Initial filings for unemployment benefits in Montana rose last week compared with the week before. New jobless claims increased to 931 in the week ending February 8th,up from 801 the week before. The District of Columbia saw the largest percentage increase in weekly claims jumping by 35.9%. The Virgin Islands saw the largest percentage drop of 54.8%. Total U.S. unemployment claims dropped to 213,000 last week down 7,000 claims from 220,000 the week prior on a seasonally adjusted basis.
3,400 U.S. Forest Service employees received termination notices at midnight including 360 in Montana after the White House Office of Personnel Management leaders told agencies to dismiss probationary employees. There are currently 5,700 probationary employees in the U.S. Forest Service 2,700 of whom are firefighters or law enforcement personnel.
Senate Bill 220 before the Montana Legislature aims to eliminate voting barriers for Native Americans by requiring permanent satellite election offices on reservations and allowing voters to register with nontraditional addresses. The bill mandates that each federally recognized tribe in Montana in consultation with county officials establish at least one satellite election office within its reservation boundaries. A hearing on the proposed legislation is scheduled for Monday afternoon at 3 in room 335 of the Senate State Administration Committee.
Interpol Washington and the National Central Bureau Ottawa have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to strengthen U. S. Canada cross-border law enforcement collaboration against Tren de Aragua one of the world’s most dangerous transnational criminal organizations. Both countries have agreed to take concrete actions to improve police coordination information sharing and operational support against TdA in the United States and Canada.
The Milk River Project recently shared in a post on Facebook that it’s federal funding is being delayed as a result of the “Unleashing American Energy” executive order from President Donald Trump. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding designated for the project remains temporarily frozen. Work is still moving forward though thanks to funding from the State of Montana and local stakeholders and the project also credits the passing of House Bill 6 for the continued progress.
The Veterans Administration has fired more than 1,000 employees in line with President Donald Trump’s layoffs. It happened after all of Montana’s congressional delegation issued letters to the VA last June asking it to reverse course on alleged staffing cuts. The VA previously announced it would shave its workforce by 10,000 but said that would mostly be done through attrition.
Montana Senator Tim Sheehy joined Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota Thursday in reintroducing legislation that would permanently repeal the federal estate tax commonly known as the death tax. The Death Tax Repeal Act would end the tax that can hit family run farms ranches and businesses as the result of the owner’s death.
Roers Companies is proposing to construct 145 Low-Income Housing Tax Credit apartment units in Bozeman. The Minnesota investment company is looking to cater to the city’s large population of renters at the 60% area median income level. The proposed project at 8553 Huffine Lane would be on 3.3 acres of land near the Urban Farm.
The executive orders issued by President Donald Trump have triggered a growing list of questions for Montana colleges and universities regarding future access to federal funding for campus-based research. Officials are waiting for clarity on federal funding supporting equipment and facilities used by faculty students and private companies.
The Northern Lights are set to grace the skies of America this Valentine’s day evening. They will be visible to people in Montana and five other northern states. They happen as the sun sends heat and light to Earth and sends energy and charged particles known as the solar wind.
