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Monday, March 18, 2024

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SD public defense duties shift from counties to state; SCOTUS appears skeptical of restricting government communications with social media companies; Trump lawyers say he can't make bond; new scholarships aim to connect class of 2024 to high-demand jobs.

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The SCOTUS weighs government influence on social media, and who groups like the NRA can do business with. Biden signs an executive order to advance women's health research and the White House tells Israel it's responsible for the Gaza humanitarian crisis.

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Midwest regenerative farmers are rethinking chicken production, Medicare Advantage is squeezing the finances of rural hospitals and California's extreme swing from floods to drought has some thinking it's time to turn rural farm parcels into floodplains.

MT: Criminal Justice

The majority of victims in sextortion cases are boys between the ages of 13 and 17, targeted by online scammers pretending to be females, according to the FBI. (Adobe Stock)
FBI: Sextortion cases up 20% in Montana

The FBI reports an alarming rise in the number of sextortion cases in Montana, reflecting a national trend. The agency is drawing attention to the …

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In exchange for 25 pro bono hours and 225 reduced rate service hours, the Montana Legal Services Association's RIPL program provides networking, assistance with business and client development, and hands-on legal experience. (Adobe Stock)
Program 'Incubates' New Lawyers and Rural Montanans

The Montana Legal Services Association has started a program to help young attorneys get started on a path to success - becoming community leaders…

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The lack of affordable housing has become an issue in states across the country, and it's even more dire if someone has to mention in their rental application that they have a criminal record. (BillionPhotos.com/Adobe Stock)
In Housing Crisis, Montanans with Criminal Records Face Higher Hurdles

It's hard for almost anyone to find housing in Montana right now, but the barriers are even higher for people with criminal records. Low …

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Currently Montanans vote for supreme court justices through statewide, nonpartisan elections. (david_franklin/Adobe Stock)
MT Ballot Measure Would Change Supreme Court Justice Elections

Montana voters could decide to change the way state supreme court justices are elected. During the 2021 session, the Montana Legislature passed a …

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Scammers use phony websites that look legitimate to steal people's information. (Atstock Productions/Adobe Stock)
Tips to Avoid Holiday Scams for Last-Minute Shoppers

Attention last-minute shoppers: stay vigilant as you complete your gift-buying. Scammers are lurking. Rebecca Barr - public relations and …

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The Rural Incubator Project for Lawyers is a 24-month fellowship program that places attorneys in rural areas to help low-income clients. (snowing12/Adobe Stock)
Rural MT Legal Aid Program Ranks Among Most Innovative Nationwide

HELENA, MT -- A legal services program in Montana has been selected as one of the most innovative justice programs in the country. The Rural Justice …

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A new Gallup survey shows more than 60% of Americans say they know
Juneteenth Declared National Holiday, Amidst Progress, Upheaval

HELENA, Mont. -- Juneteenth National Independence Day is now an official holiday, after President Joe Biden signed a bill Thursday, approved by both …

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About 17,000 Montanans are behind bars or under criminal-justice supervision, according to the Prison Policy Initiative. (Proxima Studio/Adobe Stock)
Coalition Aims for Criminal-Justice Reform in MT Legislative Session

HELENA, Mont. -- Groups from across the political spectrum are coming together to push for criminal-justice reform during the Montana legislative …

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Five states, including Montana, broadened their marijuana-use laws on Tuesday. (Maksym Yemelyanov/Adobe Stock)
MT Joins Growing Wave of Marijuana Legalization

HELENA, Mont. -- Marijuana legalization efforts across the country were lifted across the finish line on Election Day, including in Montana. The …

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COVID-19 has spread in correctional facilities across the country. (William/Adobe Stock)
Groups Want MT to Go Further to Protect Prisons' Vulnerable

HELENA, Mont. -- Montana Gov. Steve Bullock has issued a directive designed to protect Montanans in prison against COVID-19. But advocacy groups …

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False testimony from so-called incentivized witnesses is one of the leading causes of wrongful convictions nationwide. (MargJohnsonVA/Flickr)
MT Bills to Help Wrongfully Convicted Get Hearing

HELENA, Mont. – Two bills designed to prevent wrongful convictions and defend the people accused are scheduled for a hearing in the Montana …

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The Montana Department of Justice is reporting its findings on domestic violence deaths to a state legislative committee today. (Justin Brockie/Flickr)
Report to MT Lawmakers: Domestic Violence Deaths Rising

HELENA, Mont. – Deaths from domestic violence are increasing across the state, according to a Montana Department of Justice report. Fatalities …

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