The number of children in foster care in Montana has been reduced by nearly 25% since a legislative audit from 2019 counted some of the highest numbers in history. Removal rates have dropped since the audit from 10.6% to roughly 8% with the majority of them now reunited with their parents. The numbers are on track to fall below 3,000 for the f...
Youth Group Working In Flathead Valley
The Center for Restorative Youth Justice is helping reduce the number of young people in the Flathead Valley who become involved in the criminal-justice system. Executive Director Catherine Gunderson says imagine you’re a kid who accidentally threw a baseball through your neighbor’s window who could get the police involved or you and your pare...
Russian Tariffs May Benefit Some Montanans
Tariffs on Russian exports are beginning to affect U.S. prices, but may prove beneficial for some Montana producers. Dr. Robert Sonora is with the Bureau of Business and Economic Research.
Supreme Court Rules Against Attorney General’s Halting Of Signature-Gathering
In an order issued Wednesday the state Supreme Court said Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen made a mistake in halting a proposed ballot initiative that aims to add new environmental protections to stretches of the Gallatin and Madison rivers from going out for signature-gathering. Chief Justice Mike McGrath wrote the authority to determi...
State Hospital $7 Million Over Budget
The Montana State Hospital has seen its ranks of full-time staff decline since early 2019 but is $7.4 million over budget largely due to its growing reliance on contract staff. Last year contracted certified nurses assistants billed hours last year jumped 700% from 2,000 hours billed to 16,000. Full-time registered nurses are experiencing a 72...
Sen. Tester Warns Of Excessive Sanctions Against Russia
Wednesday Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy talked to the U.S. Congress asking for them to send more help to Ukraine for its fight against Russia including further sanctions. Senator Jon Tester agrees with the further crippling of Russia’s economy but not without some reservations.
Wolf Hunting Season Now Closed
Montana’s Wolf hunting season closed Tuesday with hunters and trappers killing 272, the fewest in the last four years. Fish Wildlife and Parks’ annual population estimate will not be compiled and released until this summer. Last year that estimate pegged populations at about 1,200 animals a statewide number officials say has been r...
Gov. Gianforte Proclaims Next Weeks As “Ag Week”
Governor Greg Gianforte was on Voices of Montana Wednesday. He talked about the situation in Ukraine as it pertains to agriculture and even made some news.
Montana Veterans Agree With Keeping Troops Out Of Ukraine
The U.S. hit Russia with severe economic sanctions and supplied Ukraine with billions of dollars in resources but has not sent over any military troops to aid them in the conflict. Montana veteran Chris Enget who works with the nonprofit Concerned Veterans for America agrees saying it would be the wrong course of action.
Rep. Rosendale Joins Lawsuit Against CDC
Seventeen Republican members of Congress including Montana’s Matt Rosendale have sued the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention seeking an end to the federal rule requiring passengers on commercial flights and in airports to wear masks. The CDC extended the air travel mandate which was set to expire Friday last week to April 18th. Th...