Edward O'Brien

2 weeks ago | mtpr.org | Edward O'Brien

Bighorn sheep test positive for pneumonia-causing bacteriaA pair of north-central Montana bighorn sheep have tested positive for pneumonia-causing bacteria. State wildlife officials say this is disappointing news for what was once one of the region’s strongest herds. Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks says both rams tested positive for Mycoplasma ovipneumonia or M. ovi. One of the sheep tested was harvested by a hunter this past fall.

3 weeks ago | mtpr.org | Edward O'Brien

This year’s spring school election comes amid a backdrop of mounting operational costs, federal funding cuts and declining enrollment in many Montana districts. Ballots for Missoula County’s May 6 school election should be in voters’ hands this week. They’ll decide the outcome of three levies. The elementary and high school levies are operational, meaning they fund the basic expenses of day-to-day school operations.

1 month ago | mtpr.org | Edward O'Brien

Montana’s weather last month was marked by a mix of rain, fresh snow, and even some snow melt. The good news is precipitation was above normal for March across most of the state. That’s according to the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Bozeman. Deficits, however, stubbornly persist in a few locations. The Sun-Teton-Marias and St. Mary River basins have hovered around 70-80% of normal. The Upper Clark Fork and Power River Basins are also lagging behind.

1 month ago | mtpr.org | Edward O'Brien

The federal government has canceled $500 million in emergency food assistance. Missoula Food Bank and Community Center Executive Director Amy Allison described the loss of that federal funding as, “an incredibly challenging cut.”Last year the Missoula Food Bank distributed nearly 3 million pounds of food to local families. About eight percent of that was provided by federal emergency food assistance funding. That money purchased calorie dense, nutritious food like meats, cheese, fruits and nuts.

Jan 17, 2025 | mtpr.org | Edward O'Brien

Gender identity and anti-trans legislation are a repeat focus this session. Lawmakers begin work on property tax changes. The governor is quiet about Medicaid expansion. Sen. Sheehy wants to know how many pushups the Secretary of Defense nominee can do. "Capitol Talk" is MTPR's weekly legislative news and analysis program.