Judge Rules Rocky Mountain Wolves Wrongly Denied Endangered Species Protections
U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy ruled Tuesday the federal government must reconsider its refusal to grant protections for gray wolves in the Rocky Mountains because killing them in Montana Idaho and Wyoming puts the species at risk. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service must now reconsider using the best available science.
Montana and National Leaders Gather at 6th Jeremy Bullock Safe Schools Summit in Billings to Promote Safer School Environments
School safety leaders from across Montana and the nation gathered for the 6th annual Jeremy Bullock Safe Schools Summit in Billings today at Ben Steele Middle School. Northern News Network’s Ken Adelblue is covering the event.
Ken Adelblue and Nicole Hockley
It drew educators, mental health professionals, law enforcement, and community members committed to building safer school environments.
Interior Department Approves Major Rosebud Mine Expansion, Extending Operations Through 2039
Tuesday the Department of Interior approved a mining plan modification for the Rosebud Mine in Rosebud and Treasure counties extending its operation through 2039 potentially enabling the recovery of 33.75 million tons of federal coal. It is the second-largest federal coal mine expansion approved since the beginning of the second Trump administration. The mine is owned by Denver-based Westmoreland Mining Holdings, and its corporate legal counsel is John Heroux.
John Heroux
The expansion is expected to sustain over 300 jobs and could generate over $9 million in annual federal royalties.
Governor OKs emergency funds for search of Anaconda shooting suspect
Authorities say there are signs Michael Brown has been in a mountainous area since he allegedly shot and killed four people in an Anaconda bar Friday. Tuesday Governor Greg Gianforte said he has signed an executive order providing emergency funds to help pay for continuing search efforts. 38 state local and federal law enforcement agencies have taken part in the manhunt including 19 flight hours by helicopters from the Montana National Guard.
Over 61,000 watercraft inspections in Montana this season
Watercraft inspectors protect Montana’s waters by preventing the spread or introduction of aquatic invasive species at more than 30 roadside inspection stations across the state. They have checked over 61,000 vessels in the 2025 season and have prevented 28 mussel fouled ones with over 325 aquatic weeds from entering Montana’s waters.
Montana Sees the Nation’s 8th Highest Rate of Foodborne Illnesses
Summer is peak season for many foodborne illnesses with warmer temperatures outdoor gatherings and frequent handling of raw meat and fresh produce that can create ideal conditions for bacteria and parasites to spread. Data from the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System shows Montana has the 8th highest rate of foodborne illnesses in the country.
Montana DEQ final assessment shows Northwestern’s Laurel plant in compliance
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued its final supplemental environmental assessment for the Yellowstone County Generation Station in Laurel and did not find any significant impacts. The latest environmental assessment came about after a Montana Supreme Court ruling that involved environmental groups challenging the DEQ’s initial assessment.
More Headlines:
New aluminum fairgrounds bleachers were unveiled Tuesday morning at the Flathead County Fairgrounds in time for the start of the Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo next Tuesday. They will seat approximately 400 more people than the old wooden structure at about 1,600 seats total at a cost of $1.3 million.
In Helena the $620,000 renovation of the Kay McKenna Park tennis courts is underway. After 72 years of wear beat the old courts past repair the new courts at 740 Getchell Street will be 28,510 square feet with accessibility improvements for disabled guests.
Ziply Fiber headquartered in Kirkland Washington supplies fiber optic and other digital services to 1.3 million customers in Montana Idaho Oregon and Washington. It was announced Tuesday it is turning control over to Canada’s largest fiber optic and digital delivery company Bell Canada which has 8 million customers.
In Missoula there were 561 total dwelling units permitted from July 2024 to May 2025. So far through August 5th the median home sales price is $561,500 with 651 total home sales. Missoula saw an all-time record of $326 million worth of new construction in calendar year 2024.
The Old Yellowstone Trail South is getting restored improved and reopened. The section runs 13.74 miles through Custer-Gallatin National Forest and Yellowstone National Park in Montana along the Yellowstone River south of U.S. Hwy 89. The gravel trail follows the path of the original railroad line into the park and an old wagon route and will be part of the Great American Rail Trail.
