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‘I’m humbled it gets to be me’: Zephyr to be the first out trans woman in Montana Legislature
When the wheels touched down in Missoula on Nov. 8, Zooey Zephyr was the last to deplane. It was election night, and Zephyr learned she had won her race in House District 100. People sitting next to her told her they were supporters and soon-to-be constituents. On her way off of the plane, Zephyr turned […]
Lawmakers adopt revenue estimates, told to avoid ‘sugar high’
Lawmakers were warned on Thursday: Don’t be tempted by the “sugar high.” That was how a temporary bump in revenue was described by economic experts who explained to lawmakers that the numbers seen on the report were more a factor of federal stimulus than change in the state’s steady economic fortunes. Legislators were advised Thursday […]
Montana Department of Corrections researching drones as possible solution to staffing shortage
The state Department of Corrections is looking at drones as a potential solution at the Montana State Prison, which has experienced severe staffing shortages along with an overcapacity prison population. Tuesday, legislators and stakeholders heard a presentation on how Nevada is considering using drones as part of a $240 million program to make up for […]
Cascade County goes ‘bright red’ on election night
The race for Clerk and Recorder in Cascade County is in possible recount territory — with Republican Sandra Merchant, a business woman from upstate New York, squeaking ahead of Democrat and 16-year veteran of the office Rina Moore by 20 votes. Republicans in Cascade County saw wins across the board this week, with every partisan […]
‘Absolutely insane’: Cascade County Election Official says cops called after skeptics escalate
Law enforcement was called Friday after a group of election integrity skeptics in Cascade County escalated tactics, circling the county office and waiting for election officials and staff to come outside, according to County Clerk and Recorder Rina Moore. The last year already had been an “absolute nightmare” for her and her elections staff because […]
Montana Legislature will have a Republican supermajority and PSC will remain all GOP
One of the most fervent Montana supporters of election fraud and a longtime legislator was one of the few incumbents to lose on Election Day as power of the Treasure State Legislature remained firmly in Republican control — and GOP control increased, as widely anticipated. Rep. Brad Tschida, R-Missoula, had been a frequent and vocal […]
Attorney Brown concedes to incumbent Justice Gustafson in heated Montana Supreme Court race
Attorney James Brown conceded the race for the second seat on the Montana Supreme Court to Incumbent Justice Ingrid Gustafson in a press release Wednesday morning. Gustafson, who first took the seat in 2017, raked in 54 percent of the vote with nearly 70 percent of precincts reporting. Public Service Commission President Brown brought in […]
Rosendale wins re-election to Congress in Eastern District race in Montana
Incumbent Rep. Matt Rosendale was re-elected to serve in Congress in Montana’s new eastern district, with the Associated Press calling the election with nearly 70 percent of precincts reporting, according to the Montana Secretary of State’s Office. With 57 percent of the vote, Rosendale won over Democrat Penny Ronning, Independent Gary Buchanan and Libertarian Sam […]
Montana’s statewide results trickle as digital privacy amendment seems certain
The first real blast of winter hit Montana on Monday and into Election Day and while it didn’t appear to dampen voters’ spirits, results seemed to match the slower place as less than 15% of votes were tallied by 11 p.m. About the only race that seemed to be definitive was a little covered constitutional […]
Montana SOS: About 57% of absentee ballots are in, snow may impact in-person vote
About 57 percent of absentee ballots had been received as of Sunday evening by the Secretary of State’s Office, according to a spokesperson. Monday, Communications Director Richie Melby said at the same time during the 2018 midterm elections, 71 percent of absentee ballots had been received. “It’s not necessarily an apples-to-apples comparison due to the […]
Small food producers want more clarity from Montana Local Food Choice Act
Some small food producers in Montana are upset with what they see as a lack of clarity in the Montana Local Food Choice Act. Passed in the last legislative session as Senate Bill 199, the law exempts certain homemade food producers from requirements put on industrial food producers like licensing, permitting, labeling and inspection. Pamela […]
Women’s groups sue state of Montana over alleged discrimination in insurance law
Editor’s note: This story has been updated with comments from the Commissioner of Securities and Insurance. Women’s organizations were among plaintiffs suing the State of Montana over a law that permits setting insurance rates based on sex or marital status that passed during the 2021 legislative session. Plaintiffs claim in a lawsuit filed Wednesday that […]