Daily Montanan
![Committee wrestles with childcare capabilities, low wages, staff retention](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2019/09/dollars.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Committee wrestles with childcare capabilities, low wages, staff retention
Montana lawmakers acknowledged there was significant work to do on workforce and childcare issues, as childcare is now costing Montanans 28% of their median household income.
![Democracy is on fire. Consider this your wake-up call.](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2022/09/attachment-elections-voting.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Democracy is on fire. Consider this your wake-up call.
Darrell Ehrlick writes, "It’s time to get educated about the issues, understand what the leaders are saying, brush up on the constitution, and demand accountability from leaders in both parties."
![Judge temporarily blocks fee hike for Montana marijuana dispensaries](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2022/01/marijuana.jpeg?w=980&q=75)
Judge temporarily blocks fee hike for Montana marijuana dispensaries
The decision temporarily blocks the State of Montana from assessing and collecting increased fees from businesses that operate multiple marijuana dispensaries across the state.
![Montana to accept federal funds to feed school-aged children next summer](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2023/06/attachment-capitol.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Montana to accept federal funds to feed school-aged children next summer
After not accepting similar funds to feed hungry kids last summer, the state of Montana has changed course, and about 170,000 kids will have a better chance at full stomachs this upcoming summer in the Treasure State.
![NASA Apollo 8 commander Frank Borman, of Billings, dies at 95](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2023/11/attachment-NASA.jpg?w=980&q=75)
NASA Apollo 8 commander Frank Borman, of Billings, dies at 95
Retired former NASA astronaut Col. Frank Borman, who commanded the Apollo 8 mission that was the first to take humans around the Moon in 1968, died Tuesday at age 95 in Billings, which he had called home for the past 25 years.
![Zinke, Daines introduce bills seeking to block Palestinians from US](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2022/11/attachment-Zinke.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Zinke, Daines introduce bills seeking to block Palestinians from US
U.S. Sen. Steve Daines and U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke, both Montana Republicans, have in recent weeks introduced bills seeking to block Palestinians from entering the United States, and in Zinke’s case, to expel any who have recently come to America.
![Montana PSC asked to reconsider rate hike for NorthWestern customers](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2021/10/electricity.jpeg?w=980&q=75)
Montana PSC asked to reconsider rate hike for NorthWestern customers
The Public Service Commission needs to reconsider its recent rate hike for NorthWestern Energy because its order invents a “magical” new standard to evaluate costs and sends shareholders $3.4 million that belongs to Montanas.
![Gov. Gianforte meets with President Tsai of Taiwan](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2023/11/attachment-Gianforte-in-Taiwan.jpeg?w=980&q=75)
Gov. Gianforte meets with President Tsai of Taiwan
Gov. Greg Gianforte met this week with President Tsai Ing-wen of Taiwan to strengthen Montana’s relationship with its longstanding partner and ally, according to a news release from the Governor’s Office.
![Heat repaired at state prison after going out last week](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2022/08/attachment-Prison.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Heat repaired at state prison after going out last week
People who are incarcerated at the Montana State Prison have heat again after a system breakdown last week left 51 inmates without it, according to a Department of Corrections press release late Wednesday.
![USFS may face steep fine for Holland Lake wastewater leaks](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2023/11/attachment-holland-lake.jpg?w=980&q=75)
USFS may face steep fine for Holland Lake wastewater leaks
The U.S. Forest Service could be fined as much as $10,000 a day for violations related to leaks and unreported, unapproved repairs at the wastewater treatment system at Holland Lake, according to the Montana Department of Environmental Quality.