Spotlight Montana

Spotlight Montana: Discussion on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Task Force Jul 24, 2026

This week on Spotlight Montana, we take an in-depth look at one of the state's most pressing public safety issues: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP).

We sit down with Brian Frost, the Montana Department of Justice's Missing Persons Specialist, and Darci Humphrey, who is the Criminal Justice Information Network Program Manager, for a conversation about the ongoing MMIP crisis, the work being done to address it and what Montanans need to know.

Spotlight Montana: A Working For You podcast from NBC Montana Jul 14, 2026

Here in Montana, stories are about more than headlines. They're about our neighbors, our families, and the places we call home.

I'm Colton Little, and this is Spotlight Montana—a Working For You podcast from NBC Montana.

Each episode, we'll sit down with the people closest to the issues shaping our state—from public safety and Missing and Murdered Indigenous People to addiction, recovery, mental health, and the stories of resilience that remind us who we are as Montanans.

You'll hear honest conversations, trusted reporting, and perspectives you won't find anywhere else.

If it matters to Montana, we'll shine a spotlight on it.

Subscribe now to Spotlight Montana, wherever you get your podcasts also availbe with video on the NBC Montana YouTube Channel.

Spotlight Montana is proudly sponsored by Recovery Centers of Montana, connecting Montanans with education, information, and recovery resources across our state.

Spotlight Montana: Week of the Child events kick off in Missoula Apr 01, 2022

Spring is here, and that means it’s time for young children and their families to celebrate after a long winter dealing with the pandemic.

Missoula's annual Week of the Child offers families a chance to do that. The week-long event offers fun activities for families, training programs and events to recognize early childhood champions.

Events kick off this Saturday and continue through April 8.

In this Spotlight Montana, Healthy Start coordinator Anna Semple shares with us what's planned and talks about the importance of early childhood programs and services designed to meet the needs of young children and their families.

Semple also highlights some of the challenges young families are facing.

Event information can be found at www.healthystartmissoula.org/woyc and more details about the Bright By Text and LIFTS programs are available at www.healthystartmissoula.org.

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Spotlight Montana: Butte's M&M owner on reopening for St. Patrick's Day Mar 16, 2022

The M&M Bar and Cafe in Butte is reopening on St. Patrick’s Day with new sign and a new location 10 months after a devastating fire destroyed the original building.

In this Spotlight Montana owner, Selina Pankovich shares with us an update and explains what it took to make the reopening possible.

We also talk about the day the fire broke out, the items that survived the blaze and what the future holds for the original site.

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Spotlight Montana: UM professor shares insight on Russia's war with Ukraine Mar 04, 2022

In this Spotlight Montana, University of Montana associate professor Clint Walker, with the Department of World Languages and Cultures, provides new insight and perspective on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the man behind it, President Vladimir Putin.

He explains the history and how what’s happening now is impacting his students at UM.

He also shares stories about his experience living in Russia, its people and culture.

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Spotlight Montana: Bengals assistant coach, Butte native talks Super Bowl LVI Feb 08, 2022

Butte native and former NFL player Colt Anderson is headed to Super Bowl LVI as a special teams assistant coach for the Bengals.

NBC Montana’s Laurel Staples talked to Anderson before he left for the big game.

In this Spotlight Montana, Anderson discusses how the team is preparing for the game against the Los Angeles Rams and what the experience has been like for him.

Anderson also talks about how his football career started in Butte and the work he and his family are now doing with the Colt Anderson Dream Big Foundation.

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Spotlight Montana: Butte's Brad Wilson heads to Beijing for 3rd Olympic games Jan 29, 2022

Brad Wilson of Butte is getting ready to compete in his third Olympic games in men's moguls.

In this Spotlight Montana, NBC Montana's Robbie Whittle sits down with Wilson to talk about what he's doing to prepare and how the Olympic games will be a different experience for him this time.

Wilson also talks about how his Olympic journey started in Butte and what it's like to experience this with his brother, Olympic bronze medalist Bryon Wilson, by his side.

