National Cancer Institute to Study Ivermectin as Potential Treatment
The National Cancer Institute is launching a new study to investigate whether the antiparasitic drug ivermectin can effectively kill cancer cells. While the drug gained notoriety for its unproven use during the pandemic, NCI Director Anthony Letai says the agency is taking the claims seriously enough to conduct formal preclinical trials. However, medical experts warn that there is currently no evidence that ivermectin is safe or effective for cancer patients, and they caution against bypassing standard treatments. Results from the institute’s study are expected in the coming months.
Governor’s Energy Task Force to Hold Public Open Houses
Governor Greg Gianforte’s Energy Task Force is hitting the road to hear from you. Starting February 25th at Montana Tech in Butte, the group will host a series of open houses to gather feedback on making the state’s energy more affordable and reliable. These sessions are designed for direct conversation with officials, so there are no formal presentations—just a chance for your voice to be heard. Additional stops are planned for Miles City on March 25th and Colstrip on April 15th. No registration is required to attend.
New UM BEAR Lab Tackles the “Invisible Problem” of Hearing Loss
The University of Montana has launched the new Brain, Ear, and Aging Research Lab, or “BEAR Lab,” to study how audio processing changes as we age. Director Anoop Basavanahalli Jagadeesh says the research aims to bridge the gap between hearing health and mental wellness. The lab is also investigating the long-term impact of concussions on balance and sound perception.
Public Input Requested for New Butte Mineral Exploration Project
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality is seeking your input on a proposed mineral exploration project near Butte and Walkerville. SBM Montana plans to drill dozens of test holes and excavate a new portal to evaluate the area’s commercial potential. The project would disturb about twelve acres of previously mined land. You have until March 2nd to submit your comments on the environmental assessment through the DEQ website.
Billings Proposes New Oversight for AI Technology
The Billings City Council is considering a new Technology Advisory Commission to oversee the city’s use of artificial intelligence. While a security policy is already in place to protect sensitive data, Council member Andrew Lindley says professional guidance is needed to manage future cybersecurity and AI governance.
Park Service Denies Reports of Signage Changes at Little Bighorn
The National Park Service is pushng back against reports that it was ordered to scrub “divisive” language from the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument. Officials say no exhibits have been removed under recent executive orders, clarifying that any recent work at the site is part of routine maintenance and ongoing visitor center renovations.
Montana Flu Cases Climb for Third Week
Health officials in Montana are monitoring a steady rise in illness as influenza cases increased for the third consecutive week. The latest state data shows over eleven-hundred new cases, with Yellowstone and Gallatin counties reporting the highest numbers. While hospitalizations have dipped slightly, officials confirm thirteen flu-related deaths so far this season. They continue to urge residents to take standard health precautions.
Conservation Group Urges Pause on New National Park Fees
The National Parks Conservation Association is calling for an immediate halt to the new one-hundred-dollar entry fee for international visitors at Yellowstone and Glacier. Advocates say the rollout has been “clunky,” leading to confusion at park gates. While park officials admit to minor technical bugs, they expect the system to be successful as digital passes become available.
Butte Rescue Mission Set to Open New Community Center
A nearly three-million-dollar renovation of a century-old warehouse in Butte is nearing completion. The Butte Rescue Mission expects to open its new “Center of Hope” in late March. The facility will provide expanded kitchen services, mental health support, and administrative space to help the city’s most vulnerable residents.
State Proposes Motorboat Ban on Bitterroot River Tributary
Montana wildlife officials are moving forward with a plan to ban motorized boats on Mitchell Slough and other Bitterroot River tributaries. State biologists say the move is necessary to protect vital trout spawning grounds from damage caused by jet boats. The proposal now enters a public comment period before a final vote.
