Ballots for Montana’s June 2 primary began to hit voters’ mailboxes this weekend.

According to the Secretary of State’s website, 509,399 absentee ballots were mailed to voters. As of Monday morning, 358 voters had already returned their ballots.

“Montana’s 2026 Primary Election is well underway, and the Montana Election Team is honored to serve our voters,” Secretary of state Christi Jacobsen said in a press release. “As a reminder, Montanans can view their sample ballot, track their absentee ballot, confirm their voter registration information, and much more at VoteMT.gov.”

Voted ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, June 2nd.

The Montana Election Team reminds absentee voters to sign, date, and add their birth year when returning their absentee ballot. County election officials provide instructions in the ballot packet, and more information is also available online at https://votemt.gov/absentee-ballot/.

Hikers in Northern Nevada may encounter rattlesnakes, though the snakes typically avoid people. Of the five venomous rattlesnake species found in Nevada, only one is commonly found in Northern Nevada.

However, rattlesnake encounters do still happen and hikers should know how to react if they come across the venomous snakes when on the trail.

Here’s a guide to what snakes are venomous throughout Nevada, how to spot them and what to do if you are bitten.

How do I spot a rattlesnake?

Rattlesnakes in North America typically have thick bodies, arrow-shaped heads and a rattle at the end of their tails that they shake when threatened. Five kinds of rattlesnakes are found in Nevada, mostly in the southern and central areas of the state. However, one species ranges across the Silver State — and it’s the one Northern Nevadans are most likely to encounter on a hike.

Great Basin rattlesnake

The Great Basin rattlesnake is the most common venomous snake in Northern Nevada and is found statewide. These snakes typically live in grassy, shrubby and rocky areas.

They are typically light brown with darker spots running down the center of their back. Their spots can come in shades of brown, gray, olive and yellow, according to the Nevada Department of Wildlife.

Sidewinder

Sidewinders are typically found in sandy terrain within areas of dense vegetation, where animal burrows provide shelter. They are also sometimes found in areas with sparse vegetation, like sandy washes. Sidewinders are found in Southern and Central Nevada in parts of Clark, Esmeralda, Nye and Lincoln counties.

You can identify a sidewinder by the raised scales above its eyes, which resemble small horns on its triangular head. It is a heavy-bodied pit viper with a light brown body and darker markings that help it blend into the sandy desert habitat. Sidewinders move with a distinctive side-to-side, S-shaped motion and have a rattle at the end of their tails.

Mohave green rattlesnake

Similar to sidewinders, these snakes prefer southern and central Nevada. They’re typically found in Nye, Esmeralda, Lincoln and Clark counties. Mojave greens are desert dwellers and favor areas with sparse vegetation.

NEW MEXICO (KRQE) — Four companies in New Mexico have been nominated for USA Today’s “Best Hot Air Balloon Ride” list for 2026. Voting is open now through June 1.

Here’s a look at the New Mexico nominees:

• Four Corners Balloon Rides (Albuquerque)
  • “Four Corners Balloon Rides will get you soaring above Albuquerque in a hot air balloon. They fly smaller balloons with a capacity of up to 12 passengers, and you can opt between shared flights or a private charter, with flights running for about 45 minutes to an hour. You’ll see beautiful views of the Rio Grande Valley, the Sandia Mountains, and all of Albuquerque some 2,000 feet below you. The pilot, Daniel, has over 3,000 hours of flight time, so you’re ensured to be in good, safe hands. “

• Rainbow Ryders (Albuquerque)
  • “As home to the International Balloon Fiesta, Albuquerque is one of the world’s most popular spots for hot air ballooning. Rainbow Ryders offers daily flights throughout the year, which have you floating above the high desert landscape of New Mexico, as well as the Phoenix-Scottsdale area. The company is also the official hot air balloon ride operator at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.“

• World Balloon (Albuquerque)
  • “World Balloon in Albuquerque, New Mexico, offers both group and private hot air balloon flights throughout the year. On flights that usually last an hour, passengers can enjoy unmatched views of the Rio Grande River and Bosque or watch the sunrise over the city.”

• X-Treme-Lee Fun Balloon Adventures (Gallup)
  • “X-Treme-Lee Fun Balloon Adventures provides a beautiful sunrise hot air balloon tour near Gallup, New Mexico. On journeys that typically last about an hour, passengers can enjoy views of scenic Red Rock Park’s canyons and spires.”

A total of 20 companies were nominated overall. Multiple companies in neighboring states were also nominated. Those include Above It All in Aspen, Colorado, Adventures Out West in Colorado Springs, Firebird Balloons in Phoenix, Grand Adventure Balloon Tours in Winter Park, Colorado, Hot Air Expeditions in Phoenix, and Red Rock Balloons in Sedona, Arizona.

The winner will be determined by readers’ votes. You can vote online.