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Articles by Tom Buchanan
‘Great Gatsby’ star digs into rich musical role
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... From the original novel to the film adaptations, “The Great Gatsby” focuses heavily on the power of men. The schemes and violence of Jay Gatsby, Tom Buchanan, and George B. Wilson drive forward a story narrated by Nick Carraway. What actor Leanne Robinson likes about the Broadway version is that it shifts attention to the female character.
Correction: AI-supported real-time news evaluation reveals effects of time constraint on misinformation discernment
Correction to: Scientific Reports https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-39555-8, published online 12 February 2026 The original version of this Article contained an error in the name of Yury Shevchenko, which was incorrectly given as Shevchenko Yury. The original Article has been corrected.
'Just For The Helena Of It' race works to help non-profits
HELENA — The Just For The Helena Of It marathon will take place this October 20 for its 3rd year. The race offers a 5K, 10K, and half marathon. The USATF-certified race fundraises for Helena area nonprofits. For the past two years, they’ve given proceeds to The Friendship Center, a community resource center for addressing and preventing domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. This year, after operating costs, 90% of all proceeds will go to The Friendship Center.
The Myrna Loy to host Indigenous Film Festival
HELENA — The Myrna Loy will host an Indigenous Film Festival on Thursday September 26, 2024. The venue has hosted similar events over the past several years to help provide a platform to voices who have not historically been heard. “People that historically in Montana haven’t been given a platform, haven’t been heard from, and these stories are really important to both our history and as we move forward,” says Benji Cosgrove, director of The Myrna Loy.
Montana Highway Patrol headquarters named after Kris Hansen
BOULDER — Leaders came together on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, to dedicate the Montana Highway Patrol Headquarters as the Kris Hansen Montana Highway Patrol Campus. Hansen died in July of 2022, shortly after stepping down from her position as Lieutenant General of the Montana Department of Justice. Hansen, a law school graduate and a Montana National Guard and Iraq veteran, was a Montana State Representative and Montana State Senator.
Helena bike loaner program helps employees get to work
HELENA — Getting to and from work is a necessary part of employment and while a car might be out of reach for some people, a bike can be a really good option. “People have to be able to within the hours that they work, weekends that they work, nights, different shifts. So, the bus is sometimes not even available. Uber can be expensive and it's also limited in this community.
Safety reminders as Montana kids head back to school
HELENA — As kids head back to school and take to the streets, sidewalks, and crosswalks, it’s vital for drivers to stay vigilant as they go about their daily commute. “Just have your head on a swivel and keep your eyes open, keep your eyes off your cell phone and on the road, and we'll all make it through this school year,” says Corporal for the Helena Police Department School Resource Officer Program.
Experts give advice after West Nile Virus detected in Montana this year
HELENA — Mosquitoes are the bane of many camping trips and outdoor BBQs. With the West Nile Virus now detected in mosquitoes here in Montana, there’s even more reason to protect yourself and your loved ones from these pesky creatures. West Nile Virus has been detected in mosquitoes in 4 counties in Montana. The virus was found in 6 pools in Blaine, Dawson, Prairie, and Wibaux counties.
What school supplies might cost Montana families this year
HELENA — Summer vacation is coming to an end soon for many Montana students, which also means families will be spending potentially hundreds of dollars per student on school supplies. "School supplies are so necessary for those students to start the first day of class just like every other student. So, they need to level the playing field to start on the right foot starting day one. It’s so important,” says Janet Riis, Executive Director of The Angel Fund.
ExplorationWorks receives grant for Early Childhood STEM Programs
HELENA — ExplorationWorks recently received a grant to expand Early Childhood STEM programs in the Helena area. This grant, through the Institute of Museum & Library Services, will provide low-income and rural families, and childcare providers with more easily accessible Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics learning. "As pillars of our communities, libraries and museums bring people together by providing important programs, services, and collections.
Statue of late Governor Judy Martz unveiled at Montana Capitol
HELENA — On Monday, Montana leaders gathered for the statue unveiling of former governor Judy Martz at the Montana Capitol Building. “Judy Martz had a tremendous heart. I remember in every interaction I had with her how much she cared about whoever she was talking to. It was the first thing that became evident. And it's what drew her into public service was her care for people and in particular Montanans,” says Governor Greg Gianforte.
Murder victim identified, bond set at $750,000 for accused Helena man
HELENA — Lewis and Clark County Sheriff and Coroner Leo Dutton has released the name of Friday's homicide victim in central Helena. Bernadette Johnson, 42, of Helena died as a result of a gunshot wound to the chest. Johnson was shot in the area of Prospect Ave. and North Washington Street around 9:30 p.m. According to Dutton, Johnson was transported to St. Peter's Health. She was pronounced dead at 10:02 p.m. on June 21. Editor's note: This story has been updated with information about the victim.
