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Voting for Abortion Rights in Montana?!

by Helena Lovick | April 17, 2024 | Abortions Rights | 0 Comments

Featured photo, no, Austin Knudsen did not literally say that about freedom. He just says it indirectly by his actions. Well, well, well, it looks like Montanans might get a chance to vote on ensuring abortion access this November. Constitutional Initiative No. 128...

Pinocci Dodges Two Felonies, Still A Corrupt Asshole

by Jasmine Taylor | April 15, 2024 | Energy/Utilities | 1 Comment

We’ve talked about Randy Pinocci a lot on this blog. If you aren’t familiar, suffice it to say he’s Northwestern Energy’s bestest pal, and he really loves raising your utility bills. His greatest hits include napping during public meetings, acting like a slumlord, and...

Candidate Rosales Wasting School District Time and Money

by Ken Toole | April 12, 2024 | Schools | 0 Comments

In a bid to promote his own campaign, School Board candidate Tony Rosales has been issuing a series of attacks on the administration of the Great Falls School District. While it probably takes Tony a few minutes to come up with his phony accusations, the district has...

U.S. Senate Candidate Tim Sheehy Caught Telling a Lie

by Ken Toole | April 12, 2024 | Elections | 0 Comments

Republican U.S. Senate candidate Tim Sheehy has a bullet in his arm. The Washington Post broke a convoluted and confusing news story about how it got there. The story is convoluted and confusing, because Tim Sheehy has been telling a couple of different stories about...

Another Bad Day For Shady Tim Sheehy

by Ken Toole | April 12, 2024 | Elections | 0 Comments

U.S. Senate candidate, Tim Sheehy, touts his experience as an entrepreneur as one of the major things that qualifies him for a seat in the Senate. We’ve already pointed out the irony of the fact that his business, Bridger Aerospace, makes the vast majority of its...

Cascade County’s Loopy Libertarians

by Ken Toole | April 6, 2024 | Elections | 1 Comment

Libertarians have been making a bit of a splash here in Cascade County. While Libertarians rarely get elected to public office, their presence in political races often detracts from serious public discourse thanks to their rather odd positions on many issues and...

School Board Candidate Attacks GFPS Employee in Tik Tok Video

by Jasmine Taylor | April 2, 2024 | Elections, Schools | 1 Comment

School Board Candidate Tony Rosales recently released a Tik Tok video making vague allegations against a school district employee. Rosales notes that the employee is also on the board of Peace Place. He then questions if the superintendent and school district know...

Petition To Repeal Election Office Change Flops

by Ken Toole | March 27, 2024 | City, E-City Beat Watch, Elections | 0 Comments

Cascade County’s far right was mad as hell when the County Commissioners removed election duties from Sandra Merchant’s control. Nevermind that Marchant had fouled up virtually everything she touched since taking office in January of 2023. When the County...

Daily Montanan On the Cascade County Commission Race

by Ken Toole | March 25, 2024 | Elections | 0 Comments

The online Montana newspaper The Daily Montanan published a really good analysis of the Cascade County Republican primary race between Eric Hinebauch and Rae Grulkowski. Below are excerpts from the article. “In an interview with the Daily Montanan, Hinebauch described...

WTF!! Can’t Make This Stuff Up

by Ken Toole | March 21, 2024 | Uncategorized | 0 Comments

In case you missed it, the Ruth Bader Ginsburg Award has been canceled this year. The Dwight D. Opperman Foundation announced the cancellation of the award following the announcement of this year’s recipients creating quite a stir. The award was established in 2019...

The Great Falls Symphony: Regaining Trust Starts At The Top

by Guest Writer | March 21, 2024 | Guest Articles | 6 Comments

By Emily Wolfram Warren Buffet said “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.” The Great Falls Symphony Association (GFSA) is learning this lesson after emailing a PDF letter to the five members of the Chinook Winds quintet to inform them...

Grulkowski Plays Dirty– Did We Really Expect Anything Else?

by Ken Toole | March 15, 2024 | Elections | 2 Comments

Most of us who were watching the selection process for the new election administrator for Cascade County, Terry Thompson, knew it was a rotten kettle of fish. We suspected that the cause of the putrid smell was Commissioner Rae Grulkowski. Now we have the proof. Rae...

Cascade Legislative Filings- Republican Infighting Continues

by Ken Toole | March 15, 2024 | Elections | 1 Comment

Let’s start with a little definition of terms used in this Post. Far-Right Republicans- Republicans who advocate ideas and policies which are coming from extreme groups like the Freedom Caucus and local Pachyderm Club. They are driven by conspiracy theories...

