Editorial
To find our opinion based editorials, see below. We'll share opinion based editorial articles regularly for interested viewers.
Switch to mail ballots will boost Kalispell turnout
Voters in Kalispell municipal elections will now receive their ballots exclusively by mail.
Don't dismiss code enforcement so quickly
Talk of launching a code enforcement program in Kalispell among city councilors last week ran aground on two obstacles — funding and philosophy.
Bill amendment changes our tune
Sen. Carl Glimm’s property tax-relief plan is riding a swell of support as it floats closer to a final vote in the House.
For DOGE, the buck stops at the White House
If you thought Ol Sleepy Joe Biden was napping away retirement from his Delaware home, you’d be sorely mistaken.
Legislator dismissive of nonprofits’ impact
Montana’s arts and culture organizations not only enrich our communities with live theater, music, literature and history — they wield a massive economic impact.
Uncertain times for Medicaid benefits
About 75,000 low-income Montanans will continue to have access to critical health benefits thanks to a coalition of moderate lawmakers who rallied last week to permanently renew the state’s Medicaid expansion progr…
Legislation shields corporations from accountability
A trio of bills that would help shield BNSF Railway from lawsuits related to Libby’s Asbestos Superfund site was in front of the Legislature last week.
Affordability challenges remain as boom era subsides
Five years after the Covid-19 pandemic threw Montana into an unprecedented growth spurt, the state has begun to recalibrate.
No time to waste during biennial sprint
To maximize impact, Montana’s legislative sessions must be treated as a full-bore Usain Bolt sprint. The 90-day dash is over in a blur and there is no time to waste on half-baked bills and partisan nonsense.
Regier’s plan makes middle-class a priority
Lower taxes have been a key talking point for Gov. Greg Gianforte as he rolls out his budget priorities for the 2025 Legislature, and last week he showcased his plan to reduce the state income tax rate for most ear…
Seek tax relief without strangling tourism
Tax relief is top of mind for the 2025 Legislature and lawmakers are getting creative with proposed solutions — some better than others.
Montana benefits from Interior pick Burgum
The namesake of North Dakota’s Theodore Roosevelt National Park is well known for the adage, “Speak softly and carry a big stick.” Seek diplomacy and compromise, but be willing to stand up for what’s best for the n…
Montana puts muscle into AIS prevention
Montana’s waterways remained free of new aquatic invaders in 2024 thanks to the cooperative effort of federal, state, tribal and local entitles.
Cats ready to make history in Frisco
More than four decades has passed since Montana State University won an FCS football national championship. That was a 19-6 win over Louisiana Tech in 1984, fo…
Collaboration needed to solve biggest issues
The proverb "actions speak louder than words" comes to mind when considering the unfortunate failure of Flathead County's three municipalities to come together to discuss homelessness and its impact on the valley.
Housing program deserves full support
Montana has become one of the most unaffordable states for homebuyers, and Flathead County is one of the least affordable counties in the state.