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YPR News Desk
Jackie Yamanaka, News Director
E-mail Jackie Yamanaka
to submit a Press Release or otherwise contact the YPR News Department
Yellowstone Public Radio Honored for Excellence
in Broadcast Journalism
YPR won four 1st place awards and one honorable mention at the 10th annual presentation
of the Joe Durso Awards. The awards are presented in honor of the late Joe Durso,
Jr., a longtime broadcast journalism professor at the University of Montana.
The award ceremony took place at the 25th annual meeting of the Montana
Associated Press Broadcasters Association.
Winner of multiple Joe Durso Awards over the years, YPR News Director Jackie
Yamanaka won Best Radio Newswriting, Best Radio
Enterprise, and Best Radio Spot News Edited. YPR's Morning
Edition anchor, Kay Erickson, took home Honorable
Mention in Best Radio Spot News Edited for the third straight
year. And, also for the third consecutive year, YPR's New Media Manager
/ Assistant General Manager Ken Siebert won Best Radio
Web Page for http://www.ypradio.org/.
YPR News Audio Archive
YPR maintains an archive of News Director Jackie Yamanaka's recent stories.
They are available for on-demand streaming using the Windows
Media format.
 HHS Secretary Sebelius/State Reports
aired June 26, 2009
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius released a series of reports on the current status of health care across the country.
She told reporters via a telephone conference call the findings highlight the urgent need to reform the country’s health care system. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services : http://healthreform.gov/
2009 Fire Season Projection
aired June 26, 2009
A federal fire manager says while much of Montana is green, the situation can quickly turn brown and dry.
Federal, state, and local fire officials held a briefing at the Interagency Dispatch Center in Billings. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
Billings Interagency Dispatch Center: http://www.blm.gov/mt/st/en/prog/fire/bdc.htm
Northern Rockies Coordination Center: http://gacc.nifc.gov/nrcc/
National Interagency Fire Center: http://www.nifc.gov/
Contaminated Cooke City Water
aired June 24, 2009
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has identified several possible sources of contamination affecting the public water system in Cooke City.
Officials say at this point, no one has reported becoming ill as a result of the E. Coli and fecal coliform contamination. As Jackie Yamanaka reports, steps are in place to replace the water system in Cooke City.
Boil Order Fact Sheet: http://deq.mt.gov/tempdocs/BoilOrderFactSheet.pdf
Federal Stimulus Spending/Montana Website
aired June 24, 2009
Governor Brian Schweitzer unveiled a new state website that tracks how Montana's share of the federal stimulus money is spent. During a press conference at the Capitol, Schweitzer said the website gives the public direct access to the information.
Boil Order for Cooke City
aired June 22, 2009
The state of Montana issued an immediate boil order for Cooke City after E. Coli bacteria was detected in the community's public water system. The Montana Department of Environmental Quality says E. Coli was detected last Monday. Officials say bacterial contamination can occur when increased run-off enters the drinking water source. Officials advise people to boil their water before drinking it, brushing teeth, washing dishes and using for food preparation. Water should be brought to a boil and left to boil for at least one minute before use. The boil order remains in effect until further notice.
On behalf of the Cooke City Water District: Drinking Water Notice (.doc file)
ARRA Funding for Shiloh Road
aired June 22, 2009
Governor Brian Schweitzer was joined by several state and local officials for a groundbreaking ceremony for Montana's first road project to be paid for with federal stimulus dollars. As Jackie Yamanaka reports, the road project is in Billings.
MT Board of Regents: MUS Fees & Virtual Academy
aired June 18, 2009
The Board of Regents approved fee increases for the Montana University
System (MUS). The Regents also approved a proposal to host the K-12 Virtual
Academy at the University of Montana. The actions came during a conference
call. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
WGA/Renewable Energy
aired June 16, 2009
Obama administration officials pledged to work with governors across the west to speed up approval for new energy and transmission projects. The comment came during the annual meeting of the Western Governors' Association. That meeting wrapped up in Park City, Utah, after some of the governors held a press conference. Jackie Yamanaka joined via conference call and has this report.
Billings Depot Celebration
aired June 16, 2009
The Billings Depot celebrates its centennial this year. As part of the festivities, people can buy tickets to ride aboard the story book favorite Thomas the Tank Engine. As Jackie Yamanaka reports, three charitable organizations received $10,000 worth of tickets for next month's event.
More information: http://www.billingsdepot.org/dowt/dowt_main.html
MERLIN
aired June 15, 2009
An administrator in the Department of Justice defended the state computer system for motor vehicle records.
County officials and residents have criticized the long lines that the new Montana Enhanced Registration and Licensing Information Network , or MERLIN, created.
Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol.
Medicaid
aired June 15, 2009
Montana has seen a dramatic increase in its Medicaid caseload since last November. The program pays for medical care for low-income and disabled individuals and families. As Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol, a legislative committee got an update on this program as well as on a program geared toward children.
Clean Energy Jobs
aired June 10, 2009
A new report predicts jobs in the clean energy economy are poised for explosive growth across the country. The report by the Pew Charitable Trusts says jobs in this sector have been growing since 1998 spurred on by public demand, government action and venture capital investment. Jackie Yamanaka has more on the findings for Montana and Wyoming.
Pew Charitable Trusts report: http://www.pewtrusts.org/our_work_report_detail.aspx?id=53260
Tester and Disabled American Vets
aired June 5, 2009
Senator Jon Tester told a conference of Disabled American Veterans in Billings there's been progress in Congress to address their needs but more needs to be done. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
Otter Creek Public Meetings
aired June 4, 2009
The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation has scheduled two public meetings this month to collect comments on the Otter Creek coal reserves in southeastern Montana. As Jackie Yamanaka reports, these meetings are focused on the recent appraisal of these state-owned coal reserves.
More information about the public meetings for the Otter Creek appraisal: http://dnrc.mt.gov/About_Us/meetings.asp#lb
More information about the Otter Creek Coal tracts: http://dnrc.mt.gov/trust/MMB/otter_creek/Default.asp
Montana Health Care
aired June 3, 2009
Montana's senior U.S. Senator, Max Baucus, is leading the charge for health care reform. Because of that, groups around the state are organizing rallies to add their voices to the debate. As Jackie Yamanaka reports, a group advocating national health insurance for all Americans plans six rallies across the state on Friday.
Montana Meth Project
aired June 2, 2009
The new executive director of the Montana Meth project was in Billings to talk about the future of the anti-meth campaign. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
Better Business Bureau
aired June 1, 2009
Magazine sales, collection agencies, furniture companies and car dealerships are among the top complaints that send Montanans to the Better Business Bureau. The information is from statistics compiled through April of this year by the Bureau. Kay Erickson has more.
Obama Officials in Montana
aired May 27, 2009
The U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary says the federal government will offer an additional $250 million in competitive grants to Native American communities. The dollars are to improve housing and stimulate reservation economies. The announcement came following a tour of the Northern Cheyenne Reservation. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
Summer Youth Employment
aired May 25, 2009
The Human Resources and Development Council in the Billings area has a summer employment program that puts local teens to work. This summer thanks to the stimulus bill, a lot more youth are going to be bringing home a paycheck. Kay Erickson takes a look at the Summer Youth Employment and Training Program.
For more information contact Anne McLain at (406) 247-4756 or go to the HRDC office in Billings at 3124 1st Avenue North.
Common Ground Garden
aired May 18, 2009
Vegetable gardens are popular now that the First Family has its own at the White House. But a Billings church has been the real garden trendsetter. Kay Erickson explains.
Swine Flu/Hand Washing
aired May 7, 2009
Montana and Wyoming still have no confirmed cases of swine flu, or the H1N1 virus, but it's still a threat. Part of the effort to combat it is the practice of good hygiene, including hand washing. But to be effective, hand washing is anything but simple. Kay Erickson explains.
New Passport Regulations
aired May 4, 2009
Beginning June 1st, U.S. citizens will be required to have a passport, or special ID, when travelling to any foreign county, even Canada. Kay Erickson explains.
For more information: http://www.getyouhome.gov/html/eng_map.html
Budget Wrap
aired April 29, 2009
The state budget soon will be among the bills delivered to the governor’s desk.
Senate President Bob Story says he hopes the administration won’t make too many major changes to the budget.
Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
Sine Die
aired April 28, 2009
Lawmakers adjourned after giving final approval to a state budget and addressing the effects of the recent property reappraisal.
The fate of these and other issues are now in the hands of the governor for the final say.
Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol on the final legislative day.
Final Reappraisal
aired April 28, 2009
Passage of a bill to mitigate the expected property tax increases for a number of Montana homeowners eased the way for lawmakers to adjourn.
As Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol, all eyes watched the tied House debate the issue. The bill’s passage allowed lawmakers to wrap up their work and adjourn.
Swine Flu Testing
aired April 28, 2009
Testing is the key to determining if Montana has its first case of swine flu. State health officials are urging people with influenza-like symptoms to see their health care provider and get tested. Kay Erickson explains what happens next.
Budget Bills Head to the Floor
aired April 28, 2009
The select committees unanimously advanced a trio of bills all dealing with the state budget.
