Living
Biden meets with leaders of tribal nations, signs order easing access to federal funds
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden signed an executive order Wednesday that would make it easier for tribal nations to access and invest federal funding on their own terms. “It’s hard work to heal the wrongs of the past and change the course and move forward,” Biden said. “But the actions we are taking today are key steps […]
Montana group fights Wyoming corner-crossing ruling, claiming broad precedent
A Wyoming judge’s decision that corner-crossing is not trespassing will seriously affect landowners across the western U.S., a Montana group says in court papers that ask for reversal of the ruling. The nonprofit group United Property Owners of Montana filed papers supporting Elk Mountain Ranch owner Fred Eshelman, who lost a civil suit claiming four […]
Sibayne-Stillwater lays off 100 miners in the wake of slumping metal prices
Citing a 50% drop in the market price of palladium, Sibanye-Stillwater Mining, which has large operations near Columbus, said this week it’s cutting more than 100 jobs. A union representative confirmed that 88 jobs were being eliminated by the mine and that the U.S. Steelworkers as well as the AFL-CIO were on site, helping to […]
Jimmy Carter attends ceremony for wife of 77 years as celebration of Rosalynn Carter continues
Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter’s life of service and advocacy was celebrated Tuesday at a tribute ceremony in Atlanta attended by the current president and first lady and other dignitaries. Carter, 96, died last Sunday at her home in Plains just a few days after her family announced she had entered hospice. She was diagnosed […]
Montana Freedom Caucus asks for poll of Legislature for special session on taxes
The Montana Freedom Caucus on Monday asked the Secretary of State to poll legislators in an attempt to force a special session of the Legislature – in part to address the statewide increase in property taxes that lawmakers failed to address this past spring. But the ongoing spat about who is responsible for the steep […]
Extra fees drive assisted living profits
Assisted living centers have become an appealing retirement option for hundreds of thousands of boomers who can no longer live independently, promising a cheerful alternative to the institutional feel of a nursing home. But their cost is so crushingly high that most Americans can’t afford them. These highly profitable facilities often charge $5,000 a month […]
Gianforte announces more access to lower Yellowstone River after land deal
Gov. Greg Gianforte announced on Monday the state’s purchase of 328 acres of riparian habitat along the Lower Yellowstone River, boosting public access for Montanans. “For too long, public access to the Lower Yellowstone River has been a challenge for anglers, floaters, hunters, and hikers alike. That’s why we’ve made boosting public access along the […]
More states strive to make parks, trails accessible to people with disabilities
TWO HARBORS, Minn. — Perched high on rugged cliffs overlooking Lake Superior, Split Rock Lighthouse dominates the shoreline. Visitors from across the country make the 113-year-old beacon one of the most-photographed lighthouses in the country. The most spectacular view, many say, is from Pebble Beach, reachable only by a steep, winding forest trail that snakes […]
Tears in our beer: Climate change could hurt beer drinkers
Climate change may be very bad news for beer drinkers. A new report in the journal Nature Communications shows that climate change is responsible for the decrease in quantity and quality of hops produced in Europe. And that trend is projected to continue as climate change is projected to continue. And in Montana, where all elements […]
‘Out of control’: Advocates rally in D.C. calling for action on housing crisis
WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, a Washington state Democrat, joined about 100 tenant advocates at a press event outside the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday to demand action on the housing crisis. Jayapal, who leads the Congressional Progressive Caucus, called on the Federal Housing Finance Agency to bolster tenant protections and rent regulations. The People’s […]
Interim committee wrestles with Montana’s childcare capabilities, low wages, and staff retention
Montana’s Economic Affairs Interim Committee wants to take a deeper look during the next year into ways to boost wages for childcare workers, and continue to find funding sources as federal pandemic programs that have helped keep childcare providers afloat during the past three years expire. Committee members received a multi-hour update on childcare in […]
‘Nationwide gun emergency’ discussed by U.S. House Democrats at roundtable meeting
WASHINGTON — U.S. House Democrats held a Monday roundtable forum on changing U.S. gun laws following a recent mass shooting in Maine, where 18 people were killed. The top Democrat on the committee, Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland, invited witnesses to discuss gun violence solutions, and said that the gun industry lobby, the National Rifle Association […]