Montana Politics - KXLH.com | Helena, Montana
Member Center:
From the top of Gordon Butte, Montana’s sparsely populated upper Musselshell River Valley stretches below, dotted with the occasional irrigation pivot, ranch house or wind turbine. But if the plans of renewable-power developers pan out, the butte and the valley will become major construction sites.
From the top of Gordon Butte, Montana’s sparsely populated upper Musselshell River Valley stretches below, dotted with the occasional irrigation pivot, ranch house or wind turbine. But if the plans of renewable-power developers pan out, the butte and the valley will become major construction sites.
When it comes to wind-power production, Montana is a relatively small player in the region – but that could be about to change.
When it comes to wind-power production, Montana is a relatively small player in the region – but that could be about to change.
A state judge has ordered Montana Green Party candidates removed from the November ballot, ruling that certain voter signatures on petitions used to certify the party are invalid.
A state judge has ordered Montana Green Party candidates removed from the November ballot, ruling that certain voter signatures on petitions used to certify the party are invalid.
U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, who returned last week from a five-day trip to Russia with fellow GOP lawmakers, told MTN News that the delegation delivered a “very direct message” to top Russian officials to stay out of the 2018 and future U.S. elections.
U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, who returned last week from a five-day trip to Russia with fellow GOP lawmakers, told MTN News that the delegation delivered a “very direct message” to top Russian officials to stay out of the 2018 and future U.S. elections.
An attempt to call a special session of the Montana Legislature next week is probably dead, as enough Republican “no” votes have been cast to require Democratic help to approve it – an unlikely prospect.
An attempt to call a special session of the Montana Legislature next week is probably dead, as enough Republican “no” votes have been cast to require Democratic help to approve it – an unlikely prospect.
President Donald Trump’s 65-minute speech Thursday in Great Falls hit all his usual talking points
President Donald Trump’s 65-minute speech Thursday in Great Falls hit all his usual talking points
Rosendale originally backed Sen. Ted Cruz, signing up as a member of the campaign's "Montana Cruz Leadership Team"
Rosendale originally backed Sen. Ted Cruz, signing up as a member of the campaign's "Montana Cruz Leadership Team"
Rosendale is trying to unseat Tester, a two-term Democrat in a state won by Trump by 20 points
Rosendale is trying to unseat Tester, a two-term Democrat in a state won by Trump by 20 points
Two of America’s biggest tobacco companies have already spent nearly $854,000 to oppose a Montana ballot initiative that would raise state tobacco taxes and extend government-funded health coverage for thousands of low-income Montanans.
Two of America’s biggest tobacco companies have already spent nearly $854,000 to oppose a Montana ballot initiative that would raise state tobacco taxes and extend government-funded health coverage for thousands of low-income Montanans.
The leader of the group behind Initiative 183, which would have required transgender people to use public bathrooms and locker rooms in Montana coinciding with their birth sex, said Monday that an adverse court ruling and misinformation from opponents help sink the measure.
The leader of the group behind Initiative 183, which would have required transgender people to use public bathrooms and locker rooms in Montana coinciding with their birth sex, said Monday that an adverse court ruling and misinformation from opponents help sink the measure.
MTN News took a closer look at the content and central claims of the ads:
MTN News took a closer look at the content and central claims of the ads:
A Montana man who this year quit his job rather than help process subpoenas that could be used to deport undocumented immigrant workers is one of the speakers at Saturday’s Washington, D.C., rally against Trump administration immigration policies.
A Montana man who this year quit his job rather than help process subpoenas that could be used to deport undocumented immigrant workers is one of the speakers at Saturday’s Washington, D.C., rally against Trump administration immigration policies.
Health insurers selling individual policies on the “Obamacare” marketplace in Montana are proposing only modest increases for 2019, on average – or, no increase at all.
Health insurers selling individual policies on the “Obamacare” marketplace in Montana are proposing only modest increases for 2019, on average – or, no increase at all.
