The Montana Free Press’ summaries of the U.S. Senate and House candidates’ positions spell out a striking difference in the two major political parties. Continue Reading →
Opinion
Fantasies infiltrate political positions
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Last words, maybe, and a few thanks from Last Best News
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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.
Billings
2 other police officers in sex case come forward
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The other two officers suspended in a sex scandal within the Billings Police Department have, apparently, now identified themselves.
Local television station KULR-8 is reporting that Scheveck and Salminen Law, the local firm representing the officers, said officers M. Edwards and Clint Anglin released statements exclusively to KULR-8, saying they were the other two officers. Continue Reading →
Billings
LaMantia ID’s self in sex scandal, resigns from BPD
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Officer Paul LaMantia has resigned from the Billings Police Department after identifying himself as one of the three officers who admitted having sex with a departmental clerk on city property or while on duty.
LaMantia’s resignation was reported about 7:45 a.m. Tuesday by Jason Harris on his “Big J Show,” a radio show at FM 101.9 that features talk, interviews and music. Continue Reading →
Billings
Inspired by Tom Hanks, downtown Billings on Twitter
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You could say that @tomhanks inspired this Twitter project. Last Best News publisher/editor Ed Kemmick then made me write about it. Continue Reading →
Billings
Judge wants cops’ names released, but will wait 2 days
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The names of three Billings police officers disciplined for job-related sexual encounters will remain private for at least two more days. Continue Reading →
Opinion
Montana Viewpoint: A tip of the hat to public employees
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Last week was Public Service Recognition Week, an event that seems to have largely gone unnoticed despite a proclamation from President Trump saying, in part:
“Members of our Federal, State, and local workforces bring incredible skills, tireless dedication, and selfless service to a broad range of career fields. Our Nation’s civil servants include teachers, mail carriers, first responders, transit workers, and law enforcement officers. Our Federal employees underpin nearly all the operations of our Government.” Continue Reading →
Billings
Voices from the Valley: Marci McLean
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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. Continue Reading →
Opinion
Opinion: GOP and the sales tax—Here we go again
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A Montana Republican legislative leader suggests that the GOP back a sales tax. Senate President and former Speaker of the House Scott Sales said in a recent radio interview that Republicans should do so as a way of eliminating our state income tax. Given Montanans’ historical opposition to the sales tax idea, Sales’ advocacy on behalf of the GOP reminds me of the proverbial tale of the frog and the scorpion. A scorpion asks a frog to swim it across a river on its back. The frog hesitates, afraid of being stung by the scorpion, drowning both of them. Continue Reading →
Montana
Democratic House candidates respond to survey
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Five Montana Democrats are running in June 5 primary election for a chance to unseat first-term incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Greg Gianforte in the Nov. 6 general election.
The Montana Free Press surveyed the five candidates to see where they stand on 10 key issues. The candidates were asked to respond in 50 words or fewer to each question. Below are their responses, edited only for length and style. Continue Reading →
Culture
Craig Lancaster: On the way out, looking back on Billings
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I met Craig Lancaster almost as soon as he came to Billings nearly 12 years ago, shortly after he was hired to work at the Billings Gazette, where I’d already been for more than 15 years.
He quit the newspaper in 2013, about six months before I did, to try his hand at writing novels and freelancing full-time. Now, he’s on the cusp of another big change — moving at the end of this month to Boothbay, on the coast of Maine, with his wife, the novelist Elisa Lorello. Continue Reading →
