Good morning and happy birthday W.E.B. Du Bois.
On the Beacon today, opening statements are scheduled today in the federal Libby asbestos case against W.R. Grace & Co. Tessa Heck, the senior Glacier High swimmer, is a leader and an Elton John fan. A bill to relieve Montana gun and ammunitions makers from some federal oversight could be setting the state up for a big states rights legal challenge. The state Senate narrowly passed a bill that would slightly increase the amount of medical marijuana patients and suppliers can carry. Two bills are working their way through Congress to establish new wilderness in the West, one of which would designate some 7,000 acres in Montana. And state Democratic Party chairman Dennis McDonald is beginning his long campaign against U.S. Rep. Denny Reherg, R-Mont.
Finally, a notorious Greek criminal has escaped from prison with a daring plan employing helicopters and fast cars – for the second time. Have a great day.