magnitude. The film also includes the next generation of BDR riders—the sons of BDR co-founders—reflecting the multi-generational nature of the community and how these routes are often best experienced when shared. It’s a reminder that the BDR legacy continues to grow, shaped by riders who are discovering these places for the first time.

The world film premiere and official route release will take place on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the Ellen Theatre in Bozeman, Montana, with members of the BDR team, route architects, and industry partners in attendance. Tickets for the premiere are available at www.RideBDR.com/MTBDR.

Free GPS tracks, digital maps, FAQs, and travel resources will be released at 12:00 PM PST on February 7 at www.RideBDR.com. The waterproof MTBDR Motorcycle Map will be available for purchase through the BDR Online Store.

“As a Montana native, it’s incredibly rewarding to help bring this route to life. The MTBDR showcases the best of our state while supporting rural communities that rely on visitor travel. We’re excited to welcome riders from across the country to experience Montana responsibly and respectfully.” ~ Russ Ehnes, MTBDR Co-Architect & AMA Chairman of the Board

MTBDR Film Tour

Each year, nearly 100 motorcycle dealerships and clubs nationwide host screenings of BDR’s newest film, bringing the adventure riding community together for an evening of inspiration and connection.

Dealerships and clubs interested in hosting an MTBDR screening can now sign up at https://ridebdr.com/MTBDRscreenings
Riders interested in attending a screening in their area can check the listing of screening at https://ridebdr.com/MTBDRtour. More screenings are being added daily so check back if you don’t see a screening near you.

Route Sponsors

The MTBDR project was made possible through the support of key industry partners who share BDR’s commitment to adventure motorcycling, responsible travel, and public land access. Presenting sponsors include:

Triumph Motorcycles America returned for a second consecutive year as an OEM sponsor, providing Tiger 900 Rally Pro motorcycles for the expedition team. Triumph also supported the project with guest riders featured in the film, including Jeff Stanton of Jeff Stanton Adventures, a Triumph-accredited training and touring partner.
onX Offroad, the official navigation app of Backcountry Discovery Routes, supported the MTBDR by providing reliable, user-friendly navigation tools that helped the team verify the route and navigate safely throughout the expedition.
Quad Lock outfitted the MTBDR team with its patented phone mounting systems, allowing riders to securely mount their phones for navigation even on rough backcountry roads and rugged terrain.
Edelweiss Bike Travel, a leading global motorcycle tour company, continues its long-standing support of the adventure motorcycling community in the U.S. through its ongoing sponsorship of BDR routes and projects.

BDR is also grateful for the continued support of its industry partners, including:

Touratech, Mosko Moto, Motoz Tires, KLIM, Cardo Systems, Alpinestars, Rev’It!, Colorado Motorcycle Adventures, West 38 Moto, Rogue Moto, Moto Camp Nerd, SoCal Offroad School, Fox Racing, Black Dog Cycle Works, Doubletake Mirror, REVER, Cyclops, Emmaus Moto Tous, ADV Rider Training, Giant Loop, and others.

For more information about the MTBDR, film screenings, and route details, visit www.RideBDR.com/MTBDR.

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Montana

Montana Lottery Powerball, Lucky For Life results for Jan. 12, 2026

Published

18 hours ago

January 13, 2026

Press Room

The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Jan. 12, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from Jan. 12 drawing

05-27-45-56-59, Powerball: 04, Power Play: 2

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Jan. 12 drawing

21-23-24-28-39, Lucky Ball: 01

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lotto America numbers from Jan. 12 drawing

09-20-25-30-51, Star Ball: 10, ASB: 02

Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from Jan. 12 drawing

01-14-22-29, Bonus: 09

Check Big Sky Bonus payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from Jan. 12 drawing

11-23-24-54-56, Powerball: 05

Check Powerball Double Play 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

Man dies in Highway 93 crash in Lake Co.

Published

1 day ago

January 12, 2026

Press Room

Man dies in Highway 93 crash in Lake Co.

RAVALLI, Mont. — A 35-year-old man is dead after a two vehicle crash on Highway 93 North near Ravalli on Sunday morning, according to Montana Highway Patrol.

The driver of a Honda Civic traveling northbound in the southbound lanes was declared dead on scene after colliding with a Ford F-150 that was traveling southbound.

The driver of the Ford F-150 was injured in the accident taken to St. Luke Community Healthcare in Ronan.

Montana Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.

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