Politics & Government
The Daily Inter Lake’s Politics & Government section delivers updated local and national political coverage, featuring legislative developments, elections, policy debates, and government actions shaping Montana.
Trump administration cancels rule that made conservation a 'use' of public lands
The Interior Department is canceling a rule that put conservation on equal footing with development, as President …
Bar Association gives thumbs-down to Katie Lane’s District Court nomination
Katie Lane, the Bozeman attorney nominated to U.S. District Court by President Donald Trump, has become the first judicial nominee of Trump’s second term to be…
Mayor’s vote seals Kalispell Land Use Plan despite conflict-of-interest warning
Mayor Ryan Hunter cast the tie-breaking vote to adopt Kalispell’s new land use plan Monday night despite the city attorney’s warning that his participation cou…
Montana Supreme Court denies governor’s request to take up property tax case
The Montana Supreme Court dismissed Tuesday a petition from Gov. Greg Gianforte that it take control of a property tax lawsuit over Senate Bill 542.
Business groups sue to stop proposed ban on political spending in Montana
The Kalispell Chamber of Commerce is one of several organizations to file suit over a proposed ballot initiative to ban corporate spending in politics, arguing…
Republican legislator rolls out new property tax cap initiative
A new initiative to cap local property tax increases at 2% was rolled out Monday by Republican legislator Wylie Galt of Martinsdale.
Gianforte administration reverses guidelines for permits, again allowing for weekend events at the state Capitol
The Montana Department of Administration has reversed its guidelines that prohibited permits for weekend rallies at the state Capitol.
Updated stormwater plan identifies system shortfalls in Kalispell
Public Works staff on Monday presented Kalispell City Council with new data they say will help upgrade the stormwater system to prevent flooding.
Zinke looks to zip up western congressional race in favor of Flint
It was the talk of every town in western Montana in early March: Ryan Zinke had dropped out of the race for Congress, just two days before campaign filings off…
Kalispell City Council reviews updated stormwater plan
Kalispell City Council on Monday will review the city’s updated stormwater facility plan.
Lincoln County benefits from federal dollars
Resuming SRS funding also reduces pressure on the Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program.
Montana Supreme Court upholds housing reform laws
The Montana Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld a slate of pro-construction housing laws that were proposed by a housing task force established by Gov. Greg Gianfo…
Governor asks state Supreme Court to settle property tax lawsuit
Almost a year after its passage, the Montana GOP fight is intensifying over Gov. Greg Gianforte’s property tax legislation package — a signature policy effort …
Kalispell seeks firm for fire station project
The Kalispell Fire Department is looking for a firm to design and build a new station on the rapidly growing west side of town.
Federal appeals court upholds injunction on Montana’s drag ban
The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld provisions last week blocking Montana from enforcing a ban on drag story hours and performances in public schools and libraries.
Kalispell City Council hosts public hearing on new land use plan
Residents on Monday night can share their thoughts with Kalispell City Council on the draft land use plan meant to guide development for the next 20 years.