Russell Rowland Interviews Ken Toole- Check It Out!

by Ken Toole | March 15, 2024 | Guest Articles | 0 Comments

If you are interested in what it was like growing up with Montana Historian K. Ross Toole, the formation of the Montana Human Rights Network, the fight against electric deregulation, the extremism of the Gianforte administration and the Cult of Trump, you might want...

What Has Christi Done?

by Ken Toole | March 6, 2024 | Elections | 1 Comment

In an unprecedented move, Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen weighed in on Cascade County’s hiring process to fill an open election administrator position. The move by Jacobsen casts further doubt on the selection process in the County. The action provides...

House of Galloway Continues Empire Building With $410,000 State Lease

by Ken Toole | March 6, 2024 | Elections | 1 Comment

Most people in Great Falls know that the Department of Justice Driver's License Services office relocated to the old Interstate Bank building at 1401 Market Place Drive last year. But they probably don’t know that the building being leased by the State is owned by...

Thank You to Jeni Dodd!

by Jasmine Taylor | March 2, 2024 | E-City Beat Watch | 2 Comments

Jeni Dodd, our favorite cosplay patriot, also seems to be one of our most devoted readers. If I make a typo or forget a comma, Jeni is sure to let me know. As What The Funk is a volunteer-based project, it’s great to have a volunteer-editor like Jeni to let me know...

We Want You!

by Ken Toole | March 2, 2024 | Elections | 0 Comments

“Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country,” John F Kennedy, Inaugural Address Did you know there are only two elected officials in Cascade County who are not Republicans? All of our legislative seats are Republican, all of the...

Ruh-Rosendale

by Jasmine Taylor | February 29, 2024 | Elections | 0 Comments

It’s been a rough month for Matt Rosendale. Mere days after announcing his Senate run, Rosendale withdrew from the race. Rosendale’s cringey statement basically read “Daddy Trump isn’t endorsing me, so I’m quitting. BUT I WOULD DEFINITELY HAVE WON!” Sure, Matt. Sure. ...

Call To Action! Support GF Public Library

by WTF 406 Staff | February 29, 2024 | City, E-City Beat Watch | 1 Comment

As we previously reported, Commissioner Rick Tryon has been relentlessly attacking the library. Read about those attacks here: https://wtf406.com/2024/01/tryon-ignores-voters-threatens-library-funding/ Funding our library benefits the entire community. Let's help...

Editor’s Choice: How the John Birch Society Bit Ravalli County

by Guest Writer | February 28, 2024 | Guest Articles | 0 Comments

A Tale of Cats, Cows and Anti-Vaxxers or How the John Birch Society Bit Ravalli County and Gave It Rabies By: Bill Lacroix First published: https://billlacroix.blogspot.com/ I don’t call my cat “Fatso” lightly. It’s not who she is, it’s where she likes to sit and...

No IVF for you!

by Helena Lovick | February 26, 2024 | Abortions Rights, Elections | 0 Comments

The future Republicans signed us up for is here. This past week, the Alabama Supreme court ruled that frozen embryos can be considered children under state law. If it’s not obvious yet, if the courts say you can’t destroy an IVF embryo, you won’t have access to...

ECB Hates…Philanthropy?

by Jasmine Taylor | February 21, 2024 | E-City Beat Watch | 0 Comments

Just last Wednesday was Valentines Day’s, but the ghouls over at E City Beat ✅ seem stuck in the first act of The Grinch. Great Falls faces a lot of problems right now, from a housing crisis to a police force without mental health services support. Yet, “ECB Staff”...

EPC Urges County Commission To Follow Resolution

by Ken Toole | February 19, 2024 | Elections | 0 Comments

Last Friday, the Election Protection Committee delivered the following letter to the Cascade County Commission. "Commissioners, We were surprised and disappointed to see that you offered the election administrator position to Terry Thompson. We have already notified...

Republican Electioneering…Again

by Helena Lovick | February 18, 2024 | Elections | 0 Comments

Great Falls, Montana Electioneering noun the activity of trying to persuade people to vote for a particular political party. The blatantly partisan slant of our Cascade County Elections Office has been a disturbing constant since the 2022 election and take over by the...

N@zi Kicked Out of Bozeman Gym

by Jasmine Taylor | February 14, 2024 | Militia and Hate Groups | 1 Comment

An out-of-state NeoNazi named Christoper Pohlhaus finds himself without anywhere to get his pump on. After learning that Pohlhaus has been frequenting a local Bozeman gym, What The Funk reached out to the business. It appears we weren’t the only folks to voice...

Be Worried. . .Be Very Worried

by Ken Toole | February 12, 2024 | Elections | 0 Comments

U.S. House Speaker Thinks God Talks to Him Speaking to The National Association of Christian Lawmakers, Speaker Mike Johnson explained that he was chosen by God to be Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. Donald Trump immediately issued a press release...

