Business & Economy

Iran Conflict Raises Energy Concerns as Montana Pipeline Faces Review

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Global Conflict Highlights Strain on Energy Supply Chains Instability in the Middle East is once again putting pressure on global energy markets, underscoring the importance of reliable transportation infrastructure for oil and gas. During a recent interview on Voices of Montana, Montana Petroleum Association Executive Director Sonny Capece sa...

Inherited Shame and Pain: The Tragedy of Child Abuse

Children smiling with blue pin wheels supporting April, Child Abuse Prevention Month.

By Ken Adelblue Northern News Network BILLINGS, Mont. (April 2, 2026) — April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness and strengthening families to ensure children grow up in safe, supportive environments. Ken Adelblue of the Northern News Network spoke with Bill Kennedy of the Family Tree Nurturing Cent...

NorthWestern Energy Proposes New Tariff to Protect Montana Customers

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Montana Data Centers | NorthWestern Energy A New Framework for Large Energy Consumers NorthWestern Energy has formalized a request to the Montana Public Service Commission for a new Large New Load Tariff, designed to support Montana’s economic growth and ensure a reliable energy future. This proposed framework aims to balance the service needs...

2026 Season in Virginia City and Nevada City

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Montana Announces Exciting 2026 Season in Virginia City and Nevada City Courtesy of Montana Heritage Commission “Historic view of Virginia City, a reminder of the town’s rich past.” The Montana Department of Commerce and Montana Heritage Commission have officially announced the concessionaires for the 2026 summer season in Vi...

Early Childhood Virus Lingers Longer Than Usual

A sick toddler laying in a hospital bed.

BILLINGS, Mont. — Respiratory syncytial virus, better known as RSV, is lingering longer than usual this year. The Northern News Network’s Ken Adelblue spoke with Michelle Evans, immunization section supervisor with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, about a recommendation to continue immunizations through April. Typica...

Shameful Acts of Deception

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen presenting to a crowd.

BILLINGS, Mont. — The Montana Department of Justice hosted an Elder Justice Summit Tuesday at Billings Clinic, highlighting the growing problem of elder abuse and financial scams targeting seniors. The summit, spearheaded by Attorney General Austin Knudsen, focused on both physical and emotional abuse, as well as increasingly sophisticated fin...

CSI Office Steps Up Montana Fraud Fight as AI Fuels New Scams

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Fraud in Montana is evolving rapidly—and state officials warn that artificial intelligence is making scams more convincing and harder to detect than ever before. On a recent episode of Voices of Montana, State Auditor and Commissioner of Securities and Insurance Jim Brown said fraud investigations and prosecutions have surged 80% during his fi...

Radical Animal Rights Proposal Threatens Hunting, Fishing, Agriculture

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A proposed ballot initiative in Oregon is drawing national concern from conservation leaders who say it could fundamentally change how wildlife is managed in the United States. During a recent episode of Voices of Montana, filmmaker Tom Opre joined policy leaders from the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) to discuss Initiative Petitio...

Montana Businesses to See Workers’ Comp Rate Reduction

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Montana State Fund Proposes Rate Cut, Continuing Trend of Lower Costs for Employers HELENA, Mont.  — Montana businesses could soon see some relief in their workers’ compensation insurance costs. Montana State Fund (MSF), the state’s non-profit workers’ compensation insurer, has proposed a 5% average rate reduction for Montana busin...