Montana

Outrageous reason Montana woman is being forced to send her three-year-old daughter back to brutal war zone

Published

1 year ago

January 11, 2025

Outrageous reason Montana woman is being forced to send her three-year-old daughter back to brutal war zone

A Ukrainian mother taking refuge in Montana is being forced to send her toddler daughter back to the war-ridden country.

Zhanna Kulahina, 26, and her three-year-old, Maria evacuated to Bozeman through the United for Ukraine program in August 2023.

‘We lived a happy life, and unfortunately, the war changed everything. Every night when we heard bomb and yes, we tried to be in a bomb shelter or basement, wherever I can find a safe place for Maria,’ she told KBZK.

‘Maybe we can be a victim of this war.’

Since then, the single mother has been working as a dental technician, volunteering at Bozeman Health and studying to become accredited to practice dentistry in the US while Maria attends preschool.

However, Zhanna’s ex-husband who lives in their home country filed a lawsuit against her, claiming that she had kidnapped Maria.

After months of a legal battle, the United States District Court Judge Donald Molloy ruled Maria should return to her father in Ukraine two days before Christmas.

‘If she returned to Ukraine, she could die there. It’s a really terrible situation because it’s my child, it’s my baby.

Zhanna Kulahina, 26, and her three-year-old, Maria evacuated to Bozeman through the United for Ukraine program in August 2023

However, Zhanna’s ex-husband who lives in their home country filed a lawsuit against her – claiming that she had kidnapped Maria

‘If she returned to Ukraine, she could die there. It’s a really terrible situation because it’s my child, it’s my baby,’ Zhanna said

‘We are in a safe place now; how do we return to Ukraine where so many children and babies die? I can’t imagine how it’s possible,’ Zhanna told KTVH.

According to the court order, Maria will need to return to Ukraine by February 3.

Neighbors have quickly banded together to help the mother and daughter with legal costs and provide emotional support.

A GoFundMe was launched soon after the lawsuit began to provide aid for the pair.

‘Zhanna was peacefully rebuilding a life for herself and her daughter until this past August, when she was unexpectedly served with a lawsuit brought by her ex-husband (who continues to reside in Ukraine) which claims that Zhanna abducted their child,’ the description reads.

‘The ex-husband’s case, which was filed in federal district court, suggests that Zhanna illegally removed their daughter from her country of habitual residence and required that she return to Ukraine — regardless of the grave risk of such a move.

‘The federal judge in this case was aware that the ex-husband willingly escorted Zhanna and her daughter to the train station in their hometown of Odesa two years ago so that they could flee to neighboring Moldova.

‘The judge also knows that, on average, Odesa gets hit with a missile, drone strike, or bomb every sixth day, and he knows that air raid sirens go off no less than once every three days in the other cities.

After months of a legal battle, the United States District Court Judge Donald Molloy ruled Maria should return to her father in Ukraine two days before Christmas

Neighbors have quickly banded together to help the mother and daughter with legal costs and provide emotional support

‘A return to an existence that is defined by fear of air raid sirens and explosions would be deeply damaging for both Zhanna and her child. It’s unfathomable.

‘It is our understanding that the ex-husband has hired an attorney pro bono to represent him. Because the case involves a complicated international human rights dispute in federal court, dozens of expert witnesses, multiple translators and two local lawyers, it will be a financially costly one, to say nothing of the emotional toll it will surely take on Zhanna and her daughter.’

As of now, the crowdfunding page has raised $645 toward its $14,000 goal. About $34,000 has already been raised by friends for the duo.

It remains unclear if Zhanna will try to have the decision appealed.

On Friday, President-elect Donald Trump announced he has pushed back his deadline for ending the Russia-Ukraine war despite having vowed to end the conflict within ’24 hours’ of becoming president.

The US president-elect now aims to end the war against Ukraine within 100 days of his inauguration, Keith Kellogg, Trump’s choice for special Ukraine peace envoy, told Fox News on Wednesday.

‘This is a war that needs to end, and I think he can do it in the near term,’ Kellogg, 80, added, defining ‘near term’ as just over 14 weeks out from inauguration.

The comments come after Trump revealed in a press conference that he would not launch peace talks until after he takes office on January 20.

According to the court order, Maria will need to return to Ukraine by February 3

This is despite having repeatedly pledged during his campaign to end the war as soon as he was elected.

‘People need to understand, he’s not trying to give something to Putin or to the Russians, he’s actually trying to save Ukraine and save their sovereignty,’ Kellogg said.

‘And he’s going to make sure that it’s equitable and it’s fair’.

The US diplomat praised the president-elect for his willingness to meet with Vladimir Putin and said the outgoing president Joe Biden’s ‘biggest mistake’ was his refusal to work with the Russian President.

