Montana Legislature January Update

On June 12, the lawsuit Held v. State of Montana will go to trial in Helena's district court. In the lawsuit, brought by 16 youth plaintiffs from across Montana,  allege that Montana, through its executive agencies, has knowingly approved projects and implemented policies that support a fossil-fuel based energy system that adds dangerous levels of greenhouse gas pollution to the atmosphere, contributing to climate change, damaging Montana’s environment and harming the state’s youth. The lawsuit is predicated on the Montana Constitution, written in 1972, which enshrines the right to a clean and healthful environment for present and future generations. The Flathead Beacon has produced a comprehensive reporting package on the lawsuit's background, constitutional underpinnings and some of the young plaintiffs. All the reporting, including updates from the two-week trial that begins June 12, can be read at mtclimatecase.flatheadbeacon.com.Later, Micah runs through the news of the week.RELATED LINKSMontana Youth Prepare for Trial in Bellwether Climate Case Against StateWho is ‘Held’ of Held v. State of Montana?'To a Clean and Healthful Environment'Temporary Emergency Water Conservation Ordinance Approved in KalispellBear Injures Raft Guide Camping Along Middle Fork Flathead RiverWaterton-Glacier Announces Reopening of Goat Haunt Read more about all of this week's stories and get the latest breaking news at flatheadbeacon.com and sign up for our new daily newsletter at flatheadbeacon.com/newsletter.The introductory music in this this episode is “Thinking Music” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License, The episode also features songs from Montana singer/songwriter Mike Murray's album We Are Like Warriors, "The Good Ol' Days You're In" and "Moment of Time," used with permission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Northwest Montana has produced its fair share of singers and songwriters, including the indie-folk duo Big Sky City Lights, made up of Whitefish's Nick Spear and New York City's Susan O'Dea. The two met more than a decade ago, and during the pandemic began remotely writing and recording together. That remote relationship eventually turned into a full length album in 2021 and the duo is hard at work developing a new body of work that will become a second album. In addition, Big Sky City Lights will be touring this summer with a June 3 stop in Kalispell. Host Micah Drew spoke to Nick and Susan about their meeting in Whitefish, the effect living two timezones apart has on their creative process and how performing live shows has played into their newer music.Later, Micah runs through the news of the week.RELATED LINKSBig Sky City Lights Looks Ahead to June Show at FVCC’s Wachholz Center68th Montana Legislature AdjournsTwo Incumbents, One Newcomer Win Trustee Positions in Columbia Falls School ElectionKalispell Voters Retain One Incumbent Trustee, Pass Elementary and Reject High School LevyConservation District Appoints Hearing Officer in McDonald Creek Home DisputeFollow Big Sky City Lights on Spotify, YouTube, Instagram and TikTok.Read more about all of this week's stories and get the latest breaking news at flatheadbeacon.com and sign up for our new daily newsletter at flatheadbeacon.com/newsletter.The introductory music in this this episode is “Thinking Music” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License, The episode also features songs from Montana singer/songwriter Mike Murray's album We Are Like Warriors, "The Good Ol' Days You're In" and "Moment of Time," used with permission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spring isn't normally thought of as election season, but in the education world it is. May 2 is election day for municipal elections in the Flathead Valley, including school board and school levy elections in Kalispell, Columbia Falls, Whitefish and several other districts around the valley. Flathead Beacon reporter Denali Sagner joins host Micah to offer a preview of the various races that will show up on school ballots this spring. Later, Micah runs through the news of the week.RELATED LINKSKalispell School District No. 5 2023 Election: Voter GuideColumbia Falls District No. 6 2023 Election: Voter GuideKalispell Public Schools to Hire Interim SuperintendentColumbia Falls City Council Rejects 7030 Highway 2 Residences DevelopmentKalispell Approves Property Acquisition Next to Parkline TrailRead more about all of this week's stories and get the latest breaking news at flatheadbeacon.com and sign up for our new daily newsletter at flatheadbeacon.com/newsletter.The introductory music in this this episode is “Thinking Music” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License, The episode also features songs from Montana singer/songwriter Mike Murray's album We Are Like Warriors, "The Good Ol' Days You're In" and "Moment of Time," used with permission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Since the Montana constitution was crafted in 1972, there have only been 34 changes made to the state’s governing document, a rate of less than one per year. However over the last three months of the 68th legislative session, Montana Republicans have introduced a record 67 constitutional amendments. This week, Flathead Beacon reporter Denali Sagner wrote about the crossroads the state constitution is facing with multiple efforts, almost all unsuccessful, to alter it. To gain additional insight, host Micah Drew reached out to political analyst and director of the University of Montana School of