Here in Montana, we have a special relationship with our surroundings. We live close to the land and close to the wild animals that inhabit it, and we work fiercely to defend the wildness that defines our outdoor heritage and our way of life.  There’s so much in our state that’s worth standing up for.  Montana is home to rugged alpine wilderness and endless sagebrush … [Read more...] about Sustainable Missoula: Trump’s ‘extinction plan’ threatens Montana’s wildness

When Donald Trump wishes to defend his bigotry, he calls people of color “racists.” When U.S. Sen. Steve Daines wishes to defend whatever he’s working on for the wealthy, he calls those who oppose him “radical.” And when State Sen. Fred Thomas wishes to return the U.S. Census to the way it was in 1950 (what is it with Republicans and their obsession with regressing our country … [Read more...] about Marty Essen: Republican Party shows total disregard for honesty

Imagine for one unsettling moment what it would mean to Montana if Glacier, Yellowstone, the Bob Marshall, the Beartooth Mountains, and all other lands and waters belonging to the American people were sold off.  It would spell the end of our outdoor way of life, including our ability to hike, hunt, fish, mountain bike and snowmobile; send our economy off a cliff; and ruin … [Read more...] about William Perry Pendley: ‘The arsonist in charge of the fire department’

Homeowners know that when a leaky roof is spotted, it’s important to act quickly to find and fix the leak. If left unattended, that slow drip overhead can turn into a ceiling that collapses – costing far more to repair and threatening the integrity of the entire home.  The same should be true for our public buildings such as schools, city halls, police stations, and tribal … [Read more...] about State Commerce director: Apply now for community infrastructure grants

Cianan had a history of violent outbursts in his elementary and middle school years in Oregon. Struggling with autism, anxiety, and hyperactivity (ADHD), he had lashed out at a student or teacher at least six times before he entered high school. “Afterwards he is very sorry,” one teacher wrote for the file. “But he can’t control himself when his anger flares – and it can be … [Read more...] about Mary Sheehy Moe: Montana’s most critical teacher shortage is in special education