Soot Pollution / Gay Pride

Missoulian: EPA proposes stricter standards for soot pollution 

EPA Proposes to Revise the National Ambient Air QualityStandards for Particle Pollution
“The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing revisions to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for particle pollution. These revisions would strengthen the annual "primary" fine particle standard to protect public health and would establish a separate "secondary" fine particle standard to protect visibility in urban areas.”

Missoulian: Pentagon to mark gay pride month

Panetta Salutes Gay, Lesbian Service Members’ Dedicated Duty
“The pursuit of equality is fundamental to the American story, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said in a video message released today to thank gay and lesbian service members and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civilians for their dedicated service to the nation.

Recognizing June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month, the secretary also thanked the families of gay and lesbian service members and LGBT civilians.”

Defense Secretary Pride Month Message (video)

Motorcycle Helmet Laws

Missoulian: CDC: Motorcycle helmet laws reduce deaths

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR)
Helmet Use Among Motorcyclists Who Died in Crashes and Economic Cost SavingsAssociated With State Motorcycle Helmet Laws — United States, 2008–2010 

“In 2010, the 4,502 motorcyclists (operators and passengers) killed in motorcycle crashes made up 14% of all road traffic deaths, yet motorcycles accounted for <1% of all vehicle miles traveled (1,2). Helmet use consistently has been shown to reduce motorcycle crash–related injuries and deaths, and the most effective strategy to increase helmet use is enactment of universal helmet laws.”

Going-to-the-Sun Road

Billings Gazette: Snow delays opening of Glacier's Sun Roaduntil middle of next week

Glacier National Park: Access to Logan Pass Anticipated NextWeek
“Access to Logan Pass via the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park is anticipated to be available to the public by the middle of next week. A weekend storm dumped another 10 inches of snow prompting additional snow slides on the road.”

Deer Medicine Rocks

Billings Gazette: Sioux, Cheyenne celebrate new historiclandmark

AMERICA’S GREAT OUTDOORS: Secretary Salazar DesignatesThirteen New National Historic Landmarks
“Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today announced the designation of 13 new National Historic Landmarks in nine different states, including a site associated with the famed Apache scouts, the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright buildings in the world, and an early 18th-century parish church.”

Deer Medicine Rocks

“Deer Medicine Rocks is significant for its associations with the Great Sioux War of 1876-1877.  In early June 1876, Hunkpapa medicine man Sitting Bull held a Sun Dance in the Rosebud Valley during which a prophecy of tribal victory at the Battle of the Little Bighorn was revealed to him. This vision is inscribed on Deer Medicine Rocks, which includes an etched drawing of “many soldiers falling into camp,” representing army defeat. Approximately two weeks later, the tribes were victorious over Lieutenant Colonel George A. Custer’s Seventh Cavalry Command at the Battle of the Little Bighorn on June 25-26, 1876.”

Crime Rate

Missoulian: FBI: violent crime down for fifth straight year

Crimes Rates Are Down - According to Preliminary 2011 Report
“Preliminary figures released today indicate that the number of violent crimes and property crimes reported by law enforcement across the nation during 2011 decreased when compared to 2010 figures.”

Preliminary Annual Uniform Crime Report, January-December, 2011