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Spotlight Montana: Whitefish native Maggie Voisin on upcoming Olympic games Jan 25, 2022

In this Spotlight Montana, Whitefish native Maggie Voisin talks about how she's preparing for the Winter Olympics in Beijing, what's next after the games and how COVID-19 restrictions could impact the experience.

Voisin also discusses life's ups and downs from injury and tremendous heartbreak to healing and how it's changed her.

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Spotlight Montana: Omicron in the Treasure State, how to cope Jan 07, 2022

NBC Montana is working for you answering your questions about the omicron variant of COVID-19 now detected in the Treasure State.

In this Spotlight Montana, hear from Dr. Neil Ku, an epidemiologist at Billings Clinic.

From vaccines and booster shots to flu season and back-to-school concerns, Ku breaks it all down.

Ku also talks about what concerns him the most going forward and what that means for you.

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Spotlight Montana: Flathead Lake film festival to celebrate 10th anniversary Dec 16, 2021

The Flathead Lake International Cinemafest is getting ready to celebrate it's10th anniversary in Polson.

The festival will take place the weekend of January 28 to 30.

This year's festival features a broad range of films including an academy award nominated short, a documentary that offers a fascinating look at women's professional football and a stunning music video.

Special guests include producer Gerald Molen, known for Jurassic Park, Schindler's List, Rain Man and more.

So grab the popcorn because in this Spotlight Montana we get a sneak peek at what movie goers will see.

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Spotlight Montana: Susan Hay Patrick talks Giving Tuesday Nov 30, 2021

Giving Tuesday is a day reserved for generosity and giving back to nonprofits and organizations known for helping others.

In this Spotlight Montana we hear from Susan Hay Patrick of the United Way of Missoula on ways to help.

Hay Patrick highlights some of the biggest issues facing the community right now, the work being done to address those issues and how you can help.

If you or someone you know is in need of help this holiday season, you can call 211. It’s a 24-hour link to all of the social services available for those in Missoula, Mineral and Ravalli counties.

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Spotlight Montana: From Silvertip to silver screen, Worth talks skydiving career Nov 16, 2021

From the Silvertip Skydivers to working as a James Bond stunt double, Whitefish native B.J. Worth is a legend in the world of skydiving.

In this Spotlight Montana, Worth talks about everything from his phenomenal skydiving career to his current work in bird conservation, research and film production.

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Spotlight Montana: YWCA highlights Domestic Violence Awareness Month, housing shortage Oct 28, 2021

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, but for the Missoula YWCA, raising awareness, acknowledging survivors and being a voice for victims continues year-round.

In this Spotlight Montana, hear from Pathways program manager Lyndayle Mattis on just out how prevalent domestic violence is locally, where victims can go for help and what challenges the program is facing at this time.

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Spotlight Montana: Missoula author talks bestselling book, Netflix hit 'Maid' Oct 13, 2021

Stephanie Land's memoir “Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother's Will to Survive” is a raw account of her experience as a single mom dealing with poverty after surviving domestic violence.

The bestselling book is now a hit Netflix series.

In this in-depth Spotlight Montana interview, Land talks about the series, her book, what she experienced, how she’s helping others, her life in Missoula and what she's working on next.

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Spotlight Montana: Documentary about Miss Montana Sep 10, 2021

From the Big Sky to the big screen -- “Return to the Big Skies” documents the restoration of Miss Montana, a historic World War II-era airplane, and its Atlantic crossing to the beaches of Normandy to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the D-Day invasion.

In this Spotlight Montana, hear from Eric Komberec, president of the Museum of Mountain Flying, on the making of the film, what moviegoers can expect and what’s next for Miss Montana.

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Spotlight Montana: UM professor on U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan Aug 31, 2021

The Pentagon announcing that the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan is now complete, bringing to an end the 20-year war.

In this Spotlight Montana hear from University of Montana professor, Dr. Mehrdad Kia. He weighs in on the withdrawal and the far-reaching impacts.

