Montana

Montana lawmakers vote to completely ban TikTok in the state

Published

2 years ago

April 16, 2023

Montana lawmakers vote to completely ban TikTok in the state

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HELENA, Mont. — Montana turned the primary U.S. state on Friday to cross laws banning TikTok on all private units, sending a invoice to Gov. Greg Gianforte prohibiting TikTok from working inside state traces and barring app shops from providing TikTok for downloads.

The laws marks the furthest step but by a state authorities to limit TikTok over perceived safety considerations and comes as some federal lawmakers have known as for a nationwide ban of TikTok.

Lawmakers in Montana’s Home voted 54-43 to provide ultimate approval to the invoice, generally known as SB419. Ought to Gianforte signal the invoice, it could take impact in January. However the laws might rapidly face important authorized challenges.

The laws particularly names TikTok as a goal of the invoice, and descriptions potential penalties of $10,000 per violation per day. The penalties would additionally apply to any app retailer discovered to have violated the legislation. Particular person customers of TikTok, in the meantime, wouldn’t be penalized for accessing TikTok.

“The governor will fastidiously take into account any invoice the Legislature sends to his desk,” stated Brooke Stroyke, a spokesperson for Gianforte. In December, Gianforte banned TikTok from state authorities units and the next month urged the Montana College System to comply with swimsuit, which it did.

In an announcement, TikTok hinted at potential authorized motion to oppose the invoice.

“The invoice’s champions have admitted that they haven’t any possible plan for operationalizing this try to censor American voices and that the invoice’s constitutionality shall be determined by the courts,” stated TikTok spokesperson Brooke Oberwetter. “We’ll proceed to struggle for TikTok customers and creators in Montana whose livelihoods and First Modification rights are threatened by this egregious authorities overreach.”

Quite a few governments worldwide, together with in america, have used their authority over official units they management to limit TikTok from smartphones, computer systems and WiFi networks. However these restrictions don’t prolong to non-public units.

U.S. officers have extensively expressed fears the Chinese language authorities might probably achieve entry to TikTok consumer information by way of its hyperlinks to TikTok’s mother or father, ByteDance, and that such info may very well be used to learn Chinese language intelligence or propaganda campaigns. There may be up to now no public proof the Chinese language authorities has in truth accessed the private info of TikTok’s U.S. customers or used that information to affect them. However FBI Director Christopher Wray has instructed Congress that “we’re undecided that we’d see most of the outward indicators of it taking place if it was taking place.”

The U.S. authorities has known as for TikTok to be spun off from its Chinese language homeowners, whereas TikTok has stated that it could actually handle the nationwide safety considerations by erecting a “firewall” round U.S. consumer information, a part of an initiative it calls Challenge Texas.

The plan has not deterred TikTok’s critics, nevertheless. Greater than half of U.S. states have clamped down on TikTok in some vogue, and Friday’s Home vote in Montana underscored the breadth of help for limiting TikTok on even non-government units.

However the way forward for Montana’s laws is unsure. NetChoice, a expertise trade group that counts TikTok as a member, stated Friday that SB419 violates the U.S. constitutional prohibition in opposition to so-called “payments of attainder,” or laws that seeks to punish an individual with out trial.

“This transfer from the Montana Legislature units a harmful precedent that the federal government can attempt to ban any enterprise it would not like with out clear proof of wrongdoing,” stated Carl Szabo, NetChoice’s vice chairman and normal counsel. “The U.S. Structure clearly forbids lawmakers from passing legal guidelines to criminalize a selected particular person or enterprise. Gov. Greg Gianforte ought to veto this clearly unconstitutional legislation.”

Design it For Us, a coalition of youth activists pushing for modifications to platform regulation, lamented that the views of web natives weren’t mirrored within the invoice.

“We consider that social media will be good for younger folks if they’re designed for us,” stated Zamaan Qureshi and Emma Lembke, the group’s co-chairs. “Bans like this one forgo an actual alternative to proactively handle youngsters’ security and privateness considerations on these platforms.”

A bunch representing app builders stated Friday the invoice might encourage governments to legislate on an app-by-app foundation, making a patchwork of legal guidelines that may “weigh closely on small app firms.”

