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Montana Supreme Court Allows Butte Data Center Initiative on November Ballot

Montana Supreme Court Allows Butte Data Center Initiative on November Ballot

The Montana Supreme Court has ruled that a citizens' initiative in Butte-Silver Bow, requiring voter approval for data center construction, will appear on the November ballot. This decision overturns a previous ruling by a District Court Judge and a retroactive change in the signature submission deadline by the county elections administrator. The initiative, spearheaded by the grassroots group 406 People First, aims to give local voters a say in the construction or expansion of any data center within the city-county. The group successfully collected over 3,652 signatures, exceeding the required threshold. The controversy arose when the county elections administrator initially informed the organization that the deadline for signature submission was August 14, but later changed it to July 13, citing a new state law (Senate Bill 11) passed in the 2025 Legislature. This law increased the time required between signature submission and ballot certification. The Supreme Court determined that denying voters the ri...

Montana Supreme Court Candidates Eddy and Wilson Debate Transparency and Campaign Funding in Bozeman Forum

Montana Supreme Court Candidates Eddy and Wilson Debate Transparency and Campaign Funding in Bozeman Forum

Two candidates for an open seat on the Montana Supreme Court, Amy Eddy and Dan Wilson, participated in a forum at Montana State University in Bozeman. Both candidates are state district judges in the 11th Judicial District, covering Flathead County. The forum, sponsored by the Gallatin County Bar Association, highlighted differing approaches to campaign ethics and judicial transparency. Eddy emphasized maintaining a nonpartisan campaign, refusing political party-sponsored events and contributions, citing concerns about judges being influenced by political affiliations. Wilson, who has received contributions from the state GOP and spoke at a Montana Republican Party event, advocated for increased transparency within the Supreme Court, including more open oral arguments and public court conferences. He also expressed reservations about soliciting funds from attorneys, believing it could create expectations of favoritism. The candidates discussed their legal experiences, including appellate cases, challenging...

Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin Appointed to North Carolina Board of Transportation

Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin Appointed to North Carolina Board of Transportation

Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin has been appointed to the North Carolina Board of Transportation by Governor Stein. Colvin will serve as a member representing the 6th Transportation Division. Currently in his fifth term as Fayetteville's mayor, Colvin has a significant background in local governance, having previously served as a city council member and mayor pro tem. Throughout his tenure, he has been a representative for Fayetteville on the Fayetteville Area Metropolitan Planning Organization. His priorities have consistently included investments in critical infrastructure such as roads, sidewalks, and stormwater systems, alongside a strong focus on economic development initiatives within the city.

Judge Overrules Chatham County Data Center Moratorium, Allowing Project to Proceed

Judge Overrules Chatham County Data Center Moratorium, Allowing Project to Proceed

Judge Overrules Chatham County Data Center Moratorium, Allowing Project to Proceed

Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo Faces Scrutiny Over Data Center Tax Break Policies Amid Re-election Campaign

Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo Faces Scrutiny Over Data Center Tax Break Policies Amid Re-election Campaign

Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo is navigating criticism regarding his administration's approach to data center development and associated tax breaks. Recently, Lombardo announced new 'guardrails' for data center development through an executive order. This order stipulates that while existing data centers will retain their tax breaks, new facilities will receive most, but not all, of these incentives. Additionally, new data centers must commit to minimizing water usage and preventing increased electricity costs for the public to qualify for the remaining tax breaks. This move comes after Lombardo previously asserted that Nevada already possessed sufficient protections against potential negative impacts from data centers. His Democratic challenger, Attorney General Aaron Ford, has also addressed the issue, calling for a pause on data center tax break approvals until their effectiveness can be reviewed and proposing a 'Data Centers Accountability Plan' with similar conditions for tax break eligibility.

The Columbus Dispatch

Harlem Twp., Galena OK 1,000-acre cooperative area to control growth, up revenue

Harlem Twp., Galena OK 1,000-acre cooperative area to control growth, up revenue

Harlem Township and Galena have signed a 50-year agreement over 1,000 acres in township to share infrastructure and revenue while curbing annexation.

The Knoxville News-Sentinel

How TVA is taking action to power Tennessee Valley’s future | Opinion

How TVA is taking action to power Tennessee Valley’s future | Opinion

The Tennessee Valley Authority's interim president and CEO explains how the board is acting to keep TVA and the region moving forward.

Governor Gianforte Announces Leadership Change at Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services

Governor Gianforte Announces Leadership Change at Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services

Governor Greg Gianforte has announced that Dr. Doug Harrington will succeed Charlie Brereton as the new director of the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS). Brereton is set to depart on October 30 to pursue an opportunity in the private sector. Dr. Harrington, a Montana native with over 40 years of medical experience, has served as the agency’s state medical officer since 2023. Brereton led DPHHS since 2022, during which time the department managed a $300 million behavioral health initiative, increased healthcare capacity, and secured $233 million through the federal Rural Health Transformation Program. Montana is projected to receive up to $1.2 billion over five years from this program. Dr. Harrington expressed his commitment to continuing the department's efforts to enhance the health and well-being of Montanans.

Butte, Montana Recognized as One of the Most Affordable Mountain Towns in the West

Butte, Montana Recognized as One of the Most Affordable Mountain Towns in the West

Butte, Montana Recognized as One of the Most Affordable Mountain Towns in the West

Appeal to Halt WinCo Store in Great Falls Withdrawn, Paving Way for Development

Appeal to Halt WinCo Store in Great Falls Withdrawn, Paving Way for Development

Appeal to Halt WinCo Store in Great Falls Withdrawn, Paving Way for Development

Montana Stream Access Rally Draws Candidates and Advocates to Bozeman

Montana Stream Access Rally Draws Candidates and Advocates to Bozeman

Over 250 citizens, political candidates, and advocates gathered at the Emerson Center for the Arts and Culture in Bozeman for a Montana Stream Access Rally. The event focused on the importance of the 1985 Montana Stream Access Law, which guarantees public recreational access to rivers and streams up to the high-water mark. Attendees engaged with state and county political candidates, as well as local businesses and nonprofits that depend on Montana's waterways. Candidates, including Alani Bankhead (Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate), Seth Bodnar (independent candidate for U.S. Senate), Amy Eddy (nonpartisan candidate for Montana Supreme Court), and several others running for state legislative seats, delivered speeches emphasizing their commitment to protecting waterway access. Many speakers shared personal connections to Montana's waters and highlighted the ongoing threats from private and corporate interests.

U.S. Postal Service Responds to Mail Delivery Complaints in Winston, Oregon

U.S. Postal Service Responds to Mail Delivery Complaints in Winston, Oregon

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has addressed concerns regarding mail delivery in Winston, Oregon, specifically within the 97496-delivery area. Mayor Christie Knutson had previously contacted Congresswoman Val Hoyle's office, requesting an investigation into frequent complaints about mishandling and mis-delivery of mail and packages. In response, John Sandness, U.S. Postal Service Manager of Customer Relations for Oregon, Idaho, and Montana, sent a letter to Mayor Knutson dated September 18th. Sandness stated that after an investigation and consultation with local management, the inquiry has been addressed and closed. He indicated that the Manager of Postal Operations conducted a stand-up talk with all carriers to reinforce the importance of verifying correct delivery points for every package. Additionally, postal officials reviewed available delivery-route stop data and carrier's line of travel, reporting no identified patterns or irregularities that would suggest an ongoing delivery issue requiring furthe...