Keith Schubert
‘Cynically driven:’ Experts question Montana’s lawsuit against DHS immigration policy
Immigration experts say because of the low number of undocumented people in Montana and how Congress and the executive branch dictate federal immigration policies that a lawsuit filed by the state against the Department of Homeland Security is a frivolous endeavor.
Daines helped Montana man charged in Capitol riot return to U.S.
A Dillon man arrested Saturday for his alleged role in the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol was stuck in Morocco when the COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States, and U.S. Sen. Steve Daines helped get him home then.
![Second half of Legislature will decide if state judiciary changes](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2021/02/Montana-Supreme-Court.jpeg?w=980&q=75)
Second half of Legislature will decide if state judiciary changes
The Republican-controlled House and Senate have advanced bills that give the governor more power to fill judicial vacancies, allow judges to announce campaign endorsements, alter the Judicial Nominating Commission and change how Supreme Court judges are elected.
![Gianforte announces vaccine expansion in Montana](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2021/03/Gianforte.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Gianforte announces vaccine expansion in Montana
More Montanans will soon be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine as Gov. Greg Gianforte announced Tuesday that he is expanding the list of eligible recipients under Phase 1B.
![Montana House fails to denounce white supremacist groups](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2018/12/Derek-Skees.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Montana House fails to denounce white supremacist groups
House Republican Rep. Derek Skees of Kalispell questioned the existence of white supremacist groups in Montana at a hearing this week on a resolution condemning violence from white supremacist and neo-Nazi groups.
![Despite new variant, Gianforte to rescind statewide mask mandate Friday](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2021/01/Greg-Gianforte.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Despite new variant, Gianforte to rescind statewide mask mandate Friday
Gov. Greg Gianforte said he will provide a directive Friday that will allow the existing statewide mask mandate to expire. However, the directive will not bar local jurisdictions from implementing their own mask mandates, he said.
![Gianforte outlines priorities in ‘Montana Combeback’ speech](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2021/01/Giafnorte-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Gianforte outlines priorities in ‘Montana Combeback’ speech
In his weeks since taking office, Gianforte promised to rescind the statewide mask mandate and has rolled back capacity and closing restrictions put in place by Bullock — keeping with his goal of shifting responsibility to individuals.
![Missoula, Helena faith leaders silenced by GOP during debate on sanctuary city ban](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2021/01/Laura-Jean-Allen.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Missoula, Helena faith leaders silenced by GOP during debate on sanctuary city ban
A minister and a rabbi were both stopped from testifying Tuesday for bringing up racism and race during testimony on a bill that would ban sanctuary cities in Montana.
![UM athletic director: Proposed ban on transgender athletes violates NCAA policies](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2017/05/moma-rainbow-flag.jpg?w=980&q=75)
UM athletic director: Proposed ban on transgender athletes violates NCAA policies
Some Montana colleges and communities could miss out on revenue from hosting sporting events if a bill that would require K-16 athletes to participate on sports teams that align with the gender they were assigned at birth passes in the legislature.
![Whitefish legislator seeks to restrict medical care, sports for transgender youth](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2021/01/transwoman.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Whitefish legislator seeks to restrict medical care, sports for transgender youth
A Whitefish Republican wants to ban transgender athletes from competing in K-16 sports — a move a federal judge blocked in a similar bill from Idaho. In another bill, doctors could be fined as much as $50,000 for providing specific medical care to trans youth.