MIN Midweek News Roundup
May 1, 2025
Good evening,
This is my first week back in full force after spending the last several months juggling Montana Independent News (MIN) with a part-time job. I wasn’t able to do both and still produce my own articles in the depth and quantity I feel is needed. So I’m all in with MIN and determined to earn my living by producing a needed resource. I am devoted to providing quality information and commentary that allow readers to form their own opinions and understand the opinions of others. I’m also making a concerted effort to include more positive news and event information. Bad news is coming fast and furious these days, and I recognize the importance to our individual and collective well-being to balance that with reports of things going well and things that are just funny. Feel free to send in photos and narratives about experiences that made you smile or upcoming events you are looking forward to.
I haven’t yet explored the more social media-like aspects of Substack, but will be looking into using those as well. I have never had any social media accounts so my basic understanding is lacking. I still don’t understand what hashtags do or the significance of being tagged or not in a photo, but understand joy, tears or rage can result from either. I still suspect that ignorance is bliss in this case.
While I haven’t produced many articles recently, my research hasn’t stopped. Two issues I’ve been following in Red Lodge are the ongoing management issues at Red Lodge Airport and the continuing saga of the Whistler Observatory. The Whistler Observatory article below is the first of many articles to come.
I’ve been watching the development of the Whistler Observatory since I began reporting in 2022. It’s been interesting from the beginning. You can read my first article annotated by the Cogswell administration HERE and the email chain discussing their notes HERE. To sum up, they had many issues with the article and, except for one numerical typo, they were all refuted with documentation. The final email from me was sent after the vote on the observatory MOU when I was moved to write: “I must admit that listening to the ‘nothing to see here, just vote yes and let’s move on’ approach to city government as exemplified in your observatory MOU vote might lead some to want to look more closely at how you commit governance.”
There’s a reason policies and procedures are put in place and reviewed regularly and changed to meet current conditions within the scope of State and Federal law. Every once in a while I guess it takes someone in power to push the envelope to catalyze the governed to reaffirm their boundaries.
Thank you for being a subscriber! I would sure appreciate it if you would share my publication with others so Montana Independent News can continue to bring the news of the day to your inbox. If there are any issues or events you would like me to cover, please let me know.
Liberty lives in the light,
Denise
