Montana Sees Rise in Fentanyl Overdoses Despite Seizure Drop
According to the Montana Department of Justice, fentanyl seizures may be down in the state this year—but overdoses are on the rise, and fentanyl-linked deaths are “on pace to break records.” In the first six months of 2025, there were 46 fentanyl-linked overdose deaths reported in Montana.
Montana Military Museum Holds 46th Annual POW/MIA Recognition Ceremony
The Montana Military Museum in Helena had its 46th annual National POW MIA recognition ceremony today 53 names were read into the record. Museum Director Ray Reed talked about it on Voices of Montana.
Ray Reed
Montana Environmental Agency Investigates Meth Vapors Discharge at Yellowstone Valley Shelter, Four Hospitalized
A national headline-grabbing story out of Billings says the Montana Department of Environmental Quality is investigating an incident at the Yellowstone Valley Shelter. Methamphetamine vapors accidentally discharged last week when the FBI was burning drug evidence. Fourteen employees inside the facility were exposed with several sent to the hospital. Billings Mayor Bill Cole is addressing the situation as the city also has an animal control division that shares the facility. Meanwhile the shelter remains closed for decontamination.
Mayor Bill Cole
Montana Residents Form Zoning Districts to Regulate Wind Projects Amid Planning Gaps
Residents in Prairie and Dawson Counties are forming citizen-initiated zoning districts to manage large wind energy projects, citing the absence of wind tower setbacks and height restrictions in current zoning plans. Landowner Shane Eaton helped form the “Big Sheep Mountain Zoning District,” which has over 75% local landowner support and was recently presented to the Prairie County Commission. Eaton considers it a vital first step.
Shane Eaton
Montana Tribal Colleges Secure ‘Baseline Funding’ After Uncertainty
Tribal colleges in Montana will receive more federal funding for the 2025 fiscal year following initial “confusion” and “uncertainty” around budget allocations. The seven institutions are estimated to receive $108 million—roughly double last year’s amount. Some of the increase comes from funds cut from other federal programs that support Native American and Alaska Native students attending non-tribal colleges.
Montana Ranks #20 in Affordable Housing Study
As home prices continue to climb, housing affordability remains a key concern for both prospective buyers and policymakers. Construction Coverage, a publication focused on construction spending and market dynamics, ranks Montana 20th in the nation for affordable housing. High interest rates, increased building costs, and economic uncertainty are among the contributing factors.
Judge Temporarily Halts Irrigation Near Grant-Kohrs Ranch Over Bull Trout Endangerment
U.S. District Court Judge Brian Morris has ordered the U.S. Department of the Interior and the West Side Ditch Company to halt water diversions from the Upper Clark Fork River near Deer Lodge. The ruling aims to prevent harm to endangered bull trout. In the lawsuit, Save the Bull Trout and the Alliance for the Wild Rockies allege that the diversions violate the Endangered Species Act and threaten the Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site. Court filings state that during severe drought years, up to 90% of the river’s water can be diverted.
Montana Tech Appoints Director to Lead Critical Materials Research
John Metesh has been appointed Director of Critical Materials at Montana Tech in Butte. In his new role, he will lead a national effort to extract and refine rare earth minerals within the United States. The initiative will focus on recovering these materials from mine waste and the Berkeley Pit at Butte’s Montana Resources operation. Montana Tech Chancellor Johnny McLean has described the effort as a national security issue.
More Headlines:
-
Bozeman Teacher Pay Increase:
Negotiations with Bozeman School District 7 have resulted in a 4.2% salary increase for teachers this year, qualifying the district for $2.12 million in funding from the STARS Act. The act incentivizes districts to raise starting teacher pay above a certain threshold. Bozeman’s starting salary now outpaces the national average. -
Youth Apprenticeship Initiative:
The Montana Department of Labor and Industry announced Thursday that the state has been selected to join the National Governors Association Policy Academy on Youth Apprenticeship. Supported by a $50,000 award, the initiative seeks to expand high-quality apprenticeship programs for students and young adults. -
Opioid Settlement Funds Awarded in Missoula County:
Five organizations in Missoula County will receive funding from the first round of a national settlement with opioid manufacturers. Out of 29 requests received, several were approved. Other counties across the country, including Butte-Silver Bow County in Montana, are also set to receive funds. -
Healthy Meals Added to Helena School Vending Machines:
Helena Public Schools have introduced healthy meal options in vending machines, including parfaits, sandwiches, and salads—made fresh daily. These meals are eligible for reimbursement under the school meal program and cost $2.00 for breakfast and $3.10 for lunch. Students can pay using their ID numbers or with cash. -
First Measles Cases in 35 Years Reported in Montana:
Montana reported its first measles cases in 35 years this summer. Experts warn that smaller, rural schools may face greater risks due to lower vaccination rates. Measles’ long incubation period could result in unvaccinated students and staff being kept out of school for up to three weeks.
