By Keila Szpaller | Deputy Editor
“If agencies no longer have to minimize the impacts of motorized recreation to water quality, wildlife and other recreationists, we are in danger of degrading the very values of our public lands that draw us there again and again.” – John Robison, Idaho Conservation League, about a recent repeal of executive orders that govern off-road vehicles on public land.
Katie Lane confirmed as newest Montana federal judge
by Micah Drew
The U.S. Senate confirmed President Donald Trump’s nominee for Montana’s federal bench along party lines. Katie Lane, 34, who served a brief stint in the Montana Attorney General’s office and most recently worked as a lawyer for the Republican National Committee, earned Tuesday 52 votes supporting her lifetime appointment as a federal district judge in […]
State, feds give 2026 wildfire season outlook
by Jordan Hansen
While recent rains are part of a reason for some optimism surrounding this year’s wildfire outlook, it could “turn on a dime” officials warned during a seasonal briefing. Gov. Greg Gianforte, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Director Amanda Kaster, and representatives from other state, local and federal agencies gave the update to the […]
MORE FROM MONTANA
Forstag declares victory in western U.S. House district primary
One of Sam Forstag’s biggest fans talks to his supporters at The Union Club the night of the primary. (Keila Szpaller/The Daily Montanan)
Missoula smokejumper Sam Forstag declared victory Wednesday morning in a four-way contested primary among Democrats for Montana’s western U.S. House seat.
“Today, people across Montana made clear that we’re ready to send working class representation to Washington so that we can fight for ourselves,” Forstag said in a statement.
Forstag pulled ahead of former gubernatorial candidate Ryan Busse and won over Russell Cleveland as well. Busse asked his supporters to back Forstag.
“Now is the time to come together and fight for the Montana we want to see,” Busse said. “That means helping Forstag defeat radio shock jock Aaron Flint.”
They’ll have an uphill battle. Sabato’s Crystal Ball rates the district “Leans Republican,” while the Cook Political Report rates it “Likely Republican.”
FROM OUR D.C. BUREAU
The U.S. House passed a resolution to force President Donald Trump to withdraw from the war with Iran and require congressional approval for further military action in the country.
The day after acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the Trump administration’s “anti-weaponization” fund was dead, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent evaded questions about whether Trump, his family and the Trump Organization would be absolved from future tax enforcement, another part of the president’s IRS settlement.
Ahead of the November midterm elections, Trump and his Republican allies have demanded Congress pass sweeping voting restrictions, including showing proof of citizenship to register — all in the name of election security.
THE HOOK
Apparently the New York Times got an earful about its list of the 30 greatest living American songwriters, so it compiled a list from readers “with a formal poll.”
I found the explanation condescending — “we didn’t want all that passion to go undocumented” — but I did find the list interesting and, of course, a source for your Hook today. (H/T The Poynter Report.)
Brandi Carlile is a readers’ pick. The Times noted Carlile wasn’t on its own list, and it named “The Joke” as a song that came up among some voters.
If you’re feeling low, Carlile is singing to you. The song starts like this:
You're feeling nervous, aren't you, boy?
With your quiet voice and impeccable style
Don't ever let them steal your joy
And your gentle ways, to keep 'em from running wild
They can kick dirt in your face
Dress you down, and tell you that your place
Is in the middle, when they hate the way you shine
I see you tugging on your shirt
Trying to hide inside of it and hide how much it hurts
Let 'em laugh while they can
Let 'em spin, let 'em scatter in the wind
I have been to the movies, I've seen how it ends
And the joke's on them
It’s Friday Eve. Keep shining. We can get to Friday.
If you have a song that you’d like to share, or would like to get in touch with us, please send us a note at [email protected]
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