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Spotlight Montana: Preparing for back-to-school as COVID-19 cases surge Aug 19, 2021

A surge in the COVID-19 delta variant is happening just as students prepare to go back to school for in-person learning.

So what do parents need to know to keep their kids safe and healthy in the classroom?

In this Spotlight Montana hear from pediatricians in Missoula and Billings.

Dr. Lauren Wilson of Missoula and Dr. Kathryn Lysinger of Billings describe what they’re seeing as cases spike, especially in children and in expectant unvaccinated moms who get the virus.

Critical information you need to know.

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Spotlight Montana: Griz track coach shares memories of 2 Olympics Jul 23, 2021

It's a journey from the streets of Belize to the Olympic Games -- twice.

In this Spotlight Montana, UM track and field sprint coach Paul Reneau shares with us his memories of competing in the games, what it was like racing against legend Carl Lewis and how he's now helping young athletes accomplish their goals.

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Spotlight Montana: New information in 48-year-old cold case of murdered nurse Jul 09, 2021

New information and a new call for help in solving the cold case murder of Gallatin Gateway nurse Donna Lemon.

July 9, 2021, marks the 48th anniversary of her death.

On this day in 1973, her body was found near Idaho Falls, Idaho, where she had been murdered.

Montana author Brian D’Ambrosio has been following this case for years.

In this Spotlight Montana, D’Ambrosio breaks down new information in the case and explains how you can help solve it.

Find Spotlight Montana on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube, our NBC Montana Facebook page and on our website. https://www.nbcmontana.com/news/spotlight-montana

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Spotlight Montana: NWS experts discuss Montana’s heat wave, drought and fire outlook Jun 24, 2021

A major heat wave is headed to Montana, a region already experiencing significant drought conditions.

In this Spotlight Montana, experts from the National Weather Service in Missoula breakdown Montana’s heat wave forecast, drought outlook and fire weather forecast.

Warning coordination meteorologist Marty Whitmore and hydrologist Ray Nickless explain the impacts, what you should prepare for, safety precautions to take and how you can help.

They also share new data on Montana’s weather trends, snowpack conditions, precipitation and climate change.

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Spotlight Montana: Western Montana Health Center new model of care Jun 02, 2021

The Western Montana Mental Health Center is currently transitioning to a new model of care thanks to a two-year grant making it the first certified community behavioral health center in Montana.

In this Spotlight Montana, we follow up on the center’s transition and find out exactly what the new model of care means for those seeking help. Also hear about the center’s new crisis hotline, Lifeline.

You can find Spotlight Montana on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube, our NBC Montana Facebook page and on our website at https://nbcmontana.com/news/spotlight-montana.

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Spotlight Montana: Butte’s historic Pekin Noodle Parlor May 24, 2021

The Pekin Noodle Parlor in Butte is the oldest continually operating family Chinese restaurant in America.

In this Spotlight Montana, the Pekin’s current owner, Jerry Tam, talks about the restaurant’s rich history, his family’s legacy, the famous customers known to dine there, what’s next for the restaurant and much more.

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Spotlight Montana: Author highlights notorious and unsolved murders Apr 22, 2021

In this Spotlight Montana, we hear once again from award winning author Brian D'Ambrosio.

He talks about some of Montana’s most notorious murders from 1903 to 2013, which are highlighted in his recent book, “Montana Murders: Notorious and Unsolved.”

The list includes “Dynamite” Ike's campaign of terror, the murders of actor Patrick Duffy's parents and the Unabomber.

D’Ambrosio also talks about unsolved murder cases in Livingston, the Florence beauty parlor murders and the unsolved murder of reporter Jennifer Servo.

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Spotlight Montana: Author highlights cold case involving disappearance of Missoula teen Apr 09, 2021

October 17, 1991 -- that's when a Missoula teenager vanished in Deming, New Mexico, after using a pay phone at a gas station to talk to her mother.

Fast forward to 2021. On April 4, Jennifer Pentilla would have turned 48.