Republican Football Fans Show Love To… San Francisco?

by Jasmine Taylor | February 11, 2024 | LGBTQ+ Issues | 0 Comments

The times, they are a…fucking disappointment mostly. But there is one silver lining. Thanks to the internet and misunderstood geniuses like Elon Musk (the self-driving car of CEOs) we are now all privy to the VERY BIG FEELINGS of men who like football. Remember the...

Gallatin R’s Call Us “Peasants” In Unhinged Fundraiser Invitation

by Jasmine Taylor | February 10, 2024 | Elections, LGBTQ+ Issues, Militia and Hate Groups | 0 Comments

The Gallatin County Republicans has caused quite a stir with an invitation to their annual fundraiser dinner. You may have already seen it circling online. If not, we've included it below. We think this invitation pretty much speaks for itself. Read the Democratic...

Guest Opinion: Let’s Set The Record Straight

by Guest Writer | February 10, 2024 | Elections, Guest Articles | 0 Comments

By: James C. Nelson, Montana Supreme Court Justice (Ret). On February 8th Senator (and lawyer) Steve Fitzpatrick (R-SD 10) published a guest view in the Independent Record chastising the Montana Supreme Court for a “stunning” decision. The Senator’s litany of...

Luna Coffee Targeted In Homophobic Tirade

by Jasmine Taylor | February 6, 2024 | LGBTQ+ Issues, Militia and Hate Groups | 2 Comments

“If you are a God fearing, truth loving person, do not patronize this place.” Beware, dear reader. The Queers are out to get you caffeinated. The cat’s out of the bag. Shortly after stealing the rainbow from God, the LGBTQ+ community moved on to the next logical...

Don’t Sign The Petition

by Ken Toole | January 30, 2024 | Elections | 1 Comment

Election Deniers are gathering petition signatures to repeal the resolution which removed Sandra Merchant from election administration. Pictured here is a sign at the local Republican Central Committee office on 10th Avenue South. Before getting to the petition...

Guest Opinion: Oppose Montana Renewable’s Wastewater Permit

by Guest Writer | January 30, 2024 | Energy/Utilities, Guest Articles | 0 Comments

Why I Oppose Montana Renewable’s EPA Wastewater Permit By Lisa Schmidt For WTF406 I raise cattle and sheep on my ranch that, fortunately, has 16 natural springs. Those springs are vital to my livelihood so I protect them fiercely. Contamination of the groundwater...

The Clown Car at The PSC Rolls On

by Ken Toole | January 28, 2024 | Elections, Energy/Utilities | 0 Comments

Legislative Auditors have once again examined the Public Service Commission and, once again, they don’t like what they see. Specifically, the audit found that only 23% of employees at the PSC believed that commissioners behaved with high ethical standards. The...

Millionaire Sheehy’s Shady Editorial

by Ken Toole | January 23, 2024 | Elections | 0 Comments

Responding to Tim Sheehy’s Editorial Rhetoric U.S. Senate Candidate Tim Sheehy has a semi-autobiographical editorial circulating around the state. Like most puff pieces from politicians, it begins by saying, “I never thought of getting into politics until . . .fill...

Oops! Endorsement Uh-Oh

by Ken Toole | January 23, 2024 | Elections, Schools | 0 Comments

OOOOPS! Republican candidate for Superintendent of Schools, Susie Hedalen, recently published this endorsement ad on Facebook. Aside from using a photo of an anti-public education Governor, can you spot what’s wrong with this picture? Remember, dear Susie is hoping...

Another Member of the Flat Earth Society, Matt Rosendale

by Ken Toole | January 23, 2024 | Elections, Energy/Utilities | 0 Comments

Here’s a video of Matt Rosendale standing in front of Judith Gap wind mills not turning during Montana’s recent extreme weather event. Matt wants us to know that windmills don’t generate power when there is no wind (duh!). He explains that is why we can’t rely on...

Public Service Commission Chairman Running for State Auditor

by Ken Toole | January 23, 2024 | Elections, Energy/Utilities | 2 Comments

Public Service Commission Chair, James Brown, announced that he is running for State Auditor in the 2024 election cycle. Last cycle he ran unsuccessfully for the Supreme Court in one of the sleaziest campaigns in recent memory. In that race, Brown was dogged by...

Hey! You Can’t Do That!

by WTF 406 Staff | January 16, 2024 | Elections | 0 Comments

By Ken Toole Greg Gianforte’s selection of Republican Legislator Paul Green to lead the Department of Commerce is being questioned by a long-time Democratic political leader. In a letter to the Daily Montanan and Montana Free Press, the former Chair of the Public...

