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CNN’s Bill Weir brings his travel show to Montana

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CNN’s Bill Weir brings his travel show to Montana


Invoice Weir can nonetheless keep in mind the primary time he got here to Montana. The anchor, who now works for CNN and whose previous credit embody “Nightline” and “Good Morning America,” was launched to the state from the again of a station wagon when he was a boy.

“It’s pricey to my coronary heart,” he stated of Montana. And he’s exhibiting it by that includes the state on an episode of his CNN documentary collection “The Marvel Checklist with Invoice Weir.”

The Montana episode, together with three others, premiers on CNN’s streaming service CNN+ on Thursday, April 21.

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Weir’s present, which is now on its fourth season, has taken him to lots of unique locales, from Venice to Bhutan to Madagascar. Montana may not appear to suit with that record.

The episode is titled “Montana: Saving the Final Finest Place,” and that provides a fairly good thought of what concerning the state is interesting to Weir. He’s significantly compelled by locations at a crossroads, and Montana occurs to be going through a fairly vital one.

Throughout the pandemic, Weir, who lives in Manhattan, started studying concerning the so referred to as “Zoom increase” the state is experiencing, with an inflow of excessive paid distant staff who now notice they will work from wherever, and are displacing the decrease wage earners who already stay right here.

“How can it keep the final finest place with these sorts of stress?” Weir questioned. “On the coronary heart of this present is the query of what makes these wonders of the world particular, what are the pressures that they’re present process, and who’s attempting to carry on? Montana simply match all of that for me.”

The episode takes Weir on a visit across the state’s expanse, beginning in Bozeman, wandering into Tom Miner Basin, going by means of Billings and finally winding up in Glacier.

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A big a part of the episode is devoted to exploring the American Prairie Basis, the extraordinarily controversial group searching for to type a large-scale nature protect within the northeastern and central a part of the state. The non-profit needs an “American Serengeti,” as Weir places it, the place buffalo once more roam free on their dwelling on the vary.

Weir speaks to individuals with American Prairie, but in addition prominently options members of “Save the Cowboy”, the group against American Prairie’s propositions. Weir stated he had no thought how contentious the problem was earlier than he lined it, nevertheless it was “intriguing to dig into that story and discuss to individuals on each side.”

He additionally made some extent of that includes the voices of Indigenous Montanans, usually overlooked of those debates. “I’m fascinated by historical past,” Weir stated, “and you’ll’t perceive the place we’re in the event you don’t notice the place we’ve come from… You actually need to return and begin initially with the primary individuals who bought right here.”

“And naturally,” he notes, “the buffalo is a sacred tribal image and a logo of america, and the American west. You possibly can’t perceive what occurred to the buffalo in the event you don’t perceive what occurred to Native Individuals.”

These are points Montanans could also be accustomed to, however not essentially the remainder of the nation. Weir’s present is undoubtedly geared in the direction of a broader, nationwide viewers. However he stated he “hopes” there’s worth in there for Montanans, as effectively. “That’s what I’m fascinated about probably the most after I’m writing these.”

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Greater than something, Weir defined, Montana calls to him as a result of “it represents the agricultural American dream, of each the good outdoor and private freedom. I at all times ponder whether locations like that may stand as much as the pressures of the fashionable world.”

These pressures, in Weir’s world, are “too many individuals, not sufficient water. Too many fires, not sufficient rain. Regardless of the explicit pressures are the place we go world wide, it’s fascinating to see how individuals each pull collectively and set up themselves.”

He needed to cope with a few of these points firsthand. “The Marvel Checklist” shot their Montana footage in summer time 2021, whereas the state was blanketed with wildfires. Smoke obscures the background of almost each shot.

Whereas Weir admits that they’d have most popular “bluebird skies in huge sky nation,” he discovered the smoke to be an enhancer, not a deterrent. “That’s the story. It grew to become one other character.”

Weir has been to so many locations, however Montana nonetheless feels particular to him. It was his father’s dream to “be a cowboy in Montana… So I grew up listening to these tales about this wonderful land, this promised land referred to as Montana. I’ve at all times had some kind of romantic notion about not solely the bodily magnificence however the sort of those that get drawn up right here.”

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Weir acknowledges that his present leans in the direction of escapism, veering into “journey porn,” as he put it. However he seeks training and understanding, too. “I would like individuals to fall in love with these locations world wide,” he stated, “however perhaps in the event that they’re fortunate sufficient to get an opportunity to go there, they’ll are available with a lighter footprint and a bit extra respect for the locals and the Indigenous, and the explanations you went there within the first place.”