Now, on this 30TH anniversary of her disappearance, Montana author Brian D’Ambrosio dives into the case.

He just got back from New Mexico, where he retraced her footsteps.

In this Spotlight Montana, D’Ambrosio shares with us what he discovered in New Mexico and how he hopes officials will take another look at this case.

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Spotlight Montana: Traditional Irish song from UM’s Irish Studies program Mar 04, 2021

In this week's Spotlight Montana Traolach O’Riordain, the director of the Irish Studies program at the University of Montana, introduces us to some very special guests.

They share with us a performance featuring traditional Irish songs, including one song with a special link to Butte.

Also, hear about Montana’s Irish history, a new class being offered in the Irish Studies program and plans for a Montana St. Patrick’s Day virtual concert.

Watch Spotlight Montana at nbcmontana.com or listen to it on Spotify and iTunes.

Click here for information on Montana St. Patrick’s Day virtual concert.

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Spotlight Montana: WMMHC transitioning to new model of patient care Feb 17, 2021

Big news for Western Montana Mental Health Center in Missoula. The center will become the first Certified Community Behavioral Health Center after being awarded a two-year grant supporting the center’s transition to a new model of care.

Hear from Levi Anderson, CEO of Western Montana Mental Health Center on what this means for the center, patients and the economy.

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Spotlight Montana: The American Legion Hall fire of 1956 in downtown Missoula, now KECI-TV Feb 04, 2021

In this Spotlight Montana, hear from longtime Missoula news broadcaster Jim Harmon on the 1956 fire that ripped through the American Legion Hall in Missoula.

The building later became a broadcasting station, where Harmon worked for 30 years until he retired. He bring us a behind the scenes look at what it was like in the early days of broadcasting in Missoula.

The American Legion Hall fire is featured in his new book, titled “The ‘Sneakin’est’ Man That Ever Was,” a collection of 46 headline stories from Montana’s early days.

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Spotlight Montana: UM Political Science professor weighs in on riots, impeachment Jan 14, 2021

Hear from Robert Saldin, Political Science Professor at the University of Montana and director of the Mansfield Center's Ethics and Public Affairs program, on the future of the GOP party last week's riots in our nation's Capitol, what's next and how Montana is being impacted.

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Spotlight Montana: Taking care of your mental health during the holidays with COVID-19 Dec 02, 2020

This holiday season carries extra weight for many due to the pandemic, and in this Spotlight Montana the focus is on mental health during this time.

Hear from Levi Anderson, CEO of Western Montana Mental Health Center, on ways to cope, services available and how the pandemic is impacting those services.

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Spotlight Montana: Discussing new book ‘Haunted Montana’ Oct 07, 2020

Missoula writer and musician Ednor Therriault, also known as Bob Wire, talks about his new book “Haunted Montana: Ghosts and Strange Phenomema of the Treasure State.”

The book is a collection of ghostly tales, legends and unexplained phenomena from across the state.

Hear about a haunted hiking trail, strange happenings at a popular lake, phantom cowboys and much more.

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Spotlight Montana: Fire science experts share new digital resources Jul 30, 2020

Are you a firefighter looking for a safety zone while battling a fire? Or a resident or city leader searching for real-time information on an approaching wildfire?

The Missoula Fire Sciences Laboratory rolled out some new tools packed with critical real-time fire information to help keep you safe.

In this Spotlight Montana, hear from a team of experts who created two new apps and a website.

You'll also learn about the research behind creating those tools and why experts traveled from Missoula all the way to New Zealand for the research.

Go to nbcmontana.com to watch Spotlight Montana. You can also find it on iTunes and Spotify.

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Spotlight Montana: State Fire Marshal discusses recent fires in Gardiner, Corvallis Jul 21, 2020

Following recent devastating fires in Gardiner and Corvallis, we wanted to know more about how fires are investigated and the techniques used to determine the cause.

In this Spotlight Montana, hear from State Fire Marshal Dick Swingley.

