Government & Politics
Court date set for gender discrimination case against University of Montana, university system
A trial date is set for early next year in the lawsuit a group of women filed against the University of Montana and Montana University System alleging gender discrimination. In August 2021, one current and three former high-ranking employees from UM alleged the flagship created a “discriminatory and hostile” environment for women, preventing their career […]
Legislature overrides veto on state agency ‘right-to-know’ bill
At least one bill vetoed by Gov. Greg Gianforte will become law after a two-thirds majority vote by the legislature. House Bill 693, which surrounds agency compliance with public information disclosures, passed a veto override on Friday with 105 votes from both chambers. The joint rules state lawmakers can be polled if the governor vetoes […]
Low fertility rates, high housing prices mean fewer children in most states
Thirty-five states have fewer children than they did five years ago, a situation caused by declining birth rates nationwide, but also by young families migrating across state borders in search of cheaper housing. Even in the 15 states that gained children, all but North Dakota experienced greater growth in the adult population, meaning children now […]
Democrats ask for explanation on stalled budget bill, others, call delays ‘chaotic way to govern’
Montana’s Democratic legislative leadership sent a letter Friday to Senate President Jason Ellsworth calling on him to sign several bills that have been awaiting his signature for weeks so they can be sent to the governor. For several weeks since the legislature adjourned May 2, six bills that were passed by lawmakers, sent through the […]
U.S. Senate sends Biden debt limit legislation ahead of Monday default deadline
WASHINGTON — The bipartisan debt limit bill is on its way to President Joe Biden after the U.S. Senate voted Thursday to clear the measure for his signature. The 63-36 vote followed several amendment votes, all of which were rejected. Biden is expected to quickly sign the package, preventing a default on the debt that […]
Butte-Silver Bow cancels library event with trans speaker citing new drag story hour ban
The Butte-Silver Bow Public Library canceled an event featuring a transgender speaker that was slated for Friday at the request of the county attorney over concerns it could violate the newly enacted ban on drag story hours in Montana. “We regret to announce cancellation of our highly anticipated ‘First Friday’ speaker. This decision is in […]
Coalition sues state in federal court for coal mining laws passed by legislature
A coalition of Montana groups have filed a lawsuit in federal court arguing that newly passed laws that lawmakers say will speed up permitting of surface coal mines would have made the Copper Kings of Montana proud by gutting protections for the citizens and clean water. The Montana Environmental Information Center, Sierra Club, Wildearth Guardians […]
Election monitor files first reports with Great Falls Library mill levy election on Tuesday
The court appointed election monitor for the Great Falls Public Library mill levy election filed four reports with the court since last week detailing ballot mishaps in the Cascade County Election Office. Voter Peter Russette received six absentee ballots, none of which were for residents at his address and did not include his own ballot, […]
U.S. Senate votes to block student loan relief, White House will veto
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate on Thursday voted to overturn the Biden administration’s one-time student debt relief plan that is on hold due to a pending Supreme Court decision. President Joe Biden has vowed to veto the resolution, but the 52-46 vote forced vulnerable Senate Democrats up for reelection in 2024 to take a public stance on […]
Court likely to declare birth certificate rule unconstitutional and hold state agency in contempt
In a court case dealing with how to change a birth certificate in Montana, previous hearings have been so contentious that the state’s Supreme Court had to step in to clarify to the state how a preliminary injunction works, Thursday’s district court hearing struck a completely different tone. Thane Johnson, who represented the State of […]
U.S. House approves debt limit package, sending it to Senate days before default deadline
WASHINGTON — The U.S. House took a broadly bipartisan vote Wednesday night on the debt limit package, sending it to the U.S. Senate where lawmakers are expected to vote quickly to clear the measure. The bill would suspend the nation’s borrowing limit through Jan. 1, 2025 and set caps on discretionary spending for two years. […]
‘We use it to feed our families’: Montanans talk about why they’re challenging TikTok ban
They heard the pitch and they believed in it. At least two of the Montana residents who have sued the state over its first-of-a-kind ban of the social media app, TikTok, told the Daily Montanan: They believed it when Gov. Greg Gianforte and other state leaders went on a campaign to recruit young couples back […]