From the Missoulian: "With more money and more rain, Montana is in unusually good shape as it heads into the summer wildfire season, experts told Gov. Brian Schweitzer Monday.
"'We'll still have fires,' said Mike Kreyenhagen, with the Northern Rockies Coordination Group in Missoula, but the state isn't as dry as it's been in many previous summers. The group is a combination of all state and federal firefighting agencies."
The Northern Rockies Coordination Center (NRCC) website has regional fire outlooks for the season, month, and week.
The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation has tips for preparing for fire season.
Source: McKee, J. (24 June 2008). "Rainy weather, more money help state going into fire season." Missoulian. A1.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
IRS Stimulus Payments
From the Missoulian: "About 17,500 Montana retirees and disabled veterans who don't file a federal tax return are still eligible for a 'stimulus payment' from the government - but have yet to apply, the Internal Revenue Service says."
Information about economic stimulus checks and free ways to file for the stimulus package are posted on the IRS website.
Source: Dennison, M. (24 June 2008). "IRS: 17,500 retirees, disabled veterans haven't filed for economic stimulus payments." Missoulian. A1.
Information about economic stimulus checks and free ways to file for the stimulus package are posted on the IRS website.
Source: Dennison, M. (24 June 2008). "IRS: 17,500 retirees, disabled veterans haven't filed for economic stimulus payments." Missoulian. A1.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Farm Bill Passed Over Veto
From the New York Times: " President Bush vetoed the farm bill again on Wednesday, but Congress quickly reapproved the $290 billion bill.
"The bill, which Mr. Bush vetoed for the first time in May, had been resubmitted after a clerical error mistakenly dropped 34 pages from the first bill."
Bill H.R. 6124, the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, became public law 110-246 on June 18, 2008.
The bill is essentially identical to H.R. 2419. H.R. 2419 was sent to the President missing one section (due to a clerical error). To ensure the legality of the law, a "new" bill was created with all 15 sections of H.R. 2419, and it quickly passed through Congress. The President vetoed H.R. 6124 (as he did with H.R. 2419), but Congress overrode this latest veto with House vote 417 and Senate vote 151.
Source: Associated Press (19 June 2008). "Farm Bill Is Approved." New York Times.
"The bill, which Mr. Bush vetoed for the first time in May, had been resubmitted after a clerical error mistakenly dropped 34 pages from the first bill."
Bill H.R. 6124, the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, became public law 110-246 on June 18, 2008.
The bill is essentially identical to H.R. 2419. H.R. 2419 was sent to the President missing one section (due to a clerical error). To ensure the legality of the law, a "new" bill was created with all 15 sections of H.R. 2419, and it quickly passed through Congress. The President vetoed H.R. 6124 (as he did with H.R. 2419), but Congress overrode this latest veto with House vote 417 and Senate vote 151.
Source: Associated Press (19 June 2008). "Farm Bill Is Approved." New York Times.
New Agreement for the National Bison Range
From the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) press release: "The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation today signed an Annual Funding Agreement for the National Bison Range Complex, located in Moiese, Montana within the boundaries of the Flathead Indian Reservation. The agreement was negotiated over the past six months by professional natural resource management staff from both parties with support from Service, Department of the Interior, and Tribal leadership, and outlines the activities the Tribes will perform at the Bison Range during fiscal years 2009 through 2011."
A copy of the agreement between the Fish & Wildlife Service and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes for fiscal years 2009-2011 has been posted on the FWS site. General information about the National Bison Range is also on the FWS site.
Source: Devlin, V. (20 June 2008). "National Bison Range: CSKT, FWS sign pact." Missoulian. A1.
A copy of the agreement between the Fish & Wildlife Service and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes for fiscal years 2009-2011 has been posted on the FWS site. General information about the National Bison Range is also on the FWS site.
Source: Devlin, V. (20 June 2008). "National Bison Range: CSKT, FWS sign pact." Missoulian. A1.
Friday, June 13, 2008
SHAD Hearing
From the Associated Press: "Lawmakers and veterans of secret Cold War-era chemical and germ tests on military personnel demanded help from the Bush administration Thursday, but they got no satisfaction."
The Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs held a hearing yesterday on several pieces of legislation, including H.R. 5954. The hearing webpage includes prepared testimony from witnesses and other prepared statements. A press release from Congressman Denny Rehberg describes the hearing.
The testimony of Bradley G. Mayes, of the V.A., references a study printed by the National Academies Press: "Long-Term Health Effects of Participation in Project SHAD (Shipboard Hazard and Defense)." The report may be read for free online. An earlier study from the Government Accountability Office also discusses Project 112.
Source: Werner, E., AP (12 June 2008). "Veterans from 1960s chemical tests press for help." Google News.
The Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs held a hearing yesterday on several pieces of legislation, including H.R. 5954. The hearing webpage includes prepared testimony from witnesses and other prepared statements. A press release from Congressman Denny Rehberg describes the hearing.
The testimony of Bradley G. Mayes, of the V.A., references a study printed by the National Academies Press: "Long-Term Health Effects of Participation in Project SHAD (Shipboard Hazard and Defense)." The report may be read for free online. An earlier study from the Government Accountability Office also discusses Project 112.
Source: Werner, E., AP (12 June 2008). "Veterans from 1960s chemical tests press for help." Google News.
Hearing on Future Costs of Funding the Iraq War
From Senator Tester's press release: "Montana Senator Jon Tester today teamed up with Governor Brian Schweitzer at the U.S. Senate today to expose the 'unseen costs' of caring for veterans wounded in Iraq—especially veterans living in Montana and rural America."
Governor Schweitzer testified before the Joint Economic Committee yesterday. The Governor's prepared testimony, and testimony from other witnesses, is available on the hearing webpage: "Fight Now Pay Later: The Future Costs of Funding the Iraq War." Archived video of the hearing is also on the committee website.
Source: Jalonick, M.C. (13 June 2008). "Schweitzer testifies on war in Iraq." Great Falls Tribune.
Governor Schweitzer testified before the Joint Economic Committee yesterday. The Governor's prepared testimony, and testimony from other witnesses, is available on the hearing webpage: "Fight Now Pay Later: The Future Costs of Funding the Iraq War." Archived video of the hearing is also on the committee website.
Source: Jalonick, M.C. (13 June 2008). "Schweitzer testifies on war in Iraq." Great Falls Tribune.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Boumediene v. Bush
From the Washington Post: "The Supreme Court today rebuked the Bush administration for a third time for its handling of the rights of terrorism detainees held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, saying those in custody there have a constitutional right to challenge their captivity in federal courts."
The Supreme Court issued an opinion in Boumediene v. Bush today.
Boumediene v. Bush
Docket no. 06-1195
Merits briefs & questions presented
Transcript of oral arguments
Supreme Court opinion
Lower Court opinion (U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit)
The Al Odah v. United States case was consolidated with the Boumediene v. Bush case. Docket no. 06-1196 reflects the history of that case.
Source: Barnes, R., and Eggen, D. (12 June 2008). "Court Says Guantanamo Detainees Have Right to Challenge Detention: Disagreeing With Ruling, President Bush Says He Will Consider New Legislation." Washington Post.
The Supreme Court issued an opinion in Boumediene v. Bush today.
Boumediene v. Bush
Docket no. 06-1195
Merits briefs & questions presented
Transcript of oral arguments
Supreme Court opinion
Lower Court opinion (U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit)
The Al Odah v. United States case was consolidated with the Boumediene v. Bush case. Docket no. 06-1196 reflects the history of that case.
Source: Barnes, R., and Eggen, D. (12 June 2008). "Court Says Guantanamo Detainees Have Right to Challenge Detention: Disagreeing With Ruling, President Bush Says He Will Consider New Legislation." Washington Post.
Libby Amphibole Health Risk Initiative
From the Missoulian: "Federal agencies have announced a five-year, $8 million study aimed at understanding the effects of exposure to lower levels of asbestos in Libby.
"The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency say the Libby Amphibole Health Risk Initiative will focus on determining whether exposure to lower levels of Libby asbestos is associated with increased risk of lung disease, cancer, chronic illnesses, autoimmune diseases or other health problems."
