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…
Bobby’s Law receives widespread support from state lawmakers and local advocates
Legislation mandating harsher penalties for drunk drivers is poised to reach the governor’s desk after receiving near-unanimous support from the state Senate.
PSC’s open District 5 seat draws varied crowd
One of Montana’s smallest agencies offers one of its biggest election bouts this year following recent legislative audit scrutiny.
Montana lawmakers push for reauthorizing Keystone XL
President Joe Biden canceled the long-disputed pipeline project in one of many executive orders on his first day in office, angering Republican lawmakers who h…
States on hook for billions under Trump’s unemployment plan
A plan from President Donald Trump to extend additional unemployment benefits requires states to provide 25 percent of the funds, and it's unclear whether stat…
Mass testing, empty ICUs: Germany scores early against virus
BERLIN (AP) — Late last year — long before most people had heard of the new coronavirus now sweeping the globe — scientists in Germany sprang into action to de…
Trump says 'life and death' at stake in following guidelines
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump warned Americans to brace for a “hell of a bad two weeks” ahead as the White House projected there could be 100,000 to…
Fake news or the truth? Russia cracks down on virus postings
MOSCOW (AP) — Two weeks ago, an opposition-leaning radio station in Russia interviewed political analyst Valery Solovei, who alleged the government was lying w…
Churchgoers flock to hear Louisiana pastor despite virus ban
CENTRAL, La. (AP) — Buses and cars filled a Louisiana church parking lot for another service Tuesday evening as worshippers flocked to hear a Louisiana pastor …
More than 50 infected with virus at California nursing home
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A Southern California nursing home has been hit hard by the coronavirus, with more than 50 residents infected — a troubling development amid…
Census Day arrives with US almost paralyzed by coronavirus
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Census Day — the date used to reference where a person lives for the once-a-decade count — arrived Wednesday with a nation almost paralyze…
BP announces North Slope worker tests positive for COVID-19
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — A worker on Alaska's North Slope tested positive for COVID-19, BP announced Tuesday.
Liberal groups start effort to target 'corporate' Democrats
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A coalition of liberal groups has begun a campaign to target critical moderate New Mexico Senate Democrats who have blocked some liberal proposals.
Early divisions as Congress weighs next help for economy
WASHINGTON (AP) — The bipartisan partnership that propelled a $2.2 trillion economic rescue package through Congress just days ago is already showing signs of …
Trump allies warn against feud with swing-state governor
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — President Donald Trump's allies are trying to contain a politically risky election-year fight with Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer as he s…
Republicans favor absentee ballots by request amid pandemic
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico Republican Party is objecting to universal mail-in balloting procedures proposed by local election officials in response to the coronavirus pandemic as a substitute for in-perso…