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Follow Montana Free Press’ live coverage of the June 2 Montana primary election featuring updates, analysis, results and commentary from reporters Eric Dietrich and Mara Silvers, contributing writer Alex Sakariassen, and MTFP Editor-in-Chief John S. Adams.
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LIVE BLOG CONTRIBUTORS
Eric Dietrich
Data Reporter
Providing election results, real-time data analysis, and graphics.
Mara Silvers
Reporter
Covering the hotly contested gubernatorial and attorney general races.
John S. Adams
Editor-in-Chief
Monitoring the U.S. Senate primaries and providing insight and analysis on key down-ballot races.
Alex Sakariassen
Contributor
Tracking the U.S. House races and key legislative contests.
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NEWS
Haaland creates climate task force, pledges to address environmental injustices
This week in Helena, April 12-16
A roundup of the week’s key action in the 67th Montana Legislature, from regulatory takings to immunity passports.
COVID closes the Capitol
Lawmakers abruptly postponed Friday floor sessions in response to a positive COVID-19 case inside the Capitol. Here’s what happened, and how it affects the Legislature’s schedule.
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NEWS
Montana coronavirus report
The latest news and information on the coronavirus pandemic in Montana, including updated case count maps and original in-depth reporting.
Rural schools have a teacher shortage. Why don’t people who live there, teach there?
Montana has the highest share of rural schools of any state. Finding and keeping qualified teachers is a challenge.
Governor’s office continues to wrestle with COVID-19
A member of Gov. Greg Gianforte’s staff tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday morning after becoming symptomatic Sunday, according to a spokesperson for the governor. This is the second governor’s office staffer publicly reported to have tested positive for the virus since early February.
Lawmakers reject extra vetting for public assistance programs
A bill that could have interrupted health care coverage for thousands of low-income Montanans, and would have added additional hurdles for people enrolled in public assistance programs, was tabled in a House committee on Monday with bipartisan support.
Income tax overhaul in the mix
A late-session Republican bill would rework much of Montana’s tax system in the name of simplification, while lowering tax rates on high earners and eliminating some existing tax credits.
Property rights v. public good
A new ‘regulatory takings’ bill aims to give citizens a path to reimbursement for value lost due to government regulation. Critics say it could gut the state’s ability to enforce environmental and public health rules.
Legislature overrides Gianforte’s first veto
A vote in the Montana House finalizes a veto override of a bill giving the Legislature more power over rulemaking at state agencies. It’s likely the first time since 2003 lawmakers have successfully challenged a Montana governor’s veto.
Next steps for bills regulating birth certificates and transgender athletes
House lawmakers voted Monday to advance a bill that would make it more difficult for residents to update the gender on their birth certificates, and rerouted another measure banning girls and women who are transgender from playing on women’s sports teams.
Snares legalized and trapping season expanded
Gianforte signs two wolf management bills into law, with more likely headed to his desk.
Clearing out a confidentiality clause
Ethics complaints are no longer confidential in Montana after Gianforte signs Missoula Rep. Brad Tschida’s ‘Bullock-Brad Battle Bill.’
The Session podcast
What we’re looking forward to in week 15 of the Montana Legislature: parental rights and competing tax bills for adult-use marijuana.
This week In Helena, April 5-9
MTFP’s roundup of the week’s key action in the 67th Montana Legislature, from the state budget to tax policy and energy bills.
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