Yellowstone County will be looking for a sales tax on marijuana this fall. Billings Mayor Bill Cole on what that will mean for the Magic City. https://northernbroadcasting.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/8-17_832.mp3
Blackfeet Nation Reinstates COVID-19 Restrictions
The Blackfeet Nation announced Monday it was experiencing a COVID-19 outbreak and reported 18 active cases. Responding to the surge in cases, the tribe reinstated its mask mandate for the Blackfeet Reservation, closed tribal offices to the public and suspended all non-essential travel. The tribal community has lost 48 people to the virus. Blac...
Fishing Closed on portions of the Big Horn River but Restrictions Lifted Elsewhere
Full fishing closures will go into effect on portions on the Big Hole River Aug. 17. Full fishing closures prohibit fishing at all times of day. These closures will stay in effect until conditions improve. These closures go into effect, Tuesday, Aug. 17, at 12:01 a.m.: Dickie Bridge to North Fork Big Hole River. Tony Schoonen Fishing Access Si...
Billings Public Schools May Consider Mask Requirements For Upcoming Year
School begins next week for Billings School District 2. Will students be required to wear masks? Superintendent Greg Upham. https://northernbroadcasting.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/8-17_637.mp3
Planned Parenthood of Montana Suing Over New Abortion Laws
Four laws passed earlier this year that restrict access to abortions in the state are set to take effect October 1st but Planned Parenthood of Montana is suing to halt their implementation. The lawsuit claims the four bills violate Montana’s constitutional privacy equal protection and free speech provisions. The laws passed this year by ...
Weather May Provide Relief For River Spring Fire
Firefighters are currently facing red flag conditions on the Richard Spring Fire that will persist all day and will increase the risk of spot fires, but cooler, humid conditions may take hold afterwards and provide some relief. They are also expecting increased smoke from the Richard Spring fire’s interior as warming and drying over the ...
New Report Highlights Voting Challenges For Native Americans
A new report by the Campaign Legal Center scores how restrictive states’ access to early voting and vote-by-mail are. Montana checked off many of the criteria, but the center’s Caleb Jackson says the state still makes it hard for Native Americans to submit their ballots. https://northernbroadcasting.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/8-16_73...
Governor Gianforte Sticking With COVID-19 Management Despite Case Surge
With COVID-19 cases rising in Montana and the start of the school year approaching, Governor Greg Gianforte recently reiterated his message to Montanans about the importance of getting vaccinated. He said recently that the uptick in cases is concerning and while he still recommends that everyone check with their doctors and consider getting th...
Senator Tester Details Potential Improvements To Water Infrastructure
Included in the $1 trillion infrastructure bill approved by the U.S. Senate last week is 8.3 billion dollars of funding for Western water projects that farmers, water providers and environmentalists say are badly needed across the parched region. Across the Western states, around one billion dollars would go towards water storage, water recycl...
St. Mary Division Project To See Significant Funding Through Infrastructure Package
Up to $100 million from the infrastructure bill may be coming to the St. Mary Division Project on the Hi-Line to repair and upgrade it providing water to 140,000 acres. Phillips County Extension Agent Marco Manoukian on its importance in a drought year like the one we’re experiencing this year. https://northernbroadcasting.com/wp-content/uplo...