“Whereas it’d start with TikTok, it clearly will not finish there,” stated Morgan Reed, president of The App Affiliation, which receives greater than half its funding from Apple.

Different civil society teams have alleged SB419 violates Montanans’ First Modification rights to free expression and entry to info. This week, a joint letter to state lawmakers led by the American Civil Liberties Union argued that there’s a excessive constitutional bar for presidency restrictions on speech.

“SB419 is censorship — it could unjustly minimize Montanans off from a platform the place they communicate out and alternate concepts on a regular basis, and it could set an alarming precedent for extreme authorities management over how Montanans use the web,” the letter learn.

The laws additionally references the presence on TikTok of “harmful content material” and “harmful challenges,” language that Lynn Greenky, a First Modification scholar and affiliate professor at Syracuse College, stated raises an instantaneous “crimson flag” triggering stricter constitutional scrutiny.

“Solely in distinctive circumstances will content-based restrictions be constitutionally permissible underneath the First Modification,” Greenky stated. “Definitely, the Montana authorities has a compelling state curiosity in defending the well being, welfare, and privateness of its residents, however the statute is so imprecise that it’s just about unenforceable. A imprecise statute is, by definition, not narrowly tailor-made, and as such it’s going to wither underneath First Modification scrutiny.”

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Montana

Montana Lottery Powerball, Lucky For Life results for Dec. 25, 2024

Published

5 hours ago

December 26, 2024

Press Room

The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 25, 2024, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from Dec. 25 drawing

15-26-27-30-35, Powerball: 03, Power Play: 3

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Dec. 25 drawing

04-10-35-42-45, Lucky Ball: 02

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lotto America numbers from Dec. 25 drawing

04-05-40-42-52, Star Ball: 10, ASB: 03

Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from Dec. 25 drawing

09-18-19-25, Bonus: 15

Check Big Sky Bonus payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from Dec. 25 drawing

08-29-30-47-57, Powerball: 01

Check Powerball Double Play payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Montana Cash numbers from Dec. 25 drawing

01-05-10-39-41

Check Montana Cash 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: 9:00 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
Lucky For Life: 8:38 p.m. MT daily.
Lotto America: 9:00 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: 8:00 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 Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Texas, 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.

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.

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Montana

Montana authors talk about state's 'political hell-raiser,' archaeology • Daily Montanan

Published

16 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Press Room

Montana authors talk about state's 'political hell-raiser,' archaeology • Daily Montanan

Historian and author Marc Johnson gives a book talk next month about Burton K. Wheeler, “one of the most powerful politicians Montana ever produced,” as part of the Montana Historical Society’s lecture series.

Johnson will speak from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8, at Touchmark, 915 Saddle Dr. in Helena. He will talk about his book, “Political Hell-Raiser: The Life and Times of Senator Burton K. Wheeler of Montana.”

“(Wheeler) came of political age amid antiwar and labor unrest in Butte, Montana, during World War I, battling Montana’s powerful economic interests and championing farmers and miners as a crusading United States attorney,” said the announcement from the Montana Historical Society. “Wheeler went on to become one of the most influential, and controversial, members of the United States Senate during three of the most eventful decades in American history.”

Also in January, author and University of Montana archaeology professor Douglas MacDonald will discuss his “Land of Beginnings: The Archaeology of Montana’s First Peoples.”

The book talk takes place from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 16, at the Lewis & Clark Library, 120 S. Last Chance Gulch in Helena.

“While researchers have learned a great deal about the origins of the first people to call this region home, questions remain about which route or routes they took and when they made this journey,” said the Montana Historical Society about the book talk.

The organization also said the Original Governor’s Mansion will be open for free guided tours at noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 26, and on Saturday, Dec. 28.

“The Queen Anne-Style mansion will be decorated for the holiday season through the weekend with surprises for visitors of all ages,” said the announcement.

For more information, contact Darby Bramble at [email protected].

