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• Judge rules on Montana's campaign laws

  February 25, 2012 12:40 AM

  HELENA - A federal judge upholds limits on corporate campaign contributions in Montana. In American Tradition Partnership's suit against the commissioner of political practices and other officials, US District Court Judge Charles Lovell ruled a ban on corporate contributions is constitutional. The Judge also ruled limits on individual contributions to... more »

• Auditor's office settles with companies in alleged health insurance scam

  February 9, 2012 12:10 AM

  HELENA, MT - The state Auditor's office announces a settlement over alleged illegal marketing of health insurance policies. Commissioner of Securities and Insurance Monica Lindeen says the scams led people to believe they had full major medical insurance. Investigators found telemarketers who sold Insurance obtained names through fake websites Lindeen's... more »

• Million dollar lottery ticket sold in Billings

  January 1, 2012 1:45 PM

  BILLINGS - A million dollar winning lottery ticket was sold in Billings. The Montana Lottery announced Sunday, the winner bought the ticket at McFiny's on 17th Street West. The media release from the Montana Lottery where other winning tickets were purchased: For Immediate Release MONTANA MILLIONAIRE GRAND... more »

• Board delays decision on union's unfair labor charge

  December 16, 2011 12:24 AM

  HELENA, MT - The Board of Personnel Appeals is delaying a decision on an unfair labor charge against the State of Montana. Thursday the Board heard testimony from attorney Karl Englund who represents 3 Montana unions: MEA-MFT, the Montana Public Employees Association, and AFSCME. The unions allege the... more »

• Brawl erupts at Helena Christmas party

  December 15, 2011 12:47 AM

  HELENA, MT - A marital dispute led to a brawl at a Christmas party in Helena on Wednesday night. Some time after 7 p.m., Helena police responded to Sheridan Hall on Euclid Avenue after receiving reports that a fight had broken out at a gathering of the Helena Indian... more »

• Carroll President Trebon steps down for personal medical issues

  December 2, 2011 12:33 AM

  HELENA, MT - In a surprising news announcement on Thursday, Carroll College President Dr. Thomas Trebon resigned. Carroll College Board Chair Tom Semmens says there are two reasons for the immediate resignation: one is a personnel issue and the other is a personal health issue. Semmens says he... more »

• Governor tallks with Chinese company about coal exports

  November 24, 2011 12:49 AM

  HELENA, MT - Governor Brian Schweitzer is exploring international export options for Montana coal. Wednesday, he met with representatives from Manyuan Coal Company based out of Beijing. The company is interested in importing Montana coal to China. China is the world's largest coal consumer and is in need of more... more »

• AG reminder: Gift cards do not expire

  November 24, 2011 12:41 AM

  HELENA, MT - Gift cards do not expire in Montana.That's the reminder from Attorney General Steve Bullock. Bullock says gift cards and gift certificates from individual merchants do not expire. He suggests making sure cards do not have an expiration printed because some people may throw them awa if they... more »

• Prep football showcases enormous semifinal matchups

  November 8, 2011 9:19 PM

  BILLINGS, MT - 5 classes of football, 4 teams remaining in each. This weekend it's the State Semifinals meaning a win on Friday or Saturday and you'll be playing for the championship. CLASS AA SEMIFINALS KALISPELL GLACIER 16 | BILLINGS WEST 45 FRIDAY 3. HELENA (10-1) AT... more »

• Report: improper hiring practices at MT Department of Transportation

  November 4, 2011 12:25 AM

  HELENA, MT - After a lengthy audit, legislative staff have reported that the Montana Department of Transportation has improper hiring practices. According to the audit report, staff reviewed five "high risk" files and found that three did not comply with state policy. The report states the applicants did... more »

• Mathis trial in son's negligent drowning death postponed

  November 3, 2011 10:14 PM

  HELENA, MT - The trial for an Leo Mathis, the East Helena man accused of the negligent drowning death of his son, has been postponed. Mathis' attorney says his client has to have surgery related to a September 30th hit and run accident. Mathis suffered severe injuries and... more »

