Montana News

Statewide news from Montana Public Radio

New law requires advanced notice before state officials relocate large predators

Local and tribal governments will now get an advanced notice before state wildlife officials relocate bears into their area, under a new state law that went into effect this week.

10-03
01:06

Researcher seeks input on human tolerance for bison

When you think of bison, Poland may not be the first place that comes to mind. One researcher is comparing human-bison coexistence on both sides of the Atlantic.

10-03
01:45

Lawsuit challenges state law authorizing local police to check immigration status

A Flathead nonprofit is suing over a state law that allows local police to check immigration status during traffic stops.

10-03
01:08

Federal government shutdown freezes farm support services

Many U.S. Department of Agriculture services are frozen as a result of the government shutdown. The freeze could have significant impacts for Montana’s farmers.

10-03
01:19

Glacier and Yellowstone are still open during the government shutdown

Glacier and Yellowstone national parks will remain open during the government shutdown, according to a federal memo. A major drop in staffing will impact park services and gateway communities.

10-03
01:49

State seeks public comment on how to use rural health funding

Federal lawmakers this summer created a $50 billion fund to stabilize rural hospitals and other providers. State health officials want public comment on how to spend that money.

10-01
01:13

Conservation group files second lawsuit over Yellowstone County power plant permit

Environmental groups filed a second lawsuit over a gas-fired power plant on the banks of the Yellowstone River. The lawsuit takes issue with how the state issued the permit for NorthWestern Energy’s Yellowstone County Generating Station.

10-01
01:08

Hi-Line farmers under pressure from drought, low prices and tariffs

Many of Montana’s wheat producers have struggled with drought for five straight years. Now they’re facing economic headwinds because of President Trump’s tariffs.

09-30
02:03

Montana Food Bank CEO decries the loss of USDA hunger survey

The Trump administration is ending an annual nationwide hunger survey. Montana’s statewide foodbank says it’s a deeply concerning development that will make it harder to assess needs and gauge the effectiveness of food aid programs.

09-30
01:25

Montana antimony mine expands to ramp up production of the 'critical mineral'

Gov. Greg Gianforte joined mining executives from the U.S. Antimony Corporation for a groundbreaking ceremony in Thompson Falls. Antimony is considered a “critical mineral” that’s used to develop military equipment.

09-26
01:13

In federal court, plaintiffs argue fossil fuel production violates their right to life and liberty

After winning a landmark climate case at the state level last year, a group of young Montanans are taking the fight to the federal government. They presented their arguments to a judge in Missoula last week.

09-26
05:42

Missoula school trustees back proposed lawsuit over state education funding

A Helena law firm says the state isn’t meeting its constitutional obligation to provide a quality education. Missoula schools are the first to sign on to a potential lawsuit over the issue.

09-26
01:35

What happens to wildlife during a wildfire?

The word "wildfire" often conjures dramatic images of walls of flame, charred landscapes and one particularly famous photo of elk in a river, surrounded by flames. So, how do wildlife fare during these big fires? This week on The Big Why, a listener asks, why we don't get any statistics on wildlife that die in wildfires.

09-24
08:42

Health department: New Medicaid rules may require 50 more workers to implement

State health officials told lawmakers this week they will likely need more funding to implement Medicaid work requirements.

09-23
01:15

Fungus deadly to bats detected in western Montana

The fungus that causes white-nose syndrome among bats has been detected in northwest Montana. This is the first time the fungus has been detected west of the Continental Divide in the state.

09-23
01:15

U.S. House votes to scrap Montana land use plan, testing congressional power

The future of a land-use plan for tens of millions of acres of public land in eastern Montana is in doubt. The U.S. House of Representatives voted this month to throw the plan out. The plan came together over years with input from producers, tribes and energy companies.

09-23
04:59

Bozeman Health opens inpatient mental health crisis unit

People living in southwest Montana have long struggled to find care when they experience a mental health crisis. They often drove for hundreds of miles to get help. A new facility is opening to serve those patients.

09-23
01:26

Montana schools with low vaccination rates worry measles will keep kids out of class

Vaccination rates in schools are no longer gathered statewide, but some districts are sharing that information. Experts say smaller, more rural schools could be at risk of more infections because of lower vaccination rates.

09-18
03:35

Court halts livestock grazing expansion in grizzly bear corridor north of Yellowstone

A federal court ruled Wednesday the U.S. Forest Service broke the law when it expanded livestock grazing in grizzly bear habitat north of Yellowstone National Park.

09-18
00:46

Revitalized Hi-Line Harvest Festival draws hundreds to Chester

A festival in the town of Chester last week brought Hi-Line residents together for music, food and fun. The festival is aimed at building community and celebrating the end of harvest season.

09-18
02:16

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