Lawmakers take up the budget bills today, the last scheduled legislative day. Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol.
Senate Accepts Committee's Changes to Stimulus Bill
aired April 28, 2009
The Senate accepted the changes made to Montana’s federal stimulus spending bill by a conference committee.
The action came after budget negotiators worked out the differences between the versions passed by the House and Senate. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
Tentative State Budget Agreement
aired April 27, 2009
Key House and Senate budget negotiators over the weekend reached a tentative agreement on the state’s main budget bill.
Ideological differences had caused a stalemate. But as Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol, the negotiators say for now, the log jam has broken.
Budget Talks Moving Forward
aired April 25, 2009
Two key budget committees are to resume hammering out differences on the state’s main budget as well as Montana’s share of the federal stimulus spending package.
As Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol, key negotiators are more hopeful they can strike a deal and finish work by Tuesday’s deadline and avoid a special session.
Budget Maneuvers
aired April 23, 2009
This morning the House fired a shot to try to make Senate Republicans move from their position on the state budget.
All 50 House Democrats were joined by one Republican to disband a key budget conference committee. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
Senate Confirms Bucks
aired April 23, 2009
The full Senate confirmed Department of Revenue Director Dan Bucks to another 4-year tearm.
Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol.
Bergren on Compromise
aired April 22, 2009
Speaker of the House Bob Bergren says he’s willing to compromise on the expansion of children’s health insurance. It’s one of the major sticking points in negotiations over final legislative agreement on the state budget.
Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol.
Senate Committee Approves Bucks' Reappointment
aired April 22, 2009
A unanimous Senate Taxation Committee voted in favor of the Governor’s reappointment of Dan Bucks as director of the state Department of Revenue.
Jackie Yamanaka reports on the appointment that has generated some controversy at the Capitol.
More Judges
aired April 21, 2009
The Montana Legislature overwhelmingly rejected an amendment by the governor to delay the date to add three new district judge.
Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
Property Tax Bill
aired April 21, 2009
The House overwhelmingly rejected the Senate’s changes to a bill to mitigate the effects of the property reappraisal.
The action sends the bill to a conference committee to work out the differences.
As Jackie Yamanaka reports, this is one of the major issues facing lawmakers in the final days of the 2009 Legislative session.
No Red Light Cameras
aired April 20, 2009
The House and Senate both agree: Bozeman, Billings, and any other Montana community should not be allowed to use cameras to document when a driver runs a red light and then mail violators a traffic ticket.
A joint House-Senate conference committee convened on House Bill 531 because the two chambers disagreed on whether to grandfather communities that installed the cameras before a law might be enacted. That panel voted overwhelmingly last week to remove the provision.
As Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol both the House and Senate voted to accept the conference committee's recommendation.
Budget Negotiations
aired April 17, 2009
The negotiators have begun working out the differences between the House and Senate on the state’s main budget bill. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
Red Light Camera Ban
aired April 17, 2009
A House-Senate Conference Committee overwhelmingly removed a provision in a bill that would have let Bozeman keep its cameras to record traffic infractions and mail violators a ticket.
Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
House Rejects Senate Amendments to Budget Bill
aired April 16, 2009
As expected, the House overwhelmingly rejected the changes the Senate made to the state’s main budget bill. The action will send the measure to a conference committee to work out the differences. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
Property Tax Mitigation
aired April 15, 2009
The Senate Taxation Committee passed a bill that seeks to mitigate the effects of the recent the property reappraisal. But the sponsor of the bill says he remains against the bill in its current form because it doesn’t do enough for homeowners. Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol.
Senate Passes Federal Stimulus Spending Package
aired April 14, 2009
The Senate gave preliminary approval to a bill for Montana’s share of the federal stimulus spending package.
The state’s share is roughly $880 million. Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol.
Ashlee Young
aired April 13, 2009
Yesterday a dream came true for one young Billings woman. She played on one of the world's greatest stages - Carnegie Hall. Kay Erickson caught up with the pianist during a practice session last week.
Stream Access Bill Signing
aired April 13, 2009
Governor Brian Schweitzer signed into law a bill that guarantees recreationists a legal right to access rivers and streams at public bridges. Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol.
More on Senate Budget Debate
aired April 10, 2009
The Montana Senate gave preliminary approval to the state budget bill for the coming two years.
Republicans held firm against Democratic attempts to restore full funding for the voter-passed Healthy Montana Kids Initiative and for education. Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol.
Senate Debates Budget
aired April 9, 2009
The Montana Senate gave preliminary approval to the state budget bill for the coming two years.