• Jury says MHP trooper not negligent shooting death of teen

  November 3, 2011 10:07 PM

  HELENA, MT - A Helena jury has returned a verdict of not negligent in the civil lawsuit against the Montana Highway Patrol, in which the mother of a 13-year-old boy who was killed in a shootout near Fort Benton in 2007 was seeking nearly $2 million dollars. Testimony concluded... more »

• Politico calls Montana's gubernatorial race #1 most hotly contested

  November 3, 2011 12:53 AM

  HELENA, MT - The national political publication Politico is calling Montana's 2012 gubernatorial race the number one most hotly contested race in the nation. Politico reports that Montana is becoming a crucial statehouse battleground for the 2012 election. Democratic Gov. Brian Schweitzer is termed out and that means his... more »

• Montana woman killed in rollover identified

  November 3, 2011 12:48 AM

  Granite County Sheriff Stephen Immenschuh has identified Carol Bruno as the Helena woman who died in a Tuesday morning rollover on I-90. Bruno, 47, died in the one-vehicle rollover crash near Bearmouth. The Montana Highway Patrol says Bruno was driving westbound on I-90 when her vehicle drifted into... more »

• Suspect arrested in Helena homicides

  October 14, 2011 12:41 AM

  HELENA, MT - Michelle Coller Gable has been identified as the suspect in Thursday morning's shooting that left two people dead. Gable, 48, is accused of killing her husband and a 50 year old woman. The shooting triggered a massive turnout of law enforcement agencies just after 6... more »

• Pro-Life campaign kicks off in Helena

  September 30, 2011 12:23 AM

  HELENA, MT- A group of pro life supporters are beginning a 40 day campaign to bring their message to Helena. The 40 Days for Life event kicked off Thursday evening at Memorial Park. Supporters will fast and pray for the next 40 days outside Helena Planned Parenthood. ... more »

• Scammers target unemployment benefits

  September 29, 2011 12:55 AM

  HELENA, MT - The Montana Department of Labor and Industry warns a new "phishing" scam targets Montanans receiving unemployment benefits. "We have received tips that callers may be saying they are Unemployment Insurance staff and asking Montanans for confidential information," said Labor Commissioner Keith Kelly. "These calls are coming... more »

• Schweitzer wants universal health care for Montana

  September 29, 2011 12:50 AM

  HELENA, MT - Governor Brian Schweitzer says he is moving forward with a plan to implement a state run universal health care program in Montana. He says his plan could cut Montana's health care costs by millions of dollars. Schweitzer pitched the idea to U.S. Department of Health &... more »

• Women's State Am serving youth well

  July 21, 2011 12:51 AM

  HELENA - This year at the Montana's Women State Am the leader board looks very similar to the Junior Am from a month ago. Junior Am champ Maggie Crippen of Missoula goes into the final day with a one stroke lead over Junior Am runner-up Kyla Clancy as the... more »

• Medical marijuana law sponsor admits disappointment over Judge's ruling

  July 1, 2011 1:35 AM

  BILLINGS - Republican state senator Jeff Essmann of Billings admits he's disappointed with a judge's ruling Thursday that stopped key provisions of the new medical marijuana bill from going into effect, but he says many other key parts of the bill were allowed to remain in tact. Essmann was... more »

• Medical Marijuana trial continues in Helena

  June 22, 2011 12:55 AM

  In the second day of a medical marijuana lawsuit, witnesses in a Helena courtroom attempted to unravel the ramifications of Montana's recently passed legislation changing the industry. While Senate Bill 423 was an attempt to get a handle on potential abusers of the medication, some doctors say it may... more »

• Planned Parenthood sues state over CHIP program

  June 2, 2011 9:23 PM

  HELENA - Planned Parenthood of Montana is suing the State of Montana. The organization claims the state's Children's Health Insurance Program violates the Montana constitution, because under CHIP the state will not provide contraceptive coverage. Planned Parenthood maintains that contraception is basic health care for women, and that... more »

