Good morning and happy birthday to the Rev. Al Green!
On the Beacon this morning, the North Fork of the Flathead River has been designated by a leading conservation group as one of the most endangered rivers in the U.S. And a burgeoning regular live music performance at Sykes’ in Kalispell is rocking the regulars there. At higher education institutions across the country, student debt and defaults are surging. And Kitchen Guy Jim Gray writes about how chefs are using the Internet to help out regular people with cooking dilemmas in their kitchen.
As lawmakers attempt redistricting, partisan tension is already flaring. Conservationists have filed a major lawsuit against oil and gas drilling leases on Bureau of Land Management tracts across the West, saying they violate the habitat of the sage grouse. The Missoulian covers how libraries are getting pinched as more people need their services, while funding remains stagnant. And Lee’s Chuck Johnson profiles Sen. Keith Bales, R-Otter, has been at the center of many a political maelstrom in the current legislative session.
And finally, Honda is unveiling a new dog-friendly car, equipped with water, a fan and a ramp for pets. Have a great day.