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Former Senator Jon Tester Joins Palantir, Drawing Scrutiny Amid Democratic Congressional Shift

Former Senator Jon Tester Joins Palantir, Drawing Scrutiny Amid Democratic Congressional Shift

Former Senator Jon Tester has taken on a role with AI tech giant Palantir, a move that has drawn attention given his past as a vocal opponent of government overreach and Palantir's involvement in surveillance technology. Tester's new position comes as Democrats regain power in Congress, promising increased oversight and regulation of AI and tech companies. Palantir, facing renewed scrutiny, appears to be leveraging Tester's extensive connections and influence within the Democratic Party. Tester has stated his role is advisory, not lobbying, focusing on providing guidance to Palantir regarding congressional interactions. This includes advising on committee members he knows if the company is called to testify. His engagement with Palantir is seen as a strategic move by the company to navigate a potentially challenging political landscape with a Democratic-controlled Congress. The former senator's history of using his influence within the party, as demonstrated by past political events in Montana, suggests he...
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The Latest: Supreme Court to consider Trump’s order suspending asylum access at southern border

The Latest: Supreme Court to consider Trump’s order suspending asylum access at southern border

The Supreme Court agreed Friday to consider President Donald Trump’s ban on asylum at the southern border, a pillar of the Republican president’s far-reaching crackdown on immigration
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Montana Deliveryman Encounters Bear on Sidewalk, Highlighting Wildlife Proximity to Developed Areas

Montana Deliveryman Encounters Bear on Sidewalk, Highlighting Wildlife Proximity to Developed Areas

A deliveryman in Montana recently encountered a brown-coated bear on a sidewalk near a busy street, an event captured on video and shared by Melodee Hanes. The footage shows the bear moving past a brick building while the deliveryman stands nearby with equipment, with cars passing on the street. This incident serves as a reminder that wildlife, particularly bears, can appear in unexpected urban or suburban settings. Montana is home to both black bears and grizzly bears, and while the specific species in the video could not be definitively identified, black bears can also have brown or cinnamon-colored coats. Bears are especially active in the fall as they seek food to build fat reserves for winter, which often brings them closer to human-populated areas, including neighborhoods and businesses.
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Former Washington Representative Jim McDermott Dies at 89, Leaving Legacy in Healthcare and Anti-War Advocacy

Former Washington Representative Jim McDermott Dies at 89, Leaving Legacy in Healthcare and Anti-War Advocacy

Former U.S. Representative Jim McDermott, a Democrat from Washington, passed away on Thursday at the age of 89. McDermott served 28 years in Congress, where he was known for his strong advocacy for universal healthcare and his outspoken opposition to war. Throughout his nearly 50-year career in state and federal office, the liberal lawmaker from Seattle championed an aggressive agenda focused on expanding healthcare access for all Americans. As the leading Democrat on the House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, McDermott was a staunch defender of the 2010 Affordable Care Act, which significantly expanded health insurance coverage. He also consistently voted against military interventions, including the 2002 resolution authorizing the use of military force in Iraq and U.S. intervention in Syria in 2013. His retirement from Congress in 2016 was met with praise from then-President Barack Obama, who recognized him as a vital voice for vulnerable constituents.
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Montana Ski Season Faces Warm Winter Challenges

Montana Ski Season Faces Warm Winter Challenges

Montana's ski season is facing uncertainty as the long-range weather forecast predicts warmer-than-average temperatures and below-normal precipitation through January 2027. According to Michael Downey, Drought Program Coordinator for the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, conditions in northwest Montana are looking bleak, with limited snowfall expected. The National Weather Service attributes this trend to a potentially record-setting El Niño, which is influencing weather patterns across the United States. While some ski resorts, such as Big Sky Resort, remain optimistic due to their historical snowfall averages, others may struggle to open without significant snowmaking efforts. Southeastern Montana continues to grapple with drought conditions, raising concerns about surface water levels and agricultural impacts.
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U.S. Senator Chris Murphy Continues Recovery from Stroke, Expected to Make Full Return

U.S. Senator Chris Murphy Continues Recovery from Stroke, Expected to Make Full Return

U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) is currently in a rehabilitation facility, making progress in his recovery from a small hemorrhagic stroke he experienced on Halloween. State Comptroller Sean Scanlon provided an update on Friday, stating that Senator Murphy is doing much better than anticipated. Doctors and his team are optimistic about a full recovery, though it will require a few weeks before he can fully resume his duties. Senator Murphy was released from the hospital last week after showing significant improvement. Despite his recovery period, he remains engaged, staying informed on constituent issues and elections, indicating his desire to return to his work as soon as possible.
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'Slapping Trump's name on it.' Democrats pitch Trump on working together

'Slapping Trump's name on it.' Democrats pitch Trump on working together

With two years left in President Donald Trump's second term, some Democrats suggest appealing to his desire to leave a legacy as they try to pass new bills.
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Democrats desperately need unity. Jeffries is built for that | Opinion

Democrats desperately need unity. Jeffries is built for that | Opinion

Former DCCC chair Steve Israel once urged Hakeem Jeffries not to run. Now Jeffries is set to be House speaker – and critics are misreading him.
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Democrats are preparing to probe the Trump family's finances

Democrats are preparing to probe the Trump family's finances

Oversight committees are already naming investigative targets, including Trump, his sons and his son-in-law.
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Montana Democrats choose trans/nonbinary person to be state House minority leader

Montana Democrats choose trans/nonbinary person to be state House minority leader

Democrats in the Montana House of Representatives have elected a transgender/nonbinary state representative as their minority leader
ReutersReuters
Trump says US does not "need" Iran deal, directs Vance to focus on domestic corruption

Trump says US does not "need" Iran deal, directs Vance to focus on domestic corruption

By Bo Erickson WASHINGTON, Nov 12 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump said on Thursday the US does not need a deal with Iran and directed Vice President JD Vance, who has played a role in efforts to resolve the war, to focus "his complete and total attention" on alleged crime and corruption in
ReutersReuters
Explainer-Can a new US Congress mean an end to the Iran war?

Explainer-Can a new US Congress mean an end to the Iran war?

By Patricia Zengerle WASHINGTON, Nov 12 (Reuters) - The American public wants the unpopular eight-month-long war on Iran to end, and showed it by handing President Donald Trump's Republicans a resounding defeat in last week's congressional elections.