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Montana Lottery Lucky For Life, Big Sky Bonus results for April 10, 2025

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The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at April 10, 2025, results for each game:

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from April 10 drawing

09-18-38-39-45, Lucky Ball: 13

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from April 10 drawing

11-14-18-24, Bonus: 09

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Check Big Sky Bonus payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the Montana Lottery drawings held?

  • Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
  • Mega Millions: 9 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
  • Lucky For Life: 8:38 p.m. MT daily.
  • Lotto America: 9 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Big Sky Bonus: 7:30 p.m. MT daily.
  • Powerball Double Play: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
  • Montana Cash: 8 p.m. MT on Wednesday and Saturday.

Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.

Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.

Where can you buy lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

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Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms: jackpocket.com/tos.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Great Falls Tribune editor. You can send feedback using this form. Our News Automation and AI team would love to hear from you. Take this survey and share your thoughts with us.



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How Three Anti-Trans Bills Were Struck Down in Montana

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How Three Anti-Trans Bills Were Struck Down in Montana


In a climate of constant loss, it’s difficult to contextualize anything as a “victory.”

Since President Trump and his administration took office in January, there have been more mass deportations and disappearances, revocations of international student visas, endless violations by Israel of their ceasefire agreement with Palestine, constant hits to the global economy, more federal funds withdrawn from educational institutions, closures of the branches of the federal government created to take care of us, and further degradation of the rights of both trans adults and trans children. And the Democrats, for their part, seem mostly content to let a lot of this keep happening regardless of the fact that much of it is illegal. The U.S. government has always enacted fascist policy on marginalized people — which is why much of this comes as no surprise to people who are familiar with the actual history of this country — but the last few months have shown there aren’t many barriers the president, his loyal band of followers, and most of the elected Republicans in office are unwilling to cross.

That is, until the last few weeks when Montana Republicans stood in opposition to anti-trans legislation making their way through the state’s government.

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Throughout the U.S., state legislature after state legislature have taken their cue from the federal government (and, I would argue, the state of Florida) by trying to pass and enact anti-trans laws that target everything from trans youth in sports to gender-affirming healthcare to bathrooms (again). Although some states already experienced the brunt of these attempts and the passing of anti-trans legislation before the new administration took office, it’s obvious the political leaders in many places — including Democrat-led California — are feeling emboldened to parrot anti-trans rhetoric and push this legislation through due to the work happening in the White House and on Capital Hill.

The Montana Legislature Introduced Three Anti-Trans Bills

Over the last month, a set of House and Senate Bills in Montana aimed at queer and trans people were introduced to the legislature only to be defeated not just by the elected Democrats in the state, but also many of the elected Republicans. The first bill, HB 675, sought to define all drag performances as inherently “sexual” and give parents permission to pursue legal action against any drag performers and promoters for “psychological, emotional, economic, and physical harm” “caused” by a performance.

The second bill, HB 754, sought to take parental custody away from any parents who allow their trans children to pursue and receive gender-affirming care in any capacity.

The final bill, Senate Bill 164, sought to revamp Montana’s child endangerment laws by classifying gender-affirming care for trans youth as felony child abuse. The bill was written so vaguely that its target could encompass not just a child’s legal guardians but also their doctors, nurses, teachers, and other caregivers. And as Erin Reed points out: “It ma[de] no exception for care obtained legally out of state—simply bringing prescribed medication across state lines could render a Montana parent a felon. The bill also d[id] not limit enforcement to Montana residents; even a parent visiting Glacier National Park or Yellowstone with their transgender child could face felony charges for carrying estrogen, testosterone, or puberty blockers.”

All Three of Montana’s Anti-Trans Bills Were Voted Down — With Republican Support

After an impassioned floor speech on the art of drag, the realities of Drag Story Hours, and the bill’s connection to anti-trans oppression by Representative Zooey Zephyr, Montana’s drag bill was defeated 44-55, with 13 Republicans voting it down.

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In her speech, she explained what actually happens at events like Drag Story Hours at local libraries, saying:

“This [law] is going to be attempted to be applied as an attack against the trans community […] because in committee, when the sponsor closed on this bill, he said ‘This bill is needed.’ He said and I quote his words, ‘Because transgenderism is a fetish based on crossdressing.’ Those were his words for why this bill is necessary, and I’m here to stand before the body and say that my life is not a fetish. My existence is not a fetish.”

Similarly, the parental custody bill was defeated — with 29 Republicans voting it down — following a speech by Representative SJ Howell wherein they pointed out how difficult it would be for the state’s Child Protective Services to actually do what is required of the bill should it become a law: “Put yourself in the shoes of a CPS worker who is confronted with a young person, 15 years old maybe, who is happy, healthy, living in a stable home with loving parents, who is supported and has their needs met? And they are supposed to remove that child from their home and put them in the care of the state? We should absolutely not be doing that even if you disagree.”

