Aaron Thompson

State legislators received an update Wednesday on the goals of the federal government’s effort to streamline wildfire fighting resources. The Wildland Fire Service unifies operations previously managed by several federal agencies.

Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks says Big Horn, Musselshell and Treasure Counties join Yellowstone County in passing Stage-1 restrictions, which apply to building fires and smoking outside.

Over 1,800 fires have burned over a half million acres in Montana amid hot, dry weather and drought. Fire managers say the fire season is still months away from ending. MTPR’s Edward O’Brien joins Freddy Monares for a big-picture look at how crews are doing.

A Black Lives Matter event in Billings this weekend drew around 2,000 people who rallied in support of racial equality and justice for people of color...