
By DARRELL EHRLICK | Editor-in-Chief
"What happens in a household in which there are older children who are born here and now, suddenly they have a new baby who’s born tomorrow, and that baby is not going to have the same rights that their siblings have? Is a baby going to be subject to detention and deportation by their very own government that is meant to protect them because they were born here?” – Ama Frimpong, legislative director for an immigrant rights group, speaking about the chaos that would happen if the U.S. Supreme Court adopts the Trump administration’s view of birthright citizenship.

Bill redefining sex signed nearly a year after it passed
by Jordan Hansen
Gov. Greg Gianforte last week signed the final bill passed during the 2025 legislative session defining sex in state law, likely spawning a protracted legal fight. Senate Bill 437, which defines sex as only male or female, was signed on March 24, 2026, but sat on Republican House Speaker Brandon Ler’s desk for nearly a […]

One finalist for president heads to University of Montana
by Keila Szpaller
One finalist for the University of Montana president job is headed to campus soon as part of the search for the Missoula flagship’s new leader, according to the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education. In his most recent message about filling the job, Commissioner Clayton Christian said the search was “highly productive” and plans […]

Bill redefining sex signed nearly a year after it passed
by Jordan Hansen
Gov. Greg Gianforte last week signed the final bill passed during the 2025 legislative session defining sex in state law, likely spawning a protracted legal fight. Senate Bill 437, which defines sex as only male or female, was signed on March 24, 2026, but sat on Republican House Speaker Brandon Ler’s desk for nearly a […]
COMMENTARY
Columnist John Moore knows a thing or two about the state’s ethics code because he used to teach a course on it. He says that Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen is attempting to tip-toe around the rules regarding billboard advertisements and that the state looks to do nothing but — at most, a slap on the wrist.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
President Donald Trump orders money moved from one part of the Department of Homeland Security budget in order to pay Transportation Safety Administration workers who have been without pay at airports, as call-outs and delays have snarled air traffic. Meanwhile, Congress continues to discuss options to break the impasse over funding, centering largely around domestic deportation efforts.
Our next-door neighbors in Idaho pass a law that targets transgender residents from using the bathroom of their preferred choice, applying criminal penalties to those who violate the law.
In a trend that began after the end of COVID-19, the federal government shows an overall drop in reportable crime statistics.
The United States Supreme Court said it will take up President Donald Trump’s interpretation of birthright citizenship. Opponents of the administration say that the interpretation defies decades of practice, and also would create a number of very practical problems if allowed to stand.
GOOD READS
Note: some links may lead to stories behind a news organization's paywall
Becker’s Hospital Review points out that scientists area studying a new variant of COVID-19, BA 3.2, which is being tracked in several different countries, including the United States. It’s nicknamed the “Cicada variant” because of its ability to stay dormant and only reappear infrequently.
Researchers have discovered that the hairs on the platypus, one of nature’s most odd and enigmatic creatures, is unlike the hair on most other mammals. Instead, the individual strands bear more resemblance to the feathers of a bird, reports the Smithsonian magazine.
And just in time for the celebration of America’s 250th birthday, President Donald J. Trump’s signature will be added to paper bills printed by the U.S. Mint, marking a first for a sitting U.S. President. The Trump administration tells the New York Times it’s a fitting way to celebrate the historic anniversary, but critics say it’s another example of Trump slapping his name on everything.
EGGS AND EASTER EGGS
Folks, remember just a few years ago when we were talking about the outrageously high price of eggs? Well, it’s coming up on Easter, and while the cost of eggs seem to have subsided somewhat for now, the cost of Easter egg candies is shockingly high. In fact, my guilty pleasure during the holiday season, Cadbury mini-chocolate egg candies, have been absent because they’ve nearly doubled in price in the past year. When I looked through the Easter candy, I thought I might be the only one who was paying attention, but one of the most disturbing emails we’ve received said that since 2020, Easter candy has risen in price by 67%.
Here’s a summary of those findings that have been tracked by Investors-Observer:
To quantify the change, InvestorsObserver tracked prices of five popular Easter candy brands – Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs, Cadbury Mini Eggs, Hershey’s Milk Chocolate, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and Cadbury Creme Eggs – between 2020–2026.
The pattern held across brands: steady, incremental changes that consumers absorbed without recognizing the total impact.
Key findings:
The same Easter budget now buys 40% less candy than in 2020.
In 2020, Easter candies ranged from $3.49 to $3.99, and by 2026, that gap exploded to $4.79 to $8.29.
Shoppers increased their Easter candy budgets by 15% since 2020, while prices rose 67%.
Hershey’s Milk Chocolate bars cost $8.29 today versus $3.99 in 2020 – more than double the price for the exact same size bar.
Cadbury Mini Eggs shrank from 10oz to 9oz in 2022 with no price change – a hidden cost increase most shoppers never noticed.
THE HOOK
Today, we have a new eDJ and he’s coming to us from Helena.
Folks, here is Wilbur Rehmann with a great song suggestion.
OK, Wilbur 0ver to you:
I suggest “Blood Count,” composed by Billy Strayhorn and played by Stan Getz. Strayhorn wrote the song as he was slowly dying with a rare form of leukemia. “Blood Count” was Strayhorn leaving humanity with a tragic, beautiful and positive statement. As myself and many other men older than 60 are faced with with prostate and other more terminal cancers, Strayhorn admonishes to not give up.
Creating beauty is our calling.
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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