Montana
Coverage of Montana in the Nexus archive.
- Democrats abandon deep-red state Senate races, boosting independents
Democratic Senate nominees dropped out in Nebraska, Idaho, and South Dakota, allowing independents to gain ground. However, Alani Bankhead declined to join these efforts while remaining associated with Montana.
- 73-year-old dies after rock crashes through Jeep roof on national parks trip
A 73-year-old Missouri man, Rex Schowengerdt, died after a rock broke through the roof of a Jeep at Glacier National Park in Montana. The incident occurred near Logan Pass while he was on a trip with his wife, Chris Schowengerdt. He suffered a traumatic brain injury and passed away days later.
- 73-year-old dies after rock crashes through Jeep roof on national parks trip
A 73-year-old Missouri man died after a rock broke through the roof of a Jeep on a national parks trip at Glacier National Park in Montana. Rex Schowengerdt, who was with his wife Chris, suffered severe trauma from the falling rock, and he passed away five days later. His family recalls that he had a deep love for the outdoors.
- 73-year-old dies after rock crashes through Jeep roof on national parks trip
Rex Schowengerdt, a 73-year-old Missouri man, died five days after a rock broke through the roof of a Jeep while he was in it at Glacier National Park. The accident occurred near Logan Pass when his brother-in-law was driving down a narrow road with steep cliffs. Rex was airlifted to the hospital and passed away from traumatic brain injury.
- New government UFO files include Colorado Springs sightings
The Pentagon released 41 declassified files, photos, and videos concerning unidentified anomalous phenomena, or UAPs, including multiple sightings from locations like Colorado Springs, Montana, and Utah. This fifth batch of PURSUE files includes reports such as the "Dark Translucent Triangle" and the "Large Triangle with Red Lights." Physics professor Dr. Grant Denn stated that the new files did not impress him, criticizing them for being mostly second-hand accounts lacking corroboration.
- California mints the most billionaires. A new index ranks it dead last on the freedom to give to charity
Despite being home to more billionaires than any other state (246 according to Oxfam), California ranks dead last in an index for charitable giving according to Philanthropy Roundtable. The ranking is based on the state's broad economic and tax climate, regulatory burdens, and available incentives for donors. Montana tops the list with a score of 8/10, compared to California's lowest score of 2.73.
- The Democrats’ Riskiest Midterm Play
Alani Bankhead, the Democratic nominee for Montana’s Senate seat, has refused to withdraw from the race despite efforts by the state Democratic Party to remove her name from the ballot. The party is considering legal strategies to avoid replacing her, risking a Republican victory as independent candidate Seth Bodnar splits the non-Republican vote.
- South Dakota Democrat exits Senate race, clears way for independent
South Dakota Democratic Senate nominee Julian Beaudion withdrew from the race to allow independent Brian Bengs to compete against Republican Sen. Mike Rounds. This follows similar moves by Democrats in Idaho and Nebraska to support stronger independent candidates, though Montana's Alani Bankhead remains in her race against independent Seth Bodnar.
- Wildfire smoke from Washington and Montana blankets Colorado as Aurora firefighters deploy
Wildfire smoke from Washington and Montana has blanketed northern Colorado, causing air quality alerts and health concerns. Aurora firefighters have deployed to assist with the Sinlahekin Fire in Washington, which has burned over 73,000 acres and threatens structures.
- U.S. contends with extreme heat
Several parts of the U.S. are experiencing extreme heat this weekend, with potential record temperatures in California to Montana. Meteorologist Andrew Kozak is monitoring the situation.
- Heat wave expected to bring record-breaking temps, heighten wildfire risk to parts of Western US
A heat wave is causing record-breaking temperatures in the Western US, with Las Vegas, Phoenix, and El Centro exceeding 115°F and Montana nearing 104°F. The heat dome is increasing wildfire risks, particularly in dry regions like Nevada and Montana, where red flag warnings are in effect.
- Heat wave expected to bring record-breaking temps, heighten wildfire risk to parts of Western US
A dangerous heat wave is expected to bring record-breaking temperatures to parts of the Western U.S., including Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Montana, while increasing wildfire risks. The National Weather Service warns of extreme heat and advises people to stay indoors and hydrated.
- Heat wave expected to bring record-breaking temps, heighten wildfire risk to parts of Western US
A heat wave with record-breaking temperatures is affecting parts of the Western U.S., increasing wildfire risks. The National Weather Service reported extreme heat in locations like Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Great Falls, with temperatures reaching up to 118°F. Drying conditions and high winds are exacerbating wildfire dangers.