• Helena School District proposes sex ed books

  May 10, 2011 10:50 PM

  HELENA - Helena parents got a first glance at the recommended health enhancement curriculum on Tuesday afternoon. The Parent Advisory Council met with Superintendent Bruce Messinger and members were able to look at the materials. The district is proposing that grades 6 through 12 will use the Glencoe... more »

• Jefferson County groundwater found to contain high levels of uranium

  May 3, 2011 10:14 PM

  HELENA - Some groundwater in southwestern Montana has been found to contain high levels of uranium and other radioactive materials. A recent study by the U.S. Geological Survey was conducted on behalf of Jefferson County after an area residence was found to have levels more than 60 times higher... more »

• Montana remains vigilant following death of bin Laden

  May 2, 2011 11:08 PM

  GREAT FALLS - The impact of the death of Osama bin Laden is being felt around the world-and right here in Montana. On Sunday, the Montana Army National Guard ramped up security at Fort Harrison near Helena, increasing the Force Protection Condition (FPCON) level from Alpha to Bravo. ... more »

• Police investigating fish poisoning at pet store

  May 1, 2011 12:58 AM

  HELENA, MT - Police in Helena say they are investigating after the owner of a pet fish store reported someone pretending to be a customer killed 70 rare fish valued at $8,000. Bob Kavajecz of Underwater World tells the Independent Record that surveillance video shows a white male wearing a... more »

• Montana lawmakers assess 62nd legislative session

  April 29, 2011 6:43 PM

  HELENA - The 62nd Montana Legislature has officially finished its work at the Capitol, and on Friday, leaders from both parties held a press conference to recap their time in Helena, with Democrats and Republicans offering conflicting views of how the session ended. Republicans are proud of the budget,... more »

• Montana Legislature adjourns 2011 session

  April 28, 2011 11:24 PM

  HELENA, MT - The Montana Legislature has adjourned the 2011 session with two days to spare out of the 90 days lawmakers have to complete their work. The state Senate adjourned shortly after 9 p.m. Thursday. The House adjourned about a half-hour earlier. The session ended with the Republican majority... more »

• Lawmakers pass revised medical marijuana bill

  April 28, 2011 11:04 PM

  HELENA - State Lawmakers have passed a revised version of the medical marijuana overhaul after rejecting Gov. Brian Schweitzer's amendment to allow 25 patients per pot provider and to let those providers make a profit. The Legislature passed Senate Bill 423 Thursday night after agreeing to other governor's recommendations.... more »

• Senate turnaround confirms wildlife appointee

  April 28, 2011 10:56 PM

  HELENA - The Montana State Senate has renewed the term of the Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission's vice chairman after refusing his appointment at the beginning of the week. Gov. Brian Schweitzer over the winter reappointed Dan Vermillion, a fishing guide from Livingston, who taught President Barack Obama how... more »

• MT Legislature nears finish line

  April 28, 2011 7:13 PM

  HELENA - The Montana Legislature was wrapping up its business Thursday with final votes on the budget compromise that few love, a school funding deal described as "adequate" and other measures that aim to pay the state's bills for the next two years. Montana Republicans touting cuts to spending of... more »

• Workers' comp bill expected to help small business

  April 27, 2011 11:37 PM

  A Montana business group learned Wednesday, that a recently passed workman's compensation bill could save businesses more than 25 percent. House bill 334 would set workman's comp guidelines, settle long term claims, change permanent partial disability occupations and freeze fees to medical providers for the next two years. The National... more »

• Broadwater County Attorney moonlights as published author

  April 27, 2011 7:12 PM

  HELENA - For the past 33 years, Townsend native John "JT" Flynn has walked through the doors of the Broadwater County Courthouse as the County Attorney - and he's also made a name for himself as an author. Over the years, he has encountered many cases and experiences which... more »

• Montana insurance chief seeks to create health exchange

  April 26, 2011 1:16 PM

  HELENA - With five days left this legislative session, Montana lawmakers have failed at addressing the federal health reform law. Republicans sent Gov. Brian Schweitzer a bill that prohibits a health insurance exchange from being created, but the governor vetoed the measure. Monica Lindeen, the MT Commissioner of... more »

