Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 5th of April.
Good morning, Butte.
🎭 Culture
The Montana Folk Festival will take place in Uptown Butte from July 11th to 13th with seven headlining acts announced, including bluegrass fiddler Michael Cleveland and blues singer Shemekia Copeland—two stars set to lead a weekend of live music at the Original Mineyard.
The event will also feature international artists like Yeison Landero, Fabiola Mendez, Zahra Alzbaidi, Elizabeth King, and Paul Beaubrun.
The Montana Folk Festival announced on Friday that the first seven performers are set for the 2025 event in Butte from July 11 to 13.
Organizers noted that more than 20 acts will appear across six stages—families are encouraged to contribute at admission while the lineup continues to grow.
🎓 Education
House lawmakers approved a version of HB 2 that would raise state payments for every non-Native enrollee at tribal colleges from $3,280 to $4,183 as part of a $3.5 billion education budget.
The plan also directs $200,000 to allow tribal colleges to join the dual enrollment program—while a related bill would provide $500,000 for teacher preparation grants with a House vote expected later this week.
Montana State University announced that juniors Anna Erickson & Derek Jollie earned the Barry Goldwater Scholarship, which provides up to $7,500 per year for tuition and room and board.
Erickson studies psychology and cell biology while Butte native Jollie works in mathematical sciences & physics, adding to MSU’s record of 92 recipients since 1989.
🌲 Environment
Butte residents starting yard cleanup this spring are reminded to check for squirrel nests (drey) on tree limbs before trimming branches so they do not disturb the families living there.
Homeowners should work carefully (active well into spring) to protect local wildlife.
🏛️ Government
Butte-Silver Bow County joined a class action lawsuit against a manufacturer of fire suits that allegedly contain forever chemicals—county commissioners voted unanimously on April 2 to join the suit filed in U.S. District Court.
The lawsuit claims over 1 million firefighters face higher cancer risks and replacing the gear could cost the county about $500,000.
Montana lawmakers advanced a bill (HB 291) that would limit state air quality rules to only those set by the federal government and it is set for debate on the Senate floor.
Supporters from key industries say it will reduce costs while environmental and health advocates warn it could weaken efforts to cut harmful mercury emissions.
🎉 Butte Events
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Jordan World Circus
4-5:30 p.m. — Butte Civic Center — Family-friendly entertainment — Experience the excitement of one of North America's premier traveling circuses.
USPA Tested & Open 2025 Montana State Championship
9:30 AM – 6:00 PM — ADONIS Strength & Fitness — $15 entry for spectators — Watch top lifters compete in both tested and non-tested divisions.
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