Columbia Heights couple files $36.7 million suit against state, federal environmental agencies

Lucas and Leslie Sterling of Columbia Heights are suing the Montana Department of Environmental Quality and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for $36.7 million, claiming both agencies failed to inform them that their home off Berne Road was located on a contaminated state Superfund site.

State lawmakers dip into debate over Flathead Lake summer water level

The Montana Legislature is wading into an ongoing debate over Flathead Lake’s water level following the introduction of a new resolution by Kalispell Republican Sen. Matt Regier.

Transgender bathroom restrictions take effect as Montana governor signs law

HELENA (AP) — Transgender people in Montana can no longer use bathrooms in public buildings that do not align with their sex assigned at birth after Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte signed new restrictions into law Thursday.

Senate President Matt Regier must be investigated

As senators, we are charged with the responsibility to serve the people of Montana by working together to shape laws that are in the best interest of our state.

Bill that would sell isolated state land to neighboring landowners nears Gianforte’s desk

On a tailwind of Republican support, the Montana Legislature has advanced a bill that would facilitate the sale of isolated sections of state trust land.

Personhood bill set to pass House, though unlikely to reach threshold to move to voters

A bill seeking an amendment to the Montana Constitution to confer “personhood” rights on embryos passed the House after a 57-43 vote on Tuesday.

The Atlantic releases the entire Signal chat showing Hegseth's detailed attack plans against Houthis

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Atlantic on Wednesday released the entire Signal chat among senior national security officials, showing that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth provided the exact timings of warplane launches and when bombs would drop — before the men and women flying those attacks against Yemen's Houthis this month on behalf of the United States were airborne.

Kalispell City Council rejects code enforcement program over budget concerns

Kalispell city councilors appeared unwilling on Monday to hire a code enforcement officer despite warning the municipality lacks the resources to effectively enforce its code.

Return the favor by backing the Kalispell high school levy

I am of the belief that school levies and school taxes are my way to pay for the education that I received and not specifically paying for my children’s education. This is why it is important to continue funding schools even if you no longer or don’t have children that attend the school. You are paying into a system that you benefited from.

Wealth versus health

It looks like the only way Congress can pay for tax cuts for billionaires is to cut spending on Medicaid and Medicare.

Montana House votes down harsher penalties for employers hiring immigrants in US illegally

The Montana House on Monday narrowly voted down a bill that would have imposed tougher penalties on employers caught hiring immigrants in the United States illegally.

Letters to the editor March 25

Letters to the editor March 25

Teacher embraces harmony lesson that comes from Japanese martial art

The 70-year-old is dressed in a traditional Japanese martial arts uniform called a gi. His newly received fifth-level black belt tucked away under his hakama, big billowing pants meant to hide one’s legs.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Legals for March, 23 2025

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.