• One dead in officer-involved shooting in Helena

  April 25, 2011 10:01 PM

  HELENA, MT - Lewis and Clark County officials say one man is dead after an officer-involved shooting during a traffic stop north of Helena. Sheriff Leo Dutton says three deputies exchanged gunfire with the man at 11:35 p.m. Sunday, as deputies were trying to serve a warrant on the... more »

• Governor Schweitzer and GOP leaders agree to budget deal

  April 22, 2011 8:55 PM

  HELENA - Governor Brian Schweitzer and Republican legislative leaders say they have reached a compromise deal on the state budget. The deal comes in the midst of a five day legislative recess, called by GOP leaders to give them time in the session's final days to react to a... more »

• GOP leaders, Schweitzer say budget deal is close

  April 22, 2011 12:20 AM

  HELENA, MT - House Speaker Mike Milburn and Gov. Brian Schweitzer said Thursday that headway was being made in budget talks, but there is no deal in place yet as the governor tries to rewrite the Republican offering by Saturday. Schweitzer said he has been holding more discussions with Milburn... more »

• Judge denies plea agreement in double stabbing

  April 22, 2011 12:17 AM

  HELENA, MT - A judge has denied a plea deal reached by a 53-year-old Helena man accused of stabbing two men after he was kicked out of an apartment for allegedly stealing alcohol. Dennis Brinn withdrew his guilty plea to felony criminal endangerment Thursday after District Judge Kathy Seeley declined... more »

• Montana Family Foundation praises ruling favoring traditional marriage

  April 21, 2011 11:56 PM

  HELENA - A supporter for the definition of marriage being between one man and one woman, says a recent court ruling was huge for Montana and the country. Montana Family Foundation president Jeff Laszloffy says an American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) lawsuit seeking to give gay couples the same benefits... more »

• Montana man pleads not guilty to child molestation charges

  April 21, 2011 10:21 PM

  HELENA - Gary Lee Enzler of Helena pleaded not guilty to child molestation charges on Thursday. Enzler, 36, is charged with one count of sexual intercourse without consent, one count of sexual assault and another charge of attempted sexual assault. Court documents say he was living in a... more »

• Judge rules against gay couples seeking rights

  April 21, 2011 8:12 PM

  HELENA, MT - A Helena judge has ruled against six gay couples seeking the same legal protections as married couples. District Judge Jeffrey Sherlock ruled Tuesday that an amendment to the Montana Constitution that defines marriage as being between a man and a woman, has already settled the question. He... more »

• Lawmakers await governor's response on budget

  April 21, 2011 12:43 AM

  HELENA, MT - The Legislature decided Wednesday to take a break until next week as Republican leaders await the governor's response on the main budget bill, which Schweitzer said is woefully lacking. It was not easy to tell exactly what the sticking points may be, with each side giving differing... more »

• Governor wants 2013 sunset for eminent domain bill

  April 21, 2011 12:36 AM

  HELENA, MT - Gov. Brian Schweitzer said Wednesday he wants the Legislature to add an expiration date to a bill that gives private utilities the power of eminent domain. But Republican leaders gave the idea a cool reception, saying they could move to stop the governor's change. House Bill 198,... more »

• "Native Words, Native Warriors" honored at Montana Military Museum

  April 20, 2011 10:38 PM

  HELENA - The Montana Military Museum at Fort Harrison in Helena is displaying a Smithsonian Traveling Exhibit called "Native Words, Native Warriors." While many people know of the contribution of Native American "Code Talkers" during World War II, this display involves the history of the first Native Americans enlisted... more »

• State Legislature recesses while Governor mulls budget decision

  April 20, 2011 5:50 PM

  HELENA - Republican leaders say the Legislature is taking a break until Tuesday as they await the governor's response on the budget bill. House Speaker Mike Milburn says a small pay increase for state employees is a main sticking point. But Gov. Brian Schweitzer says the lawmakers have... more »

