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Treasure State Update

By Keila Szpaller | Deputy Editor

“With the persistent drought, it was essential that we eliminate any roadblocks that threaten the viability of our producers and their operations.” — Gov. Greg Gianforte, on an executive order that aims to help truck drivers deliver hay to ranchers so they can feed their cattle.

Legislators eye reining in ‘Wild West’ kratom industry

Legislators eye reining in ‘Wild West’ kratom industry

by Jordan Hansen

Montana lawmakers are considering legislation to restrict or even ban kratom, a legal drug that can give opioid- and stimulant-like effects. Kratom is a general term used to describe the leaf of a southeast Asian tree used as a drug. It’s been banned in eight states, is regulated in about 30, and unregulated in many […]
Bear attacks woman near Columbia Falls

Bear attacks woman near Columbia Falls

by Micah Drew

A bear attacked a woman walking her dog on a popular trail in the Flathead Valley on Monday evening, according to a Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks press release. The department and the U.S. Forest Service are investigating the attack, which took place on the Cedar Flats trail complex north of Columbia Falls. The incident […]
In effort to move hay, governor temporarily relaxes some road rules

In effort to move hay, governor temporarily relaxes some road rules

by Jordan Hansen

Montana has temporarily relaxed some rules for the amount of time truck drivers can be on the road in an effort to help ranchers feed their cattle.  In a Monday executive order, Gov. Greg Gianforte waived several motor carrier regulations including “hours of service” limits that dictate how much a driver can work and load […]
MORE FROM MONTANA

Note: some links may lead to stories behind a news organization's paywall

What’s the real cost of backcountry rescue? | Mountain Journal

Montana governor seeks applications for Flathead district judge | Daily Montanan

Flathead Lake luxury development granted rights to 40 million gallons of groundwater | Missoulian

What to know about the Montana Capitol’s major makeover | Montana Free Press

MORE FROM STATES NEWSROOM

From the West

North Dakota governor says data center transparency bill not needed | North Dakota Monitor

New Mexico data center water use could soar in coming years, researcher tells state lawmakers | Source New Mexico

From Washington, D.C.

USPS whistleblower predicts ‘catastrophic’ effect on elections under Trump vote-by-mail order | D.C. Bureau

9 justices on the Supreme Court or 13? Numbers battle revived in Congress | D.C. Bureau

U.S. House clears spending stopgap backed by Trump that averts government shutdown | D.C. Bureau

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