- Heat wave expected to bring record-breaking temps, heighten wildfire risk to parts of Western US
A heat wave is causing record-breaking temperatures in parts of the Western U.S., with Las Vegas, Phoenix, and El Centro expected to exceed 115°F. The heat dome is increasing wildfire risks, particularly in dry regions like Montana and Nevada, while climate change is linked to more frequent and intense heat events.
- How wildfire smoke is reshaping childhood
Wildfire smoke in Montana is altering children's summer routines, with parents checking air quality before outdoor activities. A 2024 UNICEF report highlights that repeated smoke exposure harms children's respiratory health, learning, and mental well-being, reshaping childhood experiences in the American West.
- ‘People are realizing August is a crapshoot here’: Climate change means the U.S. west is closing rivers for fishing half the time
Rising water temperatures due to climate change and drought have forced wildlife officials to close rivers for fishing in the U.S. West, endangering trout populations. Restrictions aim to reduce stress on fish, with Colorado and Montana implementing unprecedented closures. The economic impact on Rocky Mountain communities is significant as visitors delay trips to avoid poor summer conditions.
- Fishing closures are becoming routine as record heat warms rivers in the US West
Record heat in the U.S. West has led to fishing closures on rivers and streams to protect trout from lethal water temperatures. Wildlife officials in Montana and Colorado have expanded afternoon fishing restrictions, citing climate change and drought as contributing factors. Trout fishing closures are becoming routine during summer months, impacting both ecosystems and local economies.
- It might take ‘a lightning bolt from God’ to get these Senate Democratic hopefuls to bow for independents
Democrats Alani Bankhead and Julian Beaudion refuse to withdraw from Senate races in Montana and South Dakota despite pressure to step aside for independents Seth Bodnar and Brian Bengs, who have stronger fundraising and polling. Both candidates state they will not exit unless 'a lightning bolt from God' intervenes, risking Democratic hopes of regaining Senate control in deeply red states.
- Montana’s new “right to try” law can’t come soon enough for some
Kris DeVault's son Brody has creatine transporter deficiency, a rare genetic condition with no cure. A French biotech company, Ceres Brain Therapeutics, is developing an experimental nasal spray drug for the condition, currently in early testing phases. Montana's new 'right to try' law may help families like the DeVaults access unapproved treatments.
- Montana man hikes out of mountains to avoid emergency costs after he was impaled by a trekking pole
David Cifaldi, a Montana nurse, impaled himself on his trekking pole during a hike on Granite Peak but opted to hike out instead of a helicopter rescue, using a satellite device to coordinate with authorities. He and his companions descended 5,000 feet over 10 miles in six hours, reaching a trailhead without further complications.
- Montana man hikes out of the mountains to get help after he was impaled by a trekking pole
David Cifaldi was impaled by his trekking pole while hiking on Montana's Froze-to-Death Plateau near the state's highest peak. He hiked out of the mountains to seek help after the incident.
- Montana man hikes out of the mountains to get help after he was impaled by a trekking pole
David Cifaldi was hiking in Montana's Froze-to-Death Plateau when he slipped and impaled himself on his trekking pole during a fall. He hiked out of the mountains to seek help after the incident.
- Montana man hikes out of the mountains to get help after he was impaled by a trekking pole
David Cifaldi was hiking on Montana's Froze-to-Death Plateau when he slipped and impaled himself on his trekking pole. He hiked out of the mountains to seek help.
- Montana man hikes out of the mountains to get help after he was impaled by a trekking pole
David Cifaldi was crossing Montana's Froze-to-Death Plateau when he slipped and impaled himself on his trekking pole during a fall. He hiked out of the mountains to seek help.
- Montana’s plan to become an experimental medical hub just pushed forward
Montana has established a pathway for biotech companies to sell experimental drugs to consumers after preliminary testing, requiring a $12,500 application fee and approval by a review board. The law allows access to anyone with informed consent, not just terminal patients, and includes oversight by a board with doctors, scientists, and ethicists. Critics warn of risks from unproven treatments, while supporters emphasize rigorous oversight.
- ‘‘Tis but a flesh wound’: Man impaled by trekking pole hikes 10 miles off mountain to safety
A Montana nurse was impaled by his trekking pole during a hike on Granite Peak but chose to walk 10 miles with his companions to safety instead of being airlifted. He assessed the injury as non-life-threatening, avoided panic, and descended the mountain over six hours with minimal complications.
- Montana man hikes out of the mountains to get help after he was impaled by a trekking pole
David Cifaldi, a 32-year-old nurse, impaled himself on a trekking pole while hiking in Montana's Froze-to-Death Plateau but decided to hike out with friends instead of requesting a helicopter rescue. Using a Garmin inReach device, the group communicated with authorities as they descended the mountain, covering 10 miles over six hours to reach a trailhead.