Journalism Lee Banville, who joins the podcast to share some of his observations from the legislative session. Later, Micah runs through the news of the week.RELATED LINKSA Constitution at a CrossroadsU.S. Census: Flathead County Adds Most Residents in MontanaBaseball Teams Face Delays, lingering Snow with Start of Inaugural SeasonGianforte Discusses Work-Based Learning at Kalispell RoundtableRead more about all of this week's stories and get the latest breaking news at flatheadbeacon.com and sign up for our new daily newsletter at flatheadbeacon.com/newsletter.The introductory music in this this episode is “Thinking Music” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License, The episode also features songs from Montana singer/songwriter Mike Murray's album We Are Like Warriors, "The Good Ol' Days You're In" and "Moment of Time," used with permission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At 8 a.m. on March 15, Glacier National Park’s advance online reservation window opened to a groundswell of prospective backpackers eager to nab a prized wilderness campground permit. Within 10 minutes, however, the park’s most coveted campsites had filled, and the reservation window slammed shut on a host of highly sought-after multi-day itineraries.The new online system is part of a nationwide shift toward online, contact-less reservations to access outdoor spaces.Will Rice, the head of the Wildland and Recreation Management Research Lab at the University of Montana uses social science to help wildland recreation managers improve the experiences of all visitors while preserving the ecosystems that support those experiences, and has published studies on different access strategies for recreation spaces like campgrounds. Dr. Rice joined host Micah Drew to talk about his research, how an online system can be exclusionary and what the solutions to managing access to popular outdoor spaces may look like in the future.Later, Micah runs through the news of the week.RELATED LINKSMarch 29 E-EditionAre Online Reservations the Key to Solving Montana’s Campground Crunch?MDT Announces Roadway Safety Improvements Planned in Flathead CountyDoctors Warn Abortion Bill Would Restrict Montana Obstetric CareGlacier Symphony and Virtuoso Violinist Midori to Perform at McClaren HallRead more about all of this week's stories and get the latest breaking news at flatheadbeacon.com and sign up for our new daily newsletter at flatheadbeacon.com/newsletter.The introductory music in this this episode is “Thinking Music” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License, The episode also features songs from Montana singer/songwriter Mike Murray's album We Are Like Warriors, "The Good Ol' Days You're In" and "Moment of Time," used with permission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On May 23, 2007, with the newspaper industry in steep decline, the Flathead Valley awoke to an unlikely new resident: a 24-page tabloid called the Flathead Beacon. The weekly paper, owned by television personality and part-time Bigfork resident Maury Povich, has produced 823 issues over the last 16 years, and on March 28th, the final print issue of the Beacon will hit newsstands in the Flathead Valley.However, the Flathead Beacon news organization isn't going away — it's shifting to a digital-only focus, with more, faster, and innovative ways of bringing breaking and in depth news to our readers. The Beacon will also retain a few print products in the form of its flagship magazine Flathead Living (on stands this week). Beacon editor in chief Kellyn Brown joined the podcast to talk about the state of the news industry, the decision to stop printing the newspaper and what readers and supporters of the Flathead Beacon can expect from now on. Later, host Micah Drew runs through the news of the week. Read more about all of this week's stories and get the latest breaking news at flatheadbeacon.com and sign up for our new daily newsletter at flatheadbeacon.com/newsletter.RELATED LINKSMarch 22 E-EditionAfter 16 Years Printing a Weekly Newspaper, Flathead Beacon to Switch to Online-Only FormatAmid Extensive Opposition, Bill to Ban Gender-Affirming Care for Minors Passes Second Reading in Montana HouseLow-cost Airline Carrier to Offer Seasonal Direct Flight to Los AngelesSummer Construction Projects will Cause Delays, Closures in Glacier National ParkThe introductory music in this this episode is “Thinking Music” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License, The episode also features songs from Montana singer/songwriter Mike Murray's album We Are Like Warriors, "The Good Ol' Days You're In" and "Moment of Time," used with permission.Read more about all of this week's stories and get the latest breaking news at flatheadbeacon.com and sign up for our new daily newsletter at flatheadbeacon.com/newsletter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Republican Mark Racicot served as the 21st governor of Montana from 1993 to 2001 who then went on to lead the Republican National Committee and serve as chair of George W. Bush's reelection campaign in 2004. In recent years, however, Racicot has emerged as a vocal critic of the Republican Party's direction, and his opposition of Donald Trump and Trump-supporting Republicans, including U.S. Representative Ryan Zinke has drawn the ire of the Montana GOP. On Feb 16, the Montana Republican State Central Committee released a letter officially rebuking the former governor, and stating that he was no longer a member of the party and should not be considered as someone who speaks