News
Biden meets with leaders of tribal nations, signs order easing access to federal funds
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden signed an executive order Wednesday that would make it easier for tribal nations to access and invest federal funding on their own terms. “It’s hard work to heal the wrongs of the past and change the course and move forward,” Biden said. “But the actions we are taking today are key steps […]
Lawsuits: Some of Louisiana governor’s transition team operated illegal Montana dump for years
A co-chairman on Gov.-elect Jeff Landry’s coast and environment transition team has been embroiled in litigation for nearly a decade because of his alleged illegal operation of a dump for toxic and hazardous oil and gas waste in Montana, according to court records. And another member of that team was co-owner of the company that […]
Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy to exit Congress, along with a flock of other lawmakers
WASHINGTON — Former U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy Wednesday joined the growing list of Congress members heading for the U.S. Capitol exits. McCarthy’s planned departure by year’s end, following the expulsion of disgraced New York Republican Congressman George Santos, will leave the House GOP with a razor-thin majority in 2024. The California Republican’s announcement also came one […]
Wisconsin’s fake electors settle lawsuit, acknowledge Biden won in 2020
The 10 Wisconsin Republicans who posed as electors for President Donald Trump in 2020 even though he had lost the election settled a lawsuit against them Wednesday, acknowledging their actions were part of an effort to overturn the election results. The lawsuit was filed last year by two of the state’s rightful electors, alleging the […]
Labor complaint filed against Butte veterans’ center
The Teamsters Local Union No. 2 has filed a complaint against the Southwest Montana Veterans’ Home alleging unfair labor practices. In a brief phone call Tuesday, Chris Cotton, administrator for the center in Butte, denied the allegations, filed this week with the National Labor Relations Board, or NLRB. Erin Foley, principal officer for the Local, […]
Lawsuit claims Montana ‘food freedom’ act endangers public, eliminates local control
A former senior sanitarian and food safety expert with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services has filed a civil lawsuit against the state saying that bills carried by Sen. Greg Hertz violated the Montana Constitution and the Republican senator from Polson was instrumental in pressuring him out of the department for sounding […]
Montana sues Meta, alleging Instagram violates consumer protection laws
After being dealt a blow in the state’s efforts to ban TikTok, Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen is now suing Instagram and its parent company and affiliates alleging the company makes adult content available for children and violates state and federal consumer protection laws. Knudsen, on behalf of the state, filed a lawsuit Friday in […]
Florida congressman proposes federal funding to help schools fight book bans
WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost unveiled legislation Tuesday to combat a nationwide surge in book bans. Frost, a Florida Democrat, is pushing the “Fight Book Bans Act,” which he discussed at a press conference outside the U.S. Capitol alongside fellow House Democrats and advocacy groups. Frost’s bill would provide funding for school districts so […]
Border talks stuck as Senate nears vote on package for Israel, Ukraine aid
WASHINGTON — The success of the U.S. Senate in passing a $106 billion global security supplemental aid package hinges on a bipartisan agreement about U.S. border security, but any deal was at an impasse Tuesday. “There will not be a national security bill unless and until there is serious and significant changes in security at […]
Montana attorneys argue against injunction asking judge to block new voter requirements
State attorneys responded to a request for a preliminary injunction that would block new Montana voter registration requirements already in effect by telling a judge the additional requirements only strengthen existing law and saying the plaintiffs in the case took too long to ask for an injunction if they were worried about the law’s effects. […]
Tuberville relents on months-long blockade of most military nominees, blaming Democrats
WASHINGTON — After blocking hundreds of U.S. military promotions for most of 2023 in protest of a Pentagon abortion policy, Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama said Tuesday he will lift his holds on all of them except for a handful of four-star general nominees. The senator, who sits on the Senate Committee on Armed Forces, […]
Pennsylvania senator pushes review of U.S. investments in China but hits roadblock in House
WASHINGTON — A bipartisan measure that would require screening of U.S. private investments in high-tech enterprises in China, Iran, North Korea and Russia may not be included in Congress’ annual defense policy legislation. The Senate approved the so-called “outbound investment” amendment, 91-6, to its version of the National Defense Authorization Act in July, with proponents arguing it was needed […]