Northern News Network Headlines

Senator Tester Approves Of Increased Domestic Oil Drilling

As the Biden administration looks to other foreign countries to make up for gaps in America’s oil supply resulting from the ban on Russian energy imports some congressmen are calling for more domestic production. Senator Jon Tester is among those in favor of this approach as opposed to approaching nations like Iran and Venezuela.

District Judge Vacancies In Two Counties Seeking Applications

The chief justice of the Montana Supreme Court has notified Governor Greg Gianforte there is a vacancy in the Twentieth Judicial District which incudes Lake County and Sanders County. He is now accepting applications from and nominations of any lawyer in good standing who has the qualifications set forth by law for holding the position of dist...

Emergency Federal Funding Provided Temporary Relief For Rural Hospitals

When the coronavirus pandemic hit rural hospitals, including some in Montana, already on the brink of closing were spared by an infusion of government money. The money was a buffer, but Medicare reimbursements will likely be reduced this summer. Significant hospital closures may be avoided this year, but nursing shortages increase the risk for...

NRECA President Chris Christensen: ‘Collaboration Must Remain a Hallmark’ of Co-ops

NRECA President Chris Christensen addresses co-op leaders at the 2022 PowerXchange in Nashville. (Photo By: Ryan Hall)

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Continued collaboration among electric cooperatives will help all co-ops face the challenges of an uncertain future, NRECA President Chris Christensen told co-op leaders Tuesday at NRECA’s PowerXchange. “It’s that diversity of experience that allows us to work together to tackle common challenges,” the Montana rancher and f...

State Auditor Highlights Flood Risks & FLood Insurance Policies For Home Owners

As Spring approaches Insurance Commissioner Troy Downing is reminding Montanans now is the time to evaluate their flood risk because many newly purchased flood insurance policies take up to 30 days before becoming effective. A homeowner is 27 times more likely to experience a flood than a fire during a thirty-year mortgage leaving many at-risk...

Liberty County Commissioner Provides Update On Recent ARPA Projects

Wednesday, the White House held a virtual meeting with some of Montana’s rural leaders including Liberty County Commissioner Maureen Wicks to discuss how recent federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act and Infrastructure Bill were affecting their communities. During the Zoom call, Wicks detailed how they were making the most of the fund...

State Prison Reports Possible Water Hazard

Montana State Prison staff sent water samples to a state laboratory in Missoula Wednesday after being alerted by inmates Tuesday about a strange odor coming from it out of the Deer Lodge facility’s low security side. The inmates will be provided with bottled water until the sample results are returned.