World Link looking for host families for international students
Students from throughout the world come to the United States every year to not only study in our schools but to gain a better understanding of our American culture. And without the help of gracious host moms and dads, their education wouldn’t be possible. “But when you actually bring somebody from a different part of the world you get like a real piece of like what is actually happening over there.
New details about St. Mary Canal siphons failure
GREAT FALLS — The following information was provided in a news release from the US Bureau of Reclamation on Tuesday, June 18, 2024: On June 17, 2024, both St. Mary River siphons experienced structural failures outside Babb, Montana. The breach caused substantial water discharge, affecting the surrounding areas. The breach led to severe erosion, resulting in washout areas at the breach site, impacting the hill and concrete footings holding the pipes.
Woman charged in Manhattan teen’s death accused of sexual assault
BOZEMAN — Lily Laroque, the woman charged with vehicular homicide in the 2023 death of Manhattan teen Delaney Doherty, is now accused of sexual assault at the Gallatin County Detention Center. Court documents say two female inmates at the detention center reported that Laroque struck each of them in a sexual manner on Wednesday, June 12, 2024.
Storm debris clean-up continues in Monarch and Neihart areas
In May, a powerful winter storm tore down thousands of trees in the Monarch and Neihart areas. A month later, clean-up efforts are still underway, with debris lining Highway 89. Cascade County Disaster & Emergency Services is working with the USDA Forest Service and Farm Service Agency to form the best plan of action for this long term recovery effort. Currently, the team is working towards securing grant funding for field mitigation efforts.
Bird banding at Montana Wild lets people view birds and science up close
HELENA — A bird banding event at Montana Wild took place on Friday, June 14, where they caught, banded, inspected, and released birds. “We can learn a lot about birds just from looking at them but when we catch them with nets and have them in the hand, we can learn things that way that we can't learn any other way,” says Non-game Bureau Chief for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Kristina Smucker. Ten large bird nets covered Spring Meadow Lake State Park.
Search underway for missing teen at Lake Elwell
GREAT FALLS — A search is underway at Lake Elwell for a missing 17-year old girl from Great Falls. The Toole County Sheriff's Office said in a news release on Saturday, June 15, 2024 that the teen was one of our people who reportedly had been paddle-boarding at the lake on Saturday afternoon. Sheriff Tyler Padilla said his agency received a 911 text message at about 1:30 p.m. with a location ping at the north point of Turner Road off of Lake Elwell.
Bird banding at Montana Wild lets people view birds and science up close
HELENA — On Friday morning, a bird banding event at Montana Wild took place where they caught, banded, inspected, and released birds. “We can learn a lot about birds just from looking at them but when we catch them with nets and have them in the hand, we can learn things that way that we can't learn any other way,” says Non-game Bureau Chief for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Kristina Smucker. Ten large bird nets covered Spring Meadow Lake State Park.
Another Chick-Fil-A opens in Montana
Another Chick-Fil-A has opened in Montana - this time in Bozeman. The new restaurant is on the campus of Montana State University in the Strand Union Building. There has been a Chick-fil-A in Kalispell since 2016; a Chick-fil-A opened in Missoula in November 2022; and another opened in Billings in January 2023.
Teen motorcyclist dies in Flathead County crash
GREAT FALLS — A 16-year old boy from Lakeside died in a two-vehicle crash on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. It happened at about 11:15 a.m. along US Highway 93 just north of Lakeside. According to the Montana Highway Patrol, the teen was driving a Kawasaki motorcycle and making a southbound turn from Marco Bay Road. An 81-year old woman from Somers driving a Lexus was heading north.
Trustees approve budget reductions for Helena Public Schools
At a meeting on Tuesday evening, the Helena Public Schools board of trustees gave their approval to the district’s plans for budget reductions, aimed at closing a projected shortfall. The district came out with its proposed cuts after voters rejected a series of five levies that would have increased property taxes to raise additional revenue.
Man taking on 50 marathons in 50 states, Governor’s Cup up next
HELENA — Ranjeet Singh is about to embark on the second half of his country-wide mission to run 50 marathons in 50 states to help support the YMCA. Up next on his docket is the 50th Anniversary Governor's Cup. “Running is a fight between mind and body. Body will bring you the start line. Mind will bring you the finish line. So, that is the secret for everyone, I am telling you," says Singh.
Police: Billings road rage incident results in homicide investigation
BILLINGS - Police have launched a homicide investigation following the death of a man injured in a road rage incident. Police said in a news release that it incident happened shortly after 9 p.m. on Thursday, June 6, 2024. Officers responded to the 800 block of Radford Square West for reports of an assault that left a 55-year-old man with serious injuries who was receiving medical care from bystanders.