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), part of the Department of Health and Human Services, provides information on the Libby, Montana, Amphibole Health Risk Initiative. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides useful background information on asbestos exposure and EPA actions in Libby, Montana.
Source: Associated Press (11 June 2008). "Federal initiative to study Libby asbestos exposure." Missoulian.
"The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency say the Libby Amphibole Health Risk Initiative will focus on determining whether exposure to lower levels of Libby asbestos is associated with increased risk of lung disease, cancer, chronic illnesses, autoimmune diseases or other health problems."
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), part of the Department of Health and Human Services, provides information on the Libby, Montana, Amphibole Health Risk Initiative. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides useful background information on asbestos exposure and EPA actions in Libby, Montana.
Source: Associated Press (11 June 2008). "Federal initiative to study Libby asbestos exposure." Missoulian.
Gas Price hearing
From the Associated Press: "Gasoline prices should peak at $4.15 a gallon this summer, the government says — finally an encouraging word for motorists who might be thinking the cost of a fill-up will just keep climbing."
The House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming held a hearing on June 11, 2008: "The Future of Oil: Peak Prices, Peak Production, Piqued Consumers." The hearing featured testimony from several witnesses, including Guy Caruso of the Energy Information Administration (EIA).
The EIA offers a great deal of information on energy sources, including petroleum. The EIA Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Update and Short Term Energy Outlook are also useful for gauging trends in fuel prices.
Source: Hebert, H.J., AP (11 June 2008). "US: Gas to peak at $4.15 a gallon but stay high." Google News.
The House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming held a hearing on June 11, 2008: "The Future of Oil: Peak Prices, Peak Production, Piqued Consumers." The hearing featured testimony from several witnesses, including Guy Caruso of the Energy Information Administration (EIA).
The EIA offers a great deal of information on energy sources, including petroleum. The EIA Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Update and Short Term Energy Outlook are also useful for gauging trends in fuel prices.
Source: Hebert, H.J., AP (11 June 2008). "US: Gas to peak at $4.15 a gallon but stay high." Google News.
Montana Brucellosis Case
From the Montana Department of Livestock press release: "A cow from the Paradise Valley has tested positive for brucellosis, and will cost the state its brucellosis-free status.
"Testing performed at the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa, confirmed the presence of the brucella abortus bacterium, the causative agent of brucellosis, in the suspect cow. Montana will now lose its Brucellosis Class Free status and be downgraded to Class A within four to eight weeks, or as soon as the downgrade can be listed in the Federal Register."
The Montana Department of Livestock has additional information on the latest brucellosis case in the state. The site also includes background information on bison-related brucellosis in the Greater Yellowstone Area. Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks (FWP) has a useful fact sheet for hunters on brucellosis in the Greater Yellowstone area.
The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) are both good sources for general information on brucellosis.
Source: Devlin, V. (11 June 2008). "Brucellosis case rattles ranchers." Missoulian. A1.
"Testing performed at the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa, confirmed the presence of the brucella abortus bacterium, the causative agent of brucellosis, in the suspect cow. Montana will now lose its Brucellosis Class Free status and be downgraded to Class A within four to eight weeks, or as soon as the downgrade can be listed in the Federal Register."
The Montana Department of Livestock has additional information on the latest brucellosis case in the state. The site also includes background information on bison-related brucellosis in the Greater Yellowstone Area. Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks (FWP) has a useful fact sheet for hunters on brucellosis in the Greater Yellowstone area.
The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) are both good sources for general information on brucellosis.
Source: Devlin, V. (11 June 2008). "Brucellosis case rattles ranchers." Missoulian. A1.
Friday, June 06, 2008
Phase II Report on Prewar Intelligence
From the Senate Intelligence Committee press release: "The Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, and a bipartisan majority of the Committee (10-5), today unveiled the final two sections of its Phase II report on prewar intelligence. The first report details Administration prewar statements that, on numerous occasions, misrepresented the intelligence and the threat from Iraq. The second report details inappropriate, sensitive intelligence activities conducted by the DoD's Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Policy, without the knowledge of the Intelligence Community or the State Department."