for the GOP. Beacon reporter Denali Sagner spent an afternoon with Racicot and shares some of her conversation with him about how politics has changed since he was involved and his reaction to being excommunicated from his party. Read more about all of this week's stories and get the latest breaking news at flatheadbeacon.com and sign up for our new daily newsletter at flatheadbeacon.com/newsletter.RELATED LINKSMarch 1 E-EditionThe Party FaithfulThe introductory music in this this episode is “Thinking Music” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License, The episode also features two songs from Montana singer/songwriter Mike Murray's album We Are Like Warriors, "The Good Ol' Days You're In" and "Moment of Time," used with permission.Read more about all of this week's stories and get the latest breaking news at flatheadbeacon.com and sign up for our new daily newsletter at flatheadbeacon.com/newsletter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 68th Montana legislature is in session planning out the budget for the next biennium and working to move of bills through the house and senate chambers each week. Today is the 25th day of this legislative cycle, with the session wrapping up at the beginning of May.Flathead Beacon reporters Denali Sagner, Mike Kordenbrock and Maggie Dresser joined host Micah Drew to to talk about legislation they've been tracking throughout January and share updates to their reporting. To find detailed information about bills, contact your local legislator or watch and listen to proceedings, visit www.leg.mt.gov/.Read more about all of this week's stories and get the latest breaking news at flatheadbeacon.com and sign up for our new daily newsletter at flatheadbeacon.com/newsletter.RELATED LINKSFebruary 1 E-EditionSenate Judiciary Committee Passes Bill to Ban Gender-Affirming Medical Care for MinorsColumbia Falls Legislator Withdraws Mandatory Fetal Death Certificate Proposal After Extensive PushbackBill Seeks to Expand Sexual Assault Response Resources‘We Are Losing Money Every Month’New Medicaid Proposal Would Limit Abortion AccessKalispell Senator’s Bill Seeks to Tighten Laws on Impact FeesThe introductory music in this this episode is “Thinking Music” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License, The episode also features two songs from Montana singer/songwriter Mike Murray's album We Are Like Warriors, "The Good Ol' Days You're In" and "Moment of Time," used with permission.Read more about all of this week's stories and get the latest breaking news at flatheadbeacon.com and sign up for our new daily newsletter at flatheadbeacon.com/newsletter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On November 8, citizens across America will cast their ballots for local, state and national elections, except for those who have already voted by mail. In Flathead County, more than 22,000 voters have already submitted their ballots. Flathead Beacon managing editor Tristan Scott joined host Micah Drew to break down some of the races on the ballot and offer his insight into this year's midterm elections. To check your voter status, visit the Montana My Voter page, or visit the Flathead County election office in Kalispell, where you can still register to vote until 8 p.m. on election day. If you have yet to cast a ballot, check out our election preview coverage online. Read more about all of this week's stories and get the latest breaking news at flatheadbeacon.com and sign up for our new daily newsletter at flatheadbeacon.com/newsletter.RELATED LINKSNovember 3 E-Edition2022 Midterm Election GuideThe introductory music in this this episode is “Thinking Music” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License, The episode also features two songs from Montana singer/songwriter Mike Murray's album We Are Like Warriors, "The Good Ol' Days You're In" and "Moment of Time," used with permission.Read more about all of this week's stories and get the latest breaking news at flatheadbeacon.com and sign up for our new daily newsletter at flatheadbeacon.com/newsletter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In July, the nonprofit Quiet Parks International (QPI) acknowledged Glacier National Park with its Wilderness Quiet Park award, the first of its kind in North America. The award "reinforces the natural sounds educational efforts the park makes to distinguish the natural soundscape from noise, and the importance of the visitors' opportunity for that experience."Host Micah Drew reported on this award over the last few months, and brings together some excerpted conversations with QPI co-founder Gordon Hempton, Wilderness Quiet Park director Matt Mikkelson, QPI sound recordist Nick McMahon and Quiet! Glacier founder Mary McClelland, who nominated Glacier for the award. Read more about all of this week's stories and get the latest breaking news at flatheadbeacon.com and sign up for our new daily newsletter at flatheadbeacon.com/newsletter.RELATED LINKSSeptember 9 E-EditionA Quiet Park Quiet Parks International Quiet! GlacierThe introductory music in this this episode is “Thinking Music” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License, The episode also features two songs from Montana singer/songwriter Mike Murray's album We Are Like Warriors, "The Good Ol' Days You're In" and "Moment of Time," used with permission.Read more about all of this week's stories and get the latest breaking news at flatheadbeacon.com and sign up for our new daily newsletter at flatheadbeacon.com/newsletter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.