Edward O'Brien

Mar 13, 2024 | mtpr.org | Aaron Bolton |Edward O'Brien

State says they will pay for court-ordered mental health evaluationsMontana Public Radio | By Aaron BoltonState health officials said they will pay community providers to do court-ordered mental health evaluations. That’s part of an effort to reduce wait times for criminal commitments to the state hospital. Before a court can commit someone to the Montana State Hospital because they are mentally unfit to stand trial, defendants need to undergo a mental health evaluation.

Feb 1, 2024 | mtpr.org | Edward O'Brien |Austin Amestoy

State governments receive funding to expand composting and food waste reduction projectsMontana Public Radio | By Edward F. O'BrienLocal governments in Montana are receiving federal money to expand composting and food waste reduction projects. Twenty-three states will divvy up nearly $12 million to help reduce food waste and produce compost. The U.S. Department of Agriculture funds are supporting three projects in Montana.

Oct 26, 2023 | mtpr.org | Austin Amestoy |Edward O'Brien

Sunny White gets charged in connection with Mika Westwolf's deathMontana Public Radio | By Austin AmestoyThe Lake County Attorney’s Office has charged a 28-year-old woman in connection with the death of an Indigenous woman near Arlee earlier this year. Sunny K. White is charged with five felonies including vehicular homicide. Investigators said White struck and killed 22-year-old Mika Josephine Westwolf in late March.

Oct 23, 2023 | mtpr.org | Austin Amestoy |Edward O'Brien

New data shows nearly 16,000 people lost Medicaid coverage in AugustMontana Public Radio | By Austin AmestoyNew data from the Montana Health Department show nearly 16,000 people lost Medicaid coverage in August. The state continues to remove people from healthcare plans more often than it renews their coverage. Health officials have ended coverage for three-fifths of people with a completed case review. That’s higher than the national termination rate of about one third.

Oct 9, 2023 | mtpr.org | Edward O'Brien |John Hooks |Aaron Bolton

State agencies recommend game meat be tested for Chronic Wasting DiseaseMontana Public Radio | By Edward F. O'BrienMontana’s wildlife and public health agencies recommend game meat be tested for Chronic Wasting Disease (CSW). Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) along with the state health department advised hunters to receive a negative CWD test result before bringing their deer, elk or moose to a meat processor or donating it to a foodbank. CWD testing is not required in Montana.