The Senate Select Committee on Intelligence issued a report, referred to as the Phase II report, in two sections yesterday:
Report on Whether Public Statements Regarding Iraq by U.S. Government officials Were Substantiated by Intelligence Information
Report on Intelligence Activities Relating to Iraq Conducted by the Policy Counterterrorism Evaluation Group and the Office of Special Plans Within the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy
The earlier report, "Prewar Intelligence Assessments About Postwar Iraq," is also online.
Source: Warrick, J., and Pincus, W. (6 June 2008). "Bush Inflated Threat From Iraq's Banned Weapons, Report Says." Washington Post. A03.
The Senate Select Committee on Intelligence issued a report, referred to as the Phase II report, in two sections yesterday:
The earlier report, "Prewar Intelligence Assessments About Postwar Iraq," is also online.
Source: Warrick, J., and Pincus, W. (6 June 2008). "Bush Inflated Threat From Iraq's Banned Weapons, Report Says." Washington Post. A03.
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Youth Risk Behavior 2007
From the Washington Post: "The nation's campaign to get more teenagers to delay sex and use condoms is faltering, threatening to undermine the highly successful effort to reduce teen pregnancy and protect young people from sexually transmitted diseases, federal officials reported today."
The CDC issued the new report, "Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance — United States, 2007," today (PDF, 136 pp). The document reports information gathered through the YRBSS: Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System. This survey reports on trends in risk behaviors such as alcohol use, illegal drug use, tobacco use, sexual behaviors, suicide, and behaviors contributing to unintentional injury or violence.
The YRBSS website includes data files and allows comparison between geographic locations.
Source: Stein, R. (4 June 2008). "Report: Efforts to Reduce Teen Sex, STDs Faltering." Washington Post.
The CDC issued the new report, "Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance — United States, 2007," today (PDF, 136 pp). The document reports information gathered through the YRBSS: Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System. This survey reports on trends in risk behaviors such as alcohol use, illegal drug use, tobacco use, sexual behaviors, suicide, and behaviors contributing to unintentional injury or violence.
The YRBSS website includes data files and allows comparison between geographic locations.
Source: Stein, R. (4 June 2008). "Report: Efforts to Reduce Teen Sex, STDs Faltering." Washington Post.
International Criminal Court Report on Darfur
From the Associated Press: "The chief prosecutor for the International Criminal Court charges that 'the whole state apparatus' of Sudan is implicated in crimes against humanity in the Darfur region, linking the government directly with the feared janjaweed militia."
The Seventh Report of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court to the Security Council pursuant to UNSC 1593 (2005) is available on the International Criminal Court (ICC) website. The ICC site has additional information on the situation in Darfur.
Source: Heilprin, J. (4 June 2008). "Prosecutor links Sudan government to Darfur crimes." Associated Press.
The Seventh Report of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court to the Security Council pursuant to UNSC 1593 (2005) is available on the International Criminal Court (ICC) website. The ICC site has additional information on the situation in Darfur.
Source: Heilprin, J. (4 June 2008). "Prosecutor links Sudan government to Darfur crimes." Associated Press.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Montana Primaries
Montana's primary election is today, so don't forget to cast your vote.
If you live in Missoula County, you can find out where to vote or look at a sample ballot on the Missoula County Office of Elections website. If you are unsure what precinct you live in, look at the map of Missoula urban voting precincts or the county precincts map.
If you live in another county in Montana, the Secretary of State website includes a list of Montana election offices with contact information. Your county Office of Elections will have information on where to vote, and many county offices have webpages which will help you answer your questions. Here are a few examples:
Cascade County
Gallatin County
Yellowstone County
After the polls close, the Secretary of State website will host election night reporting of unofficial primary results. Please remember to vote!
If you live in Missoula County, you can find out where to vote or look at a sample ballot on the Missoula County Office of Elections website. If you are unsure what precinct you live in, look at the map of Missoula urban voting precincts or the county precincts map.
If you live in another county in Montana, the Secretary of State website includes a list of Montana election offices with contact information. Your county Office of Elections will have information on where to vote, and many county offices have webpages which will help you answer your questions. Here are a few examples:
After the polls close, the Secretary of State website will host election night reporting of unofficial primary results. Please remember to vote!
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