Tryon Ignores Voters, Threatens Library Funding

by Jasmine Taylor | January 10, 2024 | E-City Beat Watch | 2 Comments

This past November, the city of Great Falls voted on numerous elected positions as well as a public safety levy and public safety bond. Amid a property tax crisis, it was no surprise that the public safety levy failed. The proposed level would have required a massive...

N@zis Deface Montana State University

by Jasmine Taylor | January 10, 2024 | Militia and Hate Groups | 0 Comments

The Nazi propaganda that has plagued Great Falls over the past year turned up in Bozeman earlier this week. Montana State University has confirmed that NeoNazi stickers were placed throughout the campus, but their response leaves a lot to be desired. MSU did not take...

County Hiring Elections Administrator

by Jasmine Taylor | January 4, 2024 | Elections | 0 Comments

Cascade County has posted the job listing for the new Elections Administrator. Check out the job posting here: https://www.cascadecountymt.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4563/Elections-Administrator Among other qualifications, the County is seeking an individual with "a...

Election Errors Forced Change in Cascade County

by Jasmine Taylor | January 4, 2024 | Elections | 1 Comment

The recent decision by the Cascade County Commission to remove election administration from the Clerk and Recorder’s office has generated heated (often false) accusations and covered facts in smoke. To put it simply, the elected Clerk and Recorder was not performing...

E City Beat!

by WTF 406 Staff | December 28, 2023 | E-City Beat Watch | 0 Comments

It's been a long 2023. Let's hope this selection pairs with a more just and peaceful 2024. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkgkThdzX-8

The Oldest Hatred; Antisemitism Visits the Montana Legislature

by WTF 406 Staff | December 28, 2023 | Militia and Hate Groups | 0 Comments

Recently Great Falls Republican Senator Jeremy Trebas was challenged by the Montana Jewish Project, the Montana Human Rights Network and WTF 406 for sharing an antisemitic post on his Twitter feed. Trebas has so far declined requests to apologize but did take the...

Biddick is Temporary Hire to Run Elections Office

by WTF 406 Staff | December 26, 2023 | Elections, Militia and Hate Groups | 1 Comment

Back in February we wrote about our concern that newly elected Clerk and Recorder Sandra Merchant was hiring election denier political cronies who knew little about administering free elections. Those concerns were prompted by Merchant's first hire, Devereaux Biddick,...

Trebas Fails to Apologize for Anti-Semitic Tweet

by Jasmine Taylor | December 23, 2023 | Elections, Militia and Hate Groups | 0 Comments

Trebas Spreads Anti-Semitic Lies Earlier this week, Great Falls Senator Jeremy Trebas retweeted a horribly offensive Anti-Semitic tweet. We’ve included the tweet at the end of the article, but we ask that you don’t share it on your socials. (Why? Because we don’t want...

The Grinch in Great Falls

by Guest Writer | December 21, 2023 | Elections, Guest Articles | 0 Comments

By Pamela Carroll On Tuesday, December 12, 2023, the Grinch revealed itself in Great Falls, Montana. I saw the mean-spirited character manifested in citizens of Cascade County. Cascade County Commission held their bimonthly meeting at the Expo Park in anticipation of...

Representative Steven Galloway Asserts Abortion Responsible for Labor Shortage . . .Huh?

by WTF 406 Staff | December 14, 2023 | Abortions Rights, Elections, Militia and Hate Groups | 0 Comments

Well, you probably already heard about the marathon County Commission meeting to take testimony about eliminating election administration from Clerk and Recorder, Sandra Merchant. For the record, the Commission decided the right thing to do was have elections handled...

EPC Demands Misinformation Be Removed From County Website

by Jasmine Taylor | December 10, 2023 | Elections | 1 Comment

Late last week, an alarming and factually inaccurate post appeared on the Cascade County Website. The Election Protection Committee responded, asking the County to remove the post immediately. Read the full letter below: To: Cascade County Commissioners Joe Brigg, Jim...

Editors Choice: Der Führer Cometh

by Guest Writer | November 30, 2023 | Elections, Guest Articles, Militia and Hate Groups | 0 Comments

By: James C. Nelson, Montana Supreme Court Justice (Ret). Have you ever thanked God that you never lived Nazi Germany? Well don’t get off your knees just yet; you might still find out what that was like. Donald J. Trump is straight out of fascism’s, central casting:...

Cascade County Chaos Continues

by Jasmine Taylor | November 29, 2023 | Elections | 2 Comments

After multiple embarrassing blunders and missteps, the Cascade County Commission today approved the canvas of the Great Falls Municipal Election. Widespread media coverage shows the depth and breadth of ineptitude displayed by Commissioner Rae Grulkowski and Clerk...

