Government & Politics
Biden nixes Keystone XL Pipeline
In one of his first official acts after taking office, President Joe Biden revoked the federal permit for the Keystone XL crude oil pipeline that would have traversed eastern Montana on its way from the Alberta oilfields to the Gulf of Mexico. The Wednesday move at least temporarily halts the construction on the highly contentious […]
The inauguration speech of Joseph R. Biden, Jr.
Chief Justice Roberts, Vice President Harris, Speaker Pelosi, Leader Schumer, Leader McConnell, Vice President Pence, distinguished guests, and my fellow Americans. This is America’s day. This is democracy’s day. A day of history and hope. Of renewal and resolve. Through a crucible for the ages America has been tested anew and America has risen to […]
Biden administration proposes path to citizenship for 11 million
WASHINGTON—President Joe Biden is poised to send a sweeping immigration reform bill to Congress Thursday that would lay out a path for nearly 11 million undocumented people to obtain citizenship within eight years. Immigration has been one of the toughest issues for Congress to tackle, and the legislation’s fate is unclear in a House in […]
Montana lawmaker: Bill could cost MSU, UM $4.5M each
A bill that would allow guns on campus could cost Montana State University and the University of Montana at least $4.5 million each – every year – said Sen. Diane Sands, a Missoula Democrat. “These are expensive costs when we have a university system that also struggles to be adequately supported in our state budget,” […]
Abortion bills get committee vote Thursday
Lawmakers on the House Judiciary Committee will vote Thursday on a series of proposals to limit abortions in Montana, part of a broader push by legislative Republicans to pass conservative social policies that stalled at the desk of a Democratic governor in past sessions. The bills would create restrictions around the margins of abortion law […]
Testimony positive for direct patient care bill
Dr. Brandon Bilyeu knew when he was in a high school class in Red Lodge what he wanted to do. He wasn’t going to be a surgeon. He wasn’t going to invent a cure for cancer — nice as that would be. He told the Senate Business, Labor and Economic Affairs Committee on Wednesday that […]
Biden calls on nation to ‘end this uncivil war’
WASHINGTON — Calling on Americans to bridge the widening divisions in the country, Joe Biden became the 46th president of the United States on Wednesday, completing the peaceful transition of presidential power on the same stage where a violent mob just two weeks ago sought to prevent him from taking office. Standing before an unusually […]
Gov. Gianforte nominates director of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks
Gov. Greg Gianforte announced Wednesday his nomination of Henry “Hank” Worsech to lead the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. “Protecting our public lands and conserving wildlife is a shared priority of landowners, hunters, anglers, and all Montanans who cherish our outdoor heritage. It’s part of what defines our Montana way of life,” Gianforte said […]
Going the way of the Whigs: Zachary Taylor and the current political crisis
Lost in the avalanche of images that has bombarded us since last week’s Capitol insurrection, was one of a small, blood-smeared, white marble bust of our 12th president, Zachary Taylor. Perhaps like many Americans you slept through history class when the course breezed through that brief sixteen-month period when Taylor served, March 1849 to July […]
Gov. Gianforte announces nominee to lead DPHHS
The former secretary of Kentucky’s Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Adam Meier, has been nominated by Gov. Greg Gianforte to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, his office announced in a press release Tuesday afternoon. “As Montana continues to confront the pandemic and the epidemic of addiction and drug use, an innovative, […]
Hawley delays Homeland Security nominee
WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley will object to the rapid confirmation vote planned for President-elect Joe Biden’s pick to lead the Department of Homeland Security, part of the national security team that was expected to be confirmed Wednesday. Hawley, a Missouri Republican, announced his opposition to Alejandro Mayorkas following Tuesday’s hearing on the DHS […]
Colorado sues BLM over resource management plans, citing Montana case
Colorado has challenged a federal Bureau of Land Management plan for the southwestern part of the state, arguing the plan was invalid because the Trump administration leader of the agency was illegally holding the office. The state’s Department of Natural Resources filed the suit in federal court on Friday, seeking to overturn a resource management […]