Montana Supreme Court Chief Justice Mike McGrath has asked judges around the state to release nonviolent and other jail inmates to reduce crowding and protect against the spread of coronavirus. In a March 20 letter, Mc-Grath asked judges to review jail rosters and release as many prisoners as they can without bond. Said McGrath, “Because of the high risk of transmittal of COVID-19, not

U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme announced Monday, March 23, that more than $65 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities combat human trafficking and serve adults and children who are victimized in trafficking operations. “Human trafficking is a reprehensible crime. Those responsible need to be held accountable and those victimized need help. We hope these funds can

U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme Monday, March 23, announced that more than $163 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities address America’s addiction crisis. “Montana communities are struggling with methamphetamine and related violent crime. Hopefully, these funds can be used to help stop drug dealers and help prevent and treat addiction,” Alme said. “Our

( Publisher’s Note: Each week, the Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office distributes an inmate roster with the names of everyone incarcerated and persons booked into the jail during the previous week and does not necessarily mean there is a new charge or conviction.) As of March 24, 19 prisoners were housed in the Roosevelt County Detention Center. Prisoners included: Joseph Agosto Jr., 20, Oswego,

President Trump said March 23 that he is pushing back a pending deadline for Americans who will be required to have the new REAL ID credential to board domestic flights. Trump said he is postponing the Oct. 1 deadline, citing the coronavirus crisis. Trump’s decision was influenced by crowding at state departments of motor vehicles from people trying to meet the looming deadline. “At

U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme is urging the public to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud hotline at 866-720-5721 or to the NCDF e-mail address disaster@leo.gov. In coordination with the Department of Justice, Attorney General William Barr has directed U.S. Attorneys to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of coronavirus fraud

TC Energy said March 11 that it has started preliminary work along the route of the proposed Keystone XL oil sands pipeline in anticipation of construction in early April. Opponents await a judge’s ruling on their request to block work on the pipeline. TC Energy spokeswoman Sara Rabern said the Calgary-based company was moving equipment this week and will begin mowing and felling trees in areas