• Leaders say budget deal still in works

  April 20, 2011 12:53 AM

  HELENA - Legislative leaders say budget talks with the governor's office are still moving, although details could slow a final deal until next week. House Speaker Mike Milburn says Republican leadership envoys are working with governor's office staffers. He says issues with the details of a broad conceptual agreement... more »

• Shooting incident investigated in East Helena

  April 19, 2011 10:41 PM

  HELENA - An East Helena resident is in stable condition after being shot in the leg during a struggle with a shotgun early Tuesday morning. Jeffrey Haverty, 26, was reportedly shot in his upper left leg, near the hip, while he and his girlfriend were engaged in a fight.... more »

• Medical marijuana debate returns to Helena

  April 18, 2011 9:51 AM

  HELENA- The 62nd session of the Montana Legislature will reconvene in the state's capitol Monday morning after a four day break and as the end of the session nears, time is ticking for lawmakers to reach a compromise over a bill to overhaul the state's medical marijuana industry. Governor... more »

• Accused child molester appears in Helena court

  April 15, 2011 5:36 PM

  HELENA - Gary Lee Enzler, an accused child molester, appeared in a Helena courtroom on Thursday. Enzler, 36, is charged with one count of sexual intercourse without consent, one count of sexual assault and another charge of attempted sexual assault. According to court documents, Enzler was living in... more »

• Chairman ousted in PSC coup

  April 15, 2011 4:56 PM

  HELENA, Mont. (AP) - A Republican member of the Public Service Commission has joined with the Democratic minority to oust the GOP chairman and take over as leader. Friday's hearing started as a discussion on whether to reprimand vice chairman Brad Molnar over a recent trip Washington, D.C. ... more »

• Montana man recounts life-threatening battle with deadly infection

  April 14, 2011 8:24 PM

  HELENA - Helena school officials recently warned students and parents of a serious staph infection that was contracted by a Capital High School student last week. While the bacteria can be prevented and treated, it can also be deadly. Harry Dalton of Helena, 62, says he's happy to... more »

• GOP leaders recess legislature until next Monday

  April 13, 2011 11:56 PM

  HELENA - Republican leaders at the 2011 Montana Legislature have decided to delay the end of session for at least another 3 days. The 62nd Legislative session was originally scheduled to adjourn on April 21st. But because the GOP is waiting to see what Governor Brian Schweitzer does with... more »

• Branding Battle: Governor uses "VETO" on 17 bills, GOP responds with "BS" Play Video

  April 13, 2011 9:18 PM

  HELENA - Governor Brian Schweitzer fired up his "VETO" branding iron on Wednesday, vetoing seven bills on the lawn of the state Capitol in Helena. "These bills are either frivolous, unconstitutional or in direct contradiction to the expressed will of the people of Montana," Schweitzer said during the event.... more »

• Energy efficiency tax credit could go away in Montana

  April 13, 2011 10:15 AM

  HELENA - If Republican Senator Bob Lake of Hamilton has his way Montanans will no longer be able to get a credit for making their homes more energy efficient. Senate Bill 253 gets rid of the energy efficiency tax credit putting $8.5 million back into the state's general fund.... more »

• Republican tax reduction plans advance

  April 13, 2011 12:56 AM

  HELENA - Republicans are moving forward with tax cut plans that include asking voters in 2012 if they want a new tax credit tied to surpluses in state coffers. The House endorsed the idea in an initial vote, along with a separate plan to reduce the business equipment tax... more »

• Eminent domain inaction could delay projects

  April 10, 2011 10:19 PM

  HELENA, MT - As the legislative session winds down to its final days, Montana lawmakers appear to be no closer to taking action on eminent domain than they were at the beginning, opening the possibility that massive utility line projects will be put on hold for another year or more.... more »

• New lawsuit filed after fatal garage fall

  April 9, 2011 12:05 PM

  HELENA, MT - The mother of a 24-year-old man who fell about 30 feet to his death from a public parking garage after a night of drinking in December 2009 has filed a federal lawsuit against the Helena Parking Commission, its director and its operations manager. Denise Grove filed the... more »

