News
‘Black Montana’: The forgotten history of the state’s families, settlers of color
The fact many people are surprised that Anthony Wood could write an entire book about the Black experience in Montana underscores the reason he did it. A doctoral history student at the University of Michigan and an Anaconda native, Wood wrote the 322-page academic study, “Black Montana: Settler Colonialism and the Erosion of the Racial […]
Biden says Russia has begun invading Ukraine, announces initial sanctions
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden said Tuesday that Russia’s actions in eastern Ukraine amounted to “the beginning of a Russian invasion” of that country that could get much worse in the days ahead. Seeking to deter Russian President Vladimir Putin from further military action, Biden said the United States would apply the “first tranche of sanctions” on […]
Hot springs and cool beetles: Insects living in Yellowstone’ extremes to thrive
When people think of animals in Yellowstone, the “charismatic megafauna” usually jump to mind—beasts like elk, bison, wolves, moose, and bears (oh, my!). But the National Park is also home to a hearty collection of insects that have developed unique capabilities to thrive in Yellowstone’s extreme thermal environments! The geology, chemistry, and microbiology of the thermal features […]
ACLU of Montana files brief challenging Knudsen’s appeal in Randall Menges case
The ACLU of Montana filed an amicus brief Friday asking a U.S. District Court judge to dismiss an appeal from the Montana Attorney General’s Office that, if granted, would require a Butte man who engaged in consensual same-sex activity more than two decades ago to register as a sex offender. The case revolves around Randall […]
Biden to impose sanctions on pro-Russian separatist region of Ukraine
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden issued an executive order Monday imposing sanctions on the two breakaway regions of eastern Ukraine that Russian President Vladimir Putin declared independent earlier in the day. The order bars new investment, trading and finance in the Donetsk People’s Republic and the Luhansk People’s Republic. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki […]
Flathead County Commissioner asks Gov’s office to help preserve ImagineIF Library funding
A Flathead County Commissioner reached out to the Governor’s Office in January seeking to preserve state funding for the county’s library system after the library board appointed a director who did not meet Montana’s state-adopted standards. The appointment of the new director on Jan. 6 came amid a series of high-profile discussions about whether to […]
Six months to live or die: The politics of liver transplants and alcholism
Brian Gorzney planned to check into rehab for alcohol use, he began vomiting blood. First at 2 a.m. Then 5. And again at 11. When he arrived at the rehab facility in North Kansas City, Missouri, they sent him directly to the adjoining hospital. There, Gorzney, then 50, and his family learned he had severe […]
Election lookahead: A possible GOP supermajority, a midterm environment, looming U.S. House races
The 2022 election in Montana is well underway. Such a declaration might seem a bit premature – there’s still time for new candidates to enter their races, dozens of contested primaries to be sorted before June, nine months before November. Some prospective electeds are likely still more concerned with calving season. Yet, with a pair […]
Sign of the times: A different sort of sickness called ‘Decision Fatigue’
Most all of us have felt the exhaustion of pandemic-era decision-making. Should I travel to see an elderly relative? Can I see my friends and, if so, is inside OK? Mask or no mask? Test or no test? What day? Which brand? Is it safe to send my child to day care? Questions that once […]
Missoula County Public Schools: Superintendent Rob Watson to resign, take helm of School Administrators of Montana
Missoula County Public Schools Superintendent Rob Watson announced Friday that he is leaving his position with the district effective June 30 to lead the School Administrators of Montana, according to a news release from MCPS. “It is with mixed emotions that I share this decision with you today,” Watson told District education leaders Friday morning; […]
Medical boards pressured to let it slide when doctors spread COVID misinformation
Tennessee’s Board of Medical Examiners unanimously adopted in September a statement that said doctors spreading COVID misinformation — such as suggesting that vaccines contain microchips — could jeopardize their license to practice. “I’m very glad that we’re taking this step,” Dr. Stephen Loyd, the panel’s vice president, said at the time. “If you’re spreading this […]
Special session push over PSC districts, elections stalls
A push from a group of Republican lawmakers to assemble the Legislature in a special session to redraw Public Service Commission districts has fizzled out. Rep. Derek Skees, R-Kalispell, who is running for PSC this cycle and has been the driving force behind the push for a special session, said in a letter to Gov. […]