Medical Scientist Training Program launches at McLaughlin Research Institute
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Fire management goals, responsibilities announced for 2024 wildfire season
HELENA — Federal agencies with wildland firefighting responsibilities have announced the fire management goals and responsibilities for the 2024 wildfire season. Those federal agencies include the U.S. Department of Interior and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees the US Forest Service.
East Helena hosts annual Memorial Day parade
The East Helena Memorial Day Parade kicked off in front of the VFW on Monday with the roar of a cannon. After the blast of a cannon, members of various groups such as the VFW, the Boy Scouts, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Sons of the American Revolution, and more marched down Main Street in honor of Memorial Day and the service men and women who have come before. The parade culminated in guest speaker Major General Pete Hronek, the Adjutant General for the State of Montana.
The importance of properly-installed car seats for children
HELENA — Car seats can be the bane of existence for many new parents, but they can make all the difference in the case of an accident. “No one ever plans to be in a crash. And the last thing that you want to have happen is for your child to get injured or to have some fatal injuries. So, we want to make sure that our youngest, most vulnerable travelers are riding as safe as possible,” says Tri-County Buckle Up Montana Coordinator, Tracie Kiesel.
Red Lodge teacher honored for outstanding work in environmental education
HELENA — Students from throughout Montana presented environmentally focused projects that are part of the Smart Schools Initiative. As a part of the event, a Red Lodge teacher was awarded the Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators. “Being in a classroom and only learning about things, rather than being a part of them, is a very different experience for students,” says Kate Belinda, a high school science teacher.
Red Lodge teacher honored for work in environmental education
HELENA — Students from throughout Montana presented environmentally focused projects that are part of the Smart Schools Initiative. As a part of the event, a Red Lodge teacher was awarded the Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators. “Being in a classroom and only learning about things, rather than being a part of them, is a very different experience for students,” says Kate Belinda, a high school science teacher.
Red Lodge teacher honored for outstanding work in environmental education
HELENA — Students from throughout Montana presented environmentally focused projects that are part of the Smart Schools Initiative. As a part of the event, a Red Lodge teacher was awarded the Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators. “Being in a classroom and only learning about things, rather than being a part of them, is a very different experience for students,” says Kate Belinda, a high school science teacher.
Schools receive AEDs from Helena Police Department
HELENA — Numerous life-saving AEDs were recently donated by the Helena Police Department to Helena Public Schools. “Thank God we haven't had too many of those situations. But now that we have, every building has an AED near the gym, we're prepared for any of those events as they may arise,” says Neal Murray, Safety and Operations Manager for Helena Public Schools. Murray just finished installing the final AED (Automated External Defibrillator) last Friday.
Montana service helps change lives through language
HELENA — Learning English, even as a native English speaker, is a hard enough task. But imagine learning how to speak, read, and write in English without all the building blocks many of us were given as children. A Helena organization is working to help people from near and far learn the language so many of us take for granted. “Imagine not being able to read the prescription bottle that your doctor has given you or not being able to read street signs to get from point A to point B.
Helena service helps change lives through language
HELENA — Learning English, even as a native English speaker, is a hard enough task. But imagine learning how to speak, read, and write in English without all the building blocks many of us were given as children. Well, a local organization is working to help folks from near and far learn the language so many of us take for granted. “Imagine not being able to read the prescription bottle that your doctor has given you or not being able to read street signs to get from point A to point B.
Foundation for Montana History awards grant to the Myrna Loy
HELENA — Helena’s Myrna Loy is the recipient of a $10,000 grant from The Foundation for Montana History. This money is part of a larger set of grants from the foundation. This is the foundation’s largest-ever grant cycle with 27 grants totaling more than $240,000 headed to 19 counties throughout the state. For example, one of these history and preservation projects will work to repair 8 pillar domes at the Yucca Theatre.
United Way looks to raise $20,000 by Friday
HELENA — The United Way of the Lewis and Clark Area is looking to raise $25,000 by this upcoming Friday to receive a matching donation with the money going to their Housing First Capital Campaign. As of Tuesday, United Way needs $20,000 more in order to meet the $25,000 goal, after which the matching donation will get them to $50,000. This money will be used to secure the purchase of the Helena Inn located near the I-15 and Cedar Street interchange.
Montana Rural Water Systems: Who has the best water?
HELENA — The water in Eastgate was voted to be the best in all of Montana in 2024. The Montana Rural Water Systems Technical Conference & Exhibition took place in Great Falls in March. During that conference, about 15 water samples were judged blindly for the best-tasting water in Montana. The criteria were clarity, odor, and taste. Eastgate received the top scores among the judges for 2024. This was the first year that Eastgate submitted its water sample.
