The Montana Free Press 2024 election guide for statewide and federal offices

Answers here were solicited from candidates via a written questionnaire conducted by Montana Free Press in April 2024. Responses were limited to 1,000 characters and edited lightly for punctuation and spelling. Candidates were asked to focus on the positives their service would bring the state instead of making rhetorical attacks on their opponents. Responses have not been exhaustively fact-checked. The 2024 primary election, where voters will pick each political party's nominee to advance to the General Election, will be held Tuesday, June 4. The 2024 general election will be held Tuesday, Nov. 5.

65 years of show tunes and hard work at the Bigfork Summer Playhouse

The Playhouse performs four musicals and a variety show about once a week during its annual run in the summertime. A college-aged cast is hired — roughly 3,000 apply every season for the 20 spots available. The program has churned out performers and crew members who go on to have successful careers in the arts like that of Oscar-winning actor J.K. Simmons.

Biden EV mandates not practical for Montana

Life in Montana takes energy. Companies and individuals across the state have worked tirelessly over the years to ensure Montanans have the power to go about their lives in the way they want. It is part of what makes Montana the Last Best Place.

Postal Service asking for another taxpayer bailout

For an agency that claims it “generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses,” the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) sure does like government subsidies.

McDonald's plans $5 US meal deal next month to counter customer frustration over high prices

McDonald's is planning to introduce a $5 meal deal in the U.S. next month to counter slowing sales and customers' frustration with high prices.

Why is inflation bad and what causes it?

Most of us are painfully aware of inflation. Webster’s dictionary says, “inflation is a continuing increase in the general price level.”

Ronan man sentenced to 60 years for starting fire that destroy 14 homes

A Ronan man, and son of one of the most experienced and respected wildland firefighters in the country, was sentenced in Polson District Court May 10 to the Montana State Prison for a total of 60 years with 30 years suspended.

Legals for May, 16 2024

The Gaelic Storm is coming in October

Tickets are on sale to see the October 24 performance at the Wachholz College Center in Kalispell. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m.

Flathead High School presents beloved story about a red-haired orphan in ‘Anne of Green Gables’

Embark on a delightful journey and learn a few life lessons about love and friendship, along the way, in Flathead High School Theatre’s performances of “Anne of Green Gables” May 23 and 24.

Commanders should honor Montana’s Wetzel family, Native American heritage

At today’s hearing we also have H.R.4984, the D.C. Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act.

Juveniles arrested for vandalism at Columbia Falls wrestling academy

The Columbia Falls Police Department recently arrested and charged four juveniles with a rash of vandalism in Columbia Falls, including damaging and destroying property at the Ruis Wrestling Academy and the Boys and Girls Club.

Residents pack Kalispell City Hall to debate fate of Flathead Warming Center

Owing to incidents of loitering, trespassing and a general uneasiness since the opening of the nearby Flathead Warming Center in 2021, Michelle Davey said her North Meridian Road employer installed a panic button in the front office earlier this year.

Small, well-built Chinese EV called the Seagull poses a big threat to the US auto industry

The car, launched last year by Chinese automaker BYD, sells for around $12,000 in China, but drives well and is put together with craftsmanship that rivals U.S.-made electric vehicles that cost three times as much.

Are US interest rates high enough to beat inflation? The Fed will take its time to find out

The sharp interest rate hikes of the past two years will likely take longer than previously expected to bring down inflation, several Federal Reserve officials have said in recent comments, suggesting there may be few, if any, rate cuts this year.

Stock market today: Wall Street drifts around the edge of its record

U.S. stocks are drifting around the edge of their record heights. The S&P 500 was edging up by 0.1% Monday and pulling within 0.5% of its record set at the end of March.

Legals for May, 12 2024

Governor's housing task force reviewing recommendations to spur home construction

Gov. Greg Gianforte’s Housing Task Force on Thursday discussed draft recommendations to encourage more supply and density of housing.

The rube sits and smiles

After having unloaded all my farm equipment from the railcar that had brought it from my late father’s farm back East and knowing that I had come to the right part of the world when Dude and Shorty, who had helped me unload it looked at the wheels on my hay wagon and pronounced them “high-speed” because they actually had ball bearings instead of old-fashioned babbitt bearings, I felt accepted by my new neighbors.

Wolfpack Theatre takes flight with ‘Tinkerbell’

J. M. Barrie's famed pixie takes center stage in the Wolfpack Theatre Company’s presentation of “Tinkerbell,” offering a fresh perspective on the delightful tale of “Peter Pan.”