Last Best News (https://montana-mint.com/lastbestnews/)
I was planning to ride off into the sunset today, but if I may appropriate an observation by Benjamin Franklin, it looks as though I might be heading in the direction of the rising sun.
In the week since I announced that Last Best News would cease publication today, I have heard so many expressions of interest in reviving it in some shape or form, with or without my continued involvement, that it appears likely that this independent online newspaper will live on.
“The Traveling Feast,” by Rick Bass. New York: Little, Brown and Co., 288 pages.
Consider the subtitle of Rick Bass’s non-fiction account of traveling the country — and flying overseas — to serve meals to his writing mentors: “On the Road and at the Table with My Heroes.”
Last evening, when I glanced at my phone, a new notification snagged my attention. It went something like this: “Light rain in 9 minutes. Ending in 24 minutes.”
Wow. That was a first. Rain was coming in nine minutes? Not 10? And, really, the radar could predict the precise minute the pitter-patter would taper off? My initial sense of wonder was quickly obliterated by a different sense of wonder. Are we really so out of touch? Continue Reading →
Back in May, I suggested to Ed Kemmick a photo essay on winter hikes because I did them every day — in squalls, sleet, freezing storms — in the foothills of the Beartooths where I live. It was to be a frigid reminder now of the season change, something to recall when blistering summer came on. Continue Reading →
“Our place. Your power.” Those four words, according to Beartooth Electric Cooperative General Manager Kevin Owens, define the essence of the co-op’s venture into solar energy.
“It’s about generating electricity at a solar array in one location and using it in another location,” Owens said. Continue Reading →
Happy June, bug fans! Last month’s column explored the world of baby bugs through the lives of two ludicrous larvae, both of which used their butts to some awesome ends. This month, it’s all about the parents. Continue Reading →
A couple of weeks ago, as I was discussing the state of the republic with my daughter, I said, “And I only have two more columns left to fix it.”
“They’d better be good,” she said. Continue Reading →
“What Does Not Return,” by Tami Haaland. Lost Horse Press, paperback, 65 pages. $18.
“The Bluebird Run,” by Greg Keeler. Elk River Books, paperback, 193 pages. $15.
So quickly do I click through stories on the internet that I often find myself clicking past a story before I have even grasped what was in it. In such a world, can the slow, patient reading that a book of poetry requires possibly thrive? Continue Reading →
When I imagined writing this column just a few days ago, before announcing the impending shutdown of Last Best News, I saw myself in a calm, cool frame of mind, making a short and rational case for keeping independent journalism alive in Billings.
Well. The past two days have been such a whirlwind of emotions and have seen the dawn of so many new possibilities that I hardly know where to begin. Continue Reading →
The proposed Republican budget for 2019 is being formulated and there are some serious cuts that should disturb many Americans.
Slowly but surely, those government programs that help people in very real ways —Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security — are being decimated by Republicans running the country. Continue Reading →
Voices from the Valley is an occasional series of conversations between Sherri Cornett and Billings-area leaders who are committed to creating a vibrant community for all. This is the final installment of the series. Continue Reading →
One week from today, on July 1, Last Best News will be suspending operations.
I plan to keep the site live on the web at least through Sept. 1, so people can use the archives and save any stories they may want to preserve, but as of July 1 we won’t be adding any new content to the site. Continue Reading →
