Energy
A coal fight in Indian country turns ugly
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A negotiation over surface leasing between a Crow family and Cloud Peak Energy has turned bitter, resurfacing some of the West’s most persistent questions.
Keystone XL
Montana judge blocks Keystone XL construction
A federal judge ruled the U.S. government did not adequately consider climate change and other environmental impacts of the massive transnational pipeline.
Elections
Showing purple streak again, voters send Tester, Gianforte back to Washington
By Eric Dietrich
In the same election that saw voters pick Democrat Sen. Jon Tester over conservative favorite Matt Rosendale, voters also sent Republican Greg Gianforte back to the U.S. House. Here’s a look at where Tester and Gianforte won in Montana.
Dark Money
Dark Money begins airing on PBS Oct. 1
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Dark Money has its national broadcast and streaming debut on the PBS documentary series POV and pov.org on Monday, October 1 at 10 p.m.
Dark Money
Dark money group launches ad attacking Rosendale
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A dark money group tied to a Democratic super PAC on Tuesday rolled out its first ad attacking Republican U.S. Senate hopeful Matt Rosendale. Democrat Jon Tester decries dark money in elections, but sometimes benefits from it.
Campaign Spending
State Auditor drops fines against top campaign donor
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A bail bond company facing fines and sanctions from the State Auditor gave nearly $13,000 to Rosendale’s campaigns in 2016. In 2017 Rosendale settled the longstanding litigation and levied no penalties.
Endangered Species Act
Judge reinstates Yellowstone grizzly protections
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A federal judge ruled Monday to return the Yellowstone grizzly bear to the endangered species list, ending a year of uncertainty for the bear.
Keystone XL
Montana law enforcement gearing-up for mass anti-pipeline protests
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Documents reveal state and federal agencies are training law enforcement agencies to surveil anti-Keystone XL pipeline activists’ social media, and how to arrest protesters en masse.
2018 Election
Daily Beast audio reveals potential illegal coordination between NRA and Rosendale
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According to an audio recording obtained by the Daily Beast, Republican Montana State Auditor and U.S. Senate candidate Matt Rosendale may have illegally coordinated with a top NRA official prior to the conservative gun rights group spending nearly $400,000 on ads attacking Rosendale’s opponent, Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester.
News
Lee Enterprises shutters Missoula Independent
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Lee Enterprises, the Iowa-based newspaper chain that bought the Missoula Independent last year, has now shut down the iconic alternative newsweekly.
Campaign Spending
Big Tobacco violated campaign laws, commissioner finds
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Two Big Tobacco companies violated Montana’s campaign practices and disclosure laws as part of a campaign opposing a ballot initiative to raise the state’s tobacco tax, according a 14-page decision issued by the state’s top campaign cop.
Keystone XL
ACLU sues feds for documents related to anti-protest activities
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Civil liberties groups say a government report conflated indigenous protesters with violent “environmental rights extremists,” and revealed anti-Keystone XL pipeline protesters’ free speech rights were being chilled by surveillance.