Montana
State Senate starts in gridlock over committee changes
Fifteen minutes into the state Senate’s first meeting, nine Republicans joined all Democrats in voting to change committee assignments.
The GOP faction sided with Democrats despite urging from Senate President Matt Regier that the Republican caucus stay united.
Senate Minority Leader Pat Flowers offered the change, saying a new committee to review the governor’s proposed bills and agency appointments was unnecessary. Flowers proposed bumping the committee to on-call status and offered new assignments to its members.
“This proposal, this motion, makes the best use of all the expertise and experience in this body and puts them back on committees where they can use that expertise,” Flowers said.
In recent days, Regier and other Senate Republican leaders have tried and failed to gain back control.
During a caucus meeting Thursday some Republican senators called the faction of nine selfish. Regier said he understands they all have differing views, but said they need to operate as a unit.
“Montanans did not send the Democrats to run the show. They sent us. And I will not move from that,” Regier said.
But the nine senators didn’t budge. That included Sen. Wendy McKamey. She said creating the new committee was an affront to Gov. Greg Gianforte as it would have singled out his favored legislation for heightened review.
“I do not want to see us fighting the governor. I want to see us making good legislation. I want to see us getting to work. I want to see us getting stuff done,” McKamey said.
The dispute delayed the start of Senate committee work, which will begin next week, days after the House.
Regier told reporters he was surprised by the division in his party. He said he worries how the faction might impact policymaking down the line.
POLSON, Mont. — Two motorcyclists crashed on Highway 35 near Polson after failing to negotiate a left-hand curve, leaving one man dead and another hospitalized, according to the Montana Highway Patrol.
Two motorcycles were traveling southbound on Highway 35 when both drifted into a guardrail. Both drivers were separated from their motorcycles and ended up on the other side of the guardrail.
A 58-year-old Polson man was confirmed dead at the scene. The second driver, a 45-year-old man, also from Polson, was taken to the hospital with injuries.
Alcohol is a suspected factor in the crash, according to the Montana Highway Patrol.
The crash is under investigation.
KALISPELL — A Flathead County man is turning a personal rock bottom into a lifeline for his community by starting a free, late-night ride service to keep drunk drivers off the roads.
Adam Bruzza started Big Sky Sobriety Shuttle LLC, a free ride share service for people who have been drinking, after realizing he was struggling with addiction.
Maddie Keifer reports – watch the video here:
MT man starts free, late-night ride service to keep drunk drivers off the roads
“I just wanted to give people who do still drink the option for a safe, sober ride home,” Bruzza said.
Bruzza said a devastating mistake behind the wheel became a turning point where he decided enough was enough.
“I was charged with a DUI October 22 of 2024,” Bruzza said.
After a few months focused on his sobriety, Bruzza channeled his energy into his community by starting the shuttle service.
He operates the shuttle in his personal pickup truck. Riders can reach him by phone, text or social media at any time of day or night at no cost.
“I just wanted to give others the opportunity to not get a life changing charge,” Bruzza said.
Bruzza works with bars to connect riders with his service. Although the Big Sky Sobriety Shuttle is a new endeavor, he has already seen a big impact.
“The community response without a doubt has been unconditional love and support that makes my heart all warm and fuzzy,” Bruzza said.
Bruzza also shared a message for others who may be struggling with addiction.
“Your life is worth it, there are people that care out there and it is okay to ask for help,” Bruzza said.
To learn more, click here to visit the Facebook page.
The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at April 19, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from April 19 drawing
05-13-15-17, Bonus: 01
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.
- Millionaire for Life: 9:15 p.m. MT daily.
Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.
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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