Daily Montanan
![Republican House Speaker bars Missoula’s Zephyr from speaking on chamber floor](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2022/06/Zooey-Zephyr.jpeg?w=980&q=75)
Republican House Speaker bars Missoula’s Zephyr from speaking on chamber floor
Rep. Zooey Zephyr, Montana’s first openly transgender state lawmaker, will not be able to speak on the House floor until she apologizes publicly for telling Republicans earlier this week they should be ashamed of their votes in favor of a bill that would ban gender-affirming care.
![Missoula Rep. Zephyr unfazed by calls for censure as trans bill passes](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2022/12/attachment-trans-PRIDE.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Missoula Rep. Zephyr unfazed by calls for censure as trans bill passes
Gov. Gianforte’s amendments to the bill include clarifying that anyone deemed “female” has XX chromosomes and produces eggs and people defined as “male” have XY chromosomes and produce sperm.
![NW Energy data shows decline use of low-income programs](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2019/05/NorthWestern-Energy-scaled.jpg?w=980&q=75)
NW Energy data shows decline use of low-income programs
A NorthWestern Energy program aimed at heating efficiency has a roughly eight-year backlog, according to a question posed Tuesday to a utility vice president.
![GOP bill draws new Public Service districts; Dems see gerrymandering](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2023/04/attachment-Map.jpg?w=980&q=75)
GOP bill draws new Public Service districts; Dems see gerrymandering
A bill is headed to Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte’s desk that redraws the Public Service Commission district lines in a matter that Democrats have criticized as unfairly balancing them to favor Republicans.
![Montana Republicans take aim at environmental reviews, regulations](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2023/04/attachment-Laurel-Generation-State.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Montana Republicans take aim at environmental reviews, regulations
Newly introduced bill, existing bill target judge’s decision on Laurel power plant
![Tester campaign responds to jungle primary bill heard in House committee](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2019/01/Tester.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Tester campaign responds to jungle primary bill heard in House committee
U.S. Sen. Jon Tester’s campaign responded following a hearing for a bill that would create a “jungle primary” in the state for the incumbent candidate’s 2024 primary race.
![No more TikTok in Montana? State House advances ban](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2023/02/attachment-TikTok.jpg?w=980&q=75)
No more TikTok in Montana? State House advances ban
Democrats oppose the bill saying that it helped small business owners market their products and that the ban was unenforceable.
![Climate scientist: NW Energy’s incomplete planning hurting customers, investors](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2023/02/attachment-oregon-power.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Climate scientist: NW Energy’s incomplete planning hurting customers, investors
Members of the public — and a climate scientist who shared in a Nobel Peace Prize — said NorthWestern isn’t taking climate change into consideration.
![Lee Enterprises cuts at least 13 journalism positions among its Montana papers](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2018/08/Newspapers.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Lee Enterprises cuts at least 13 journalism positions among its Montana papers
Lee Enterprises, the largest newspaper publisher in Montana, has cut at least 13 newsroom positions throughout the state during the past week and on top of mandatory furloughs.
![Montana’s ‘agency’ liquor stores may be open Sundays, holidays](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2022/02/drinks-liquor.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Montana’s ‘agency’ liquor stores may be open Sundays, holidays
A bill that would allow state agency Montana liquor stores to remain open on holidays and Sundays appears to have gathered enough support to pass.