Montana/Region

US says Washington state overstepped with oil train law

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BILLINGS (AP) — The Trump administration on Monday moved to block a Washington state law that imposed safety restrictions on oil shipments by rail following a string of explosive accidents.

US judge says new pipelines need more review

BILLINGS (AP) — A U.S. judge on Monday revised a recent court ruling that threatened to hold up thousands of utility projects crossing streams and wetlands, but left in place a requirement for new oil and gas pipelines to undergo further environmental review.

North Dakota State Fair called off due to coronavirus

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — The North Dakota State Fair is the latest casualty of the coronavirus outbreak, as the number of cases and deaths in the state continue to rise.

NDakota grandma stays connected through drive-bys

BELCOURT, N.D. (AP) — Although her family is taking a coronavirus pandemic seriously, it is not stopping 82-year-old Leona LaFloe of Belcourt from getting out and enjoying their company. LaFloe and her family members get together while practicing social distancing through regular drive-by visits.

Montana OKs mail-in ballot initiative signatures

The Montana Secretary of State’s Office expanded the ability of ballot groups to collect signatures during the coronavirus pandemic on Thursday with an order declaring that citizens may download petition materials, sign them, and mail them from home.

Virus cases decline amid re-openings

HELENA (AP) — The rate at which Montanans are diagnosed with COVID-19 continues to decline as the state begins its third week in which retailers have been able to reopen and the second week that bars and restaurants could offer dine-in options with limited capacity.

Air National Guard flyover honors health care workers

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HELENA (AP) — The Montana Air National Guard flew C-130 aircraft over hospitals and clinics in 21 cities Wednesday to salute first responders and health care workers who are treating COVID-19 patients.

May 4 Montana News Briefs

Judge cancels hundreds of oil, gas leases in Montana

Montana’s air, already good, hasn’t improved

BILLINGS (AP) — While large cities bask in the beauty of less smog created by automobile traffic during the coronavirus pandemic’s travel restrictions, Montana’s air isn’t seeing any significant improvement — it’s already good and remains that way.

Grand Forks outbreak has other North Dakota plants on alert

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FARGO, N.D. (AP) — A widespread outbreak of the coronavirus that has shuttered a wind turbine plant in northeastern North Dakota and initiated a massive contact tracing effort has led many of the state’s largest manufacturers to review and relay their safety measures.