Montana News & Current Events | Public News Service

Gas prices are higher on average in western Montana than they are in eastern Montana. (Vin�cius Bacarin/Adobe Stock)

Friday, May 27, 2022

Expect Delays: High Gas Prices Not Slowing Down Travel

The cost of heading out of town this Memorial Day weekend will be higher than past years, with higher gas prices and inflation hitting travelers…

A new policy initiative to help Montana students graduate will provide support through 2024. (Jos/Adobe Stock)

Initiative to Help MT's Underserved Students Complete College

Montana's effort to increase college graduation numbers is getting a boost from a new grant. The nonprofit Complete College America has chosen the …

Four meat companies - Cargill, Tyson Foods, JBS and National Beef Packing - control about 70% of the beef market in the United States. (agnormark/Adobe Stock)

Fed Funds for Small MT Meat Processors Fend off Industry Consolidation

Small Montana meat processors are on the front lines against the large companies that control the industry. Funding from the American Rescue Plan is …

Gulch Distillers in Helena created a special label for its vodka in support of the Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act. (Montana Conservation Voters)

Poll: Strong Support for Blackfoot Clearwater Protections from Congress

A new survey finds strong support in Montana for conservation and public lands, including a measure in Congress to protect more forest land. In the …

The image, above, was made by Kirby Lambert, one of the winners of the first Montana meme photo contest in 2020. (Montana Memory Project)

MT State Library Memes History with Photo Contest

The Montana historical meme contest is back and history has never felt so relevant in the internet age. The Montana State Library began the contest …

Despite a limited number across the state, some Montana school districts didn't prioritize counselors with COVID-19 relief funds. (Mr Doomits/Adobe Stock)

Teen Depression Underscores Important Role of School Counselors

More than two years into the pandemic, depression among teenagers is up, and one way to support kids' mental health could be through school …

The federal government announced its overhaul of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program last year. (Stephanie Zieber/Adobe Stock)

Gratitude, Relief for Public Workers Who Saw Student Debt Erased

Changes to a federal loan-forgiveness program are erasing debt for public employees, but people have a limited window to consolidate their debt under …

The rate of Native Americans voting in Montana has been rising in recent elections. (FranciscoJavier/Adobe Stock)

Native Americans in MT Seek Getting Civically Engaged

It can feel daunting to know where to start for people who want to get involved in their communities, and being civically engagement can mean …

The Montana Constitution goes beyond even the U.S. Constitution in its protections of the environment. (stevengaertner/Adobe Stock)

Conservation Lawmakers Mark 50th Anniversary of MT Constitution

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Montana Constitution. The document is unique among constitutions, in part, because it recognizes the …

Nutrients such as phosphorous and nitrogen are major threats to water quality in Montana's rivers. (spiritofamerica/Adobe Stock)

MT Group Wants EPA to Stop New 'Subjective' Water-Quality System

An environmental group has filed a lawsuit in an effort to urge the Environmental Protection Agency to address changes to how water quality is measure…

Montana and other states have protected abortion access under constitutional provisions that recognize a person's right to privacy. (trac1/Adobe Stock)

Added Protection for Abortion Access in MT Could be Overturned

Montana is part of a national trend of increasing challenges to abortion access. An injunction was placed on three abortion restriction bills passed …

There were about 4.6 million job openings nationwide at the end of 2021. (wachiwit/Adobe Stock)

Worker Shortage Hits MT Nonprofit World Hard

The country has a worker shortage - and it's leading to hard times for nonprofits. Liz Moore is the executive director of the Montana Nonprofit …

The Center for Restorative Youth Justice is based in Kalispell, Mont. (arloo/Adobe Stock)

MT Restorative-Justice Org Offers Another Path in Juvenile System

An organization in Montana is providing an alternative model for juvenile justice. The Center for Restorative Youth Justice is based in the Flathead …

Individualized Education Programs are written plans that outline services for children with disabilities. (insta_photos/Adobe Stock)

Montana Center 'Empowers' Parents of Children with Disabilities

Navigating education can be difficult for parents of children with disabilities. An organization in Montana is dedicated to assisting families in …

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 …

Montana's Public Service Commission districts for the 2022 election are based on a map submitted by the Secretary of State. (U.S. District Court)

Fed Judges Order New MT Public Service Commission Map for 2022

A panel of federal judges has found Montana's map of Public Service Commission (PSC) districts unconstitutional. The map has remained the same since …

U.S. Housing and Urban Development doled out $75 million in grants in its initial efforts to tackle youth homelessness. (anetlanda/Adobe Stock)

Legal Aid Among Services to Take On Youth Homelessness in MT

A federal grant is helping Montana tackle homelessness among the state's young people. The Treasure State was chosen as a rural recipient of a $3.4 …

