Montana
State Auditor Talks Montana Crypto Pioneering
Crypto
A strong tech sector has put Montana on the crypto pulse, says state auditor

MILWAUKEE, July 16, 2024 – Troy Downing, Montana’s state auditor who is running for the U.S. House of Representatives, credited Montana’s leading role in cryptocurrency legislation to the surge in investment in the state’s tech sector.
Broadband Breakfast on July 17, 2024 – Crypto and the Republicans
Join Broadband Breakfast for a special live stream directly from Milwaukee.
“We’ve got money coming into the state to fund talent… I think that’s been a real driver in Montana,” said Downing, a tech industry veteran, during a visit to the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.
Montana has been one state at the forefront of crypto-friendly legislation. Last May, Montana passed a law that enshrined an individual right to mine crypto, as well as prevented taxation on crypto when used as a method of payment.
Downing said Montana’s pulse on crypto and early passage of legislation were downstream from the state’s strong tech sector. Downing said Montana has fostered a tech-friendly environment, bolstered by strong universities, that has made the state fertile ground for venture money investment.
That talent investment has been pipelined into strong legislative work from Republican Sen. Steve Daines and Gov. Greg Gianforte and other policymakers, according to Downing.
Downing, who sold his web calendar company to Yahoo decades ago, recently won the primary for Montana’s second Congressional district as the Republican nominee. Downing will face off against Democratic nominee John Driscoll in the Nov. 5 general election.
If elected, Downing said he would work to continue pushing Montana’s position at the forefront of the evolving industry.
“What I see is opportunity. If we’re not innovating here, someone is going to leave us in the dust,” said Downing.
Crypto and Republicans: Navigating the Digital Currency Landscape During the Trump era, GOP lawmakers emerged as vocal advocates for cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.
Although advocating to unlock crypto’s potential, Downing also recognized the necessity of restrictions to prevent consumer exploitation by bad actors.
As state auditor, Downing said he dealt with the ramifications of the FTX lawsuit, the crypto exchange company that stole billions of dollars from customers.
Aware of both the threats and benefits, Downing said it is important to build a regulatory framework that protects consumers while allowing innovation.
Montana
June 29 recap: Missoula and Western Montana news you may have missed today
Montana
French Montana Shares Rare Insight into Khloe Kardashian Relationship
Where Khloe Kardashian Stands With Ex French Montana More Than 10 Years After Breakup
French Montana is done keeping up with reality TV.
In fact, he only agreed to appear on Keeping Up With The Kardashians and Kourtney & Khloé Take the Hamptons over a decade ago as a favor to then-girlfriend Khloe Kardashian.
“She said to get on the show,” he exclusively told E! News at the BET Awards on June 28. “And I got on the show. Shout out to Khloe.”
The “Ever Since U Left Me” rapper, who split with Kardashian in December 2014 after eight months of dating, said the experience was “fun” because her family kept it real.
“They filmed their real life,” he continued. “And we were part of something together that one time. So it felt great. It didn’t feel like work because they film what they do everyday.”
As for his future in reality TV, the 41-year-old said those days are over, shutting down any prospective offers with a simple, “Negative.”
Although the “Unforgettable” artist—whose real name is Karim Kharbouch—may not be returning to television anytime soon, he has no problem hanging out with his ex-girlfriend these days.
Montana
French Montana, Rick Ross & Max B Turn the BET Awards Into “ – BET Awards 2026 | BET
French Montana, Rick Ross & Max B Turn the BET Awards Into “
06/28/2026
More
-
Boston, MA2 minutes agoBoston Pops surprise travelers at Logan Airport with July 4th preview performance
-
Denver, CO4 minutes agoDenver Broncos Crack Top 10 in NFL Uniform Rankings
-
Seattle, WA10 minutes agoPHOTOS: Visiting all 12 stops during this year’s West Seattle Garden Tour
-
Milwaukee, WI20 minutes agoMilwaukee Barbecue: A Legacy of Smoke
-
Atlanta, GA25 minutes agoGeorgia Haitian communities face sudden July 27 deportation deadline
-
Minneapolis, MN32 minutes agoBroken A/C leaves 75-year-old cancer patient sweltering at north Minneapolis apartments
-
Indianapolis, IN35 minutes agoJazz saxophonist Jared Thompson shares journey of self-acceptance and artistry
-
Pittsburg, PA40 minutes agoTrash pickup schedules adjusted in Pittsburgh-area communities due to impending heat wave