Merchant Blows Canvass Deadline

by Jasmine Taylor | November 20, 2023 | Elections | 3 Comments

TL,DR? Scroll to the bottom and check out the video breakdown of the shitshow. Another day, another massive error by Cascade County Clerk and Recorder, Sandra Merchant. Merchant’s antics today have arguably outpaced her mistakes of the past. But before we get into...

Editor’s Choice: Mary Moe Talks GF Elections Crisis

by WTF 406 Staff | November 18, 2023 | Elections, Guest Articles | 0 Comments

Mary Sheehy Moe: Foxes and doggies and frogs – Oh my! I struggle to find the apt analogy: The dog that finally catches the bus? The frog that doesn’t notice the water is boiling? The fox in the henhouse? All of the above swirl around the drain of what’s happening to...

E City Beat! Volume 3

by WTF 406 Staff | November 14, 2023 | Guest Articles | 0 Comments

Today's musical selection pairs nicely with end stage capitalism. Enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0kcet4aPpQ

Editors Choice: Grulkowski’s Lies Feautred in New York Times

by Jasmine Taylor | November 14, 2023 | Elections, Militia and Hate Groups | 0 Comments

Today's County Commission meeting saw heated discussion of Commissioner Rae Grulkowski's performance, or rather her failure to perform. Grulkowski is finishing a the remaining two years of a six year term which was originally held by Jane Weber. The puppeteer behind...

Cascade County Clerk and Recorder Screws Up Another Election

by WTF 406 Staff | November 8, 2023 | Elections | 0 Comments

On November 7 Cascade County voters struggled to vote in another confusing and poorly administered election. In the run up to the election, voters contacted a volunteer monitoring group, The Election Protection Committee, with a host of problems including some voters...

Widespread Confusion Plagues Election Day

by Jasmine Taylor | November 7, 2023 | Elections | 0 Comments

The Election Protection Committee released the following statement this evening detailing numerous issues with the Great Falls Municipal Election. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Monday, November 6, 2023 From: Election Protection Committee Municipal Election Problems Raise...

E City Whiners

by WTF 406 Staff | November 7, 2023 | E-City Beat Watch, Militia and Hate Groups | 0 Comments

The Blog Formerly Known as E-City Beat Should Change its Name to E-City Whiners For years the blog formerly known as E-City Beat pushed right-wing propaganda with a healthy dose of personal attacks on anyone they didn’t agree with. But, when WTF406.com began...

Who is On The Public Service Commission Anyway

by WTF 406 Staff | November 3, 2023 | Energy/Utilities | 1 Comment

Unfortunately, the PSC has become a feather bed for right-wing activists. And why not. The salary is $111,000 with full state benefits. And because no one supervises the Commissioners, they have plenty of time to devote to playing right-wing politics. Here are...

Public Service Commission Grants 28% Rate Increase– No One is Surprised

by WTF 406 Staff | October 30, 2023 | Energy/Utilities | 0 Comments

After long delays for no apparent reason, the Public Service Commission (PSC) finally issued its ruling on NorthWestern Energy’s request for a 28% electricity rate increase for residential customers. No big surprise. . . they granted the request. All five...

More Republican Police Blotter– Pinocci Arrested Again!

by WTF 406 Staff | October 30, 2023 | Energy/Utilities | 0 Comments

What do these two men have in common? Both are bullies. Neither one thinks the law applies to them. Both believe bizarre conspiracy theories. Both face charges for criminal acts while in office. Public Service Commissioner Randy Pinocci was arrested last...

Election Integrity Rally Draws Concerned Voters

by Jasmine Taylor | October 23, 2023 | Elections | 0 Comments

“Stop Voter Suppression” “Demand Election Integrity” “Act Now to Protect Our Elections” Concerned voters braved the gloomy Fall weather to demonstrate in front of the courthouse annex today. The demand? Remove election duties from the Clerk and Recorder. Since her...

Updated! Citizens Identify Nazi Arrested in Missoula

by Jasmine Taylor | October 23, 2023 | Militia and Hate Groups | 0 Comments

Yesterday a group of NeoNazis demonstrated outside of the Chabad Jewish Center in Missoula. As usual, they carried signs with racist messages, preaching White supremacy and hatred towards refugees. Their clear intent was to intimidate and threaten the Jewish community...

E City Beat! Volume 2

by WTF 406 Staff | October 17, 2023 | E-City Beat Watch | 1 Comment

Our newest offering for your protest playlist is a Bruce Springsteen classic, "The Ghost of Tom Joad" featuring Tom Morello. Pairs well with: our return to the wealth disparities before and during the Great Depression https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zgAMxAQTW8...

Montanan Withdraws from Presidential Race?

by WTF 406 Staff | October 17, 2023 | Elections | 0 Comments

Montanan Withdraws from Presidential Race? Did you know former Montana Secretary of State Corey Stapleton was running for President? Welp. . .not anymore. Stapleton announced he is throwing in the towel. Of course no one knew he was running, so it’s not much of a...