He shares with us the latest information on the investigations of the fires in Gardiner and Corvallis, what telltale signs they look for to determine the cause and much more.

Swingley’s career in fire investigating spans 50 years. He discussed some of the new changes he’s seeing in structure fires.

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Spotlight Montana: Fort Missoula's role in World War II Jun 17, 2020

In this week's Spotlight Montana we talk about Fort Missoula’s role in World War II history and how a new grant aims to restore and preserve a part of it.

Hear from Matt Lautzenheiser, executive director of the Museum at Fort Missoula, on the history of the largest intact World War II internment site, a new grant to restore the barracks and what impact it will have on a national level.

Also hear how the pandemic is impacting the museum as it opens to the public and what restrictions are in place.

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Spotlight Montana: St. Ignatius company lands overseas contracts work $30 million Jun 11, 2020

S&K Logistics Services of St. Ignatius has been awarded two contracts for the Republic of South Korea Air Force F-15K Slam Eagle aircraft and the Royal Saudi Air Force F-15.

The contracts have a combined value of $30 million.

In Spotlight Montana hear from Troy Felsman, Corporate Project Manager of S&K Technologies, Inc., on what the contracts call for and it’s impact on the company worldwide.

Also hear how S&K Technologies, Inc., a family of companies spanning the globe, impacts the tribes back home and what changes they've made as a result of the pandemic.

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Spotlight Montana: Tip for Memorial Day weekend May 20, 2020

What you need to know before you hit the road on Memorial Day weekend.

Memorial Day weekend is almost here and it’s typically a time when millions of people hit the road for the long holiday weekend. But this year it could look a little different as a result of COVID-19.

In Spotlight Montana hear from Sergeant Sean Finley of the Montana Highway Patrol.

How they’re preparing for the long holiday weekend and important advise for drivers to make it a safe one.

You can find Spotlight Montana at nbcmontana.com, Itunes and Spotify.

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Spotlight Montana: UM working on vaccine for COVID-19 Apr 29, 2020

We are talking about some fascinating work happening at the University of Montana in Missoula.

It’s all thanks to a $2.5 million grant awarded to University of Montana for the development of a COVID19 vaccine.

Dr. David Burkhart is the Associate Director of the Center for Translational Medicine and co-founder of the team working on the vaccine.

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Spotlight Montana: MT Commissioner of Higher Education talks recovery from COVID-19 Apr 15, 2020

Commissioner of Higher Education talks about his recovery from COVID-19 and how the university system is responding to the outbreak.

One of the first confirmed cases of COVID-19 included Montana’s Commissioner of Higher Education Clayton Christian.

He joined me today for an exclusive sit down interview on Spotlight Montana.

Christian talks about his own recovery from the virus and how the university system is responding to the outbreak.

He also discusses what's next for students and faculty and much more.

You can watch Spotlight Montana at nbcmontana.com or listen to it on Spotify and Itunes.

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Spotlight Montana: Protecting your mental health during coronavirus Mar 25, 2020

People are experiencing a lot of stress lately over the coronavirus outbreak and in this Spotlight Montana we are focusing on ways to protect your mental health during this time.

We are here with licensed counselor Patrick Ryan from Western Montana Mental Health.

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Spotlight Montana: Call-to-action plan for fighting the coronavirus outbreak Mar 18, 2020

Laurel Staples sits down with Dr. Marc Mentel, D.O. for a live conversation regarding the Montana Medical Association's call-to-action plan.

Hear from the man behind the plan, Marc Mentel, D.O., president of the Montana Medical Association.

Mentel breaks down the five-step plan.

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Spotlight Montana: Official clarifies information on coronavirus Mar 04, 2020

Growing fears over the coronavirus is the focus of this week's Spotlight Montana.

Hear from the Ellen Leahy, director of the Missoula City-County Health Department.

She clears up misinformation, rumors and misconceptions surrounding the spread of the virus.

You can listen to Spotlight Montana on Itunes and Spotify.

