Overnight closure implemented at popular Weir Creek Hot Springs
For decades, warm water fans have trekked through rain, snow and ice to soak under the stars in the natural pools at Weir Creek Hot Springs just across the Montana border in Idaho. But the days of relaxing under the stars at Weir are over, and soakers who attempt to stay past 8 p.m. may…
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LATEST HEADLINES
Montana’s first Whole Foods nears opening
Montana’s first Whole Foods is taking applications for workers in a spectrum of positions for the store, with the promise of a possible opening in January.
Missoula weighs in on superintendent search
An Omaha-based consulting firm gathered feedback from the Missoula community Monday regarding what it wants from a new school superintendent, part of the district’s ongoing search for former superintendent Rob Watson’s replacement.
Iconic LaHood Park Steakhouse readies to reopen after devastating fire
LaHood Park Steakhouse, an iconic restaurant in business in Cardwell for decades, is planning a comeback after a fire destroyed the building last year. “I took a couple of months to think about it, and I decided to rebuild it from the ground up because it is more than just a place to eat,” said…
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BILLINGS
Billboard project in Billings celebrates Crow culture and people
A billboard near the intersection of Monad and Laurel roads in Billings is one of 53 put up across the country as part of a social-justice campaign advocating for artists and art installations in public spaces.
State unveils broadband access map, solicits grant applications
Data presented by the state broadband office indicates two-thirds of Montana addresses have current or pending 100 mbps service. Private internet providers who want to reach underserved areas can apply for help from a $266 million fund.
Hospitals recruit international nurses to fill pandemic shortages
Billings Clinic is just one of scores of hospitals taking this strategy. The demand is so high, and the nursing shortage so great, that there’s a backlog of thousands of international health care professionals awaiting visas to work in the U.S.
BOZEMAN
Couple takes to airwaves in ongoing water fight with Bozeman
As climate change increasingly impacts an already dry area, the public will likely be confronted with the question of whether the water should be used to supply a booming city or maintain a trout spawning area.
Roads vs. greenspace in Bozeman
A project that’s been on the drawing board of city planners for more than three decades is yet again mustering west side neighbors for a fight against city hall. The debate encompasses many of the familiar battle cries heard in Bozeman about concerns for protecting the environment and a peaceful way of life versus the…
Gallatin County confronts another hurdle for mental health crisis care
Elected officials, community advocates and medical providers in Gallatin County have arrived at another crossroads in their efforts to overhaul local mental health services: figuring out where the first-stop destination should be for people experiencing an emergency behavioral health crisis.
GREAT FALLS
Election skeptics spark post-midterm episode in Great Falls
According to Cascade County Clerk and Recorder Rina Moore, a group of election skeptics circled the county office building Friday as she, her staff and local party volunteers conducted a routine post-election process.
New music considers complex history of Montana’s Catholic missions
A new video album features violinist Megan Karls performing solo on location at St. Peter’s Mission near Cascade, St. Mary’s Mission in Stevensville, St. Ignatius Mission on the Flathead Indian Reservation, and the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, also known as the Pink Church, near Harlem on the Fort Belknap Reservation.
Great Falls’ dispensary owners challenge city’s prohibition of marijuana sales
The city enacted the prohibition of marijuana, both medical and recreational, in 2010, and the rule has not been challenged since, including in the years that medical marijuana was legalized in Montana and Cascade County, but not within the city limits.
HELENA
Helena LGBTQ Drag Story Hour to proceed as planned, despite threats
An annual Drag Story Hour event for children is scheduled to take place as planned in Helena this weekend during one of Montana’s LGBTQ Pride celebrations, even as law enforcement organizations track threats against the event posted online by a self-proclaimed member of the Oath Keepers, a national anti-government militia group.
‘Education lost a friend.’ Longtime union leader Eric Feaver dies at 77
Former Montana Federation of Public Employees President Eric Feaver died Wednesday, leaving behind a legacy of tireless advocacy for labor and public education respected on both sides of the political aisle.
Helena Habitat for Humanity presses Gianforte on housing solutions
Citing MTFP reporting on tension between Gov. Greg Gianforte’s “Come Home Montana” campaign and Montana’s housing crunch, Helena Area Habitat for Humanity has taken out a newspaper ad advocating affordability fixes.
MISSOULA
County officials report relatively smooth election
Despite ongoing concerns over election skepticism, county officials described relatively few roadbumps in administering Montana’s 2022 midterm election Tuesday.
Gear library looks to break down barriers for Montana hunters
Access to gear poses a challenge for many new hunters, and DeAnna Bublitz had first-hand knowledge of that after entering the world of hunting as an adult. That knowledge, coupled with a desire to give back to the hunting community, led her to form DEER Camp with co-founder Madeline Damon.
Election skepticism and the search for a smoking gun
From “cast vote records” to nonprofit election grant documents, the recent spate of open records requests at county election offices in Montana mirrors a nationwide surge propelled in part by prominent pro-Trump critics of the 2020 election.