Nearly 5 million people ages 19 to 24 can benefit from the expanded Earned Income Tax Credit. (Scanrail/Adobe Stock)

Expanded Tax Credit Could Provide Boost for Low-Income MT Families

By Liz Carey for The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Eric Tegethoff for Big Sky Connection reporting for The Daily Yonder-Public News Service Colla…

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes were involved in creating a wildlife crossing over U.S. Highway 93 in Montana. (Montana Department of Transportation)

Tribes Could Get Boost to Protect Wildlife Migration Routes

Migration routes for wildlife across the country are in peril, but tribes could get more support from Congress to protect these corridors. The …

Montana is projected to face greater risks from wildfires as temperatures rise from climate change. (Gabe/Adobe Stock)

Study: Rural Communities Could Struggle to Access Infrastructure Dollars

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed by Congress is directing a historic amount of funds to climate resilience. But some rural …

The Well Done Foundation brought northern Montana schools kids out for its first capping in 2021. (Well Done Foundation)

Infrastructure Dollars Plug Abandoned Oil Wells in MT, Other States

States are getting money from the infrastructure law to plug up the methane-leaking issue of orphan oil wells. The Biden administration has …

About 7,000 people live on the Crow Nation reservation in southern Montana. (Montanabw/Adobe Stock)

Project to Train People to Represent Montanans in Tribal Courts

A program is looking for Montanans to represent people in courts on tribal reservations, who often lack access to legal assistance when they need it…

Eighteen wolves killed in Montana this winter were in management districts adjacent to Yellowstone National Park. (David/Adobe Stock)

After Yellowstone Wolf Kills, Trapping Also a Concern for Species

The Yellowstone wolf population has been devastated by recent hunts in the region, and advocates for the species say another concern is trapping…

Kaitlyn Farrington, middle, and other athletes from Protect Our Winters have traveled to Washington, D.C., to talk about climate change. (Forest Woodward/POW)

Report: As Snow Decreases, Could 2022 Be Final Winter Olympics?

Viewers of the Winter Olympics that start this week should enjoy them while they can. A new study says the winter games will become much harder to …

Montana adopted a data-based approach to water-quality monitoring for nutrients in 2015. (Kirk Fisher/Adobe Stock)

Groups Voice Concerns about MT Rollback of Data-Based Water Standards

Rule-making is under way for a new law that opponents say is a step backward for monitoring water quality in Montana. In the 2021 session, lawmakers …

Nearly 11,000 Montanans have been hospitalized because of COVID-19. (rost9/Adobe Stock)

Despite Relaxed Attitudes, COVID Still Threatens High-Risk Montanans

The Omicron variant of COVID-19 has led to the greatest spike of the virus in Montana since the start of the pandemic. While some might consider …

Montana groups are among those who signed onto a letter urging Congress to pass mandatory country-of-origin labeling. (Tsado/Adobe Stock)

MT Ranchers: Time is Now to Pass Beef Labeling Act

Farmers and ranchers in Montana and across the nation are calling on Congress to pass the American Beef Labeling Act. Most food is required to have …

Violet Hopkins had been paying off her student debt for more than a decade when she got news it had been forgiven. (Courtesy of Violet Hopkins)

Public Service Loan-Forgiveness Overhaul Brings Relief for Montanans

Changes to a student-loan program for public-service employees is transforming the lives of Montanans who had their debts forgiven. In October…

In Montana, a service animal is a dog or miniature horse trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability. (Africa Studio/Adobe Stock)

Service Animals: A Common Discrimination Topic in MT Housing

The most common housing discrimination issue in Montana is landlords not making accommodations for service and assistance animals, according to Pam …

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program typically helps people with incomes of $58,000 or less. (adragan/Adobe Stock)

Assistance Available for Montanans as Tax Season Begins

It's tax season, which can be a scary prospect for some. But free aid will be available for many Montanans across the state. Chastity Roofner …

One-fifth of all Montana voters in the 2020 election were between ages 18 and 29, according to a New York Times exit poll. (auremar/Adobe Stock)

Youth Groups File to Stop New MT Election Laws Before 2022 Primary

Groups representing young people in Montana hope to stop a slate of election laws from going into effect before the state's primary in June. The …

Fifteen of the 20 wolves killed from Yellowstone National Park were shot after roaming into Montana. (alex/Adobe Stock)

Wolf Hunting Near Yellowstone Spark Distress for Wildlife-Related Businesses

The hunting of gray wolves from Yellowstone National Park has set off alarm bells for wildlife-related businesses in the region. Thirty businesses …

