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…
Former Montana university leader Seth Bodnar launches independent campaign against GOP Sen. Daines
Former University of Montana President Seth Bodnar is launching an independent campaign to challenge Republican U.S. Sen. Steve Daines in November, after Democ…
Kalispell Council wants backup power source for public safety building after windstorm exposes vulnerabilities
Kalispell City Council on Monday opted to pursue a state grant for a backup generator for the city’s public safety building after a December windstorm left the…
Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen joins contest for Zinke’s western U.S. House District seat
In yet another twist in Montana’s western U.S. House District contest, Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen announced Tuesday that she will be running to replac…
Rep. Ryan Zinke to retire at end of current term
Montana U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke announced Monday that he will retire at the end of his current term in Congress and will not seek re-election.
Kalispell City Council to hire contractor to replace wells contaminated by forever chemicals
Kalispell City Council is expected to hire a contractor on Monday to drill six new drinking water wells to replace sites contaminated by what are commonly know…
Heino faces Republican challenger in bid for third term as Flathead County sheriff
Marion resident Evie Cahalen, 65, has launched a bid to unseat incumbent Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino, 47, who is seeking a third term in office.
Deadline for tax rate reductions extended
The deadline to apply for a couple of new property tax rate reductions has been extended through March 20.
Dems want details on federal wildland fire service
A group of Democratic congressional leaders on Wednesday asked Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to halt creation of a consolidated federal wildland fire service …
Health board accepts septic regulation changes, sends to commissioners for final approval
After months of discussion, the Flathead City-County Health Board accepted changes to the county’s septic regulation and construction standards — sending them …
Kalispell City Council debates future development along US 93
City councilors shared their visions Monday for future development along U.S. 93 in North Kalispell during a review of the new land use plan meant to guide the…
Early candidate filings prep multiple primaries in Northwest Montana
Midway through the candidate filing period, a handful of races in Northwest Montana have emerged as hotbeds of intraparty competition.
Affordable housing advocate running for Flathead County commissioner seat
Focused on addressing Flathead County’s growing pains, Whitefish resident Nathan Dugan launched his bid to unseat incumbent Commissioner Brad Abell over the we…
Kalispell City Council continues review of land use plan
Kalispell City Council on Monday night will continue reviewing a new land use plan meant to guide the city’s growth for the next 20 years.
Split on property taxes deepens in state GOP
In a visual representation of a deep split among conservatives in Montana, four chairs were laid out on the stage at the Montana GOP kickoff event in Great Fal…
Kalispell to take third shot at federal grant to finish south half of U.S. 93 Bypass
Kalispell City Council on Tuesday night voted to reapply for a federal grant to fund the completion of the south half of the U.S. 93 Bypass.