Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic the manufacturing industry in Montana fared relatively well in 2020 and is on track to return to pre-pandemic levels of business. According to a new report from both the University of Montana and Montana State University with the largest sectors being petroleum and coal and wood products it gener...
COVID-19 Led Native American Deaths In 2020
During 2020 COVID-19 became the leading cause of death among Native American in Montana accounting for 25% of all deaths and the third-leading cause of death for the general population. Death certificates compiled by the state Office of Vital Records show 1,022 deaths last year of Native Americans in Montana. With the end of 2021 fast approach...
AG Knudsen Files New Mandate Lawsuit
24 states including Montana signed onto a federal lawsuit Tuesday that takes aim at the Biden administration’s vaccine and masking requirements at Head Start programs. It challenges a recent federal provision requiring vaccines for Head Start teachers staff and volunteers as well as face masks for students aged two and older. Children ag...
Senator Tester Eyes Improvements For U.S. Food Chain & Production
As 2021 is about to end challenges will still be with us in 2022. Senator Jon Tester talks about the continuing effects of COVID-19 in agriculture. https://northernbroadcasting.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/12-21_537_2.mp3
Attorney General Knudsen’s Mandate Challenge Granted By U.S. District Judge
Magistrate Judge David D. Noce in the U. S. District Court Eastern District of Missouri granted Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen’s request late Monday for a preliminary injunction against President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for federal contractors. It covers Montana and 9 other states including Wyoming. https://no...
COVID-19 Omicron Variant Found In Montana
The state health department confirmed the omicron variant has been detected in Montana. The sample that was confirmed Monday through testing at the Montana State Public Health Laboratory and at Montana State University came from two Gallatin County residents in their 30s who have travel history to South Africa where Omicron was first detected....
50% Of Montana’s Population Vaccinated One Year Later
It was one year ago today when COVID-19 vaccinations arrived in Montana. Since then at least 1,276,145 doses have been administered in the state. Vaccinations were phased in through the year for different age groups now including those as young as five years old. The Food and Drug administration also recently approved boosters for those 16 and...
Montana Parents Reveal Lack Of Childcare As Major Factor For Missing Work
A survey of Montana parents concerning childcare in 2020 found 62% had missed work because of childcare problems. It also found 22% of the parents had turned down a job offer because of childcare concerns and another 26% had declined further training or education for the same reason. The University of Montana Bureau of Business and Economic Re...
Montana Agencies Providing Updates On Omicron Variant Affecting Holiday Travel
For those planning holiday travel within or outside of the U.S. the coronavirus may once again impact your plans. Montana-based travel agencies provide updates on how the omicron variant and new CDC guidance could impact upcoming holiday travel. As things could change at any time the travel agencies encourage everyone to keep a close eye on ru...
Montana Hospital Association Issues Statement On Federal Vaccine Injunction
The Montana Hospital Association has affirmed the state’s ban on workplace vaccine mandates is back to being the law of the land for health providers after federal immunization requirements for health workers were paused nationwide by a federal judge Tuesday. In October the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid had issued requirements that r...