During a personal trip from south of Big Sky to Kalispell, one Montanan not only took in the beauty of Flathead Lake but also found clarity on an important choice: endorsing Russell Cleveland. This letter to the editor highlights a constituent’s effort to engage with Rep. Ryan Zinke’s offices and concludes with a firm statement of support for Cleveland.

From mysterious lottery investor groups to a regulatory shake-up in Montana’s cannabis sector, State Bureau reporter Seaborn Larson reflects on his five most impactful stories of 2025. These accounts reveal the year’s defining moments and provide insights into the ever-evolving political and regulatory landscape in Montana.

Montana’s Republican majority seems secure on paper, yet recent legislative sessions suggest a divide within the party. Some lawmakers elected as Republicans have been accused of straying from platform commitments, causing disappointment among constituents.