Sheehy Bill Could Boost Rail Passenger Service Through Southern Montana
Senator Tim Sheehy has introduced a bill to remove requirements that non-federal funding be considered for long-distance intercity passenger rail routes under the Corridor Identification and Development Program. If passed, the legislation could ease the burden on the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority, which is working to resurrect the former North Coast Hiawatha route. Utilizing existing freight lines, the project could connect rural towns with passenger rail across southern Montana.
Montana Stockgrowers Support Proposal to Rescind 2001 Roadless Rule on National Forest Land
The Roadless Rule enacted in 2001 prohibits road construction timber harvesting and large-scale development on 58 million acres of National Forest Land including 6.5 million acres in Montana. The Montana Stockgrowers Association is in favor of a proposal to rescind it. Government Affairs Specialist Ellie Brighton talked about it today on Voices of Montana.
Ellie Brighton
Interior Department Opens 13.1 Million Acres for Coal Leasing to Support U.S. Energy Goals
The Department of the Interior announced today the opening of 13.1 million acres of federal land for coal leasing, tripling the previous benchmarks and supporting President Trump’s energy policies. The action, backed by the EPA and Department of Energy, aims to boost domestic energy, create jobs, and strengthen the economy. It includes lease sales in North Dakota and expansions in Montana, Wyoming, and Tennessee, along with efforts to recover valuable minerals from mine waste.
Montana Ranks Poorly for Teachers
According to WalletHub, Montana ranks as one of the worst states for teaching results, placing 20th in average scores, with 40% of students at or above proficiency. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon noted that nearly half of America’s high school seniors test below basic levels in math and reading, though Montana performs near the national average in overall student outcomes.
USDA to Stop Reporting on Household Food Insecurity
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced it will no longer release reports on household food security. For more than 30 years, the Montana Food Bank Network has relied on these reports to guide investments in programs such as SNAP, school meals, and summer food programs for children. The organization is advocating for the USDA to continue publishing the reports, stressing their importance in highlighting and addressing local challenges.
Importance of Vaccinating Pets Against Rabies in Montana
Rabies, spread primarily through bites from infected wildlife such as bats and skunks, can be fatal. Between July and September this year, 23 animals in Montana tested positive—nearly matching the total for all of 2024. State records show more than 140 confirmed cases in the past decade. Because rabies is completely preventable, veterinarians urge pet owners to vaccinate their animals, whether they live indoors or outdoors, to protect both community health and their pets.
Leading Cause of Death in Montana Revealed
While Montanans are living longer than past generations, heart disease remains the state’s leading cause of death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cancer is the second leading cause, followed by accidents, chronic lower respiratory diseases, and stroke.
More Headlines
- The Montana Department of Environmental Quality is warning residents about harmful algae blooms in lakes and reservoirs across the state. These blooms resemble pea soup, grass clippings, or spilled paint on the water’s surface and can be toxic to humans and pets.
- With paper recycling down and contamination on the rise, the Billings Recycle and Reforest program is making changes. Bins are being modified to accept more cans than paper, with special chutes added to keep trash out. New signage reminds residents to recycle only clean, unbagged cans and newspapers.
- Missoula is hosting its third annual Climate Solutions Week, offering more than 20 free events through Friday. The programs include workshops, bike rides, and pop-ups focused on renewable energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and building a sustainable future.
- The Billings Symphony has launched Symphony Outreach for Unhoused Lives, a new initiative bringing live classical music to the homeless community. The program began with a woodwind quintet performance at the Montana Rescue Mission, offering residents a rare moment of calm and connection through music.
- Livingston fly fisherman, writer, and conservationist Paul Weamer has been inducted into the Fly Fishing Hall of Fame at the Catskill Fly Fishing Museum in New York. At 53, he is the youngest among the 2025 inductees, recognized alongside four others for significant contributions to the sport.