GFPS Office Staff Fight For Fair Contract

by Jasmine Taylor | October 17, 2023 | City, Schools | 0 Comments

Schools across the nation are facing a teacher shortage and Montana is feeling the squeeze as well. Recent laws passed by Montana's supermajority-Republican legislature seek to divert tax funding to private charter schools, and wage stagnation makes retaining teachers...

Cascade County’s Tax and Spend Republicans (caution simple math ahead)

by WTF 406 Staff | October 16, 2023 | Elections, Taxes | 0 Comments

Despite repeatedly claiming that they are “fiscal conservatives,” our property taxes have increased under Republican control at the state and local level over just the last couple of years. And not just a little bit. Proponents of mill levies (here and elsewhere)...

Rosendale Slimed in New TV Ads

by WTF 406 Staff | October 14, 2023 | Uncategorized | 0 Comments

We’re not big fans of Montana Congressman Matt Rosendale. Rosendale is one of the most extreme far-right people in the US Congress. We’re not going to drag you through the long list of wrongheaded things Rosendale has done to embarrass our state on the national stage....

Ethics Complaint Against Rick Tryon

by WTF 406 Staff | October 10, 2023 | City, E-City Beat Watch, Elections | 0 Comments

Great Falls, Montana. Last week, our own Jasmine Taylor submitted an ethics complaint against Great Falls City Commissioner Rick Tryon. It's a fact-filled delight, so we know you want to check it out. Here it is in its entirety. Do you think the complaint has...

Montanans Rally For Tax Relief

by WTF 406 Staff | October 6, 2023 | Taxes | 0 Comments

Great Falls was well represented at the recent tax protest at the capitol. The rally was to protest dramatic increases in residential property taxes thanks to the Republican legislature and the Gianforte administration. On average property taxes on residential...

Quit playing games with my town

by Helena Lovick | October 4, 2023 | City, Elections | 6 Comments

Last night, the City Commission meeting was HEATED. A packed room was there to discuss the appointments to the Library Board. Why are people showing up about library board appointments? If you're not in the know, in August the City Commission decided to put their...

Republicans Coming for Your Personal Financial Information?

by WTF 406 Staff | October 4, 2023 | Energy/Utilities, Taxes | 0 Comments

State Senator and Republican Majority Leader, Steve Fitzpatrick, wants the personal financial information of his political opponents in the legislature. In a statement given to Lee Papers on Monday, October 2, Fitzaptrick said he was filing an “information request”...

E City Beat

by WTF 406 Staff | October 3, 2023 | E-City Beat Watch | 3 Comments

Welcome to our latest column- E City Beat! With each E City Beat installment we'll recommend a song for your Protest Playlist and a complimentary pairing. Think of us as your community activism sommelier. For our first pairing we offer the Rage Against The Machine...

Tax Fairness Rally

by Jasmine Taylor | October 1, 2023 | Taxes | 1 Comment

Tomorrow, October 2nd, citizens are meeting at the Capital to rally for tax fairness. Recent property tax evaluations how Montanans worrying how they will make ends meet. Big Sky 55+ has organized this rally to demand action from elected officials. For many of us, tax...

Tryon Doubles Down on Double-Digit Tax Increase

by Jasmine Taylor | September 19, 2023 | E-City Beat Watch, Elections, Taxes | 1 Comment

Tryon has long championed the proposed safety levy, despite its astronomical price tag. When first presented with tier options for the levy, Tryon vocally supported the largest price tag, coming out to about a 191% property tax...

They Got the Gold Mine, We Get the Shaft

by WTF 406 Staff | September 16, 2023 | Taxes | 1 Comment

A new web-based calculator lets you figure out how much your property tax is going up and how much the property tax for big corporations are going down thanks to the Republican Legislature and the Gianforte administration. There is lots of misinformation floating...

More from Randy’s World

by WTF 406 Staff | September 16, 2023 | Elections, Energy/Utilities | 0 Comments

Last September, Public Service Commissioner Randy Pinocci said that Misssoula should be targeted for “brownouts”. In a speech calling for Republican elected officials to “flex their political muscle,” Pinocci requested that PSC staff figure out if reductions of...

More Republican Police Blotter (Can You Believe It?)

by WTF 406 Staff | September 16, 2023 | Elections, Featured | 0 Comments

On Wednesday,Sept 6th, Public Service Commissioner Randy Pinocci was arrested on a warrant for failing to appear in court to respond to a ticket for disorderly conduct he received in an incident on July 5. Pinocci was issued the citation for “quarreling, challenging...

