Author: Brian Bennett

Fentanyl Seizures Decrease Felony Arrests Drug Seizures Increase

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Attorney General Knudsen: Fentanyl seizures decrease felony arrests drug seizures increase in 2024 Law enforcement in Montana continues to dismantle and disrupt drug trafficking organizations. Attorney General Austin Knudsen has announced authorities seized less fentanyl and made more drug-related felony arrests including Mexican drug cartel m...

Montana Influenza Death Count At Highest In Past 7 Flu Seasons

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Montana influenza death count at highest in past 7 flu seasons According to the latest data from the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services influenza deaths in Montana have climbed to the highest number in the past seven seasons. New data shows 48 people have died of influenza during this flu season in Montana surpassing last y...

Montana Aeronautics Board Allocates $3.2 Million in Funding

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Funds for Airports The Montana Aeronautics Board has allocated more than $3.2 million in funding for fiscal year 2026 designated for a range of airport infrastructure enhancement initiatives. A portion of the annual grants and loans is intended to match Federal Aviation Administration funding for substantial airport construction projects. Requ...

U.S. Approves Expansion Of Spring Creek Coal Mine In Montana

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US approves expansion of Montana coal mine The Trump administration approved a plan Thursday to expand and extend the life of the Spring Creek Coal Mine in Bog Horn County by 16 years. According to the Interior Department the decision aligns with President Donald Trump’s goal to increase U.S. fossil fuel production. The Navajo Transition...

Trump Tariffs Threaten Four U.S. Oil Refineries in Montana

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Trump Tariffs Threaten U.S. Oil Refiners President Donald Trump’s 25% tariffs on goods from Mexico and a 10% tariff on energy products from Canada have the potential to send ripples through the U.S. oil and gas market. Last October alone Montana imported $4.2 billion worth of crude oil from Canada. Montana’s four oil refineries rely heav...

Montana Tax Simplification Changes Now in Effect For 2024 Returns

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Montana Tax Simplification Changes Now in Effect For 2024 Returns Helena — Montana taxpayers preparing their 2024 tax returns will notice the impact of Senate Bill 399 which was passed by the 2021 Legislature. The bill simplifies the state’s tax system by aligning it more closely with the federal system meaning Montana taxable income now...

Montana Manufacturing Activity Decreases For Second Year In A Row

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According to the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis for the Ninth District which includes Montana manufacturing activity decreased for the second year in a row in 2024. Profits production levels and exports decreased as well. Both productivity investment in plant and equipment increased and manufacturers expect growth in every business indica...

Montana Lottery Commission To Put Vendor Contract Bids Out

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The Montana Lottery uses a single contract vendor to provide a range of their products including Montana Millionaire and Sports Bet Montana and Thursday the Montana Lottery Commission committed to putting that contract out to bid to ensure transparency and integrity. The Greek company Intralot’s contract is set to expire in March 2026. It has ...

No More Soft Drinks Or Candy For Snap Under Senate Bill 354

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Senate Bill 354 prohibiting the purchase of soft drinks and candy with SNAP benefits cleared second reading in the Senate Wednesday on a 31 to 19 vote with bipartisan support and opposition.  The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provides food benefits to low-income families to supplement their grocery budget. The bill will go through ...