• Senate agrees to slate of building projects

  April 8, 2011 11:58 PM

  HELENA, MT - The Montana Senate agreed in an initial vote Friday to authorize the state to borrow about $100 million for projects around the state, including vocational school upgrades and $23 million for a new state museum in Helena. The big bonding bill received a 36-14 vote, just clearing... more »

• GOP, Montana governor head toward budget fight

  April 8, 2011 12:35 AM

  HELENA, MT - Republican budget-crafters finalized a state spending plan Thursday night and prepared to send Gov. Brian Schweitzer a budget for Montana that he has already threatened to veto. The inevitable march toward the conflict came after the GOP leaders made only the smallest of concessions toward the Democratic... more »

• Republicans tout 10 bills they say create jobs

  April 8, 2011 12:31 AM

  HELENA, MT - GOP legislative leaders said they are sending 10 pieces of legislation to the governor on Thursday that help deliver on their promise to create jobs - and at the same time borrowed a shtick from Gov. Brian Schweitzer and rolled out branding irons of their own. The... more »

• Man convicted in double shooting wants new trial

  April 8, 2011 12:28 AM

  HELENA, MT - A Helena man convicted of two counts attempted murder for shooting his wife and the couple's nanny wants a new trial because of what he says was juror misconduct. Jeremy MacGregor's stand-in counsel says in a March 23 motion one of the jurors discussed the case, bought... more »

• Little movement in state budget negotiations

  April 7, 2011 9:15 PM

  HELENA - Republicans continue to make very small changes to the state's main spending plan, while a bipartisan deal still appears far off. Gov. Brian Schweitzer says he is watching the budget developments, but so far, he says, the Republican budget appears to be well below what he would... more »

• Republican referendums would go straight to voters

  April 6, 2011 11:23 PM

  HELENA, MT - The Legislature is wrapping up a proposal that would ask voters to divide up Montana Supreme Court races by district, while rebuffing a constitutional referendum asking voters to let them meet every year for shorter sessions. Republican with majorities in both legislative chambers can put simple referendums... more »

• Education funding plan moves forward

  April 6, 2011 11:19 PM

  HELENA, MT - House Republicans are advancing a stalled education plan that slightly increases school funding. The proposal cleared a committee Wednesday and heads to a floor vote as soon as Thursday. It provides about $19 million less than Gov. Brian Schweitzer sought for schools. A dispute still lingers over... more »

• House makes major medical marijuana bill changes

  April 6, 2011 11:17 PM

  HELENA, MT - A House committee is making sweeping changes to a Senate proposal to overhaul Montana's medical marijuana law. Senate Bill 423, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Jeff Essmann, aims to reduce the number of medical marijuana users and sellers in the booming industry. The House took Essmann's tight... more »

• Senate leaders draft new eminent domain bill

  April 5, 2011 8:56 PM

  HELENA - Senate Republican leaders are drafting a new eminent domain bill aimed at breaking an impasse between proponents of landowner rights and those of business development. The two main measures dealing with eminent domain have not advanced with the end of the legislative session looming. Senate Majority... more »

• Montana lawmakers vote to end same-day voter registration

  April 5, 2011 5:19 PM

  HELENA - The Montana Legislature has passed a bill that would end same-day voter registration and move the last day voters could register to the Friday before Election Day. The Senate gave final approval to House Bill 180 with a 28-22 vote on Friday. The House had passed it... more »

• Montana Legislature wrap up: 4.5.11

  April 5, 2011 9:13 AM

  HELENA - Lawmakers were busy in the state Capitol on Monday, working on several different fronts. The Senate approved a bill requiring DUI offenders to take a breath test every day, twice a week, until sentencing. A Senate committee advanced a prescription drug registry bill which supporters say... more »

• Montana lawmakers to battle on basketball court

  April 4, 2011 10:19 PM

  HELENA - The Montana Senate and House of Representatives are going head-to-head over funding for a good cause. Every year, the two houses challenge each other to a duel on the basketball court, with all of the money raised during the event donated to Big Brothers-Big Sisters. The... more »

• Could governor veto state budget?

