And now:Sonja Keohane <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: <http://www.billingsgazette.com/region/991014_reg03.html> Tribes in Montana get $8M from U.S. to combat crime WASHINGTON (AP) - The Justice Department awarded $89 million in grants to Indian communities in 26 states - including Montana - to hire, train and equip police officers and to build new jails and detention facilities. The grants are aimed at reducing crime among the 1.4 million Indians living on or near Indian lands. Government studies show that Indians are victims of violent crime more than twice as often as any other major group and are more likely than others to be attacked by people of other races. The largest Montana grant went to the Northern Cheyenne tribe, $4.62 million, followed by the Fort Peck tribes, $2.3 million, and the Blackfeet Tribal Business Council, $515,312. Other Montana grants were: Chippewa-Cree, $150,260; Crow, $86,483; Confederated Salish and Kootenai, $85,671; and Fort Belknap, $65,464. "These grants for additional officers, training and facilities will help ensure that all native Americans living on Indian lands will enjoy the decrease in crime being felt throughout the nation," said Attorney General Janet Reno, who met with tribal leaders Wednesday to discuss crime issues. -----end of excerpt----