Erica Zurek

Lead contamination and exposure in Montana go back several decades. But the data do not. Without more information, state and local health departments have no way of knowing how many people have been affected and the extent of the impact.

For one Montana family, lead contamination in their home brought on what one parent describes as the “biggest trial we’ve ever been through.”

In Montana, there’s a new state requirement to test all K-12 schools for lead in water fixtures. Outdated and deteriorating plumbing infrastructure is a primary source of lead exposure, and young children under six years of age are particularly vulnerable.

A report from the Montana Healthcare Foundation found that enrollees in Montana’s Medicaid expansion program needed less emergency care after having health coverage.

Seventeen Republican lawmakers, including Montana’s Representative in the U.S. House are suing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention over its mandate requiring masking on airplanes and public transportation.

The grant will go to Accelerate Montana, a collaboration of organizations led by the University of Montana, to support rapid training and instruction for up to 5,000 Montanans in industry-specific jobs.

Within a year of arriving in the United States and before their temporary status expires, Afghan evacuees have to apply for asylum to remain in the U.S. The Montana Afghan Project aims to help with this expensive process.

The Trust for Public Land says the working-forest conservation easement will allow for sustainable timber production, public access and recreation while ensuring protection of water quality and critical habitat.

According to the Energy Information Administration’s Short-Term Energy Outlook, “energy prices are expected to remain volatile this winter due to supply uncertainty and changing consumer demand.”

A shortage of microchips around the world has slowed car production and limited rental car supply. That's created opportunities for individuals to help fill the rental car gap.