News
Rep. Bedey tests positive for COVID-19
State Rep. David Bedey has tested positive for COVID-19, the Legislature’s coronavirus panel said Thursday night. Bedey contracted the virus “via a non-legislative, non-Capitol contact that occurred prior to the start of the session,” legislative COVID-19 Panel Presumptive Chair Jason Ellsworth announced. He is asymptomatic and in quarantine. Ellsworth, R-Hamilton, said in a statement that […]
Dems mull impeachment as talk of Trump pardoning himself grows
WASHINGTON — Among the factors undergirding the new effort by House Democrats to impeach President Donald Trump again is a controversial legal theory that doing so could bar him from pardoning himself, according to those involved. The theory is among the many reasons — and there are many, as tempers still flare after an violent […]
Gianforte taps Kuhl to lead Department of Indian Affairs
Gov. Greg Gianforte announced in a news release Wednesday that Misty Kuhl will lead the Department of Indian of Affairs for his administration. “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve Montana and our Native nations, and am excited to build on Jason’s Smith’s work for the last eight years. I love our vibrant, resilient, […]
Liability shield bill a priority for Gianforte
A Senate panel will debate legislation Friday that would make it substantially more difficult for patrons of businesses and other entities to sue if they believe they contracted COVID-19 on the premises. The bill, Sen. Steve Fitzpatrick’s SB-65, closely aligns with legislation that Gov. Greg Gianforte said this week he wants on his desk if […]
Could the 25th Amendment be used to remove Trump?
WASHINGTON — A rapidly rising number of federal lawmakers are calling for President Donald Trump to be removed from office, either through a process outlined in the 25th Amendment or through impeachment. The Democratic leaders of the U.S. House and Senate gave their support to calls for his removal that began Wednesday, after Trump incited the […]
Gianforte unveils his first budget
In his 2023 biennium budget announcement Jan. 7, Gov. Greg Gianforte focused on lowering taxes, reducing spending and enticing private businesses to remain — or relocate — in Montana. Dubbed the “Road Map to the Montana Comeback,” some of Gianforte’s proposals included: Decreasing general fund spending by $100 million during the two fiscal years from […]
National Guard sent to D.C. as police defend response to mob takeover at Capitol
WASHINGTON — A day after a violent mob seeking to overturn the election forced its way into the U.S. Capitol, the chief of the law enforcement officers tasked with protecting that building and those who work inside said Thursday that “a thorough review” is underway of the incident and the security procedures that fell short. […]
‘Tuition freeze’ a priority for Dems; GOP leader said it’s unlikely
When Allison Reinhardt testifies at the Capitol for the 2021 Montana Legislature, she’ll advocate on behalf of some 40,000 students. Among their needs? Food. “Our food pantry, ‘Bounty of the Bridgers,’ has been hard pressed lately because there are so many people who are food insecure right now, especially in family and graduate housing,” said […]
Montana AG Knudsen favors gun expansion bill
Montana’s top law enforcement officer, Attorney General Austin Knudsen, testified Wednesday in favor of a bill that would reduce restrictions on firearms in Montana, such as a general prohibition against guns on college campuses. “I think this is a very clear mandate from the voters of Montana,” Knudsen said. In a hearing of House Bill […]
Judge tosses newspaper lawsuit, rules school district didn’t violate First Amendment
ROUNDUP – A Musselshell County Judge has ruled that Roundup Public Schools didn’t violate a media company’s First Amendment rights when it barred reporters and broadcasters from attending girls’ volleyball games. Judge Randal I. Spaulding denied the Yellowstone County News a preliminary injunction, which would have forced the district to allow the media company owning […]
Sen. Steve Daines changes course and will certify election results
Sen. Steve Daines has changed course and announced that he will vote to certify the presidential election results, while Rep. Matt Rosendale announced he will continue to object the results. Daines’ decision comes after a pro-Trump mob swarmed the U.S. Capitol Wednesday in an attempt to obstruct congress from certifying the election results. “We […]
Trump supporters gather in Helena
HELENA — More than 100 supporters of the outgoing president gathered peacefully outside of the Montana state capitol Wednesday as mobs of pro-Trump rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol and clashed with police 2,100 miles away in an attempt to prevent the transition of presidential power. Setting the tone in Montana on Wednesday was Dave Von […]