Company Bids Less Than a Penny per Ton in Biggest U.S. Coal Sale in Over a Decade
The Navajo Transitional Energy Company bid $186,000 to lease 167 million tons of coal on federal lands in southeastern Montana on Monday — marking the largest U.S. coal sale in more than a decade.
Federal officials did not immediately say whether they would accept the offer, which amounts to one-tenth of a penny per ton. The lease area lies within the Powder River Basin, the nation’s most productive coal region.
Another sale is planned for Wednesday in central Wyoming, where the federal government is offering 440 million tons of coal adjacent to the Navajo tribe-owned company’s Antelope Mine.
Interim University Communications Vice President Michael Becker had this to say about tonight’s event at Montana State University. In consideration of the recent tragedy on the campus of Utah Valley University. Especially as this is the continuation of the TP-USA tour now renamed “This is The Turning Point.” Here’s what he had to say.
Sot: (Michael Becker 1
More coming up on what, those attending tonight’s event can expect.
MSU spokesperson Michael Becker describes what you should know before heading out to attend tonight’s event “This is The Turning Point” tour, hosted by Turning Point USA.
Sot: (Michael Becker 2
Two Years After Hamas Attack, Israeli-Palestinian Talks Underway in Egypt with U.S.-Backed Peace Plan
Today two years ago on October 7th, 2023, Hamas attacked Israel and today both sides have representatives in Egypt trying to work out a peace deal to end the conflict. University of Montana Professor Mehrdad Kia Director of UM’s Central and Southwest Asian Studies Center is optimistic they can get it done.
Mehrdad Kia
The talks focus on a plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump to end the fighting. The plan envisions Israel withdrawing its troops and an international security force taking over.
New Montana Law Requires Birth Year with Signature on Ballots
Beginning this month, a new Montana law requires voters to include their birth year along with their signature when returning a mail or absentee ballot.
House Bill 719 created the new requirement. In the November 4 municipal election, voters will see a box on the ballot for writing their four-digit birth year. If left blank, the ballot will be rejected unless corrected by 5 p.m. the following day.
Montana Gas Prices Have Dropped Three Weeks in a Row
Average gasoline prices in Montana have fallen 2.6 cents per gallon over the past week. They are now 12.7 cents lower than a month ago and 9.1 cents lower than a year ago.
Montana currently ranks 14th in the nation for average gas prices — one spot higher than last week.
Montana’s Largest Universities See Year-Over-Year Enrollment Growth
Montana’s flagship universities are celebrating continued enrollment growth this fall.
Montana State University reports its second consecutive year with more than 17,100 students enrolled.
The University of Montana is marking its fifth straight year of growth, reaching 11,064 students this semester.
Lawsuit Alleges State Not Doing Enough to Reduce Wolf Population
Two Montana lawmakers and the Outdoor Heritage Coalition have filed a lawsuit claiming the state is failing to enforce several laws designed to reduce the wolf population.
The plaintiffs are asking the court to require the state to use all available management tools, including extended trapping seasons, snaring, and liberal harvest regulations, particularly in regions with high wolf densities.
More Headlines
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Montana VA Health Care System begins its 2025 flu vaccination campaign today, offering walk-in and drive-up clinics statewide. No appointments are required. Hours vary by location — from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., or 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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Twin Creek Apartments is bringing much-needed low-income housing to Helena. The $10 million project will offer 72 units at the corner of Alice and Dorothy Streets on the city’s east side. One building is complete, and a second is under construction.
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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Logan Health Winkley Mobile Mammography Bus will make 11 stops across the region, offering hospital-quality mammogram screenings with trained staff and specialized care. In 2024, the mobile unit performed 2,600 procedures.
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Missoula city officials will host an open house Wednesday to share details of a $25 million downtown street system project funded by a federal grant. The city has reached the 30% design milestone, allowing planners to present preliminary street design concepts.
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Tribal communities across the U.S. face severe housing shortages and significant barriers to homeownership. In Montana, just 48.8% of Native Americans own homes — more than 20 percentage points below the homeownership rate of white residents.
