Latest Montana News

ELECTION 2020-MONTANA-REPUBLICAN ROUT

Republican rout caps decade-long Montana political shift

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Election Day left no doubt: Republicans now run Montana. Democrats stood firmly atop Montana’s political scene just a short decade ago with control of the governor’s mansion, both U.S. Senate seats and every other statewide post but one. As of Wednesday, Sen. Jon Tester is the last Democrat of the bunch still standing. The Republicans’ Election Day rout of Democrats is likely to cement GOP power in Montana for years to come. Tuesday’s GOP sweep was decisive: Gov-elect Greg Gianforte beat Democratic Lt. Gov. Mike Cooney while Gianforte’s friend and former employee, Sen. Steve Daines, won another six-year term over Gov. Steve Bullock.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-MONTANA

Four-member staff of Montana county health agency resigns

GREAT FALLS, Mont. (AP) — The four-member staff of a Montana county health department has resigned, citing a lack of support by the county in fighting the coronavirus pandemic. The Great Falls Tribune reported Wednesday that Pondera County Health Department Director Nicki Sullivan wrote a letter to the Pondera County Commission that highlighted the need for a fairer wage, more transparency and additional contact tracers and staffers. The commission issued a statement Wednesday expressing continued support of healthcare professionals and shared goals toward reducing the spread of COVID-19 while keeping schools and businesses open. It said a meeting with the workers was set for Thursday.

BIG SKY SCHEDULE

Cat-Griz football game scheduled for March 27 in Missoula

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A Cat-Griz football game in March? That’s the plan. The Big Sky Conference has announced a six-game league schedule with games running from Feb. 27 to April 10. The conference set two bye weeks to accommodate any make-up games needed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The early games will be played in warmer states or inside stadiums. The Cat-Griz game is set for March 27 in Missoula. Montana’s first home game is on March 13 against Cal Poly while Montana State’s home opener will be April 3 against Eastern Washington. Twelve Big Sky Conference teams are participating, Sacramento State has decided not to play the spring season.