Topic

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.

Close-up of a traditional US mailbox with a red flag in a sunny neighborhood.

Daines, Sheehy, Zinke, Downing Urge Postmaster General to Address USPS Issues in Bozeman and Belgrade

U.S. Senator Steve Daines, Senator Tim Sheehy, Congressman Ryan Zinke, and Congressman Troy Downing have sent a letter to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy requesting urgent action to address ongoing mail service disruptions in Bozeman and Belgrade, Montana. In their letter, the officials highlighted problems such as misdelivered packages, challenges in tracking shipments, and staff shortages…

A dramatic scene depicting drugs and syringes on a dark surface, highlighting substance abuse risks.

Montana Attorney General Advocates for Legislation to Protect Children from Drugs

SB261 expands child endangerment to include exposure to fentanyl, heroin, THC, and dispensary access.

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.

A tentacle grows from the belly of a local police officer with a Hollywood camera at the end of it.

Are Montana Republicans the Party of Reality TV?

Travis Mateer examines the influence of reality TV on Missoula law enforcement, exploring how shows like Live PD and Frontier Force blur the lines between public service and entertainment.

A sign outside the Hamilton, Montana location for Dr. Surajit Khanna's Returning Youth Initiative named "The Safe Haven"

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?

A shopping cart filled with trash surrounded by more trash near the Clark Fork River waterfront

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.

First Methodist Church, Missoula

It’s Clear As Mud Where The Rubber Hits The Road In Missoula

Investigating Missoula’s church parking lot homeless initiative and its implications for the community and local politics

Failure Is The Plan

A feature, not a bug: Analyzing the intentional subversion behind political failures in America’s cultural and economic priorities.

Mayor Davis’ Culture of Controlled Curiosity, Brought to You by Lee Enterprises

Examining the Media Narratives and Local Implications of Missoula Mayor Andrea Davis’ Participation in the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative

2024 RNC Convention attendee holds Trump sign

The Elephant In The Room

Montana’s Darin Gaub attended the 2024 RNC Convention noting that it was a party for some and a duty for others.

Mobile Lego Meth Lab

Lawfare: A Very Effective Tool Of Attack

Travis Mateer on Lawfare, Legal Battles, and Creative Resistance

Sign in Sergeant Don Gregory Park that reads, "The Gateway To The Rattlesnake".

Am I Seeing the Twilight of Missoula’s Rattlesnake Democrats?

Unveiling the Hidden Power Dynamics in Missoula’s Exclusive Rattlesnake Neighborhood

Duplicitous Republicans Reframe Platform

Pro-Life Advocate Denounces GOP’s Shift in Abortion Stance, Calls for Unwavering Support for Life

Many people in vehicles lined up on Hawthorne Street behind The Poverello Center have been camping at the intersection of Pine for over a year.

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.

Person leans from the back seat of a car at Hawthorne and Pine behind the Poverello Center to adjust cooking foil on portable camping burner.

Missoula Legalizes Public Camping as Supreme Court Permits Bans

City Council’s decision contrasts with the recent Supreme Court ruling, highlighting the ongoing conflict over public safety.

Photo by Robin Sertell for Western Montana News.

Celebrating the Fall of Roe in Montana

Pro-Life Montanans mark two years of Dobbs with first annual Celebrate Life Montana event in Hamilton.

(Ellen) Ellie (Hill Smith) Boldman.

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.

View of Caras Park from under the Higgins Street Bridge

Am I Broken Windows Or Am I An Opportunity?

From Advocate to Homeless: Missoula’s Urban Camping Reality