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Montana

‘Hannah Montana’ Alum Mitchel Musso Reveals Why He Missed 20th Anniversary Special With Miley Cyrus

Published

8 hours ago

June 25, 2026

Press Room

‘Hannah Montana’ Alum Mitchel Musso Reveals Why He Missed 20th Anniversary Special With Miley Cyrus

Hannah Montana star Mitchel Musso was noticeably absent from the show’s 20th anniversary special earlier this year — and now he’s revealing why.

“Of course they asked me [to be in it],” Musso, 34, revealed on the “Joe Vulpis Podcast” on Wednesday, June 24. “But, it wasn’t presented correctly [to me].”

Musso appeared in more than 70 episodes of the classic Disney Channel comedy series, playing Miley Stewart’s (Cyrus) best friend Oliver Oken alongside Emily Osment’s Lilly Truscott.

The star explained to host Joe Vulpis that he truly valued the opportunity to play Oliver again since he’d mostly been living outside the spotlight for the past decade. Instead, Disney opted for a retrospective look back at Hannah Montana.

Mitchel Musso, Emily Osment and Miley Cyrus on “Hannah Montana.” Joel Warren / Disney Channel / Courtesy Everett Collection

“I’ve been waiting ten years,” he stressed. “The people, they say, 20. My break’s been 10. It’s too long of a wait to do it in a way that isn’t even close to, in my opinion, correct.”

The Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special aired in March and featured Cyrus, 33, looking back on memorable moments from the show, alongside host Alex Cooper and celebrity guests such as Chappell Roan and Selena Gomez.

In his new interview, Musso said he would relish the chance of actually getting to play Oliver again in a proper Hannah Montana episode.

“I need a wig,” he joked. “I’d want the hair, which is fine. I’ve worn [wigs] plenty of times on Disney. I’ve worn plenty of wigs. … I’d want to feel the part again. I’d want to put on that little polo again, and wear the … plaid shorts with the goofy shoes.”

The actor went on, “I’d want to play the character, yeah. Once I saw myself doing it, I’d say, ‘Oh, there you are!’ Let’s get out there and let’s do it.”

Musso was not the only major Hannah Montana cast member missing from the anniversary special, as Osment, 34, could not appear due to her filming obligationa on CBS sitcom Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage.

“We’re at Georgie & Mandy … and that’s why I was not able to be part of the 20-year reunion, because we are here shooting our show,” she said in a social media video at the time. “But I wanted to say hello and thank you to everybody that has stuck by us for all these years. I’m so grateful that you guys all still love the show. I’m so proud to be a part of it.”

Ahead of the Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special airing in March, Musso paid tribute to the show with his own Instagram post.

“Hannah Montana wrapped around my heart and never really let go. We literally grew up with ya’ll — long days, crazy schedules, learning lines, cracking up between takes, and figuring out life while the cameras rolled,” he wrote. “It taught me so many wonderful values, but the most important ‘to me’ is that laughter can get you through the tough days. That confidence still sticks with me every single day.”

He also shouted out his costars, writing, “Miley, Emily, Jason [Earles], Billy Ray [Cyrus], Moises [Arias], and the whole crew at Disney — you became my family through all the real, messy, beautiful moments. Thank you for believing in a goofy kid from Texas who wore some questionable outfits with a haircut like that. To all of you, thank you for welcoming me into your homes and hearts 20 years ago and still allowing me to be here today. I’m honored we get to share all of this together.”

Hannah Montana originally aired for four seasons between 2006 and 2011. Classic episodes, as well as the Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special, can be streamed via Disney+.

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Montana

Update: Missing family found safe north of Butte

Published

18 hours ago

June 24, 2026

Press Room

Update: Missing family found safe north of Butte

ELK PARK — A father and his four sons reported missing near Elk Park were found safe after their vehicle became disabled, according to Butte-Silver Bow County Sheriff Ed Lester.

They were found walking along a roadway around 5 p.m. north of Maney Lake, according to Lester.

Rescuers from 15-90 Search and Rescue, the United States Marshals Service, the United States Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) were able to reach the group and transport them to safety.

“We are very happy that everyone is safe. We appreciate the hard work of the rescuers and the coordination among Jefferson, Anaconda-Deer Lodge, Powell, and Silver Bow counties,” Lester said in a statement.

(original report) Law enforcement and search and rescue teams are searching for a missing father and his four sons near Elk Park, just off Interstate 15, after the group failed to return from a fishing trip north of Butte.

The group has been missing for nearly 24 hours. Three of the four boys are Type 1 diabetics in need of insulin.

WATCH: Law enforcement and search and rescue teams near Butte, Montana are searching for a missing father and four sons. Three of the boys are Type 1 diabetics in urgent need of insulin

Search expands for missing Butte family as friend reveals 3 of 4 boys are Type 1 diabetics

Courtney Mosier, a family friend who drove from Helena to assist in the search, said the urgency of the situation is critical.