The head of Montana’s largest labor union says Wednesday’s U.S. Supreme Court decision striking down fees paid by non-members will cost the union some money, but won’t cripple it as a political force for workers and the middle class.
The head of Montana’s largest labor union says Wednesday’s U.S. Supreme Court decision striking down fees paid by non-members will cost the union some money, but won’t cripple it as a political force for workers and the middle class.
Republican lawmakers in Montana have formally asked colleagues to call a special session of the Legislature
Republican lawmakers in Montana have formally asked colleagues to call a special session of the Legislature
If the Senate approves the measure, its next stop will be a House-Senate conference committee
If the Senate approves the measure, its next stop will be a House-Senate conference committee
Study says that closing the two newer coal-fired power plants at Colstrip in 2027 would cost the state 3,000 jobs
Study says that closing the two newer coal-fired power plants at Colstrip in 2027 would cost the state 3,000 jobs
“We’re very excited about the the numbers we have in the short time we’ve had to gather (signatures),” Cooney said.
“We’re very excited about the the numbers we have in the short time we’ve had to gather (signatures),” Cooney said.
State Auditor Matt Rosendale took action Wednesday against a pair of prescription drug-benefit managers, saying the companies must reveal more information about how they do business and influence drug prices in Montana.
State Auditor Matt Rosendale took action Wednesday against a pair of prescription drug-benefit managers, saying the companies must reveal more information about how they do business and influence drug prices in Montana.
The two Republicans in Montana’s congressional delegation – Sen. Steve Daines and Rep. Greg Gianforte – told MTN News this week they were mostly standing behind President Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigrants crossing the Mexican border. Democratic Sen. Jon Tester denounced the policy of separating migrant kids from their parents.
The two Republicans in Montana’s congressional delegation – Sen. Steve Daines and Rep. Greg Gianforte – told MTN News this week they were mostly standing behind President Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigrants crossing the Mexican border. Democratic Sen. Jon Tester denounced the policy of separating migrant kids from their parents.
The top Democrat in the Montana House, Rep. Jenny Eck of Helena, said Tuesday she won’t run for re-election this year, because of the obligations of a new job.
The top Democrat in the Montana House, Rep. Jenny Eck of Helena, said Tuesday she won’t run for re-election this year, because of the obligations of a new job.
Montana’s top business lobby Monday declined to endorse a candidate in the state’s top election race, the U.S. Senate.
Montana’s top business lobby Monday declined to endorse a candidate in the state’s top election race, the U.S. Senate.
A rebound in Montana’s state tax revenue could lead to undoing $46 million in state budget cuts later this year, a legislative report says – although lawmakers Monday said the final budget picture won’t be clear until next month.
A rebound in Montana’s state tax revenue could lead to undoing $46 million in state budget cuts later this year, a legislative report says – although lawmakers Monday said the final budget picture won’t be clear until next month.
In a wide-ranging public interview Sunday that substituted for a canceled debate, U.S. Sen. Jon Tester laid out his views on health care, energy, border security and gun violence – and jabbed Republican challenger Matt Rosendale for not attending.
In a wide-ranging public interview Sunday that substituted for a canceled debate, U.S. Sen. Jon Tester laid out his views on health care, energy, border security and gun violence – and jabbed Republican challenger Matt Rosendale for not attending.
The three companies filed their proposed rates for 2019 marketplace policies on Thursday, with the state auditor's office.
The three companies filed their proposed rates for 2019 marketplace policies on Thursday, with the state auditor's office.
Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, in the throes of a re-election battle, has made working with President Trump part of his campaign pitch – and played a central role in two of the bigger bipartisan bills to pass Congress this spring. But when it the president signed the banking-reform and veterans’ health-care bills, Trump didn't invite Tester to the ceremonies.
Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, in the throes of a re-election battle, has made working with President Trump part of his campaign pitch – and played a central role in two of the bigger bipartisan bills to pass Congress this spring. But when it the president signed the banking-reform and veterans’ health-care bills, Trump didn't invite Tester to the ceremonies.