Democrats were unsuccessful in their attempt to restore full funding for the voter-passed Healthy Montana Kids Initiative and for education in the Republican-dominated chamber. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
Insurance Coverage for Autism
aired April 9, 2009
The Montana House gave preliminary approval to a bill to require insurance companies to pay for medically prescribed autism treatment. As Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol, the bill received strong bipartisan support.
Jobs Bill/Weatherization
aired April 8, 2009
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, otherwise known as the jobs bill, was signed into law just two months ago. Already it's having an impact on the Billings economy. Kay Erickson reports.
Republican Reaction to CHIP Funding
aired April 7, 2009
Senate Republicans continue to defend the budget reductions they’ve made so far in committee. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol as the full Senate is poised to debate the state’s main spending bill Thursday.
Democrats Renew Fight for CHIP
aired April 7, 2009
Democratic leaders say they will continue to fight for full funding to expand the children’s health insurance program. Republicans on the Senate Finance and Claims Committee refused to do that last Friday.
Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol.
Folk Festival Funding
aired April 6, 2009
The chairman of the House Appropriations Committee is sponsoring a bill to provide some state funding for the National Folk Festival’s return to Butte this year and next. Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol.
School Facilities Fund
aired April 6, 2009
Montana’s public schools have nearly $360 million worth of facilities projects that need funding. A statewide report detailing the needs of public schools was released last July.
As Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol, lawmakers heard about a bill to create a special account to begin addressing some of that maintenance.
Post College Jobs
aired April 6, 2009
A recent survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers has some discouraging news for college students about to graduate. The association's latest results show a significant drop in the number of college graduates they're planning on hiring. But those helping Montana students find a job say this state might be an exception. Kay Erickson has more.
Senate - Budget Cutting Begins
aired April 3, 2009
Republicans used their majority on the Senate Finance and Claims Committee to begin the process of trimming the state budget.
As Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol, the first action was to enact a two-percent-across the board spending cut for nearly all state agencies.
Senate - Waiting on the Budget
aired April 2, 2009
The Republican chairman of the Senate Finance Committee is hoping the panel can emerge with a budget that has bi-partisan support.
Senator Keith Bales decided against voting on any of the spending bills awaiting action. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
House Appropriations - Autism Coverage
aired April 1, 2009
Tears flowed during a hearing as parents called on lawmakers to mandate that insurance companies cover medically necessary treatment for their autistic children.
Insurance and business representatives say forcing them to provide such coverage will cause more people to become uninsured. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
Red Light Cameras
aired March 31, 2009
The Senate gave preliminary approval to a bill to ban cameras that record traffic infractions and mail violators a ticket.
As Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol, Senators amended the bill to allow communities that already have such red-light cameras to keep them.
House Passes Stimulus Spending Bill
aired March 26, 2009
The Montana House approved a spending plan for the $880 million of federal stimulus money the state is poised to receive.
The federal legislation directs where most of the money is to be spent. Discussion on the bill centered around the discretionary dollars.
As Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol, Representatives made only minor changes.
For more information:
Link to the bill: http://data.opi.mt.gov/bills/2009/billhtml/HB0645.htm
Legislative Fiscal Division: http://leg.mt.gov/css/fiscal/default.asp
Federal Stimulus Overview (.pdf file)
Senate Begins Work on HB2
aired March 25, 2009
The Senate began work on the state’s main budget bill. Officials are bracing for further reductions, but how much will be cut is a subject of disagreement.
As Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol, there’s a difference of opinion over whether the budget bill needs to be structurally balanced.
Miles City Fire Update
aired March 25, 2009
It took over 3.25 million gallons of water and over 24 hours of firefighting, but the fire in historic downtown Miles City is over. Now a new phase of work begins. Kay Erickson reports.
Local Option Tax Heads to Senate Floor
aired March 24, 2009
The Senate Taxation Committee voted to send a local option tax bill to the Senate Floor for debate.
Senate Bill 506 seeks to give local governments the authority to ask their voters if they want to impose a narrow sales tax on the goods and services used primarily by tourists and use the revenue generated to reduce property taxes.
The committee also passed a bill to grant a capital gains tax credit for small business owners. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
UM President Dennison
aired March 23, 2009
University of Montana President George Dennison says he’s telling prospective students and their parents it’s too early to know if tuition will rise this year. Dennison was visiting Helena high schools on an outreach visit.
Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
Autism Coverage
aired March 23, 2009
The Senate Finance Committee approved a bill to mandate insurance companies to cover treatment for autistic children.
The bill earlier passed the Senate, but was referred back to committee because of its fiscal impact on state insurance plans. Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol.