Wood Duck Project to move forward in Big Belt Mountains
HELENA — The Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest will move forward with the "Wood Duck Project" in the Big Belt Mountains. The project area covers just under 70,000 acres east of Townsend in Broadwater and Meagher counties with treatment planned for around 1,200 acres. According to the US Forest Service, insect outbreaks over the past several decades including Mountain Pine Beetle, Western Spruce Budworm, and Douglas Fir Bark Beetle have all significantly impacted the vegetation in the area.
Improv classes at Helena Avenue Theatre
HELENA — Helena Avenue Theatre the Montana Playwrights Network has begun improv classes for adults looking to have some fun and improve their acting. “In examining what people need in order to be able to tell stories you have to be able to make up your thoughts on the spot. And we all have stories to tell.
Wanted: input from veterans about long-term care services network
HELENA — A 10-minute survey could make all the difference for veterans' care right here in Montana. DPHHS in partnership with the Montana Veteran Affairs Division is asking veterans for their input to help shape Montana's Veterans long-term care services network. “It's to collect data to find out where they are and information that will help us figure out what their long-term care needs are,” says Administrator for Montana Veteran Affairs Division, Kelly Ackerman.
Groundbreaking for Carroll College's newly coined Valley Bank Field at Nelson Stadium Original
HELENA — Carroll College staff and invested parties broke ground at the newly coined Valley Bank Field at Nelson Stadium this Tuesday morning. “It’s an investment in Carroll College. And it's an investment in Helena. And it's gonna have a tremendous impact on the community of Helena, bringing people to Helena, bringing people to Carroll College. We're excited,” says President of Carroll College, John Cech. The $5 million renovation is replacing the natural grass field with brand-new synthetic turf.
The final night at the original Montana Club in Helena
HELENA — On Friday, the historic Montana Club shut its doors for the foreseeable future after hosting one last blowout party. Even if another Montana Club takes its place, it won't be the same organization that opened more than 130 years ago. Attendees for the last soiree packed the third floor. Music played while drinks were generously poured. “You knew everybody, and you welcomed. And they would watch out for you if you needed to get home or whatever. They would help you.
Montana firefighters climb high to help fight blood cancer
More than 100 firefighters from across Montana took part in the annual LLS Firefighter Stairclimb in Seattle earlier this month. Every year, firefighters from across the country gather in Seattle for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Firefighter Stairclimb. This year, 25 teams – 101 climbers – from Montana participated and raised more than $120,000. East Helena Volunteer Fire Department firefighters Troy Maness and Brandon McClain alone raised $8,000.
Symphony Under the Stars aims to be 'Simply the Best' in 2024
HELENA — Symphony Under the Stars has announced the theme for 2024. This year's concert will feature the music of the queen of rock n’ roll, Tina Turner. This summer marks the 20th anniversary of the Intrepid Credit Union Symphony Under The Stars, with this year's concert taking place on July 20 at the Carroll College campus. The free event brings in thousands of locals and tourists alike from all over to enjoy an evening of live symphony music.
Preparing for the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run
HELENA — Law enforcement officers from across the state are meeting in Helena this weekend to prepare for the annual Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run. “They are the most amazing individuals I've ever met. And their stories are so inspiring and it just brings that happiness and that goodness into your heart that makes the job that much more fun to do,” says Trooper with the Montana Highway Patrol, Laramie Stefani.
Irish heritage celebrated at the Montana State Capitol
HELENA — Governor Greg Gianforte raised the flag of Ireland on the steps of the capitol on Friday at 8 AM. Afterwards, those in attendance proceeded to the Rotunda where the Governor proclaimed March 17 as Irish Heritage Day in Montana. Performances from The Pipes and Drums of the Black Devils as well as the Tiernan Irish Dancers also took place. This was all done in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day weekend.
A look back on the life and legacy of Missoula's Jeanette Rankin
HELENA — Jeanette Rankin was a woman of firsts and “standing-alone” moments, taking bold stands on historic issues she believed in, no matter the opinion of others. Born in Missoula, in 1880, Rankin was the oldest of six children. Growing up, she worked on the family ranch taking part in farm and household chores, maintaining machinery, and building things. In 1902 she graduated from the University of Montana with a biology degree.
February helped improve snowpack, but Montana still below average
HELENA — Members of the Governor’s Drought and Water Supply Advisory Committee met Thursday to assess drought conditions as the state heads into the spring season. According to the committee, as of March 5, nearly half of the state is in some sort of drought. They noted how February precipitation helped improve conditions, but the state remains below average for snowpack. Snow levels are important because they can act as a sort of insurance policy against dry conditions later in the year.
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