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Resolution to fund reservation law enforcement poised for Senate passage, other updates
Here’s the status of some of the legislation the Daily Montanan has covered this session so far. Follow bills through the Montana Legislature’s website. Senate Bill 154, which drew heavy opposition and questions over its constitutionality at its first committee hearing, passed the Senate Judiciary Committee last week 7-4 on party lines. The measure seeks to […]
Bill to repeal Montana’s energy policy up for third reading in House, other updates
Here’s the status of some of the legislation the Daily Montanan has covered this session so far. Follow bills through the Montana Legislature’s website. A bill to repeal Montana’s energy policy is up for its third reading on the House floor Monday. It passed 67-32 on second reading. The energy policy was first adopted in […]
Former legislator Ed Butcher selected to fill Rep. Flament’s seat
Former legislator Ed Butcher was selected to fill Rep. Doug Flament’s seat in House District 29 near Lewistown, as confirmed by a House GOP spokesperson. The Republican central committees in Fergus and Petroleum counties chose three candidates, including Terry Gill and John Koch, according to Communications Director Madison Atkinson. Fergus County and Petroleum County Commissioners […]
Rep. Doug Flament submits resignation citing health reasons
Rep. Doug Flament, R-Lewistown, submitted his resignation due to health reasons to the Secretary of State’s Office on Tuesday, according to his resignation letter. “Unfortunately, I have received the diagnosis of a serious health issue that must be addressed immediately; I must leave the state to be treated,” Flament said in his letter. “Because of […]
Group of Republicans announce creation of Montana Freedom Caucus
A group of Montana Republicans announced this week they formed the Montana Freedom Caucus, which includes all four of the Republican members appointed to the newly created select committee on election integrity. The caucus is led by Sen. Theresa Manzella, R-Hamilton, while its vice chairman is Rep. Jerry Schillinger, R-Circle. Rep. Bob Phalen, R-Lindsay, and […]
Gianforte urges Board of Regents to ban TikTok on university campuses
Gov. Greg Gianforte urged the Board of Regents to ban the social media app TikTok within the Montana University System citing security risks in a letter on Tuesday. This follows Gianforte’s memo to Chief Information Officer Kevin Gilbertson last month that the app would be banned from state devices, for state business, and while connected […]
Gianforte announces board appointments to handful of statewide commissions
Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte announced six appointments to various statewide boards and commissions on Tuesday. The Montana Code Annotated notes that officers who are not appointed by a method outlined in the state’s constitution or statutes must be appointed by the governor by and with the advice and consent of the senate. The following list […]
The Top 10 most viewed commentaries on the Daily Montanan for 2022
If Minnesota has 10,000 lakes, then Montana should be known for having at least that many opinions on any given subject. Montana isn’t the type of place that is accustomed to biting tongues. It’s a full-throated kind of place where everyone weighs in. As such, the Daily Montanan continues to bring award-winning commentary and opinion […]
American Lung Association: Just 16 percent of Montanans smoke, but tobacco leading cause of death, disease
More than 16 percent of Montanans smoke, and tobacco is the leading cause of death and disease in the state, the American Lung Association said this week in a news release encouraging people to quit. The association also noted tobacco use has been declining in Montana for decades. “Each year, quitting smoking is listed as […]
The top 10 most read stories on the Daily Montanan in 2022
Montana, you love stories about Yellowstone National Park, public lands and politics. Since the Daily Montanan’s inception in 2021, we’ve published more than 3,700 articles, pieces of commentary and information. And we’re looking forward to the news of 2023. Here, by ranking, are the Top 10 stories that were read during 2022 on our site. […]
The Daily Montanan’s top 10 stories of 2022
2022 … it’s been … real. The year kicked off with legal adult marijuana use in Montana, and we Montanans waged court battles over other products of the 2021 legislature, laws related to voting, wolves and vaccines. With the Covid-19 vaccine, drug therapies and boosters widely available, many had hoped the new year would be […]
FWP: Wolf trapping opens in grizzly bear habitat in Montana
Wolf trapping season is open as of Saturday, Dec. 24, in all areas of occupied grizzly bear habitat across the state, including deer and elk hunting district (HD) 130 in northwest Montana, Fish, Wildlife and Parks said Friday in a news release. The news release noted wildlife staff completed its final assessment of grizzly bear […]