Conservationists, environmentalists, and public lands enthusiasts were ecstatic with the passage of the Great American Outdoors Act, which “assures funding of the popular Land and Water Conservation Fund at its full level in perpetuity.” The GAOA headlines make it appear a tremendous win for public lands. But was it really? Enthusiasts, you’ve been duped! If […]

Stoking conspiracies an embarrassment to state Mr. Gianforte, You signed onto the amicus brief to the Supreme Court, trying to throw out millions of votes in states that didn’t go for Trump in an effort wreck our democracy. I have to ask how you thought it would benefit you? Your party tried to overturn the […]

The coronavirus pandemic and the bitterness of the November election has made 2020 a tremendously difficult and painful year on all of us. Like many Montanans, I won’t be heartbroken to see it go. There is a very positive start to 2021 that gives me hope for the coming year. The Montana Headwaters Legacy Act […]

Irresponsible leadership defies common sense Listening to the always informative Yellowstone Public Radio on Friday morning I was able to hear interviews with both Gov.-elect Gianforte and Sen. Daines. To their credit they were each encouraging people to receive the COVID vaccine when it becomes available to them. When asked about following the CDC health […]

This past month, the U.S., self proclaimed beacon of freedom and democracy to the world, nearly became a dictatorship. I am so grateful to our judiciary, including the Supreme Court, for protecting our constitutional democracy from the seditious coup d’état attempted by President Trump, and aided and abetted by his supporters, particularly those Republicans who […]

By ROBERT K. MERCHANT, M.D. Guest Columnist This month marks the 50th anniversary of the Clean Air Act, one of the U.S.’s bedrock public health laws. It’s the perfect time to reflect on how far we have come, and to recommit to the next 50 years to ensure truly clean air for all. As a […]

To all of the silent, complicit and vocal supporters of Trump’s lies, his attempt to cheat in an election (Ukraine), and his baseless claims of widespread fraud (as evidenced by judges rejecting more than 50 court cases): long live democracy, the rule of law, and the will of the people. We rise and fall together. […]

State Republican members of our Legislature need to be adults in the room and as adults, they need to set the example for the whole state in this COVID-19 crisis going forward. Choosing to hold the upcoming 2021 legislative session in person is not an adult choice and it carries on the juvenile example of […]

By DOROTHY BRADLEY Guest columnist This gorgeous and warm December, I find myself torn by each day’s beauty. Will this mild mannered December provide a moment of grace for the ranchers, will it be a devastating blow to ski areas, will the bears come wandering down from the mountains looking for spring, will the warm […]

Rockin R, Hope focused on bottom line, not rights From his testimony in court as reported in this newspaper, it is clear that Mike Hope is focused on his bottom line and not some hi-falutin’ ideal of freedom from tyranny or his Godgiven rights. Thus I think he might be concerned that there are erstwhile […]