Montana’s utility regulators Tuesday voted to approve the proposed sale of Avista Corp. to a Canadian power company – a deal that includes a $4.5 million payment to the city of Colstrip.
Montana’s utility regulators Tuesday voted to approve the proposed sale of Avista Corp. to a Canadian power company – a deal that includes a $4.5 million payment to the city of Colstrip.
Rosendale on Monday challenged Tester to a series of debates
Rosendale on Monday challenged Tester to a series of debates
Montana’s nursing and assisted-living homes sued the Bullock administration Monday to block cuts in rates paid to the homes for Medicaid patients, arguing the cuts imposed this year didn’t follow state law.
Montana’s nursing and assisted-living homes sued the Bullock administration Monday to block cuts in rates paid to the homes for Medicaid patients, arguing the cuts imposed this year didn’t follow state law.
Williams’ victory in the U.S. House primary may have been unexpected for some, but Williams says not to her.
Williams’ victory in the U.S. House primary may have been unexpected for some, but Williams says not to her.
Former state lawmaker Kathleen Williams pulls out surprise victory in Montana's U.S. House Democratic primary.
Former state lawmaker Kathleen Williams pulls out surprise victory in Montana's U.S. House Democratic primary.
Rosendale will face Tester in the November general election
Rosendale will face Tester in the November general election
Backers of a proposed ballot measure to increase tobacco taxes and extend government-funded health coverage for 94,000 low-income Montanans said Monday that groups opposing them are not properly reporting their campaign activity.
Backers of a proposed ballot measure to increase tobacco taxes and extend government-funded health coverage for 94,000 low-income Montanans said Monday that groups opposing them are not properly reporting their campaign activity.
The board, whose members didn’t attend Monday’s hearings, is scheduled to decide the issue at its July 16 meeting in Helena.
The board, whose members didn’t attend Monday’s hearings, is scheduled to decide the issue at its July 16 meeting in Helena.
Candidates – and plenty of outside money – aren’t holding anything back, blanketing airwaves and mailboxes with last-minute attacks.
Candidates – and plenty of outside money – aren’t holding anything back, blanketing airwaves and mailboxes with last-minute attacks.
Montana Trout Unlimited and other conservation groups are behind the effort
Montana Trout Unlimited and other conservation groups are behind the effort
A political group that wants to elect more scientists is making the first major outside-money buy in Montana’s crowded Democratic U.S. House primary, supporting former land-trust director Grant Kier.
A political group that wants to elect more scientists is making the first major outside-money buy in Montana’s crowded Democratic U.S. House primary, supporting former land-trust director Grant Kier.
In Montana’s crowded U.S. House Democratic primary, former land-trust director Grant Kier of Missoula and Billings attorney John Heenan are raising the most money – but their fundraising profiles are much different.
In Montana’s crowded U.S. House Democratic primary, former land-trust director Grant Kier of Missoula and Billings attorney John Heenan are raising the most money – but their fundraising profiles are much different.
Independent, outside money continues to flow into Montana’s U.S. Senate Republican primary contest
Independent, outside money continues to flow into Montana’s U.S. Senate Republican primary contest
Heenan represented environmental groups when they sued the owners and operators of the Colstrip power plants, which led to a 2016 settlement calling for two of the plants to be shut down.
Heenan represented environmental groups when they sued the owners and operators of the Colstrip power plants, which led to a 2016 settlement calling for two of the plants to be shut down.
A federal appeals court has upheld Montana’s landmark law to force disclosure of campaign spending and fundraising by so-called “dark money” groups – and others attempting to influence elections here.
A federal appeals court has upheld Montana’s landmark law to force disclosure of campaign spending and fundraising by so-called “dark money” groups – and others attempting to influence elections here.
No shortage of opinions on the first-year report card for Montana’s first member of a presidential cabinet
No shortage of opinions on the first-year report card for Montana’s first member of a presidential cabinet
The issues of gun rights and gun violence persist as risky political topics in Montana, but that’s not stopping Democratic U.S. House candidates from talking about it, often in stark terms.