Capital Gains Tax
aired March 20, 2009
Lawmakers heard arguments over whether Montana’s capital gains tax helps or hurts small business owners.
The tax is assessed on the profit realized from the sale of things like stocks, investment real estate, or a business.
Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol on two bills seeking to change the state’s capital gains tax law.
Local Option Tax
aired March 18, 2009
Montanans should be able to decide whether to impose a narrow sales tax aimed at the goods and services used by tourists. The money raised would be used to reduce property taxes.
Opponents counter Montanans will be the ones paying the brunt of the tax.
The arguments were offered at the Montana Legislature on a local option sales tax bill.
Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
House Stimulus Resolution
aired March 17, 2009
The Montana House gave preliminary approval to a resolution to accept the money from the federal stimulus package.
As Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol, House Joint Resolution 33 provoked a partisan debate over whether Montana should accept the money.
State Budget Passes House
aired March 17, 2009
A bi-partisan Montana house gave initial approval to the budget bill. Representatives spent only one day debating House Bill 2.
As Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol, lawmakers raced through deliberations by limiting speeches on the floor and rejecting numerous attempts to make further budget cuts.
Budget Debate Begins in House
aired March 16, 2009
At the Montana Legislature, Representatives are debating the state budget for the coming two years. From the beginning, a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers began rejected a series of amendments to further slash spending. This includes removal of money to fund the voter-passed ballot measure to insure more Montana kids. Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol.
Legislature Stimulus Resolution
aired March 12, 2009
Legislative leaders say they’ve had a resolution drafted to request and accept the federal stimulus money.
The action takes care of the dispute between the executive and legislative branches of government over who will take responsibility for the money. Either the governor or the legislature has to act by April 3rd. Governor Brian Schweitzer said last week he’s uncomfortable acting until he sees a finished bill on his desk. Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol.
Stimulus for Education
aired March 12, 2009
Education officials say they welcome the federal stimulus dollars that will soon be flowing, but that the money won’t prevent cuts to public schools or higher education.
The five joint appropriations subcommittees began hearings on House Bill 645. The measure appropriates Montana’s share of the federal stimulus money. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
Montana Stimulus Bill Introduced
aired March 11, 2009
After weeks of anticipating and preparing for Montana’s share of the federal stimulus dollars, House Bill 645 was formally introduced in the House Appropriations Committee. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol. House Bill 2 Deal -Reaction
aired March 10, 2009
Senate President Bob Story is pleased Representatives worked in a bipartisan way to strike a deal on the state’s main spending bill. This includes funding for children’s health insurance. But he questions whether the House brought the budget any closer to being structurally balanced. Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol.
State of Tribes Address
aired March 10, 2009
Full State of Tribes Address (WMA)
 Full State of Tribes Address (MP3)
The chairman of the Confederated Salish-Kootenai tribes says Montana’s tribal nations want to help Montana economically.
James Steele delivered the State of the Tribal Nations address at the Montana Legislature. Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol.
House Bill 2 Deal
aired March 10, 2009
At the Montana Legislature, Representatives cut an additional 60-million dollars out of the state budget. And as Jackie Yamanaka reports, by doing so they were able to fund the voter initiative – Health Montana Kid’s Plan.
Capital Gains Tax Proposal
aired March 9, 2009
Senate Republicans say they want to give a tax incentive to businesses to come or start-up in Montana.
They announced their proposal to lower certain capital gains taxes. Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol.
Annual Sessions Bill
aired March 9, 2009
Lawmakers are considering a bill for a proposed constitutional amendment calling for annual legislative sessions.
Senate Bill 348 passed the Senate. The House is now considering the idea. Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol.
Governor's Stimulus Deadline
aired March 6, 2009
Governor Brian Schweitzer wants lawmakers to deliver a bill to appropriate federal stimulus dollars on his desk by April third. Some lawmakers say they probably can do that, but they wonder why the rush? Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
Senate Finance Committee/Education Bills
aired March 6, 2009
Montana is making progress with its school funding system, but there’s more that needs to be done. School officials delivered that message to the Senate Finance and Claims Committee. The panel heard about two companion education funding bills. Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol.
House Appropriations/Education Budget
aired March 5, 2009
A key House committee tackled the budgets for K-12 education, higher education, and other state agencies at the Montana Legislature.
The House Appropriations Committee largely stuck to the budget recommendations from its joint Education Subcommittee.
As Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol the only major action by the panel was to remove new money added to the education budget.
Stimulus Oversight Committee
aired March 4, 2009
Montana officials agree. They want accountability and transparency for the federal stimulus dollars the state receives. They disagree over what entity should provide oversight.
Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol.
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