State seeks new judge in Flathead business lawsuits

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services has requested a new judge in its lawsuits against five Flathead County businesses, which call into question the state's ability to enforce masking and social-distancing requirements aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19.

The department entered its request in Flathead County District Court on Friday; state law says each party is entitled to one substitution of a district judge...