Election Denier Suggests Shooting Voters

by Jasmine Taylor | August 31, 2023 | Elections, Militia and Hate Groups | 3 Comments

Last night the Great Falls Election Deniers hosted a large event with “Dr. Frank.” Frank is a well-known election denier who, along with his bff Mike Lindel (the My Pillow guy) is being sued for fraud. Frank continues to push the conspiracy theory that Trump won the...

Galloway Chats with Trump

by WTF 406 Staff | August 27, 2023 | Elections | 0 Comments

Donald Trump took some time between responding to four indictments containing ninety-one felonies to talk via zoom with State Freedom Caucus members, including some from Montana. Great Falls Republican Representative, Steven Galloway, took the opportunity to ask...

Here We Go Again. . .Another Public Meeting Organized by Election Deniers

by WTF 406 Staff | August 27, 2023 | Elections | 2 Comments

In case you haven’t noticed, free and fair elections are under attack. Most recently the election denier crowd here in Cascade County is bringing another roadshow charlatan here to Great Falls. This guy’s name is Douglas Frank, a former high school math and science...

NeoNazis Vandalize Downtown Great Falls

by Jasmine Taylor | August 24, 2023 | Militia and Hate Groups | 1 Comment

Mere days after celebrating beautiful new murals in downtown Great Falls, residents and business owners awoke to find a very different addition to the scenery. Over the weekend, White Lives Matter plastered an estimated 200 stickers throughout town. Stop signs,...

Arntzen, Knudsen Spread Conspiracy Theories

by WTF 406 Staff | August 22, 2023 | Elections | 3 Comments

Can’t Make This Stuff Up! Just when you think it can’t get much more weird, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Elsie Arntzen, finds yet another bizarre way to enter the Tin-Foil-Hat Hall of Fame. Here’s her recent statement from La La Land. “It’s imperative...

City Commission Changes the Rules for Library Board Appointments

by WTF 406 Staff | August 19, 2023 | E-City Beat Watch, Elections | 1 Comment

Proponents of censorship lost their fight opposing the library mill levy election, but they are not done trying to control what people can read or see at the library. The next battle coming will be for library board appointments. And they have Commissioners Joe...

Pride Protestor Fired, City Commissioner Tryon Flaunts Potential Ethics Violation

by Jasmine Taylor | August 8, 2023 | E-City Beat Watch, LGBTQ+ Issues | 1 Comment

Yesterday, City Commissioner Rick Tryon’s hate-blog “E City Beat '' published a letter from William Ross. Ross was previously featured on our blog after he protested the Great Falls Pridefest with a sign reading “Fags Deserve Oppression.” Ross yelled at families and...

PSC Approves Another Utility Rate Hike

by Jasmine Taylor | August 7, 2023 | Energy/Utilities | 0 Comments

The Public Service Commission (PSC) has approved yet another utility rate hike. The PSC is recommending a rate hike of over 9% for Montana Dakota Utilities, which means customers can expect their energy bills to go up just as summer starts to wind down. Facing wage...

Public Lands? That’ll Cost You. Conservation Licenses Now Required.

by Jasmine Taylor | August 7, 2023 | Public Lands/Conservation | 0 Comments

With the current tone of politics in our country, we’re led to believe there is little agreement between Republicans and Democrats. But National politics is its own monster, and there are many values that both parties (and all those in between) share in Montana, or at...

Judge Blocks Drag Ban

by Jasmine Taylor | July 28, 2023 | LGBTQ+ Issues | 1 Comment

First, we stole the rainbow from God. Today, the LGBTQ+ community celebrated yet another victory. Braxton Mitchell’s own hateful words have come back to bite him as a judge temporarily blocked Montana Drag Ban- HB359. Several plaintiffs, including Two-Spirit author,...

Big corporations get tax benefits, while Montana resident get higher property taxes

by Guest Writer | July 27, 2023 | Taxes | 2 Comments

By Ken Toole I’m writing to respond to a recent opinion column from Brendan Beatty, the Montana Department of Revenue Director, explaining the property tax mess in Montana. I’m still trying to decide if he really doesn’t understand the property tax system or if he is...

ANOTHER Republican Police Blotter

by WTF 406 Staff | July 25, 2023 | Elections, Schools | 0 Comments

When we wrote our first Republican Police Blotter post we didn’t think it would become a regular thing but. . . . Belgrade school board trustee, Brian Heck has been arrested in a human trafficking and child exploitation sting organized by law enforcement in Gallatin...

City Commissioners McKenney and Tryon . . .Hypocrites

by WTF 406 Staff | July 24, 2023 | E-City Beat Watch, Elections | 0 Comments

The library is once again the target of the right-wing here in Great Falls. This time it's about filling a vacancy on the library board. At its July 18 meeting, the Great Falls City Commission chose not to fill an open position by reappointing an existing board...

