The annual Economic Outlook Seminar will continue its travels Tuesday to Kalispell, a city that is having housing shortage problems as much of the rest of the state is which is raising prices exponentially for those wanted to get a part of the American dream. Dr. Patrick Barkey Director of the Bureau of Business and Economic Affairs at the Uni...
Proposal Released To Restore Pompeys Pillar
The Bureau of Land Management is taking comments on a proposal to keep Pompeys Pillar 30 miles east of Billings intact. The sandstone landmark where William Clark cared his initials on July 25th 1806 is cracked and deteriorating. The Yellowstone River flows past Pompeys Pillar in 2016. The historic site which was granted National Historic Land...
Senator Tester Introduces Agriculture Right To Repair Bill
Senator Jon Tester introduced the Agriculture Right to Repair Bill this week which would require manufacturers to make any parts software or tools available that are needed to repair their own equipment. According to Tester, the bill became necessary once new software began making home repairs impossible.
Medicare Enrollees To Receive Access To Monthly Rapid COVID Tests
Medicare will provide up to eight free over the counter COVID rapid tests a month to enrolled seniors with the “Part B” outpatient benefit early this spring. They will also be available to people with Medicare Advantage. The at-home tests will be available at pharmacies and other locations. The Associated Press reports this will be...
Health Officials Worried Artificial Snow May Lead To More Injuries
100% of the snow at the Beijing Winter Olympics is artificial. Kaiser Health News reports that some Montana ski areas are beginning to explore similar options through wastewater. University of Washington Medicine orthopedic surgeon Dr. Mia Hagan says manufactured snow is far more likely to cause injury.
Program Addressing Foster Children Seeing Early Success In Montana
According to the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, the number of children removed from their homes and in care elsewhere was 3,021 at the end of January. The federal government has now approved a five-year Family First Prevention Plan incorporating several different programs that work with parents to help keep children sa...
Marijuana Revenue To Fund State Substance Abuse Program
With sales of recreational marijuana expected to raise millions of dollars in tax revenue Governor Greg Gianforte explains where some of that money is going.
Renovation Plans In The Works For Missouri Headwaters State Park
Montana State Parks is developing the first of its kind master plan for Missouri Headwaters State Park a 536-acre park at the confluence of the Jefferson, Gallatin and Madison rivers near Three Forks. Initial reports show visitation increased about 46% between 2019 and 2021. To help guide future development the draft plan ranks the park’s need...
Bill Expanding Veteran Health Care Unanimously Passed By VA Committee
The U.S. Senate Veterans Affairs Committee unanimously passed legislation Wednesday co-sponsored by Chairman Jon Tester to offer post-9/11 combat-veterans access to Department of Veterans Affairs health care. During the hearing Senator Tester pointed out how the Health Care for Burn Pit Veterans Act will address additional effects of toxic exp...
Daines Introduces Bill To Aid Communities Near Public Lands
Senator Steve Daines co-sponsored the “Gateway Community and Recreation Enhancement Act” this week. It is intended to support gateway communities and address challenges facing national parks and public lands like increased visitation and housing shortages.