If you have abandoned all hope for American politics, you probably should stop reading right here.
But if you still see a spark, here’s a wisp of air to help keep it alit. Continue Reading →
Opinion
Vegetarian, rancher go at it in Capitol
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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
Billings in the midst of a Catholic construction boom
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In case you hadn’t noticed, there’s a Catholic construction boom underway in Billings.
The new St. Francis School at Colton Boulevard and Woody Drive, which will serve K-8 students and is expected to open next fall, has an $18 million price tag. Continue Reading →
Diversions
Book chronicles Montana saddleries—and much more
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Thirty-some years ago, Jay C. Lyndes received an unusual package in the mail.
The package, with a return address from the Lame Deer Trading Post, was literally oozing with black, oily gunk. Lyndes wondered whether he should even open it. But he’d done some business with the trading post before, and curiosity prevailed. Continue Reading →
Montana
Infrastructure, abortion, criminal-record bills debated
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HELENA — As Republicans and Democrats grapple with how to fund statewide infrastructure projects at the Montana Legislature, one bill in the House aims to put that decision in the hands of local voters.
House Bill 577, introduced by Rep. Dave Fern, D-Whitefish, would allow cities and towns to adopt an infrastructure tax on luxury goods and services at a maximum rate of 4 percent. However, the tax would have to be approved by local voters. Continue Reading →
Opinion
Special congressional election? We’ve been there before
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A congressional death in 1945 and a federal judgeship appointment in 1969 triggered two Montana special congressional elections like the one we have scheduled for May 23, now that former Rep. Ryan Zinke has been sworn in as Interior secretary. Continue Reading →
Montana
All eyes on budget during 2017 legislative session
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Editor’s note: This story has been updated to included a correction.
The Montana Legislature is responsible for accomplishing a great deal during the 90 days it meets every two years.
But lawmakers are actually constitutionally required to do only one thing—create and pass a state budget. Continue Reading →
Prairie Lights
Prairie Lights: In LBN survey, readers have their say
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Readers of Last Best News, you did us proud.
In late February, we posted a survey developed by the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of Kansas, which is trying to determine who reads local news websites across the country, and what their readers are like. Continue Reading →
Billings
Robson out as manager of This House of Books
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Gary Robson is no longer the CEO and general manager of This House of Books in downtown Billings.
Details are scarce, but apparently the independent cooperative bookstore has been struggling financially since it opened Oct. 1, and with the departure of Robson and the manager of the store’s new tea bar, there are only two full-time employees. Continue Reading →