Citizens Identify Man Who Screamed Slurs at Local Pridefest

by Jasmine Taylor | July 18, 2023 | LGBTQ+ Issues, Militia and Hate Groups | 2 Comments

Pride month has come and gone, but the consequences for a local bigot are just beginning. The Great Falls LGBTQ+ Center hosted its first annual Pride Fest on June 24, 2023. The event featured performers, a slam poetry contest, food vendors, and numerous local artists...

Independence Day or Anti-Liberty Day?

by Helena Lovick | July 18, 2023 | Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Disclaimer: Although I am the current Chair of the Cascade County Democrats, all opinions expressed in this post are my own, and I am not speaking on behalf of the Cascade County Democrats. Story Time It’s been a couple weeks since the dust has settled from the 4th of...

We Want To Hear From You!

by WTF 406 Staff | July 17, 2023 | Elections | 0 Comments

We want to hear from you! We have been hearing lots of allegations about the hiring practices at Sandra Merchant’s Clerk and Recorder’s office. Merchant is hiring individuals with preexisting political connections, specifically the election denial campaign before the...

WTF406 Republican Police Blotter

by WTF 406 Staff | July 11, 2023 | Elections | 1 Comment

Maybe we should start a Republican police blotter for Republican leadership. First up is Republican Senate President Jason Ellsworth (R-Hamilton). On May 2, Ellsworth’s girlfriend, Lindsey Murolo, was granted a temporary order of protection by a court in Helena. There...

Great Falls LGBTQ+ Center Joins Lawsuit Against HB 359

by Jasmine Taylor | July 10, 2023 | LGBTQ+ Issues | 1 Comment

The Great Falls LGBTQ+ Center has joined a lawsuit challenging House Bill 359, sponsored by Braxton Mitchel (R-HD3). Montana was the first in the nation to ban costumed performers reading to children. Despite widespread opposition and warnings that the bill would not...

Senator Trebas’ Tax Scam Turns into an Albatross Around his Neck

by WTF 406 Staff | July 10, 2023 | Taxes | 0 Comments

WTF406.com has written numerous posts about Republican Senator Jeremy Trebas’ commercial property on 1st Avenue North. A quick recap: –Trebas bought property at 1300 1st Avenue North in May 0f 2022. The property was classified as a church when he bought it. Trebas’...

Supreme Hypocrisy

by Helena Lovick | July 3, 2023 | Elections | 1 Comment

The Supreme Court of the United States, hijacked by an extreme right-wing majority, continues to attack our long-standing rights and laws. Just last week they overturned affirmative action, limited LGBTQ rights, and struck down Biden’s initial student loan relief...

Warning! Property Tax Crisis Ahead

by WTF 406 Staff | June 30, 2023 | Taxes | 0 Comments

Speaking of Property Taxes. . . Montana is getting hit with a massive increase in property taxes. The finger pointing is already beginning. Republicans are quick to say it’s not their fault. Legislator Greg Hertz (R-Polson), chair of the Senate Tax Committee, has an...

E-CITY BEAT WATCH

Petition To Repeal Election Office Change Flops

Petition To Repeal Election Office Change Flops

by Ken Toole | Mar 27, 2024 | City, E-City Beat Watch, Elections

In response, these folks organized a petition drive to place the issue on the ballot and give people the opportunity to express their opinion supporting their point of view. But, alas, they failed. Not only did the imagined vast majority of supporters not get to vote, signature gatherers couldn’t even get the required 15% of eligible voters to sign the petition to place the measure on the ballot.

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LGBTQ+ ISSUES

Republican Football Fans Show Love To… San Francisco?

Republican Football Fans Show Love To… San Francisco?

by Jasmine Taylor | Feb 11, 2024 | LGBTQ+ Issues

The times, they...

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ELECTIONS

U.S. Senate Candidate Tim Sheehy Caught Telling a Lie

U.S. Senate Candidate Tim Sheehy Caught Telling a Lie

by Ken Toole | Apr 12, 2024 | Elections

Republican U.S. Senate candidate Tim Sheehy has a bullet in his arm. The Washington Post broke a convoluted and confusing news story about how it got there. The story is convoluted and confusing, because Tim Sheehy has been telling a couple of different stories about how it got there.

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CITY

Petition To Repeal Election Office Change Flops

Petition To Repeal Election Office Change Flops

by Ken Toole | Mar 27, 2024 | City, E-City Beat Watch, Elections

In response, these folks organized a petition drive to place the issue on the ballot and give people the opportunity to express their opinion supporting their point of view. But, alas, they failed. Not only did the imagined vast majority of supporters not get to vote, signature gatherers couldn’t even get the required 15% of eligible voters to sign the petition to place the measure on the ballot.

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