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Spotlight Montana: Documentary about Richwine's Burgerville in Polson Feb 26, 2020

The documentary, Burger, Fries and Family Ties, is the focus of this week's Spotlight Montana.

It tells the story of Richwine’s Burgerville in Polson.

The film celebrates the drive-in restaurant’s 50 plus years in the business.

Hear from film producer David King and the owner-operator of Richwine’s Burgerville, Marcia Moen.

You can listen to Spotlight Montana on iTunes and Spotify.

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Spotlight Montana: Program to treat babies born with substance exposure Feb 19, 2020

Our latest Spotlight Montana focuses on babies born with substance exposure and a new program in Missoula to treat those babies.

Eat, Sleep and Console is a new approach to treating babies with withdrawal symptoms.

Hear from Community Medical Center's staff development coordinator Lara Porrini.

She explains how the program works, the goals of the program and how it involves the baby's mom.

Lara also clears up some of the misperceptions and explains where to go for help.

You can listen to the podcast at nbcmontana.com, Itunes or Spotify.

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Spotlight Montana: Infectious disease specialist breaks down coronavirus concerns Feb 05, 2020

The fast-spreading coronavirus is the focus of this week's Spotlight Montana podcast.

Hear from infectious disease specialist Pam Whitney with the Missoula City-County Health Department.

She shares important information you need to know, including symptoms and treatment, as well as how to prevent it from spreading.

Also find out what groups are most at risk and what's being done to prepare for it locally and statewide.

You can listen to Spotlight Montana on iTunes and Spotify.

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Spotlight Montana: Vaccine targeting opioid addiction with Dr. Jay Evans Jan 22, 2020

We continue our series on the opioid crisis. Our latest Spotlight Montana focuses on the development of a vaccine targeting opioid addiction with guest Dr. Jay Evans, director of the Center for Translational Medicine, University of Montana.

UM recently received a $3.3 million contract from the National Institutes of Health for the vaccine.

Find out how soon clinical trials could start, how the vaccine really works and how it could change pain management.

Also, find out what’s next for the program and what other vaccine projects they are working on.

You can also listen to the podcast at iTunes or Spotify.

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Spotlight Montana: Western Montana Avalanche Center Director Travis Craft Jan 15, 2020

In Spotlight Montana we speak with Travis Craft, director of the West Central Montana Avalanche Center in Missoula.

He talks about the recent slides, his own experience getting caught in a slide, important steps to take to stay safe in the backcountry and the science behind avalanches.

You can listen to the podcast at Itunes or Spotify.

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Spotlight Montana: UM Professor Mehrdad Kia on U.S. tension in Iran Jan 08, 2020

In Spotlight Montana we speak with University of Montana Professor of History Mehrdad Kia on U.S. tensions with Iran.

Professor Kia was born and raised in Iran.

Kia shares insights on the crisis, what it was like growing up in Iran and what happened when his father refused to support Iran’s new Islamic regime.

You can listen to the podcast at iTunes or Spotify.

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Spotlight Montana: Butte High's Catherine Russo qualifies for U.S. Olympic trials Dec 18, 2019

We speak with Butte High senior Catherine Russo and her coach Caty Flikkema of Bozeman.

Catherine recently qualified for the 2020 U.S. Olympic swim team trials.

In this podcast they talk about preparing for the upcoming trials, Catherine’s plans for college and her long-term goals.

You can listen to the podcast at iTunes or Spotify.

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Spotlight Montana: Riverfront Triangle in Missoula Dec 11, 2019

We spoke with Missoula businessman Nick Checota.

He is the owner of Logjam Presents, The Wilma Theater, Top Hat Lounge and the KettleHouse Amphitheater.

He talks about his latest project, the Riverfront Triangle development and what’s next for Missoula.

Checota also shares with us a preview of upcoming concerts, his plans for Bozeman’s music scene, business lessons learned, his background experience and what brought him to Montana.

You can listen to the podcast at Itunes or Spotify.

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Spotlight Montana: Seasonal affective disorder Dec 04, 2019

The dreaded winter blues, seasonal affective disorder.

