The U.S. will rebuild a stockpile of bird flu vaccines for poultry that match the strain of the virus circulating in commercial flocks and wild birds. The outbreak has killed more than 130 million in all 50 states pushing egg prices from egg-laying hens to record highs. Montana has had over 82,000 affected poultry in 16 positive flocks since the first confirmed case of bird flu in April 2022.
As the 69th Legislative session enters its second week lawmakers are poised to debate an array of economic challenges facing parents and providers including the childcare system. The state has estimated the average cost for a child under five is nearly $19,000 a year far exceeding federal affordability benchmarks. Elected officials have attempted to remedy the problems in the past but stakeholders continue to stress the system is far from fixed.
The devastation in the greater Los Angeles area due to wildfires has left thousands displaced and entire communities destroyed. In total 10 fire engines and nearly 40 firefighters from departments across Montana are making the 1,200 mile journey to California to support local efforts. They are expected to be there for two weeks but this could be extended. The response request was sent through an Emergency Management Assistance Compact request the nationwide mutual aid system that helps coordinate resources during large-scale disasters to dispatch equipment.
Four conservation organizations are suing the United States Forest Service and specifically the Flathead National Forest for a logging project they say violates several different federal laws and disregards other projects in the area that cumulatively will hurt Canada lynx and grizzly bears, two species protected by law. The Round Star Vegetation Management Project is classified as a major logging project in the Flathead National Forest 13 miles west of Whitefish.
The Tax Foundation recently released its 2025 State Competitiveness Index revealing which states are taxpayer-friendly for both individuals and businesses. Montana is the 5th most taxpayer-friendly state. Wyoming is 1st.
Missoula has been awarded nearly $60 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs of Act of 2021. It will be used to reconstruct busy sections of Russell and Broadway streets. The Russell Street Regional Corridor street and pedestrian crossing improvement project was first identified in the 1996 Long-Range Transportation Plan.
Emergency management services in Yellowstone County has a mass notification system utilized during fires and other emergencies called Everbridge. The system has only been in place for a year but about 15,500 residents have signed up for the platform known as Yellowstone County Informed.
The Buckaroos who aim to begin playing Junior A Tier II hockey in Billings during the 2025-26 National Collegiate Development Conference season are looking for host families off. The players will have a billet fee which helps provide room and board for the hockey player and anyone who wants to help out can visit the team’s website at Montana buckaroos dot com for more information.
Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster assistance specialists are visiting Crow Tribe communities to help members apply for assistance following damage from an August 6th 2024 severe storm and straight-line winds. They at the Pryor Community Center this afternoon until 4:00 and then Tuesday through Saturday from 9 to 4.
Seniorly released a study today on the Best and Worst States to Retire in 2025 after analyzing nine metrics of data across affordability healthcare and lifestyle. Montana is the second best state to retire this year. A record 4.2 million Americans will turn 65 this year.