MONTANA HEADLINE NEWS, 08/23
The Montana Secretary of State’s Office completed the 2024 general election ballot certification Thursday and voters will be able to cast their choice for or against Constitutional Initiatives 126, 127 ,and 128. The state’s election website has been updated with the certified ballot issues and a list of candidate names on the ballot.
Lewis and Clark County District Court Judge Mike Menahan has struck down more election measures passed during the last two legislative sessions. Menahan ruled a provision that prohibits a ballot measure from being filed if a similar one was defeated within the past four years is unconstitutional. Another law that required a legislative committee to review each initiative is also unconstitutional, according to Judge Menahan.
A new fire sprang to life Thursday on the Idaho-Montana state line in the Salmon-Challis National Forest. The Reynolds Fire measured two acres Thursday. Over the last few days thunderstorms have produced numerous lightning strikes across Montana and Idaho.
Fossil fuel companies asked the U.S. Supreme Court for emergency action Thursday to prevent the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency from enforcing their new mercury emissions. Colstrip Power Plant’s operator, Talen Energy, says the rule puts the Colstrip power plant’s future in jeopardy, suggesting it could close in the next three years instead of operating for the next three decades.
