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Service door of Crans-Montana bar where 40 died in fire was locked from inside, owner says

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Service door of Crans-Montana bar where 40 died in fire was locked from inside, owner says


The French owner of the Swiss bar where 40 people died in a fire during new year celebrations has told investigators a service door had been locked from the inside.

Jacques Moretti, co-owner of the Constellation bar in the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana, was taken into custody on Friday, as prosecutors investigated the tragedy.

Most of the 40 people who died were teenagers, and another 116 people were injured.

Moretti told the Valais public prosecutor’s office that he had found out about the locked door just after the deadly fire.

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When he arrived at the scene, he forced open the door, according to excerpts from police reports published by several French and Swiss media outlets confirmed to AFP by a source close to the case.

Moretti said he had found several people lying behind the door after opening it.

Initial findings suggest the fire was caused by sparklers coming into contact with soundproofing foam installed on the ceiling of the establishment’s basement.

Questions are also being raised regarding the presence and accessibility of fire extinguishers, and whether the bar’s exits were in compliance with regulations.

No safety inspections at site of Swiss bar fire for past five years, mayor says

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“We always add a sparkler candle when we serve a bottle of wine in the dining room,” said his wife and co-owner, Jessica, who was released after Friday’s hearing.

Moretti told investigators he had carried out tests and the candles were not powerful enough to ignite the acoustic foam.

He said he bought the foam in a DIY store and installed it himself during renovations carried out after buying the establishment in 2015.

Regarding the presence of numerous underage kids in the bar at the time of the tragedy, Moretti said the establishment prohibited anyone under the age of 16 and that customers aged 16 to 18 had to be accompanied by an adult.

He said he had given these “instructions” to the security staff, but acknowledged that “it is possible that there was a lapse in protocol”.

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The couple is suspected of “negligent homicide, negligent bodily harm, and negligent arson”.



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Montana Lottery Mega Millions, Big Sky Bonus results for May 26, 2026

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The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at May 26, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Mega Millions numbers from May 26 drawing

01-05-49-51-59, Mega Ball: 07

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

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Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from May 26 drawing

01-17-25-29, Bonus: 12

Check Big Sky Bonus payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from May 26 drawing

18-30-39-52-56, Bonus: 01

Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

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When are the Montana Lottery drawings held?

  • Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
  • Mega Millions: 9 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
  • Lucky For Life: 8:38 p.m. MT daily.
  • Lotto America: 9 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Big Sky Bonus: 7:30 p.m. MT daily.
  • Powerball Double Play: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
  • Montana Cash: 8 p.m. MT on Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Millionaire for Life: 9:15 p.m. MT daily.

Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Great Falls Tribune editor. You can send feedback using this form.



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Op-Ed: Montana Plan Hurts Montana Businesses

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Op-Ed: Montana Plan Hurts Montana Businesses


According to the New York Times, 300 individual billionaires spent more than $3 billion during the 2024 election cycle. Keep those figures in mind as you consider I-194 and its potential impact on Montana values.

The Montana Chamber of Commerce, the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce, and the Billings Chamber of Commerce have taken a clear and united stand against Initiative 194. We believe Montanans deserve a full and transparent explanation of why.

No doubt, I-194 would prohibit Montana businesses and nonprofits from participating in the political process. Under this initiative, family-owned businesses including farms, ranches, restaurants, and retail stores could not respond publicly to a ballot initiative targeting them. A Main Street restaurant could not support a local levy to improve public safety. A small business coalition could not push back against misleading claims that threaten their livelihoods and their employees’ jobs. These are not hypothetical concerns; they are the everyday realities of how Montana businesses engage in the civic life of our communities.

But make no mistake, I-194 does not remove big money from our politics.

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While cleverly named “The Montana Plan,” I-194 should be called the “California Plan” since California is home to more than 200 individual billionaires and places no restrictions whatsoever on out-of-state wealthy individuals. Under I-194, a single well-funded outsider could bankroll a campaign to devastate a Montana agricultural practice, a logging operation, or a ranching family, while the Montana businesses under attack would be legally silenced. That is not campaign finance reform. That is a one-sided disarmament of Montana’s own voices.

