MISSOULA, Mont. — Kai Johnson’s 25 points helped Montana defeat Montana State 77-70 on Saturday night.

Johnson shot 11 for 18 (0 for 3 from 3-point range) and 3 of 4 from the free-throw line for the Grizzlies (13-8, 6-2 Big Sky Conference). Joe Pridgen scored 14 points and added six rebounds. Malik Moore went 4 of 9 from the field (3 for 6 from 3-point range) to finish with 13 points.

The Bobcats (8-13, 3-5) were led by Patrick McMahon, who posted 18 points. Brandon Walker added 11 points for Montana State. Bryce Zephir also put up 10 points.

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

For the fifth time in three years, Montana State Senator John Fuller has introduced legislation targeting transgender youth. The State Supreme Court overturned a similar law sponsored by Fuller in 2023; its renewed form may indicate the GOP’s plans for reconstructing Montana’s judiciary branch in favor of conservatism.Other prior iterations of the bill simply failed to pass. Now, he’s got his eyes set on a new target: parents of transgender kids.

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Introduced on Wednesday, January 22, Senate Bill 164 would criminalize gender-affirming care—such as surgeries, puberty blockers, and hormone replacement therapy—for trans patients younger than 16 years old under child abuse statutes.

“Every major medical association in America endorses the provision of this type of care,” the ACLU of Montana’s executive director Akilah Deernose said. “This bill would mandate government overreach into private decisions that should remain between families and their treating care physician.”

Fuller, the bill’s sponsor, has a lengthy track record of trying—and failing—to enact anti-trans laws. In 2021, as a member of the Montana House, he introduced two separate bills targeting medical practitioners providing gender-affirming care for trans people, neither of which ever made it out of the legislature. He was also the architect of a ban on trans women in sports (trans men were not mentioned) that the Montana Supreme Court in part overturned in 2022.

Fuller’s 2023 version of the youth health care bill passed in the state’s House and Senate. Republican Governor Greg Gianforte signed it into law, only for state courts to deem this, too, “unconstitutional”—citing Montanans’ right to privacy.

This time, instead of a flat-out ban, Fuller’s bill reclassifies medical treatments for trans young people under Montana child abuse statutes. It specifically targets treatments “altering the appearance” of a child that seek to “affirm[. . .] the child’s perception of the child’s sex when the appearance or perception is inconsistent with the child’s biological sex.” It would fall under Montana child abuse statutes.

If the bill becomes law, Montana would be the first state in the country to explicitly criminalize parents simply for allowing a child access to gender-affirming procedures and hormone therapy.

Half of all states have already passed legal restrictions on health care for trans youth. The Oklahoma state legislature considered, but ultimately did not pass, a similar bill criminalizing parents of trans kids in 2021. Texas Governor Greg Abbott also issued a directive requiring state social services to investigate parents who let their trans children access gender-affirming treatments — however, like that of many states targeting this kind of care, the policy was blocked by the courts for violating the constitutional rights of trans people and their families.

Unlike Montana Senate Bill 164, Texas’s directive did not outright criminalize parents who support trans kids; it required an investigation, but not necessarily punishment. The only policies that have withstood the test of the judiciary thus far have targeted health care providers and state funds rather than parents, and they hang in the balance of an ongoing SCOTUS case. If Montana’s bill is passed, it could lay the groundwork for a dangerous legal precedent.

Studies have also shown that anti-trans health laws can create a medical chilling effect, impeding health care for people of all gender identities, as doctors could restrict or deny care if they even suspect a young person is or could eventually identify as trans.

Including Fuller’s proposals, Montana faced at least 10 anti-LGBTQ bills in 2023 alone. Hundreds of anti-trans bills at the state and national levels have been introduced or gained headway since then.

Fuller’s latest attempt to implement this policy in spite of the Supreme Court’s decision is more than just political theater. In addition to attacking trans kids’ access to health care, a Fuller-led coalition of Montana Republicans has set its sights on the judiciary branch. Legislators have proposed an onslaught of bills to constrict, discredit, and declaw the courts, limiting its scope and capacity for judicial review—including several bills introduced on the same day as Senate Bill 164. One such policy would remove the court’s power to accept lawyers into the bar association and instead give the ability to the governor.