The U.S. Energy Information Administration reports that energy costs across the nation rose from 2020 to 2021, resulting in higher utility fees for many families. (Adobe Stock)

Support Available for MT Residents Facing Housing Insecurity

As Montana heads deeper into winter, state officials want folks to know financial support is available for those facing housing insecurity during the …

Some Native Americans living on Montana reservations travel more than 100 miles to polling locations. (Western Native Voice)

After Historic Struggle, Barriers Remain for Native American Voters

The road to voting rights for Native Americans has been long, but advocates for indigenous people hope to build on the momentum they've seen in …

The Montana Constitution was adopted in 1972 and is the second in the state's history. (pabrady63/Adobe Stock)

MT Constitution's 50th Anniversary: Opportunity to Reflect on Its Power

The Montana Constitution was ratified 50 years ago this year. A series of talks in Helena will observe the occasion by discussing the document…

Promoters of an event in Helena on the anniversary of the Capitol storming have ties to groups including the Oath Keepers. (Justin Brockie/Adobe Stock)

MT Group Warns of Far-Right Rally on Jan. 6 Anniversary

While vigils are planned in Montana to mark the January 6th Capitol riot aimed at overthrowing the results of the 2020 election, far-right extremists …

More than three dozen states require at least one civics course before students graduate. (goodluz/Adobe Stock)

Improving Civics Education Could Engage Future Voters

2022 is a big election year, but becoming a more informed voter starts before people are eligible to cast a ballot, with civics education. Although …

Donations to charitable nonprofits such as the Billings Public Library are eligible for a non-itemized deduction, now through Friday. (Billings Public Library Foundation)

Tax Deduction for Charitable Donations Expires Friday

There is still time to give to charity and claim a deduction on your taxes, whether you itemize or not, but the temporary pandemic-era deduction …

Among extremely low income households in Montana, about nine in 10 spend more than 30% of their income on housing. (BillionPhotos.com/Adobe Stock)

Build Back Better Act Could Help Address MT Housing Crisis, Advocates Say

Like many states across the country, Montana is facing a housing crisis. One organization says policies in the Build Back Better Act, still in …

Signers of a letter to NorthWestern Energy's chief executive want the company to move away from fossil fuels. (Winona Batemen)

Frustration Boils Over as MT Utility Doubles Down on Fossil Fuels

The clean-energy future needs to start now, according to some Montanans fighting to change the direction of the state's largest utility. Nearly 1,000…

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 …

There are seven reservations in Montana spread out across the state. (Census.gov/Wikimedia Commons)

Push for Indigenous Representation as MT Redistricting Enters Next Phase

HELENA, Mont. -- Redistricting in Montana has moved on to a new phase, with the state's commission now tasked with drawing lines at the state level…

The three laws that advocates say restrict reproductive rights won't go into effect before the Montana Supreme Court makes a ruling, due to an injunction filed by District Judge Michael Moses. (Gayatri Malhotra/Unsplash)

Advocates: MT Abortion-Restriction Laws Hurt Rural Residents Most

By Claire Carlson for The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Emily Scott for Big Sky Connection reporting for The Daily Yonder-Public News Service Col…

More than one in four people in a recent survey said when payments resume in February, they'll be paying at least one-third of their income toward student loans. (Vitalii Vodolazskyi/Adobe Stock)

Financial Tips as Student-Loan Payments Set to Resume Soon

GREAT FALLS, Mont. - Student-loan borrowers have had a reprieve from making payments during the pandemic, but that's set to end in 2022. Starting in …

Young people who are transitioning out of foster care could be spending the holidays without a support system. (Brian/Adobe Stock)

Aging Out of Foster Care System Presents Challenges for MT Youth

MISSOULA, Mont. - Young people who age out of the foster care program face unique challenges. Those challenges can feel especially acute and …

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service removed endangered-species protections for gray wolves in 2020. (Dennis Donohue/Adobe Stock)

Conservation Groups: Tribal Nations Should be Partners in Wolf Management

HELENA, Mont. -- To honor the Biden administration's steps toward greater ties with tribal nations, conservation groups are calling on it to list the …

Steven Ladefoged, owner of Montago Coffee, says conservation is important to protect Montana's $2.4 billion recreation economy. (Steven Ladefoged)

MT Businesses: Measures in Congress Crucial for Climate Action

HELENA, Mont. - Nearly three dozen Montana businesses are thanking U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., for his work on the infrastructure bill signed by …

The child tax credit provides families $300 a month for children younger than age six and $250 for children ages 6 to 17. (vetre/Adobe Stock)

Build Back Better to Provide Boost to MT Families, Supporters Say

HELENA, Mont. -- Supporters of the Build Back Better Act are touting the benefits it will bring to families in Montana and across the country…

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