A proposed Federal Wildfire Relief Fund would ensure all communities have access to insurance and reliable affordable electricity regardless of the wildfire risks in their region. It would also ensure the federal government aligns with state plans acknowledging that local governments are best equipped to manage wildfire mitigation strategies. The measure was referred for consideration to both the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee.
The Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Hub which includes Montana Washington and Oregon was chosen in 2023 to receive about $1 billion in federal funding during the next decade. Companies have proposed 10 projects so far including several hydrogen production facilities hydrogen distribution pipelines and storage projects and projects that would spur adoption of hydrogen-powered trucks buses and hydrogen refueling stations.
Visitors to Glacier National Park should expect some changes next summer including selecting a time slot for a vehicle reservation and having limited access to Many Glacier. Getting into Many Glacier will be a little harder in 2025 compared to previous years as a large number of parking spaces will be unavailable due to construction. The Going-to-the-Sun Road has been repaved but there are still more improvements to be made.
Governor Greg Gianforte has proposed to allocate $150 million in the upcoming legislative session to expand county jails and the state prison by a total of 500 beds. The state is spending $4 million annually to incarcerate 120 people at a private prison in Arizona due to overcrowding at Montana State Prison.
Montana drivers face hazardous travel conditions through today as strong winds sweep across the western foothills. The National Weather Service warns of powerful southwesterly to westerly winds with gusts peaking at 65 mph in areas like Livingston and 50 mph near Big Timber. Motorists in high-profile vehicles are advised to delay travel or seek alternate routes due to heightened risks. Montanans are urged to monitor weather updates and use caution on the roads.
Currently there are no additional legal consequences for caregivers if they harm or steal from the ones in their care aside from those imposed on the general public. Incoming Billings state Senator Mike Yakawich wants to change that an is aiming to push for an amendment to a law in the upcoming 69th Montana Legislative Session for enhanced penalties for caregivers who deliberately victimize the vulnerable population. The proposed bill would apply to acts of deliberate intent but not negligence.
The Montana Department of Transportation will receive $424,242 to study wildlife-vehicle collisions along a stretch of U.S. Highway 93 in the Bitterroot Valley. The money is being provided by the Biden-Harris administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and is specifically sponsored by the Wildlife Corridor Crossing Pilot Program.
The Billings Salvation Army is celebrating a generous donation that was made at one of their drop-off locations last week in the form of a unique gold coin. The Gold Buffalo Coin is valued at nearly $2,600 and will help the nonprofit hand out more meals to those in need.
Flathead Valley Electric Cooperative’s Roundup for Safety program has awarded $46,660 in grants supporting community safety projects proposed by 12 local nonprofit organizations. In 2024 the Roundup for Safety Board accepted 77 projects and awarded $336,209 in grant funding. Since 1997 Roundup for Safety has supported 1,493 projects in donations from Flathead Electric Co-op members.
The latest $1 Million Mega Millions Tickets were sold In Montana Wyoming California and Pennsylvania but no one matched all of the numbers. That means the next jackpot for Friday increased to $1.15 billion. The cash value would be $516.1 million. The jackpot has been rolling since it was last won at $810 million in Texas September 10th.