The issues of gun rights and gun violence persist as risky political topics in Montana, but that’s not stopping Democratic U.S. House candidates from talking about it, often in stark terms.
Another outside group is making significant ad buys in Montana’s U.S. Senate Republican primary
Another outside group is making significant ad buys in Montana’s U.S. Senate Republican primary
About 250 offenders have been granted the release since last July, although not all of those are a result of the new law
About 250 offenders have been granted the release since last July, although not all of those are a result of the new law
The head of a Spokane-based utility using power generated at coal-fired plants in Colstrip told state regulators Thursday the newer plants won’t shut down “any time soon,” and are still part of his company’s resource plan.
The head of a Spokane-based utility using power generated at coal-fired plants in Colstrip told state regulators Thursday the newer plants won’t shut down “any time soon,” and are still part of his company’s resource plan.
In a primary race flying under the radar, three Helena men are vying for the Democratic nomination in Public Service Commission District 5 in western Montana – with the winner taking on PSC Chairman Brad Johnson this fall.
In a primary race flying under the radar, three Helena men are vying for the Democratic nomination in Public Service Commission District 5 in western Montana – with the winner taking on PSC Chairman Brad Johnson this fall.
Ballots went out in the mail Friday to the 350,000 people who requested them.
Ballots went out in the mail Friday to the 350,000 people who requested them.
HELENA – Republican U.S. Senate candidate Russ Fagg says he has an advantage over two of his competitors in the upcoming GOP primary, that he had nothing to do with: He was born in Montana.
HELENA – Republican U.S. Senate candidate Russ Fagg says he has an advantage over two of his competitors in the upcoming GOP primary, that he had nothing to do with: He was born in Montana.
The Bullock administration will proceed with a $20 million-plus budget transfer to avoid further service cuts this year in human services and other programs.
The Bullock administration will proceed with a $20 million-plus budget transfer to avoid further service cuts this year in human services and other programs.
From locker-room restrictions to green-power requirements, five proposed ballot measures are still bucking for a slot on Montana’s general-election ballot – with just seven weeks left to get enough signatures to qualify.
From locker-room restrictions to green-power requirements, five proposed ballot measures are still bucking for a slot on Montana’s general-election ballot – with just seven weeks left to get enough signatures to qualify.
The two Republican members of Montana’s congressional delegation praised President Trump’s decision Tuesday to pull the United States out of the agreement on Iran’s nuclear development.
The two Republican members of Montana’s congressional delegation praised President Trump’s decision Tuesday to pull the United States out of the agreement on Iran’s nuclear development.
A coalition of health-care and other groups already has spent or raised more than $500,000 toward qualifying a ballot measure that would extend Medicaid expansion in Montana and raise tobacco taxes to help pay for it.
A coalition of health-care and other groups already has spent or raised more than $500,000 toward qualifying a ballot measure that would extend Medicaid expansion in Montana and raise tobacco taxes to help pay for it.
Democrats in Montana’s U.S. House race made their case at a debate Thursday night
Democrats in Montana’s U.S. House race made their case at a debate Thursday night
A study commissioned by Montana’s lodging industry says rentals by Airbnb, the on-line lodging giant, generated $69 million of revenue last year in Montana, but likely didn’t pay state lodging taxes on that amount.
A study commissioned by Montana’s lodging industry says rentals by Airbnb, the on-line lodging giant, generated $69 million of revenue last year in Montana, but likely didn’t pay state lodging taxes on that amount.
President Trump’s allies are continuing their attacks on U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, as a “Super PAC” aligned with the president bought substantial air time this week in Montana for an ad lambasting the Democratic senator.
President Trump’s allies are continuing their attacks on U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, as a “Super PAC” aligned with the president bought substantial air time this week in Montana for an ad lambasting the Democratic senator.
U.S. Senator Steve Daines voted with the President 98% of the time on the same votes.
U.S. Senator Steve Daines voted with the President 98% of the time on the same votes.
Jacobs: "There was a local TV crew there when Gianforte body slammed me."