- Montana man hikes out of the mountains to get help after he was impaled by a trekking pole
David Cifaldi was hiking with friends near the top of Montana’s highest peak when he slipped and impaled himself on his trekking pole. He hiked out of the mountains to seek help after the accident.
- Republican in Montana’s Senate race gets a boost
A potential one-on-one Senate race in Montana between Republican Kurt Alme and independent Seth Bodnar may face changes if Democratic candidate Alani Bankhead withdraws. Montana law requires political parties to appoint a replacement if their candidate drops out, per the Secretary of State’s office. Similar legal debates are occurring in Nebraska regarding a Democratic candidate’s replacement.
- I'm the CEO of ClassPass and live in Montana. I love CrossFit and fly-fishing meetings — here's my routine.
Fritz Lanman, CEO of ClassPass, shares his routine based in Missoula, Montana, balancing work with CrossFit, fly fishing, and family life. He moved to Montana after working at Microsoft and selling his first startup, emphasizing health and community through fitness and outdoor activities.
- Federal judge says certain abortion drug restrictions are unlawful
A federal judge ruled that the FDA's 2023 restrictions on mifepristone, a drug used for early pregnancy termination, were not sufficiently justified. The restrictions, challenged by abortion providers in Kansas, Montana, and Virginia, require special certification for pharmacies and clinicians and risk acknowledgment forms. A similar case in Hawaii had previously reached the same conclusion.
- Judge halts Montana logging project over concerns for grizzly bear habitat
A federal judge halted a Montana logging project over concerns the U.S. Forest Service failed to use best available science to assess its impact on grizzly bear habitat. The preliminary injunction, issued by U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen DeSoto, pauses the Greenhorn Vegetation Project until a lawsuit by the Alliance of the Wild Rockies and other environmental groups is resolved, citing a flawed 10-acre habitat standard.
- Hiker Trekked 10 Miles to Safety After Impaling Himself on Pole
David Cifaldi impaled himself on a trekking pole while hiking with friends toward Granite Peak in Montana. He trekked 10 miles to safety after the accident.
- Federal judge says certain abortion drug restrictions are unlawful
A federal judge ruled that the FDA's 2023 restrictions on mifepristone, including special certification for pharmacies and clinicians and risk acknowledgment forms, are unlawful and must be reviewed. The lawsuit was filed by abortion providers in Kansas, Montana, and Virginia, with a similar case in Hawaii also finding the restrictions arbitrary.
- Federal judge says certain abortion drug restrictions are unlawful
A federal judge ruled that the FDA's 2023 restrictions on mifepristone, including special certification requirements for prescribers and pharmacies, were not sufficiently justified. The decision follows a lawsuit by abortion providers in Kansas, Montana, and Virginia, who argued the restrictions were excessive and inconsistent with legal requirements.
- Federal judge says certain abortion drug restrictions are unlawful
A federal judge ruled that the FDA's 2023 restrictions on mifepristone, an abortion drug, were not sufficiently justified, requiring the agency to reconsider them. The lawsuit, filed by abortion providers in Kansas, Montana, and Virginia, argued the restrictions were excessive and inconsistent with legal requirements. A similar case in Hawaii reached the same conclusion earlier.
- Sweltering heat wave grips central and southern US for a second straight day
A sweltering heat wave affects central and southern US for the second consecutive day, with extreme heat warnings in effect for tens of millions. Heat indices over 105°F and temperatures up to 120°F in parts of the southwest are linked to a heat dome, while authorities warn vulnerable groups about risks like heat stroke.
- Sweltering heat wave grips central and southern US for a second straight day
A heat wave with temperatures exceeding 105°F (40.5°C) and heat indices up to 120°F (49°C) is affecting central and southern U.S. regions for a second consecutive day, driven by a heat dome. Authorities warn vulnerable groups like children, older adults, and those with medical conditions about risks of heat stroke, as the continental U.S. recorded the second-hottest first half of the year in 2026.
- Sweltering heat wave grips central and southern US for a second straight day
A severe heat wave affects central and southern U.S. regions for a second day, with heat indices exceeding 105°F (40.5°C) and temperatures reaching up to 120°F (49°C) in parts of the southwest. The prolonged extreme heat is caused by a stationary heat dome, and authorities warn vulnerable populations about risks like heat stroke. The continental U.S. experienced the second-hottest first half of the year on record in 2026.
- Heat dome expands across the central United States, creating dangerous conditions for millions
A heat dome is expanding across the central United States, causing dangerously hot conditions with temperatures above 100°F and affecting around 70 million people. The prolonged heat, with high humidity and limited overnight relief, poses serious health risks, especially for children, the elderly, and those with medical conditions.