Montana's Congressional delegation mostly quiet as Trump threatens to obliterate Iran.

By DARRELL EHRLICK | Editor-in-Chief

"As the resolution’s preamble clearly states, the resolution was intended to ensure city officials are not commandeered to perform tasks for the federal government which they are not authorized to perform, and also to protect the dignity of Helena’s immigrant communities consistent with governing law.” – From a statement by the Helena City Council in response to Attorney General Austin Knudsen’s accusation that city leaders had violated Montana’s ‘sanctuary city’ law.

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte unveiled the “reboot” of the Treasure State’s new welcome signs, which haven’t been freshened up since 2014. The logo has the familiar colors that have already been used and a familiar brand, recalling previous popular logos, with refreshed lettering and graphics.

And in an unrelated bid to get more people to travel and visit the Big Sky State, the Department of Commerce announces $1.25 million in grants aimed at boosting or improving tourism, especially in rural areas of the state.

As President Donald J. Trump issued threats to wipe out the country and civilization of Iran on social media, sending shockwaves throughout the world as well as condemnation from some within his own Republican Party, he later announced a two-week ceasefire to work on a permanent peace deal that is apparently being brokered through Pakistan.

As the United States Supreme Court considers the merits of arguments surrounding birthright citizenship, some people who have been a part of America their entire lives prepare for the prospect that they may be residents without a country.

Anyone who knows me likely will concede: I may be a little slow on the uptake. But, it should say something about the state of news that I had at least three suggestions for “The Hook” before noon. There are thousands of songs out there to select from, but three of you — after likely hearing of threats from Trump — to wipe Iranian civilization from the Earth, repeated a request for John Lennon’s “Give Peace a Chance.”

Growing up, that song was always part of the Vietnam era and part of a music that I thought encapsulated a particular point in the United States’ history. Like so many things recently, I have been shocked that some of the old songs and old ways have become eerily relevant once again.

What I didn’t appreciate until I researched the song a little more was the number of celebrities who participated in Lennon and Yoko Ono’s “Bed In” in 1969 for the recording. That guitar you hear playing? Yeah, that’s Tommy Smothers. Other notables include Petula Clark and Dick Gregory.

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