The Supreme Court of Montana is selected through nonpartisan elections, where candidates cannot run under a party banner. Fuller and his allies want to change that. Only six states currently utilize partisan judge elections. And the Center for American Progress found that “partisan elections lead to more campaign contributions and increased partisanship among judges.”

According to ACLU of Montana lobbyist Henry Seaton, the efforts could amount to a power grab by the state GOP.

“One working theory is that if they are able to pass partisan judicial races, they feel that the court system will rule these unconstitutional bills more in favor of them,” Seaton said.

These efforts may be uniquely potent in Montana, but the strategy is on par with a playbook politicians are using across the country. A report from the Brennan Center for Justice found that, in 2023, there were 124 bills in 29 states “attacking the independence of courts.” The bills covered a spectrum of legal avenues that would “inject more politics into how judges are selected,” such as by allowing “judge-shopping,” enabling legislatures to cherry-pick judges for certain cases.

A December 2024 document by Fuller addressed a myriad of partisan complaints that Republicans in the Montana legislature levied against the judiciary branch. Co-signed by over a dozen Republican state legislators, the letter alleges that “the Montana Supreme Court has a long history of hostility toward the Republican Party and conservatives.” They also allege that the bar association endorsed “implicit attacks” on Republicans when a member of a private legal practice, speaking at a bar association panel, criticized the GOP and referred to Governor Gianforte as “Governor Gianforeskin.” Neither the state bar association nor Fuller’s office provided comment in time for publishing.

Laws disempowering state judiciaries could jeopardize the supposed neutrality of the courts. Mississippi, for example, enacted a law that would have “singled out” voters in a majority-Black district by creating new, state-appointed judgeships, while voters in the rest of the state would elect their judges.

The Mississippi Supreme Court overturned that law.

This article originally appeared on Erin in the Morning.

Montana is known for its Rocky Mountains. Places such as Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park attract millions of tourists every year. It’s no wonder people gravitate towards these areas for vacation destinations. The parks are full of surreal beauty to explore. While often overlooked, Montana’s small towns are another great vacation spot. Towns such as Red Lodge are even a gateway to the beloved National Parks. Other towns, such as Butte, offer a deep dive into Montana’s history and tell visitors the story behind the mountain state. Explore seven incredible vacation spots in Montana.

Whitefish

One of the most charming mountain towns, Whitefish is the best vacation spot for outdoor adventure enthusiasts. The town has opportunities for hiking, biking, skiing, rock climbing, and horseback riding. Another side to Whitefish is that it is a romantic resort town. Wander downtown to see this side of Whitefish. There are several shops and cute cafes. Check out Going to The Sun to see a quirky art gallery. In the summer and fall, check out the local farmer’s market. Visitors should try the famed huckleberries while they are in season here.

Looking to enjoy the mountains all day and night? Consider a stay at the Grouse Mountain Lodge, just 30 minutes from Glacier National Park. This is a great home base for adventures.

Ennis

Anyone looking to vacation to Montana for the mountains will enjoy Ennis. The town is surrounded by three mountain ranges the Madison Range, the Gravelly Range, and the Tobacco Root Mountains. The picturesque Madison River is also nearby and is a popular fishing spot. A unique attraction in Ennis is outdoor art. There is a tour available for visitors where a guide will take guests to the outdoor art exhibits, which showcase the beautiful cowboy town’s history.

Learn more about Ennis’s history at the Madison Valley Historical Society Museum. The museum has a working blacksmith shop from Ennis’s Gold Rush days. For a relaxing vacation and overnight stay in Ennis, check out Lure Me Inn, which is right in town.

Virginia City

Near Ennis, Virginia City is a small town born out of Montana’s Gold Rush days. The town has been restored and is a well-preserved time capsule of Montana’s old west. It has stood the test of time and is a live enactment of the 1860s. The town offers many opportunities to explore the Old West days. Almost a ghost town, Virginia City has buildings that date back to the area’s Territorial days. Every year in August, the town holds Virginia City’s Grand Victorian Ball for Peace. The ball dates back to the 1800s, and today, people dress up in period costumes for the affair.

