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Your weekly newsletter from the reporters and editors of Montana Free Press in Helena, MT

Dear Friend,

The week began with the inauguration of the state's first Republican governor in 16 years, was interrupted by a mass assault on the U.S. Capitol during the congressional confirmation of Joe Biden's presidency, and ended with... well, the weeks don't really seem to end anymore, do they? It's Friday, at least. Take a breather.

There was a ton of news along the way, including plenty of action during the first five days of the 67th Montana Legislature, and we're privileged to bring it to you here at the nominal close of the week.

Thanks for reading, and please let us know what you're thinking.

Brad Tyer, editor

Gov. Gianforte has taken the first steps to reduce permitting times and state environmental regulations, naming new directors of the DEQ and DNRC. By Pete Zimmerman

The state Senate hears a bill that would shield public health compliant businesses from certain COVID-19-related lawsuits. By Mara Silvers

Legislative COVID-19 panel says masks and temperature checks are recommended, but not required, following a Hamilton legislator’s positive COVID test. By Amanda Eggert

Homeschool enrollment numbers rose as a result of the pandemic, raising questions about COVID-19’s impacts on education funding. By Alex Sakariassen

Hamilton Republican Rep. David Bedey has tested positive for the coronavirus, legislative leadership said late Thursday. By Eric Dietrich

Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte, sworn in to office Monday, unveiled his first two-year budget proposal Thursday, saying the state can provide tax relief and invest in some of his priorities while leaving its reserve accounts healthy. By Eric Dietrich

 

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Yellowstone County’s top health official rescinded that county’s health orders on Thursday after Gov. Greg Gianforte signaled he would roll back the statewide mask mandate. By Chris Aadland

The Biden presidency is confirmed by Congress. Montana Sen. Steve Daines backtracked and did not object. Montana Rep. Matt Rosendale did. By Chris Aadland

The Northern Plains Resource Council and Sierra Club have appealed a decision by the state of Montana that’s required in order for Keystone XL construction to move forward on its 295-mile route through eastern Montana. By Amanda Eggert

Newly sworn-in Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte’s administration signaled Wednesday that the governor intends to support a compensation proposal before the Montana Legislature that would hold state workers’ wages flat over the coming year and then offer raises in the second half of calendar year 2022. By Eric Dietrich

Montana political leaders condemned pro-Trump protesters who stormed the U.S. Capitol building, forcing Congress to delay its joint session Wednesday to certify the Electoral College’s vote confirming Joe Biden as the winner of November’s presidential election. By Chris Aadland and MTFP staff

The city passed an emergency ordinance to reinstate its own directive requiring residents and visitors to mask up. By Justin Franz

The two Republican members of Montana’s congressional delegation didn’t answer questions Tuesday about their stated intent to object to the results of tomorrow’s Electoral College vote count, and about increasingly radical attempts by President Donald Trump in recent days to overturn the results of the election he lost to Joe Biden. By Chris Aadland

As the spring semester dawns across Montana’s public school system, students and educators are continuing to grapple with challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Those challenges range widely, from lack of access to high-speed internet to limits on parental attendance at extracurricular events. By Alex Sakariassen

Members of the public encouraging legislators to follow Lewis and Clark County public health measures including masking, social distancing and avoiding large gatherings coincided with protesters calling for a loosening of those regulations and a mask-free state outside of the Capitol as the 67th regular session of the Montana Legislature convened Monday morning. By Amanda Eggert

Members of the House and Senate kicked off the 2021 Legislature in person at the state Capitol on Monday, formally convening and electing leadership for what may be a turbulent 90-day session during the COVID-19 pandemic. By Mara Silvers and Chris Aadland

The state’s first Republican governor in 16 years says he’s focused on economic opportunity and a ‘comeback’ from the COVID-19 crisis. By Eric Dietrich

As of Friday, January 8, Montana reports a cumulative total of 85,568 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 838 new cases since yesterday, 5,405 active cases, and 79,114 people considered recovered. State officials also report that 3,814 of the cases have resulted in hospitalizations, with 205 patients currently hospitalized. There have been 1,049 Montana deaths attributed to the disease.

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