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.

Water isn’t free. Exempt well policy pretends it is

Last month, the senator from Martinsdale received harsh criticism from dozens of opponents on his bill to “revise exempt water rights laws.”

Legislation limits choices for voters

There’s an effort in the Legislature to keep Montana citizens off the ballot.

Legislation limits choices for voters

There’s an effort in the Legislature to keep Montana citizens off the ballot.

Flathead Pep Band is heartbeat of school spirit

The Flathead High School Pep Band is thriving this year, as it does every year, bringing energy and excitement to every event they play.

HB 490 is a crucial step for Montana’s safety and resilience

As general managers of Montana’s electric cooperatives, we are writing to urge our state senators and communities to support House Bill 490.

Judge rules for developer, Lincoln County in Thompson Chain of Lakes suit

It appears there is one less obstacle to a developer’s plans to build a RV park at Happy’s Inn following a recent court ruling in Lincoln County.

Kalispell City Council to discuss creating city code enforcement program

Kalispell City Council on Monday will consider hiring code enforcement personnel to oversee several areas of municipal code.

Lake County commissioner slams Polson Police chief's book

What’s typically a cordial monthly meeting between city and county government officials collapsed last Tuesday afternoon, after Lake County Commissioner Gale Decker opened the session which he introduced as “a hearing” – by lambasting a book recently published by Polson Police Chief George Simpson.

Legals for March, 19 2025

Governor’s ‘slush fund’ may get legislative oversight

A pot of money estimated to grow to more than $100 million by the end of 2026 — and referred to as the governor’s “slush fund” — may end up having direct oversight by the Montana Legislature.

Appeal filed in Glacier Park home case

The Flathead Conservation District and Friends of Montana Rivers and Streams have filed an appeal to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in the case of a home built on private land along the banks of McDonald Creek in Glacier National Park.

This is what we stand to lose

With eyes wide open, the American people watch President Donald Trump and Elon Musk pillage the American Dream in real time. Under the guise of saving taxpayer money, the Trump-Musk administration’s attack on our public lands is misguided whitewash at best. I believe that their ultimate goal is to eliminate federal public lands. This gift, that we call public lands, was given to us and future generations by our predecessors and we have a duty to protect it.

Flathead County Animal Shelter overwhelmed after authorities seize 27 dogs in animal cruelty case

The Flathead County Animal Shelter is overwhelmed with animals after 27 dogs were seized from allegedly unsanitary conditions at a Coram property earlier this month, according to shelter division manager Austin Hicks.

Transmittal update from Rep. Sprunger

The Montana Legislature reconvened this week after the transmittal break, marking the start of the second half of the 69th legislative session.

Transmittal update from Rep. Sprunger

The Montana Legislature reconvened this week after the transmittal break, marking the start of the second half of the 69th legislative session.

UM’s CyberMontana director recognized as barrier-breaking leader

Dianna Burke, who started her career as a chemist in the male-dominated Texas oil business, has been breaking barriers for decades as she advanced her career in computer science, information technology and cybersecurity — a field that is currently 80% male.

State agrees not to enforce ‘double registration’ law in order to settle federal voting rights suit

The Montana Secretary of State’s Office and the Commissioner of Political Practices have come to an agreement with two groups which successfully challenged a 2023 law that would have made it crime for residents to be registered to vote in two places simultaneously, even if it didn’t result in double voting.

Trump's 200% tariff threat would be 'a real disaster' for Europe's wine industry

The number 200 is top of mind across wine country in France, Italy and Spain, Europe's top producers of wine. That's because last week, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened a tariff of 200% on European wines, Champagne and other spirits if the European Union didn't back down from imposing retaliatory tariffs on some U.S. products.

Libby City Council OKs distracted driving ordinance

Following a 3-2 vote Monday at the City Council meeting, Libby became the latest Montana community to approve such a measure.