MIN Weekly News Roundup

For week ending May 18, 2025

From the Billings office of the National Weather Service

Another spring weather system is expected to impact the region today through Monday. Stay alert for rises on rivers and streams, and potential flooding in low-lying areas. Make sure to stay weather aware if you have outdoor or travel plans!

The Jefferson River near Cardwell, Montana, on June 19, 2024. (Photo by Blair Miller, Daily Montanan)

Montana Snowpack Near Normal for Most Regions

Montana House District 55 Summary of the 69th Montana Legislative Session

Without AmeriCorps, Rural Communities Will Lose Essential Social Services

An algal bloom has colored part of southwestern Montana’s Big Hole River green in this July 2023 photo. Credit: Courtesy Upper Missouri Waterkeeper

DEQ’s Big Hole Impairment Decision Lands in Court

Republican Factions Offer Differing Views of Legislation Awaiting Governors Pen

Montana Lawmakers Approve $124 Million To Revamp Behavioral Health System

Bull Mountains Mine expansion tucked into congressional budget bill

American children among group deported following Hi-Line immigration arrest

Federal Judge Grants Preliminary Injunction Protecting MSU Students’ Visa Status

Potential Cuts Spark Conversation on Essential Air Service

Reconstruction of the St. Mary Siphon in April 2025 near Babb. Credit: Courtesy Milk River Project

Water Expected to Return to the Milk River 12 Months After Pipeline Failure

States on the Hook for Billions Under U.S. House GOP Bill Making Them Help Pay for SNAP

Montana Legislature Enacts Changes to State and Local Flows of Public School Funding

Governor signs new law professionalizing doula care

Department of Corrections Moves Female Inmates to Repurposed Facility in Boulder

Montana Judge Finds Trans Care Ban Unconstitutional

In the Aftermath of One Cancer Doctor, Patients and Families Search for Answers

Family of South Africans Dubbed Refugees by the Federal Government Arrives in Missoula

Fines for Aquatic Invasive Species Violations Increase Under New Law

Montana U.S. Representative Ryan Zinke speaks at a press conference announcing the launch of the bipartisan Public Lands Caucus, while Montana Representative Troy Downing listens. (Courtesy photo)

Zinke Forms Bipartisan Public Lands Caucus

An Open Letter to the American People from Former National Weather Service Directors

Medicaid Payments Barely Keep Hospital Mental Health Units Afloat; Federal Cuts Could Sink Them

Is Congress Trampling on State Laws Protecting Property Rights Against Pipelines?

What to Know About the U.S. House GOP’s Student Loan Overhaul

Sweeping Private School Voucher Program Tucked Inside U.S. House GOP Tax Bill

No Tax on Tips, Child Tax Credit and Business Tax Cuts Survive in Big House GOP Bill