This week, the final bill, SB 164, which would have severely criminalized gender-affirming care for trans youth, was defeated following another floor speech by Representative Howell. The speech addressed the broadness of the bill, the other uses of the treatments used for trans children, and the way the bill limits parental rights. During their appeal, Howell made it very clear that this bill is nothing but destructive for the families it could affect and the state itself. They said:

“We have a lot of tools at our disposal as the legislature to regulate healthcare, but felony criminal charges are not the appropriate tool for that job. Lastly, but certainly not least, this bill has a lot of concern for me about parental rights. At the end of the day, there are a lot of parents out there […] a lot of parents of trans kids who are just doing what they believe is best for their kids. This criminalizes those parents. This is going to end up with families that are facing unbelievably difficult decisions. […] I understand there’s a lot of concern and a lot of mixed opinions about this type of healthcare but turning parents and doctors into felons is absolutely not the approach that best serves this state.”

This time, 17 Republicans voted it down.

What Do These Trans Wins in Montana Mean Moving Forward?

Considering the ground that has been laid for these kinds of bills to pass through state legislatures without much of a fight, it is extremely interesting to see this pattern emerging, especially in a state many would quickly write-off with preconceived notions of what it must be like to live there as a trans or queer person.

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These legislative victories are, of course, due in no small part to the labor of Representative Zephyr and Representative Howell. Their unwavering commitment, as not only trans people but also as elected officials, to standing up and speaking up for trans people in the state — and, in essence, everywhere — shows that the voices of those willing to do this work aren’t being ignored as much as many think they are. We can’t say for sure how these votes would’ve gone without them giving their testimony and their analyses of these bills, but it’s also hard to doubt the enormous impact their respective efforts have had on the outcome of these votes.

Beyond that, the actions of the Montana Republicans involved in these votes also set a useful and powerful precedent that could continue to ripple through other state legislatures. Republicans generally rarely break rank — particularly in regards to policies and initiatives that have become extremely popular for the party — in such a principled manner as they have in the Montana legislature this past month. These bills presented Republicans a quandary that was impossible for them to fully square in their minds: How can they purport to be the party of “parental rights” if they continually take them away?

As President Trump and his cronies continue to amp up their increasingly violent attacks on both civil rights and the general state of U.S.’s appearance to the world around us, it appears as if at least some people in the GOP are recognizing the flaws in their pursuit of what being “great again” actually means for their constituents. And more to the point, they might just be growing a little weary of pursuing the bogeyman that was created through the scapegoating of trans people when there are bigger issues at hand. At least, we can keep hoping that’s the case and keep amplifying legislative victories like these out of Montana.

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‘A Night of Hope’ concert in Bozeman to raise money for Montana suicide prevention | Explore Big Sky

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‘A Night of Hope’ concert in Bozeman to raise money for Montana suicide prevention | Explore Big Sky


EBS STAFF 

On Saturday, May 3, Bozeman native country musician Stephanie Quayle will perform a concert to raise money and awareness for Montana’s chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.  

The concert, themed “A Night of Hope,” will take place at the Armory Music Hall in Bozeman. Tickets are available online for $25. Doors will open at 6 p.m. for the 7 p.m. show.  

A press release from event organizers stated the concert will raise awareness about mental health by unifying the community and raising crucial funds to support the foundation’s mission, which includes suicide prevention research, education programs, advocacy, and support for survivors of suicide loss. 

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Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Montanans aged 10 to 44, and that more than 49,000 Americans took their own lives in 2023, according to the release. 

“Your presence at the show is a powerful statement in support of mental health, those who suffer, and suicide prevention in Montana and beyond,” Tracy Rassley, programs manager for the foundation’s Montana Chapter, stated in the release. “Together, we can raise awareness, spark conversations, and create a stronger, more compassionate community.”  

The foundation is the largest private funder of suicide prevention research and does not receive federal funding or grant money, according to the release.  

Quayle added a statement regarding her mental health activism, which includes her book, “Why Do We Stay,” exploring her personal struggles.  

“I aspire to make Montana a beacon of hope in the conversation surrounding mental health, inspiring others to take action as well… I believe sharing my journey can offer hope to those struggling as I did. My road wasn’t an easy path, nothing worthwhile ever is, but I want to make this conversation more accessible to the community,” Quayle stated, adding that the upcoming concert is the beginning of a larger, ongoing effort to support Montanans.  

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“This isn’t a fleeting endeavor; it’s an integral part of my life’s work and purpose and I am honored to be involved,” Quayle stated.  



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