Fire Weather/ Mine Waste

Missoulian: Firefighters brace for afternoon winds, 'critical fire weather'
Fire Weather- Western Montana
Fire Weather- Central Montana
Fire Weather- Eastern Montana

Missoulian: Colorado spill a blip in legacy of leaking abandoned mines
Emergency Response to August 2015 Release from Gold King Mine
Mining Waste

Glacier Fire/ Yellowstone Bear/ Online Booking Tax/ Gold King Mine Spill

Missoulian: Raging Thompson fire closes some Glacier National Park trails
Glacier National Park Current Conditions
“Due to fire activity in the park there are currently campground and trail closures. See trail and area closings page for more information.”

Missoulian: Yellowstone park officials euthanize bear that killed hiker
Hiker’s Death Confirmed as Grizzly Attack
“All of Yellowstone is bear country. Hikers are encouraged to travel in groups of three or more, always carry bear spray that is readily accessible, make noise on the trail, and be alert for bears. Per park regulations, people are required to maintain a minimum distance of at least 100 yards from bears and wolves and at least 25 yards from all other large animals. For more information on hiking in bear country and how to minimize the dangers associated with a bear encounter, visit:http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/bearsafety.htm.”

Missoulian: Montana Supreme Court: Online companies must pay tax on booking fees
DOR v. Priceline
“We affirm the District Court’s decision that the Lodging Facility Use Tax, §§ 15-65-101 through 136, MCA, does not apply to OTC fees. We reverse the District Court’s decision that the Sales Tax, §§ 15-68-101 through 820, MCA, does not apply to OTC fees. The OTCs are liable for the Sales Tax on OTC fees dating back to November 8, 2010.”

Missoulian: The Latest: EPA: High toxic metal levels after mine spill
Emergency Response to August 2015 Release from Gold King Mine
“While excavating above the old adit, pressurized water began leaking above the mine tunnel, spilling about three million gallons of water stored behind the collapsed material into Cement Creek, a tributary of the Animas River.”

Montana Fires/ State Campaign Laws

Missoulian: Glacier fire explodes to 11,400 acres as lightning sparks numerous starts
Montana InciWeb

Missoulian: Commissioner: Former Darby state senator broke 7 campaign laws
Decision: Connell v. Boulanger
Other reports can be found through the Commissioner of Political Practices

Hacking and Trade

Missoulian: Feds: Group made $30M with hacked press release information
Remarks Prepared for ADIC Diego Rodriguez Concerning International Hacking Ring, Insider Trading Scheme 

Fire Weather/ Budget and the Constitution/ Fires and Drones

Missoulian: Fire weather watch issued for western Montana
National Weather Service
“Scattered showers and thunderstorms will occur this afternoon and evening across central Idaho and western Montana. We expect storms to be dry, with plenty of lightning and little-to-no rainfall and gusty outflow winds. In addition to interrupting outdoor plans to the public, storms could also pose a threat for new wildfire starts from lightning. Anyone with plans to be outdoors should be aware of the threat for dangerous lightning.”

Missoulian: The 3 federal balanced budget amendment plans, at a glance
S.J.Res.18 : A joint resolution proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States.
H.J.Res.1 : Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States.
H.J.Res.7 : Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States.
H.J.Res.12 : Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States.
H.Con.Res.26 : Effectuating the Compact for a Balanced Budget.
H.J.Res.28 : Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution requiring that each agency and department's funding is justified.
H.J.Res.41 : Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States.
H.J.Res.54 : Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States.
H.J.Res.55 : Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

Missoulian:  Drones getting in the way of emergency responders
Drones can be Deadly for Wildland Firefighters
“Imagine if a hostile country sent an Unmanned Aircraft System (link is external) or UAS, otherwise known as a drone, to disturb the efforts of firefighters during a catastrophic wildfire. The confusion that might ensue could cause loss of life and property as flames jump fire lines simply because resources have been diverted or grounded to identify and remove the UAS.

But these threats aren’t coming from an enemy state. They are being flown by our own citizens and impeding the job of our firefighters.  This isn’t a script for a Hollywood film. It’s really happening.”