During a conference call with state news reporters, U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., stressed the benefits of a historic infrastructure legislation agreed upon by a bipartisan Senate group last week. Tester was one of five Democratic senators who worked with five Republican senators during the negotiations. He notes that the deal will upgrade Montana’s aging infrastructure, create good-paying

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced the extension, through Sept. 30, of the eviction moratorium for homeowners of properties financed or guaranteed by USDA. “The United States is still reeling from a nationwide housing affordability crisis brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. USDA is taking this important action today to allow individuals and families who face eviction from homes

The state announced last week it received more than 300 applications for the first round of American Rescue Plan Act water and sewer grants. There were 320 total applications submitted by eligible government entities totaling $919.7 million. “The sheer volume of applications for water and sewer grants underscores the importance of applying ARPA funding toward responsible, long-term investments

With new funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, faculty from Montana State University and Little Big Horn College in Crow Agency will create a new project aimed at increasing access and support for Native American students, with an emphasis on the fields of environmental health, environmental science and community health. The $500,000 in funding comes from the USDA’s National Institute

U.S. Sens. Steve Daines and Jon Tester and U.S. Rep. Matt Rosendale have continued their push for drought relief for Montana farmers and ranchers. Daines, Tester and Rosendale are teaming up to urge USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack to provide additional drought relief and flexibilities for Montana agriculture producers located in counties that were not covered by drought designations or federal assistance

Vern Greyn was standing in the raised bucket of a tractor, trimming dead branches off a tree, when he lost his balance. He fell 12 feet and struck his head on the concrete patio outside his house in this small farming town on the central Montana plains. Greyn, then 58, couldn’t move. His wife called 911. A volunteer emergency medical technician showed up: his own daughter-in-law, Leigh. But

With pro-gun organizations going on the attack, the confirmation of David Chipman to lead the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is facing strong opposition. U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., was non-committal regarding supporting Chipman during a press conference call on Thursday, July 29. Tester said his office has received a lot of calls and have seen many editorials,

Traversing dirt roads in Montana’s undulating prairie landscape on a hot summer day is an exercise in avoiding deep ruts, while watching the horizon for oncoming thunderstorms that might strand a driver in the slick clay soil. Water here is precious and essential for life - but also can arrive in destructive flows, sometimes flooding and sometimes sliding the foundation out from under highways.