Jacobs: "There was a local TV crew there when Gianforte body slammed me."
Ben Jacobs, a reporter for the Guardian, claimed on Wednesday afternoon that he was assaulted by Greg Gianforte, the GOP candidate for Montana's seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Ben Jacobs, a reporter for the Guardian, claimed on Wednesday afternoon that he was assaulted by Greg Gianforte, the GOP candidate for Montana's seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Greg Gianforte, Rob Quist, and Mark Wicks are competing to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.
Greg Gianforte, Rob Quist, and Mark Wicks are competing to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.
The election is less than four weeks away – and absentee ballots are in the mail Monday.
The election is less than four weeks away – and absentee ballots are in the mail Monday.
Baucus discussed U.S. relations with China, the Affordable Care Act, and the current atmosphere in the U.S. Senate.
Baucus discussed U.S. relations with China, the Affordable Care Act, and the current atmosphere in the U.S. Senate.
Bill proposals like this one are not new, as several have failed to pass in recent years.
Bill proposals like this one are not new, as several have failed to pass in recent years.
MT State Senator Ryan Osmundson has introduced a bill in the Legislature to exempt Montana from the time-change.
MT State Senator Ryan Osmundson has introduced a bill in the Legislature to exempt Montana from the time-change.
The address is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.
The address is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.
He says he feels like he's been "representing Montana for years" in different ways during his life.
He says he feels like he's been "representing Montana for years" in different ways during his life.
State auditor-elect Matt Rosendale has announced his first staff appointments, including current state senator Kris Hansen of Havre.
State auditor-elect Matt Rosendale has announced his first staff appointments, including current state senator Kris Hansen of Havre.
Secretary of State Linda McCulloch and the State Board of Canvassers certified the election results of CI-116, also known as Marsy's Law, on Monday. The certification by the Board of Canvassers had been delayed after two members of the board initially refused to sign off the results. They felt the constitutional initiative should take effect on July 1st of 2017. The Montana Attorney General's Office previously said the law should take effect immediately. Those who want the delay b...
Secretary of State Linda McCulloch and the State Board of Canvassers certified the election results of CI-116, also known as Marsy's Law, on Monday. The certification by the Board of Canvassers had been delayed after two members of the board initially refused to sign off the results. They felt the constitutional initiative should take effect on July 1st of 2017. The Montana Attorney General's Office previously said the law should take effect immediately. Those who want the delay b...
Montana’s three electors will meet on December 19th to cast their electoral college ballots for president.
Montana’s three electors will meet on December 19th to cast their electoral college ballots for president.
Election 2016 Results From Across Montana
Election 2016 Results From Across Montana
Governor Bullock received the endorsement of the Montana Sportsmen Alliance in his re-election campaign.
Governor Bullock received the endorsement of the Montana Sportsmen Alliance in his re-election campaign.
Among the recommendations: including salary ranges in job postings, and not asking applicants about their previous wages.
Among the recommendations: including salary ranges in job postings, and not asking applicants about their previous wages.
Results from Montana's primary election on June 7th, 2016:
Results from Montana's primary election on June 7th, 2016:
Gov. Steve Bullock Tuesday appointed a citizen council to help draft Montana’s proposed rules to limit carbon emissions in the state – and the fossil-fuel and utility industries are well-represented.
MTN News took a closer look at the school-specific data.
MTN News took a closer look at the school-specific data.
McLean (D) announced her upcoming resignation on Monday.
Deputies found that a male had been shot in the shoulder by a female relative with a handgun.
Deputies found that a male had been shot in the shoulder by a female relative with a handgun.
It happened at about 7:30 p.m. on or near Washington Boulevard.
It happened at about 7:30 p.m. on or near Washington Boulevard.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the U.S. Marshals Service at 406-329-3625, or call 911.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the U.S. Marshals Service at 406-329-3625, or call 911.
Court documents say that Whitaker, 38 years old, raped a 3-year-old girl several times
Court documents say that Whitaker, 38 years old, raped a 3-year-old girl several times