The local Opera House hosts plays dedicated to the town’s history, in 19th-century production style. Visitors can enjoy dining like it’s the 1860s at the Star Bakery and grab a drink at the Bale of Hay Saloon. Virginia City’s first brewery is still open. H. S. Gilbert Brewery is a great place to relax, and they have a live performance by the Brewery Follies Players. To explore more of Montana, take the short line from Virginia City to Nevada City. The scenery on the ride is beautiful and worth the trip.

Red Lodge

Surrounded by the stunning Custer Gallatin National Forest, Red Lodge is a great place for outdoor adventure enthusiasts. Often known as the gateway to Yellowstone National Park, this town is the perfect vacation spot for those looking to venture into the iconic park. Make sure to drive down the scenic Beartooth Highway on the way to Yellowstone.

Beyond Yellowstone, Red Lodge has adventures of its own. Explore the charming main street of downtown Red Lodge. The street is full of old-timey shops and cute eateries. Stop at the Candy Emporium to feel like a kid again. Exploring the outdoors in Red Lodge is a must. The town is home to several hiking trails with stunning views. Some of the best ones to try include Woodbine Falls Trail, Lake Fork Trails, Wild Bill Lake Loop, and West Fork Trails.

Dillon

A small town with a big personality, Dillon is a vacation spot for those looking to experience Montana’s southwest. Located in a gorgeous valley, Dillon is a combination of natural beauty and Southwestern culture. The valley Dillon sits in is where three rivers drain: Ruby, Big Hole, and Beaverhead River. Having so many rivers around, it’s no wonder Dillon is a favorite spot for fishing. Beaverhead River is a blue river trout stream and a popular fly fishing spot. There are also many hiking trails near Dillon. Agnes Lake Trail is a popular one with pretty views.

Exploring Dillon and the surrounding area, visitors might notice some ghost towns. There are a couple of ghost towns near Dillon. Coolidge was a silver mining town in 1919; the ruins of the town are still visible today. Bannack is a well-preserved ghost town near Dillon and was the first town in Montana to strike gold. After a day of exploring Dillon, visitors can unwind at the nearby and relaxing Jackson Hot Springs Lodge.

Polson

Are you looking for a quiet vacation in a lesser-known mountain town? Consider visiting Polson. Located on the Flathead Indian Reserve, the town is right in a natural amphitheater. The town has a rich culture and history, celebrating many events. The Cherry Festival in July is one of the region’s most popular festivals. It celebrates the region’s famous Flathead cherries. The festival has handcrafted goods, cherry-themed treats, and delicious food.

Enjoy walking around the town and stopping at the museums and galleries to learn more about Polson’s past, such as the Miracle of America Museum. Make sure to check out the Sandpiper Art Gallery to see the work of local artists. Stay at the Flathead Lake Inn to fully experience the town.

Butte

Considered the cornerstone of Montana’s Southwest, Butte is a town with a colorful history and a fantastic culture. Anyone looking to delve into history on their vacation should visit Butte. Take the local Trolley Tour to learn about the town’s past with a local history guide on a trolley. The trolley makes a special stop at Butte’s notorious Berkeley Pit. After learning a little about Butte’s history, visitors will be hungry to learn more. One of the best places to learn even more about Butte’s history is at the World’s Museum of Mining, which is right in town. Afterwards, check out the Copper King Mansion. The historic landmark shows the history of some of the mine owners.

After learning so much history, make sure to take time to enjoy Butte’s natural scenery. Butte is near Thomspon Park. Located in the heart of the Rockies, this park makes for a great afternoon trip. There are lots of trails to explore and great spots for a picnic. Visitors can end their time in Butte with a nostalgic night out at the local drive-in.

Why Visit These Towns

Anyone planning their next vacation should consider taking a trip to one of these towns. Each town has something for everyone. Butte is a town full of interesting local history that will entertain history buffs. Red Lodge and Ennis are towns with an old-time charm that gives visitors views of beautiful natural sites combined with quaint local charm. Whatever vacation spot you visit, the charm of Montana’s history and the Rocky Mountains will give visitors an unforgettable vacation. These towns are great to visit any time of year. So start packing your bags and get ready to enjoy the mountains in Montana.