  March 31, 2011 10:43 PM

  BOZEMAN - While the budget debate continues in the state legislature, the budget must also get approved by Governor Brian Schweitzer before it can take effect. MSU Political Scientist Professor David Parker believes that if the Legislature does not come up with a budget to the governor's liking, he... more »

• Montana Senate endorses sex ed crackdown

  March 31, 2011 8:50 PM

  HELENA - The Montana Senate is endorsing a proposal popular with House Republicans to crack down on local school district sex education policies. The measure follows uproar in Helena last year over a proposed sex education plan that resulted in several long public meetings and revisions. The Senate... more »

• Easing cyanide mining ban endorsed by House

  March 31, 2011 8:31 PM

  HELENA - A bill to ease a ban on cyanide mining that's been in place for over a decade in Montana is being endorsed by the Montana House. On a 62-37 vote Thursday the House approved a bill that would relax a 1998 voter approved initiative prohibiting more of... more »

• MT Senate committee approves Therapeutic Marijuana Act

  March 25, 2011 9:30 PM

  HELENA - The Montana Therapeutic Marijuana Act is on its way to the Senate. In a 10-2 vote on Friday, the Senate Judiciary committee voted to approve the Act. The bill repeals the current medical marijuana law and starts over with a stricter set of regulations. Law... more »

• Senate endorses looser concealed carry law

  March 25, 2011 8:34 PM

  HELENA - A measure to allow people to carry a concealed gun without a permit from law enforcement is closer to becoming law. The Senate endorsed the measure late Friday in a 29-21 vote. The gun-rights proposal has already cleared the House. Currently in Montana, a permit and... more »

• GOP plan to reduce business tax moves ahead

  March 25, 2011 4:59 PM

  HELENA - Senate Republicans are moving plans to get rid of some tax credits in order to reduce the business equipment tax. The measure would reduce the rate on the first $2 million in business equipment from 3 percent to 2 percent. It would ultimately cost the state about... more »

• Senate committee stops state sovereignty resolution

  March 25, 2011 1:09 AM

  HELENA - A House resolution declaring state sovereignty has been tabled by a Senate committee. Republican Rep. Michael More's House Joint Resolution 14 is a 17-point declaration asserting the Montana's rights over the U.S. government. Bill supporters, which include many conservatives, say the resolution is an important statement... more »

• Landowner-friendly eminent domain bill moves ahead

  March 24, 2011 11:24 PM

  HELENA, MT - A measure giving more power to landowners hit with eminent domain actions moved ahead Thursday at the Legislature - potentially freeing up a separate measure that clarifies utilities have eminent domain power. The eminent domain issue has been bogged down all session amid a dispute between landowners... more »

• Medical marijuana overhaul introduced in Senate

  March 24, 2011 11:15 PM

  HELENA, MT - A last-minute effort to overhaul Montana's medical marijuana law was introduced in the Senate Wednesday - but it appears as if a deal with House leaders intent on repeal is far from imminent. Senate Majority Leader Jeff Essmann, R-Billings, who led the subcommittee in crafting the measure,... more »

• Republican education funding plan reduced

  March 24, 2011 11:13 PM

  HELENA, MT - Senate Republicans are trimming their education spending plan in hopes of getting full support from their caucus. Some Republicans bucked the original plan that re-crafts key aspects of school funding while increasing funding about 3 percent over the two-year budget period. Late Thursday, a committee reduced the... more »

• Judge asked to lift federal protections on wolves

  March 24, 2011 11:11 PM

  MISSOULA, MT - Ten conservation groups and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service asked a federal judge Thursday to approve their plan to lift endangered species protections for wolves in Montana and Idaho, effectively reversing his previous rulings on the matter. But four other conservation groups who splintered from the... more »

