Montana
Purdy a step away from Montana-Young territory after 49ers’ comeback win over Lions
To borrow from a former Raiders CEO, all that’s left in the NFL postseason is one great quarterback and Brock Purdy.
The 49ers have two weeks to worry about a return engagement with Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas.
That gives a small window to revel in a 34-31 win in the NFC Championship Game at Levi’s Stadium, a game they trailed 24-7 at halftime before they put 27 consecutive points on the board before a delirious home crowd that could scarcely believe its own eyes.
No sense in picking on Amy Trask, the former Raiders exec who said at the outset of the postseason on her podcast there were seven great quarterbacks and Purdy. There are plenty of people nationally who agree with her and will still agree with her — especially if the 49ers lose against the Chiefs and Mahomes on Feb. 11 at Allegiant Stadium.
After the game, confetti rained down and at the victory stand, Purdy wore an ear-to-year smile even if he deflected credit as usual when talking with analyst Michael Strahan of Fox.
“It’s a team sport. We knew we had a half left, defense did their job,” Purdy said. “The boys on offense took care of business, Coach called a great game and we had the Faithful behind us the whole way.”
Fans were chanting “Purdy, Purdy, Purdy” which was in stark contrast to when television microphones picked up a Detroit contingent cheering “Jared Goff, Jared Goff, Jared Goff” before halftime. Earlier in the half, sharp-eyed fans on social media even caught Eminem giving the finger to 49ers fans from a private box.
It was that bad.
The 49ers are no strangers to losing the NFC Championship Game, having lost the last two seasons and 11 times in 18 games coming in. This one looked like it would be the worst, considering how one-sided the game was heading into the third quarter.
While there were myriad moments and heroes for the 49ers, none stood taller than the supposedly undersized Purdy. He was 7 of 15 for 93 yards and an interception that led to a Detroit touchdown at halftime. In the second half, Purdy was 13 of 16 for 174 yards and a touchdown. He also scrambled for 49 yards on five carries after having lost a yard on his lone carry of the first half.
Purdy’s mobility was in contrast to Goff, the Marin Catholic and Cal product who went 25 of 41 to 273 yards and a touchdown.
“I thought it was the difference between winning and losing,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said. “Brock competed his ass off today.”

The whole storyline about Purdy not being able to come from behind? He has done it for the last two weeks including a 24-21 divisional playoff win over Green Bay. He lacks the Montana-Young magic? How then to explain a 51-yard strike to Brandon Aiyuk that got the 49ers on their way?
Purdy, whose arm strength contributed to his seventh-round draft standing, actually overthrew Aiyuk only to have the ball bounce off the facemask of a backpedaling Kindle Vildor.
“In that moment, I’m looking at it like, ‘We need a play,’ ” Purdy said. “I’m not going to be stupid and throw the ball up, but B.A. is one-on-one. I’m going to take that (opportunity). Especially in this kind of game, we need that play. I was giving my guy a shot.”
Aiyuk lunged forward and caught the ball out of the air and Vildor’s thigh grazed Aiyuk at the 6-yard line. Three plays later, Purdy threw a 6-yard strike to Aiyuk in the end zone.
“Just like we expected it to look,” tight end George Kittle said. “Off his facemask and we got a big play. Dang, Brock’s good at football isn’t he?”
If that’s not magic, I don’t know what is.
It wasn’t a rah-rah halftime speech that turned things around.

“There really wasn’t much said,” Purdy said. “Kyle said a couple of things. Fred (Warner) said a couple of things. But we kept it simple. We went out, we knew what we had to do. The season’s on the line, we’re down 17, and we played really good complementary team football from there.”
As for Purdy’s scrambles — including a 21-yard run on third-and-4 during the drive that put the 49ers up 34-24 — he said he was just doing what was required.
“He scampers,” Kittle said. “Ever see one of those little water dragons running across the water?”
Purdy was matter-of-fact in analyzing of his running ability.
“You drop back, they did a good job with pressures and if there’s someone there, I had to use my legs,” Purdy said. “It’s the NFC Championship and you’ve got to find a way.”
While Purdy said “nothing’s going to be given to us,” the 49ers got a big assist from Detroit coach Dan Campbell, who twice passed up field goal attempts on fourth down that failed in the second half — one on a dropped pass and another when a receiver was open.
Purdy great scramble 🏃♂️ pic.twitter.com/vWVg0iDKoq
— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) January 29, 2024
Campbell, who has rolled the dice all season, was like the cowboy who was insistent about dying with his boots on, the fighter who was going to wade in and go for the knockout when he was ahead on points in the 12th round.
It played into Purdy’s hands. He may not be Mahomes, but at this point it would be hard for 49ers players to doubt their quarterback who makes a fraction of his income. At 24, he’s the youngest quarterback to lead the 49ers to a Super Bowl.
“Man, I don’t have enough good things to say about Brock,” running back Christian McCaffrey said. “All he’s done since he’s been here is play at an elite level. Everything starts with him and we’re lucky he’s our quarterback. He takes a lot of heat for absolutely no reason. All he’s done is be a great leader, a great player. I’m so proud of him and pumped up that I get another one with him this year.”
Purdy unfailingly credits his faith win or lose, and the biggest win of his life was no different.
“I’ve never been the biggest, the fastest or the strongest,” Purdy said. “I feel like I’ve always had to fight for what I get but God’s always given me an opportunity . . . getting drafted last, all you need is an opportunity. When I’m down 17 at half, I’m thinking, ‘All right, God, you’ve taken me here. Win or lose I’m going to glorify you.’ That’s my peace. That’s the joy, the steadfastness. That’s where I get it from. And that’s the honest truth.
“I leaned into that, and sure enough we were able to come back.”