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Montana

Montana Ag Network: Sleigh ride season kicks off in Montana

Published

1 day ago

December 25, 2024

Press Room

Montana Ag Network: Sleigh ride season kicks off in Montana

On a frosty morning in late December, Marce Hoffman backs two huge draft horses out of a barn at the historic 320 Ranch south of Big Sky.

“Step up, step up,” Hoffman instructs the horses as he maneuvers them toward a waiting sled. It’s time to take the animals out for a turn on a trail they’ll know well by the end of the winter season. They’ll tread the path up to seven days a week during the holidays and five days a week after that. The animals strain in their harnesses, eager to pull and run.

“They’re fresh. They won’t be fresh come New Year’s, though; they’ll be all muscled up, ready to go,” said Hoffman.

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The 320 has a long history. It was homesteaded as two separate ranches more than 125 years ago.

“1912 they combined them to form 320 acres That’s how the ranch became known as the 320,” explained Hoffman as he practiced the history lesson he gives while narrating the ride through the high, narrow valley the ranch is nestled in, just outside the boundary of Yellowstone National Park.

In 1936, Bozeman doctor Carolyn McGill purchased the ranch.

Hoffman said, “She fell in love with this area on different hunting trips, trips down into the Yellowstone Park.”

You might recognize McGill’s name from somewhere else.

“Caroline started the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman; was actually called the McGill Museum when it first opened up,” said Hoffman.

Current owner Dave Bass purchased the ranch in 1985.

Hoffman explained that’s when the ranch really began to grow into a tourist Mecca. He said, “He (Bass) bought it up from a 20 gust capacity over 200 that we have today.” He pointed to cabins that drifted by, framed by the mountains and the Gallatin River. It’s the view guests get as they take a one-hour trail ride in the sleighs. Hoffman ticked off the sights: “You get to see Cinnamon Mountain, Burnt Top Mountain. We’ll be able to see the Spanish Peaks when we go along the Gallatin here. Looking back you’ve got a view of Monument.”

As he drives onto a flat, straight stretch of the trail, the horses get frisky. “These guys are gonna air out right here,” he cautioned, just as the horses break into a run. It demonstrated the challenge of managing big Percheron horses around guests.

“Our number one priority is keeping everybody safe. So we always have to be constantly looking at the equipment. As far as the people, probably the hardest part is herding them up and getting them on the sleighs,” Hoffman laughed as he allowed that it is probably harder to manage the passengers than the animals.

Sitting next to him, Head Wrangler Logan McDaniel said she enjoyed working at the ranch.

“I like, of course, to drive and work with the horses but also meeting people from all around the world. You get to meet people from all different parts of life, all kind of different places,” she said. “They’re here for vacation. You get to kind of realize a little bit of people’s life story. It’s pretty cool just to meet different people.”

And the horses?

Hoffman said, “We’re looking for good disposition, you know. We’re not looking for heavy pullers we’re just looking for horses that are pretty docile and easy-going horses. They’re not gonna win any pulling competitions here.”

But these workhorses are no slouches.

“We’ll pull 18 people no problem and these guys are big horses,” said Hoffman.

He said that translates to about 18 hands and nearly 2,000 pounds each. As the horses cool down after their workout, Hoffman wiped them down and explained how these animals cope with the harsh winters at the ranch.

“You know those horses are on hay, you know free choice grass hay and water. They do pretty well. We’ve got a lean-to for them to get out of the wind. But for the most part, you know, they’re pretty hearty animals,” he said.

By late afternoon, as dusk descends on the ranch, guests begin to wander toward a pair of the big sleighs. They board the blanket covered seats for a ride out to the other end of the valley where a wood-floored canvass tent awaits. It’s heated and features a bar serving snacks, hot cocoa, cider, and more. A fire crackles in a pit surrounded by seats outside. After a bit of rest, the passengers will climb back into the sleds for a ride back to the ranch restaurant.

Taking in the view around them, Hoffman and McDaniel reflected on their jobs. Hoffman said, “There’s a lot of people that never seen a horse or been around horses, so it’s a good opportunity to you know, to introduce them to the horses.”

McDaniel added, “It’s cool watching people fall in love with the horses. That’s why I kind of do this. It’s to see people fall in love with horses like I do.”

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