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Recent analysis shows that federal disaster declaration approvals under President Trump are taking longer than previous administrations, with delays averaging over a month. This impacts individuals and local recovery efforts, with delays growing over time regardless of political party. The White House defends the thorough review process.
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Fourteen Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter workers in Billings were hospitalized after fumes from an FBI narcotics burn seeped into the shelter via shared ventilation. The incident occurred during a drug incineration on Wednesday, raising concerns about safety protocols and potential contamination. The shelter remains closed pending testing.
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A New York court has temporarily blocked enforcement of a law that restricts cannabis store locations near schools, protecting 152 licensed operators. The injunction, in effect until February 2026, allows time for legislative correction amid ongoing legal disputes over licensing and local regulations.
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A recent federal lease sale in Montana and Wyoming saw a bid of just one-tenth of a penny per ton for coal, highlighting the industry's decline. Most power plants in the region are set to phase out coal within a decade, despite government efforts to promote fossil fuel extraction under the Trump administration.
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Despite the US government shutdown, several national parks remain accessible, with reduced services and increased illegal activity. Yosemite, Sequoia, and others are open but operate with limited staff, raising safety and preservation concerns. Visitors are advised to plan carefully.
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A BNSF Railway conductor was fatally struck between two trains in Columbus, Montana, at around 9:40 a.m. Local authorities and federal agencies are investigating. The incident highlights ongoing safety concerns within the US rail industry, despite efforts to improve conditions.
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Daniel Peterson died at the scene of a train-related accident in Columbus, Montana, after being struck by a moving train while between two tracks. The incident is under investigation by the NTSB. The event highlights ongoing safety concerns within the freight rail industry, particularly at BNSF Railway.
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Darren Bailey, a Republican candidate for Illinois governor, confirmed that his son, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren died in a helicopter crash in Montana. The crash occurred during a family business trip, and the cause is under investigation. Bailey is seeking the GOP nomination for 2026.
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The US Department of the Interior announced that starting January 1, 2026, foreign tourists will face a significant increase in national park entry fees, rising from $80 to $250 for an annual pass. The change aims to fund park maintenance amid budget cuts, but has raised concerns about discouraging international visitors and impacting local economies.
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Sam Strable, known as Sam Jones online, was jailed in Wyoming on November 21. She faces eight misdemeanour charges for falsely claiming residency to obtain hunting licenses and for wildlife offences, including a viral incident involving a wombat in Australia that drew international condemnation.