Montana
Montana minimum wage increases to $10.85 | Explore Big Sky
By Micah Drew DAILY MONTANAN
With the start of the new year, Montanans on the lowest end of the pay scale will get a small boost as the state’s mandatory minimum wage increase goes into effect.
As of Jan. 1, Montana’s minimum wage increased from $10.55 to $10.85.
Stemming from a 2006 law, Montana’s minimum wage is subject to a cost-of-living adjustment, based on the national increase in the consumer price index published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
According to state law, Montana businesses not covered by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act are those whose gross annual sales are $110,000 or less may pay $4 per hour.
Montana is one of 30 states — plus Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands — that have a minimum wage higher than the federal rate of $7.25.
Twelve states, plus D.C. adjust their wages annually based on set formulas.
Montana has one of the lowest minimum wages that exceeds federal levels, with only West Virginia coming in lower among states at $8.75. The highest minimum wage is in D.C., at $17.25.
Montana
Montana Lottery Powerball, Lucky For Life results for Jan. 7, 2026
The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Jan. 7, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Powerball numbers from Jan. 7 drawing
15-28-57-58-63, Powerball: 23, Power Play: 2
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Jan. 7 drawing
05-14-15-21-39, Lucky Ball: 10
Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Lotto America numbers from Jan. 7 drawing
03-18-25-45-50, Star Ball: 04, ASB: 02
Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from Jan. 7 drawing
05-09-12-15, Bonus: 02
Check Big Sky Bonus payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from Jan. 7 drawing
28-41-50-61-68, Powerball: 05
Check Powerball Double Play payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Montana Cash numbers from Jan. 7 drawing
09-11-13-16-40
Check Montana Cash 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.
Montana
California woman sentenced for smuggling attempt at border in Montana
MISSOULA, Mont. — A California woman who tried to smuggle her husband into the United States through northwest Montana has been sentenced to six months of probation, according to U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme.
Tracy Routh Lautenslager, 54, pleaded guilty in August 2025 to conspiracy to bring an alien into the United States at a location other than a designated port of entry. U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided over the case.
Court documents allege Lautenslager entered the U.S. through the Roosville Port of Entry on April 1, 2025, then drove to the Swisher Lake area near Lake Koocanusa. Border Patrol agents later learned a man had crossed the border on foot nearby. Canadian authorities eventually apprehended the man, identified as Lautenslager’s husband, a citizen of Great Britain with no legal status in the U.S.
Investigators say Lautenslager admitted the couple planned to avoid the port of entry by having her husband cross illegally while she drove into the U.S. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katy Stack and investigated by the U.S. Border Patrol as part of Operation Take Back America.
-
Detroit, MI5 days ago2 hospitalized after shooting on Lodge Freeway in Detroit
-
Technology2 days agoPower bank feature creep is out of control
-
Dallas, TX4 days agoDefensive coordinator candidates who could improve Cowboys’ brutal secondary in 2026
-
Health5 days agoViral New Year reset routine is helping people adopt healthier habits
-
Nebraska2 days agoOregon State LB transfer Dexter Foster commits to Nebraska
-
Iowa2 days agoPat McAfee praises Audi Crooks, plays hype song for Iowa State star
-
Nebraska2 days agoNebraska-based pizza chain Godfather’s Pizza is set to open a new location in Queen Creek
-
Entertainment1 day agoSpotify digs in on podcasts with new Hollywood studios