In the spotlight is Western Montana Mental Health's psychiatric physician assistant Jackie Pfister.

Pfister discusses how to recognize the symptoms, what treatment options are available and ways to cope.

She also shares with us her story of what it’s like to live with seasonal affective disorder and what helped her the most.

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Spotlight Montana: Director now calls Montana home Nov 13, 2019

David King, director of Flathead Lake International Cinemafest, reflects on his 40 plus years in film and television, why he now calls Montana home, his latest projects, and what’s next.

In the spotlight David King, independent film producer, director of the Flathead Lake International Cinemafest

Independent film producer and director of the Flathead Lake International Cinemafest David King reflects on his 40 plus years of experience in film and television. Some of his projects include the Balto sequels, Lady and the Tramp II and Beauty and the Beast sequel. Recent projects include the award winning productions “My Grandpa’s Fiddle” and “Burgers, Fries and Family Ties”.

David also help create the Flathead Lake International Cinemafest (FLIC) in Polson where organizers are now getting ready to kick off the 8th annual event.

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Spotlight Montana: MCPS Superintendent Rob Watson Sep 04, 2019

It’s back to school time and our latest Spotlight Montana podcast features the new superintendent of Missoula County Public Schools, Rob Watson.

Hear from Watson on how MCPS is responding to a new whopping cough case and what parents need to know.

Watson discusses early enrollment and what schools could be next for boundary changes,

Watson also explains how a new mass notification system works, breaks downs changes to the lunch the program and what new feature students will see on school buses.

Finally, Watson addresses teacher turnover and retention issues.

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Spotlight Montana: What is being done about the opioid crisis Aug 07, 2019

We continue our series of podcasts on the opioid crisis.

Our latest Spotlight Montana podcast focuses on the pharmaceutical side of the crisis with guest Kim Madson, faculty member, Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Montana.

Learn how the crisis is impacting pharmacists, how it’s changing the curriculum for pharmacy students, the stigma of the epidemic, what the public can do to help and new information offering hope.

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Spotlight Montana: Wildfire season is upon western Montana Jul 17, 2019

Our latest Spotlight Montana podcast focuses on wildfire season with Jordan Koppen from the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.

Find out what officials are seeing for fire activity so far and how the current weather forecast could impact the outlook for the rest of the season.

Also hear what homeowners can do now to prepare and the misconceptions to avoid.

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Spotlight Montana: Opioid crisis, what’s being done to fight it Jun 26, 2019

Our latest Spotlight Montana podcast focuses on the opioid crisis.

In the spotlight Detective Dean Chrestenson of the Missoula Police Department and addiction recovery advocate Levi Bessette.

Learn how the crisis is impacting the region and what's being done to fight it along with what needs to happen to curb it.

Also hear Levi's story of his path to recovery and what he now wants to public to know.

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Missoula couple works to fight human trafficking Jun 19, 2019

Human trafficking is on the rise and a Missoula couple is working to turn that around.

Tami and Lowell Hochhalter join NBC Montana’s Laurel Staples for this week’s Spotlight Montana podcast.

They are the founders of The LifeGuard Group.

It’s a non-profit committed to fighting human trafficking and helping agencies and families search for those missing.

Hear the latest on their efforts to locate those missing, what it’s like for the victims and survivors of human trafficking, the warning signs parents need to look for and what new tactics traffickers are using.

Also learn how you can get involved.

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Spotlight Montana: Homelessness and a plan to end it Jun 05, 2019

Hundreds of communities across the country are centering on a 10 year plan to end homelessness including Missoula.

That's the focus of this week's Spotlight Montana podcast.

Missoula's 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness.

Hear from those behind the plan.

Is it working? What really defines an end to homelessness? What are the misconceptions and who are the homeless in the Missoula area?

The answer to that question just might surprise you.

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Spotlight Montana: Missoula area whooping cough epidemic and what's next May 29, 2019

As of Wednesday, May 29, there are 136 confirmed cases of whooping cough in Missoula County.

