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Politics
Politics shapes our communities, and Western Montana News is here to keep you informed. From local elections to national policy, we cover the issues that matter most to Montana residents. Stay up to date with in-depth reporting, analysis, and commentary on the decisions impacting our state and beyond.
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Catalyst Montana Funding Prompts Calls for State Inquiry
According to publicly available grant data from USAID, the leftwing Montana Human Rights Network—rebranded Catalyst Montana—received 71% of its funding through taxpayer grants.
Are Montana Republicans the Party of Reality TV?
Before I make my argument that Montana Republicans are the party of reality TV, we need to define what we are talking about, so here’s a definition from Wikipedia: Reality television is a genre of television programming that documents purportedly unscripted real-life situations, often starring unfamiliar people rather than professional actors. Reality television emerged as…
Is Anything About Surajit Khanna’s Returning Youth Initiative Real?
The Khanna Con: Is Dr. Khanna exploiting Montana’s well-meaning do-gooders for photo-ops, while offering little real help to those he claims to serve?
Journalism Is Not A Popularity Contest
Facing criticism and opposition, Travis Mateer highlights the importance of independent journalism in uncovering the truth about homelessness in Missoula.
It’s Clear As Mud Where The Rubber Hits The Road In Missoula
Explore the complexities of Missoula’s homeless initiatives as Travis Mateer investigates rumors of church parking lots hosting “urban car campers”.
Failure Is The Plan
Darin Gaub of Restore Liberty analyzes how political failures of the current and previous administrations are a feature, not a bug. He explains how these failures have been orchestrated through subversion of cultural and economic priorities.
Mayor Davis’ Culture of Controlled Curiosity, Brought to You by Lee Enterprises
Travis Mateer critiques media framing of Missoula Mayor Andrea Davis’ involvement in the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative, covering local politics, city officials, affordable housing, and media narratives for Western Montana News.
The Elephant In The Room
Darin Gaub, a delegate from Montana, shares his first-hand experience at the 2024 Republican National Convention. He shares photos from the convention floor and delves into the convention’s highs and lows, the grassroots energy, and the challenges of confronting the entrenched establishment.
Lawfare: A Very Effective Tool Of Attack
Travis Mateer reflects on how lawfare is used in politics to attack and delegitimize opponents. He shares his personal legal battles and creative resistance with the Lego Meth Lab, highlighting the high stakes of truth-telling.
Am I Seeing the Twilight of Missoula’s Rattlesnake Democrats?
Explore the hidden power center of Missoula in the exclusive Rattlesnake neighborhood. Discover the waning influence of Westridge Creative, the legacy of Pat and Carol Williams, and how urban development and environmental issues shape local politics.
Duplicitous Republicans Reframe Platform
Montanans for Life Chair Robin Sertell criticizes the Republican Party’s new 2024 platform, accusing them of abandoning core pro-life principles and engaging in duplicitous rhetoric. Sertell calls for a return to unwavering support for the sanctity of life from conception.
From Local Ordinance to Supreme Court: Unpacking Missoula’s Urban Camping Debate
In his latest piece, Travis Mateer explores the complexities of Missoula’s Urban Crisis Camping Ordinance and its implications in light of the Supreme Court decision on Grants Pass v. Johnson.
Missoula Legalizes Public Camping as Supreme Court Permits Bans
Missoula City Council legalized public camping just days before the Supreme Court ruled that cities can ban the practice, sparking debate on public safety policies.
Celebrating the Fall of Roe in Montana
The first annual Celebrate Life Montana event in Hamilton commemorated the Dobbs decision’s second anniversary with heartfelt speeches, activities, and community gatherings, highlighting the value of human life.
Why My Ellie Boldman Problem Is Your Ellie Boldman Problem
In his weekly op-ed, Travis Mateer offers a candid profile and his personal experiences with Montana transplant politico Senator Ellie Boldman. Explore the controversies and key events shaping her influence in Missoula’s political landscape.
Am I Broken Windows Or Am I An Opportunity?
Travis Mateer discusses the challenges of “urban crisis camping” in Missoula, sharing real experiences, interactions with law enforcement, and the impact of the Broken Windows theory.
Montana’s Electoral Battleground: What to Expect in 2024
Explore the 2024 electoral landscape of Montana, a key battleground state with 4 electoral votes. Dive into an analysis of past elections, demographic shifts, and predictions for the upcoming presidential race.
My Weapon of Mass Instruction for the Culture War
You might not consider yourself a culture warrior, but, like it or not, you’re in a culture war, and it’s being fought in all kinds of new-information ways.