“There (are) four little boys that range from ages 14 to 10. Three of the little boys are Type 1 diabetics. They need their insulin. They need their sugar. They need to be found immediately,” Mosier said.

Mosier has known the father, Paul Klimpel, her whole life and said his outdoor experience is a reassuring factor.

“Paul is an avid outdoorsman. Like I said, I’ve known him my whole life. If the truck broke down, Paul would be able to fix it. So, luckily they’re with a really, really, really good adult. We just need to find these children,” Mosier said.

Meagan Thompson

People walk along the shore of Maney Lake local north of Butte near Elk Park. One of the missing children’s cell phone pinged a cell tower in the Maney Lake area. Police have been searching for the children since 4 a.m. June 24. Call Butte Police at 406-497-1120 if you see a 2001 white Ford Ranger flatbed pickup.

According to a press release from Butte Sheriff Ed Lester, police are searching for the group in the Brown’s Gulch, American Gulch, Flume Gulch, and Bernice area north of Butte. Officials are also searching the Homestake and Delome Lake areas.

The last known location of the group came from a cell phone ping near Maney Lake.

“The last ping from one of the little boys’ cell phone was up near Maney Lake so that’s where the family is at currently right now,” Mosier said.

The group was traveling in a 2001 white Ford Ranger with a black flatbed. The Montana license plate number is EGS-848.

Anyone who spots a white Ford Ranger flatbed pickup is encouraged to call law enforcement at 406-497-1120.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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Montana

Social media star Montana Tucker to host Maccabiah Games delegation parade | The Jerusalem Post

Published

1 day ago

June 24, 2026

Press Room

Social media star Montana Tucker to host Maccabiah Games delegation parade | The Jerusalem Post

Ahead of the 2026 Maccabiah Games, an event often called the “Jewish Olympics” and the largest Jewish sporting competition in the world, which are set to begin next week, social media influencer, dancer, and singer, Montana Tucker expressed her excitement to be hosting the delegation parade at the event and said that the games were taking place at a critical point for the global Jewish community.

“Israel has gone through a lot, Israelis have gone through a lot, Jews have gone through a lot around the world,” Tucker told The Jerusalem Post on Tuesday. “What’s going on is not just happening in Israel; it’s really happening all around the world with our Jewish community. So, an event like the Maccabiah Games is showing the world that we are strong, we are united, and we don’t give up, and we keep fighting.”

According to Maccabiah, the games bring together more than 10,000 athletes from at least 80 countries in Israel every four years to compete in over 45 sports. The Maccabi World Union says the games are the second-largest sporting event in the world after the Olympics.

The 2026 Maccabiah Games, the 22nd of their kind, were initially scheduled for last year but were postponed due to the security situation involving Iran and its regional proxies.

“This was supposed to happen last year, and about a month away, we had to cancel it due to the war,” Tucker recalled. “And so I am so grateful that it is happening this year, because we truly do need this now more than ever.”

Rendering of the stage at the Maccabiah Games. (credit: MACCABIAH)

She also said she was excited to debut her new song “We’re Not Strangers” at the event.

“It’s all about unity and building bridges and bringing people together. And some of the lyrics say ‘we may pray to different saviors, but we’re not strangers,’” she told the Post. “Our world is so divided right now. I think that we really just need to come together and have more unity and compassion and understanding of one another. And if we really talk to people who look differently than us, act differently than us, have a different religion than us, we’ll realize we’re actually more similar than we think.”

Montana Tucker: Sport ‘truly unites the world’

Sports, she said, was an ideal method to build these bridges, adding she viewed it as something that “truly unites the world.”

The Maccabiah Games this year, though, will be the first since the Hamas-led massacres in southern Israel on October 7, 2023. The attacks sparked a regional eruption with Israel fighting wars against Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the Islamic regime in Iran.

“We always have to talk about what happened on October 7,” Tucker said. “We should never stop talking about it. And I think it is so important that Maccabiah is utilizing this platform to talk about it. I know they actually have a former hostage, Daniella Gilboa, who’s going to be performing, which is so powerful.”

Tucker also highlighted the value of the games, saying they were a powerful tool to dispel disinformation about the Jewish state.

“What’s shown on the news nowadays is just all the negativity. Most of it is just propaganda and lies about what Israel is, and I think the Maccabiah just debunks every possible propaganda and lie about Israel,” she said. “When people say the word ‘Israel,’ it comes with so many different connotations, and I think we can show them this. This is Israel. This is what being Jewish means.”

A key element in showing the world what Israel and being Jewish mean, she reiterated, meant showcasing Jewish unity at a time when, in the wake of the October 7, the global Jewish community has faced a worldwide rise in antisemitism.

The games themselves are being held under the slogan, “More Than Ever,” according to Maccabiah, to emphasize “the importance of strengthening the bond between [Jewish] communities worldwide and the State of Israel.”

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