• Committee stops Republican health care bill

  March 23, 2011 11:13 PM

  HELENA, MT - A Republican proposal to set up a state-regulated health insurance marketplace has stalled in a House committee. The Obama administration's health care law calls for state-run health care exchanges that offer people a choice of health plans with a range of coverage levels and pricing. House Bill... more »

• Controversial stream access bill tabled in committee

  March 22, 2011 11:24 PM

  HELENA - The Montana Senate is tabling revisions to the state's stream access law amid stiff opposition from anglers. House Bill 309 reopened a simmering dispute over a slough running through the Bitterroot Valley property of 1980s rocker Huey Lewis and others. The courts ruled several years ago that... more »

• Youth group donates to Children's Miracle Network hospital

  March 18, 2011 12:33 AM

  BILLINGS - A youth group opened its state convention at the Holiday Inn Convention Center in Billings Thursday - announcing a big donation to Montana's Children's Miracle Network hospital. The Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) raised $15,528.42 for Shodair Hospital in Helena. The group of sixth through... more »

• Eminent domain battle heats up in Montana

  March 17, 2011 12:10 AM

  HELENA, MT - The battle over eminent domain remains mired in a dispute between landowners and industry groups, with utilities arguing they need new laws to make sure they have the authority, while ranching groups and others say they need more power in order to get fair value during the... more »

• New info on Montana marijuana raids

  March 16, 2011 7:23 PM

  HELENA - Recently unsealed warrants shed some more light on the scope of this week's medical marijuana raids in Montana, naming seven medical pot businesses as targets of the investigation. The 26 search warrants and four civil seizure warrants executed as part of an 18-month investigation into large-scale trafficking and... more »

• MT House passes bill forcing AG to take stand against federal health reform

  March 15, 2011 7:11 PM

  HELENA - The Montana House of Representatives has endorsed a bill that forces the Montana Attorney General to take a stand against federal health reform. Sen. Jason Priest's bill requires the state to file suit with Florida in stating the Affordable Care Act is unconstitutional. Priest's bill passed the... more »

• Megaloads arrive in Helena

  March 14, 2011 10:42 PM

  HELENA - The Conoco megaloads have made their way to Helena. The 226-foot long loads are carrying large drums on their way to Billings. The loads arrived at Garrison Junction on Saturday before making their way over MacDonald Pass in the early morning hours of Monday. Coker... more »

• GOP candidates for Montana governor speak in Helena

  March 12, 2011 12:38 AM

  HELENA, MT - Several prominent Republicans - each hoping to become the next Governor of Montana - gathered in Helena on Thursday night for a forum. The five GOP candidates tried to differentiate themselves from each other, but seemed to agree on the main issues facing the state. ... more »

• Spear hunting bill stopped in House committee

  March 11, 2011 11:29 PM

  HELENA, MT - The bill to allow a small group of enthusiasts to hunt with spears has been stopped in the House. The measure targeted at a subgroup of hunters who hunt like prehistoric man for sport was tabled in the House Fish, Wildlife and Parks committee Friday. The bill,... more »

• House largely endorsing GOP budget plan

  March 11, 2011 11:23 PM

  HELENA, MT - The first pieces of the Republican budget plan made it through the full House largely unscathed Friday, despite moves by fiscal conservatives to cut more and numerous efforts by Democrats to restore pieces of the governor's original proposal. Republican budget crafters are pitching a budget that would... more »

• Future of medical marijuana bills uncertain

  March 11, 2011 9:51 PM

  HELENA, MT- As Montanans flooded the Capitol Friday to again testify on a proposed repeal of medical marijuana, lawmakers were as uncertain as ever on the fate of Legislative action on the law. A general sentiment prevails in the Legislature that something must be done to reel in a medical... more »

• Spear hunting bill stopped in House committee

  March 11, 2011 3:01 PM

  HELENA - The bill to allow a small group of enthusiasts to hunt with spears has been stopped in the Montana House of Representatives. The measure targeted at a subgroup of hunters who hunt like prehistoric man for sport, was tabled in the House Fish, Wildlife and Parks committee... more »