Northern News Network Headlines

January Snowpack Reported As Below Normal Levels

Monthly Natural Resources Conservation Service SNOTEL site totals across Montana show January precipitation was below to near normal. As of February 1st, all major basins had below normal snowpack except the Lower Clark Fork, Kootenai and St. Mary’s River basins. In general, west of the continental divide snowpack was better than east of the d...

Montana Economist Highlights Wealth Inequality With Current Housing Market

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...

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...