How long will the outbreak last and what is the Missoula City-County Health Department bracing for now? Also, new information on vaccines that just might surprise you.

Learn the answers to those questions and much more in this week’s episode of Spotlight Montana featuring Cindy Farr of the Missoula City-County Health Department.

You can listen to the podcast at nbcmontana.com, Itunes or Spotify.

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Spotlight Montana: Miss Montana to Normandy Project Apr 24, 2019

NBC Montana’s Laurel Staples interviews Eric Komberec, chairman of the Miss Montana to Normandy project and Jeff Sholty, project volunteer. Volunteers are preparing the historic C-47, “Miss Montana”, to join the D-Day Squadron and the Daks Over Normandy in commemorating the 75th anniversary of D-Day on June 6, 2019. Miss Montana will depart from Missoula on May 13. Eric Komberec and Jeff Shulty share the latest on preparations and what’s next for Miss Montana following the tribute in France.

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Spotlight Montana: Laurel Staples talks with Ethan Smith, MPD Crime Prevention Officer Apr 10, 2019

NBC Montana’s Laurel Staples follows up with Crime Prevention Officer Ethan Smith on recent complaints by residents and businesses in Missoula’s West Broadway corridor.

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Spotlight Montana: Laurel Staples talks with Missoula Co. chaplain Apr 03, 2019

NBC Montana’s Laurel Staples interviews Lowell Hochhalter, Chaplain for the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office.

Click here to listen to full Podcast

Missoula County Sheriff’s Office Chaplain Lowell Hochhalter joins Laurel Staples for Spotlight Montana.

Hochhalter provides support to officers going through difficult on-the-job situations including the recent shootings in Missoula and Evaro. He takes us through the events that unfolded that night and into the next day. Hochhalter shares insight into what happened and describes what officers went through.

Also hear his message to officers, victims, their families and communities affected.

You can also listen to the podcast on Itunes or Spotify.

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Spotlight Montana: Episode 2 with Meteorologist Mark Heyka Mar 21, 2019

NBC Montana’s own Chief Meteorologist Mark Heyka joins Laurel Staples for Spotlight Montana.

Mark Heyka grew up on a wheat and cattle farm near Belleville, Kansas. His love of weather goes back to childhood. He would watch the weather report on TV. He would then draw maps on chalkboards and pretend to be a weatherman!

March 2019 marks his 20th anniversary with NBC Montana. In this segment of Spotlight Montana, Mark talks about his 20 years of covering weather patterns in Montana, what weather trends he’s seeing and what it could mean for you in the coming years. In addition, hear what Mark says about current snow pack levels, how it compares to past years, the potential for flooding and the outlook for wildfire season.

Please email Mark at mheyka@sbgtv.com with any questions, comments or story ideas, or find him on Facebook. You can also follow him on Twitter @MarkNBCMT

Also, we would love to see your weather pictures. Just go to nbcmontana.com and share your media under Chime In.

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Spotlight Montana: Episode 1 with Montana Moment's Kevin Maki Mar 13, 2019

NBC Montana’s Kevin Maki on his Montana Moment series.

NBC Montana’s Laurel Staples interviews reporter Kevin Maki’s Montana Moment series

Click here to listen to full Podcast

NBC Montana’s own Kevin Maki joins Laurel Staples for Spotlight Montana.

Kevin Maki was born and raised on a farm in Corvallis. He’s the reporter behind NBC Montana’s ‘Montana Moment’ series. It’s a collection of stories that showcase Montana’s treasures and history. From the rock fences in the Bitterroot and Turkey Pete in Deer Lodge to The Garden of One Thousand Buddhas in Arlee Kevin talks about the stories, what inspired Montana Moment and the stories Kevin is working on now.

To watch all of Kevin’s Montana Moment stories go to nbcmontana.com.

Montana Moment airs on Sunday at 10p.m.

Send your Montana Moment story ideas to kmaki@sbgtv.com

Send your Spotlight Montana guest suggestions to lstaples@sbgtv.com

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