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.
Counting machines add vote of confidence to elections security
The conference room of the Flathead County Elections Department whirred with noise. Volunteers rattled off strings…
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.
Montana Attorney General issues cease and desist over Helena immigration resolution
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has found a resolution the Helena City Commission passed last month in response to aggressive federal immigration enforcement around the nation “appears to be a blatant viola…
Zinke says Iran War could end in just a few weeks
Congressman Ryan Zinke spoke to the War in Iran while visiting Kalispell Monday, saying he supported President Trump’s decision to take action against the coun…
Legislative committee continues to press secretary of state for info on mailer costs, voter files
Legislators on the State Administration and Veterans’ Affairs Interim Committee on Monday discussed subpoenaing information from Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen about the costs of mailing 467,000 postcards feat…
Kalispell Planning Commission backs rule changes eliminating public hearings on subdivisions
The Kalispell Planning Commission on Tuesday night backed changes to subdivision regulations that would scrap public hearings on site-specific projects.
Kalispell Council voices concerns over proposed county septic rule changes
Kalispell city councilors voiced concerns Monday over proposed changes to county septic regulations striking the requirement that all septic systems use pressu…
Dems focus on affordability at Whitefish forum for congressional candidates
Democratic candidates for Montana’s western congressional district took center stage at Whitefish Performing Arts Center on Monday night.
Kalispell Planning Commission weighs changes to public comment process on proposed developments
The Kalispell Planning Commission on Tuesday night is inviting residents to weigh in on potential changes to subdivision rules that would eliminate public hear…
Zinke celebrates securing federal infrastructure funding for counties in Northwest Montana
Congressman Ryan Zinke symbolically delivered checks for infrastructure projects in Flathead, Sanders and Lincoln counties on Monday, his first public appearan…
Kalispell City Council to finish land use plan review, discuss county septic regulation changes
Kalispell City Council on Monday will wrap up its review of a new land use plan designed to guide development decisions for the next 20 years.
GOP primaries set for multiple Northwest Montana races
Campaign filings closed at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, sealing the roster of candidates set to compete for seats in both the federal and state delegations.
Candidates enter Flathead County races
Four candidates are running for county commissioner.
Sen. Steve Daines has dropped his bid for reelection to a third term
Republican U.S. Sen. Steve Daines of Montana dropped his bid for reelection to a third term Wednesday.
Sheehy joins scuffle with anti-war protester on Capitol Hill
Montana Sen. Tim Sheehy got into an altercation with an anti-war protester during an Senate Armed Services Subcommittee meeting that appears to have left the p…