Three states join Montana in suing the feds over gun laws. Meanwhile, Montana Sen. Jon Tester faces a combative crowd in Missoula.
HIGH
JOHN PAUL STEVENS – This U.S. Supreme Court Justice, one of its liberal members, announced his retirement just shy of his 90th birthday and is receiving accolades for his service. Let his replacement’s confirmation fight begin!
NOMAD TECHNOLOGIES – This Flathead firm has landed a contract with the U.S. Army Corp. of Engineers to send its mobile command centers on missions across the nation.
CRESTON – Gorgeous weather and huge crowds made for a fun weekend at the annual auction.
UTAH, WYOMING, SOUTH DAKOTA – These states are joining Montana in a federal lawsuit seeking to protect the right of states to regulate their own guns.
BETWEEN
TEA PARTIES – With Tax Day upon us, attention once again turns to the concerns and frustrations of this new force in American politics. That they wield substantial power is clear, but to what end Tea Partiers exert their influence – beyond vocal demonstrations –remains to be seen.
LOW
GLACIERS – Two more have disappeared from Glacier Park, victims of climate change, leaving 25 remaining.
POLAND – This European ally lost its president and several other top government officials in a plane crash.
JON TESTER – A tough, combative crowd confronted this Montana Democratic senator over his health care vote and proposed financial reform legislation in a session at UM April 6.
BART STUPAK – This Michigan Democratic congressman, under fire from the right and left for his negotiation of abortion provisions in the health care bill, won’t seek reelection.