Warm Winter Wakes Montana Bears Early from Hibernation
An “off-kilter” winter is stirring Montana’s grizzly and black bears out of their dens months ahead of schedule. Biologists with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks report that record-breaking warmth and a lack of snow have led to numerous sightings, including a grizzly spotted near Yellowstone just last month. While most bears should be deep in slumber, officials warn residents to stay vigilant. If the balmy weather continues, experts say the usual March wake-up call could become a permanent winter stroll.
Sheehy Proposes “JAIL Act” to Hold Judges Accountable for Leniency
Montana Senator Tim Sheehy is pushing new legislation that would allow crime victims to sue judges who release violent offenders on bail. The JAIL Act aims to strip judicial immunity in cases where “soft-on-crime” decisions lead to further harm. Legal experts, however, warn the bill faces significant constitutional hurdles regarding state sovereignty.
Parents Outraged as Pryor Coach Returns Following Locker Room Incident
Controversy is boiling over in Pryor as a local basketball coach returns to the sidelines. Parents at Plenty Coups High School are demanding answers after boys’ coach Edward “Posey” Whiteman III allegedly entered the girls’ locker room while students were changing. Despite a two-week suspension, the school board decided Tuesday night not to take further action. Disappointed families told MTN News they feel the school has failed to protect its students.
Governor Praises DNRC for Strong 2025 Fire Response
Governor Greg Gianforte is applauding the Montana DNRC for keeping ninety‑four percent of fires under ten acres during the 2025 wildfire season. State crews responded to more than twenty‑four hundred fires that burned just over seventy‑five thousand acres. Officials say early detection and rapid initial attack helped protect nearly thirty‑seven billion dollars in property value. Gianforte called the season a model of proactive planning and decisive action.
Deer Lodge Mourns Assistant Police Chief
Deer Lodge Assistant Police Chief, Forty-eight-year-old Ron Slauson passed away Tuesday morning at his home. Slauson joined the Deer Lodge Police Department in 2021 and was a well-known figure in the community, serving both as a law enforcement leader and a local coach. Statewide tributes continue to honor his service. Funeral arrangements are currently pending.
Knudsen Joins States Challenging Telehealth Abortion Rule
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has joined a coalition of 21 states supporting a Louisiana lawsuit aimed at blocking a Biden‑era rule that expands access to abortion pills through mail and telehealth. The attorneys general argue the FDA’s 2023 policy undermines state laws restricting chemical abortions and shifts medical costs onto states. The group is asking a federal court in Louisiana to halt the rule.
Glacier National Park Announces Major Changes for 2026 Summer Season
Glacier National Park is rolling out big changes for summer 2026. The park will pilot a new ticketed shuttle system to Logan Pass starting July 1st, and private vehicle parking at Logan Pass will now be limited to three hours to increase turnover. Visitors planning longer hikes from the pass will need a shuttle ticket, available on Recreation.gov for a one‑dollar processing fee. Vehicle reservations won’t be required anywhere in the park this year, though some areas may still see temporary access restrictions when parking fills.
