News

Regents asked to approve new turf at UM

Published on Tue, 07/12/2016 - 12:26pm

MISSOULA, Mont. — The University of Montana is asking the state Board of Regents to approve spending up to $500,000 on new artificial turf for Washington Grizzly Stadium and to approve a three-year contract for the men's basketball coach.

The regents are holding a telephone conference meeting on July 19.

Number of Medically Uninsured falls in Montana

Published on Tue, 07/12/2016 - 12:25pm

HELENA, Mont. — The number of medically uninsured in Montana has dropped from 15 percent to 7.4 percent over the past year, continuing the dramatic decline over recent years.

Officials credited the state's Medicaid expansion, as well as stronger enrollment in the federal Affordable Care Act.

Jessica Rhodes, the policy director for the state health department, said the numbers are "important because Montanans are getting the health care they need."

In 2013, a fifth of the state's residents had no health insurance, she said.

Park County Lockup List

Published on Mon, 07/11/2016 - 4:50pm

Following is the latest report of bookings, releases from the Park County Detention Center.

Storm dumps needed rain, snow

Published on Mon, 07/11/2016 - 3:32pm
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An unusual Montana storm system hit the state with rain, snow and tornado-like clouds over the weekend after a particularly dry June. 

Dan Borsun, senior forecaster for the National Weather Service in Billings, said this “strong” type of July weather system last occurred in Montana in 2001 and usually occurs about every five years.  

The system, which is similar to weather experienced in March, has a variety of conditions, including hot temperatures, a lot of moisture and wind, he said. 

Rodeo queen seeks to increase interest in Western tradition

Published on Mon, 07/11/2016 - 3:27pm
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For 19-year-old BreAnne Pino, rodeo is more than just a sport. 

Growing up, attendance at the National Finals Rodeo and Livingston Roundup Rodeo was a yearly tradition for her family, each contest further affirmation of her dream of becoming a rodeo queen.

Berlin condemns riots that injured scores of officers

Published on Mon, 07/11/2016 - 1:21pm
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BERLIN — Berlin's mayor and his top security official reassured citizens Monday that the city is safe after weekend clashes between leftist protesters and police, and rejected suggestions that they should hold talks with squatter activists.

Police have called Saturday night's outburst of violence in the Friedrichshain district "the most aggressive and violent protests in the last five years." It left 123 officers slightly injured.

South Sudan president orders army to cease hostilities

Published on Mon, 07/11/2016 - 1:17pm
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JUBA, South Sudan— The president of South Sudan declared a unilateral cease-fire Monday to a conflict that has seen fierce clashes between his army and opposition forces spread from the capital to a southeastern town.

Despite the call by President Salva Kiir, there was no halt in the fighting that began on Thursday in the troubled nation that has been independent for only five years.

The prolonged fighting raised fears that the conflict will spread across South Sudan, drawing in the country's rival ethnic militias.

Carter announces 560 more US troops to Iraq

Published on Mon, 07/11/2016 - 1:14pm
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BAGHDAD — The United States will send 560 more troops to Iraq to help establish a newly retaken air base as a staging hub for the long-awaited battle to recapture Mosul from Islamic State militants, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said Monday on an unannounced visit to the country.

Most of the new troops will be devoted to the build-up of the Qayara air base, about 40 miles south of Mosul, and include engineers, logistics personnel and other forces, Carter said. They will help Iraqi security forces planning to encircle and eventually retake the key city.

Vatican outlines pope's upcoming trip to Georgia, Azerbaijan

Published on Mon, 07/11/2016 - 1:12pm
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VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis will meet with Christian, Muslim and Jewish leaders during his Sept. 30-Oct. 2 trip to the former Soviet republics of Georgia and Azerbaijan, adding a strong interreligious dimension to an already politically delicate trip.

The Vatican on Monday released the itinerary for the Caucasus trip, which was originally planned as an extension of Francis' recent visit to Armenia but was split up.

Family: Dallas suspect changed after military service

Published on Mon, 07/11/2016 - 1:05pm
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DALLAS — Military service changed the Dallas gunman from an extrovert into a hermit, his parents said in an interview excerpt published Monday.