The supporters of I-194 like to reference the Copper King’s influence that occurred at the beginning of the 20th century. And while this initiative would have prohibited the Anaconda Copper Company from supporting candidates, the actual individual Kings of copper–the millionaires that owned those companies–would have still been free to bankroll their preferred candidates, while the rest of Montana’s small business community sat in silence. They would have loved this proposal.

Montana has a proud history of fighting outside influence in our politics, from the battles against the Copper Kings to the Corrupt Practices Act of 1912. But that Act targeted corruption and covert control of government, not the right of businesses and community organizations to have an open voice in the state they call home. There is a meaningful difference between a corporation secretly buying a legislator and a chamber of commerce publicly advocating for its members.

We raised constitutional and legal questions about I-194’s scope before the Montana Supreme Court because those questions deserved an answer. We respect the Court’s ruling. And now we are doing exactly what any organization or individual is entitled to do: making our case openly, with our names attached, and letting Montanans decide.

That is what chambers of commerce do. We advocate for Montana’s businesses and workers—the coffee shops, hardware stores, family farms, and yes, the larger employers whose presence helps keep smaller businesses alive. We are Montanans representing Montana’s economic engine.

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We agree that Montanans deserve a political system where their voices matter more than outside money. Silencing Montana businesses while leaving out-of-state billionaires free to spend without restriction does not achieve that goal. It simply changes who gets silenced.

We urge every Montanan to read I-194 carefully—all of it—and ask: Does this make our democracy stronger, or does it make some voices louder by making others disappear?

Montana Chamber of Commerce, Kalispell Chamber of Commerce, and Billings Chamber of Commerce



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Kick Off Summer With Family Fun In Bozeman

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Kick Off Summer With Family Fun In Bozeman


For the last several years, it has become a tradition to kick off the Montana summer with an event that is not only free, but fun for all. Oh, and the best part? It’s right here in Bozeman!

The 5th Annual Family Promise Summer Kick-Off will take place at the Family Promise building on Saturday, June 13th from 1 pm until 4 pm.  The event is free and everyone is welcome to attend.

There will be lots of different activities including a dunk tank, inflatables for the kids, face painting, a photo booth, balloon animals, a DJ, games, crafts, and more. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the arrival of summer.

Did we mention there will be free food?

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What can you expect?

For the 5th year in a row, there will be hot dogs and hamburgers/cheeseburgers, chips, and drinks. Oh, and don’t forget the sno cones! Plus, you can learn all about how Family Promise helps our community by serving those in need.

None of this would be possible without the help of our wonderful sponsors who make sure that this event is always a hit.

We want to thank the folks at Town and Country Foods, Harrington Pepsi, Tropical Sno, your local McDonald’s, and The Northern Rocky Mountain Group at Morgan Stanley. Their generosity is unmatched and we are grateful for their support in making sure this event happens each year.

Once again, it’s the Family Promise Summer Kick-Off and it happens on Saturday, June 13th from 1 pm until 4 pm. We’ll see you there!

The 6 Best Things About Growing Up In Montana

Big Sky Country, The Treasure State, The Last Best Place, Home…whatever you call Montana, there is no denying it is a one-of-a-kind place with amazing scenery, outdoor adventure, and small towns throughout the state that embrace tradition and tight-knit communities. We asked you what made growing up in Montana so great, and you answered.

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Gallery Credit: Derek Wolf

Montana’s Best Camping Spots For Summer

For many locals and tourists, camping in Montana is a real treat. Sleeping in an RV or a tent while making meals over a campfire is a memory maker. Here in Montana, we have several spots that are excellent for camping, but which spots are the best? We take a look at some of the Top Spots according to Map X Hook.

Gallery Credit: Derek Wolf

The Best Small Towns In Montana

Montana is full of small towns; however, when it comes to the most charming, the most affordable, the safest, and the most scenic, which towns top the list? Let’s take a look at 5 hidden gems that are located right here in Big Sky Country.

Gallery Credit: Derek Wolf

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