In an election year, abortion access initiatives in the states interplays with national politics

ST. LOUIS — In early February, abortion rights supporters gathered to change Missouri history at the Pageant — a storied club where rock ’n’ roll revolutionary Chuck Berry often had played: They launched a signature-gathering campaign to put a constitutional amendment to voters this year to legalize abortion in the state.

Briefs: Pack softball players Allen, Hodous sign letters of intent

A pair of Glacier softball standouts, Zoey Allen and Bella Hodous, have signed letters of intent to continue playing at the college level.

House approves $1.2 trillion package of spending bills before shutdown deadline, Senate up next

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House approved a $1.2 trillion package of spending bills on Friday just a few hours before funding for some key federal agencies is set to expire, a long overdue action nearly six months into the budget year that will push any threats of a government shutdown to the fall.

More than 440,000 Starbucks-branded mugs recalled due to burn, laceration risk

NEW YORK (AP) — More than 440,000 Starbucks-branded mugs made by Nestle and sold during the winter holidays are being recalled after reports of some users receiving burns or lacerations, according to a federal safety agency.

Judge Christopher announces resignation, effective April 5

In a letter dated March 15, District Court Judge Kim Christopher informed Supreme Court Chief Justice Mike McGrath that she is officially stepping down from her duties April 5. She calls the decision to resign “especially bittersweet,” given her family’s long history in Lake and Sanders counties.

Accurate rent estimates would bring state millions more for vouchers, housing advocate says

Local housing advocates in Montana are committing to do the on-the-ground work to get a more accurate estimate of the rental market in the state – which would likely increase what the feds offer for housing vouchers.

Three vie to replace state Supreme Court Justice Dirk Sandefur

The stage is set for a three-way contest to replace retiring Montana Supreme Court Justice Dirk Sandefur, a race featuring two district court judges and a man who says he’s running to “break the monopoly of the bar association.”

Sidewalk construction in Evergreen slated to begin this week

After years of effort, sidewalk construction along U.S. 2 in Evergreen is finally getting underway.

Man dies following shooting near Columbia Falls

A man allegedly opened fire on people at a Columbia Falls home Wednesday night before fleeing and prompting a standoff with members of the Northwest Regional SWAT team, authorities say.

Makena Morley 5th at LA Marathon

Bigfork product Makena Morley finished fifth at the 2024 Los Angeles Marathon Sunday, making her the top American on the women’s side.

Carroll, Providence win in Round of 16

SIOUX FALLS, Iowa — Fighting off foul trouble, Carroll College’s Jamie Pickens converted a layup off a pass from Maddie Geritz with 55 seconds left in overtime, helping the Saints beat Loyola, La. 58-55 at the NAIA women’s basketball Round of 16.

Loyola's Johnston is Montana's Gatorade POY

Missoula Loyola’s Reynolds Johnston has been named Montana’s Gatorade Player of the Year for boys basketball, the organization announced Thursday.

Legals for March, 22 2024

Legals for March, 22 2024

Congress unveils $1.2 trillion plan to avert federal shutdown and bring budget fight to a close

WASHINGTON (AP) — Lawmakers introduced a $1.2 trillion spending package Thursday that sets the stage for avoiding a partial government shutdown for several key federal agencies this weekend and allows Congress, nearly six months into the budget year, to complete its work in funding the government through September.

Escaped white supremacist inmate and accomplice still at large after Idaho hospital ambush

Authorities are searching for a white supremacist Idaho prison inmate and an accomplice who fled after the accomplice shot and wounded corrections officers as they were transporting the inmate from a Boise hospital, according to police.

Met Live in HD streams ‘Romeo et Juliette’

Whitefish Theatre Co., in collaboration with the Whitefish Arts Council and the Whitefish Performing Arts Center, presents Charles Gounod’s sumptuous Shakespeare adaptation “Romeo et Juliette” as part of the 2023-2024 live streaming season of the Metropolitan Opera Live in HD.

Artist DG House speaks as exhibit wraps up at Hockaday Museum

House will provide the demonstration and talk on Thursday, March 21 from 6-7 p.m. Attendance is free for members and nonmembers.

Feds meet with Lake County Commission on criminal jurisdiction

Federal agencies would only focus on the “big fish” cases if they took over felony jurisdiction on the Flathead Indian Reservation.

Flathead County passes septage treatment facility to Lakeside district

Flathead County is handing over the construction and future operation of a regional septage treatment facility to the Lakeside County Water and Sewer District.