This week's top stories: April 11-17
The Twitterverse exploded this week as millions of Montanans took to using #MillionsofMontanans. OK, we admit, that might be a slight exaggeration.
A mistake in a news release prompted the hashtag, but it quickly encompassed more than just political issues. Haircuts, scenic drives and even a drawing by a legislator's child quickly filled newsfeeds.
And that's why #MillionsofMontanans tops our weekly roundup story list. Here's what else you might have missed this week.
#MillionsofMontanans: Hashtag takes off: It was the news release that launched a Twitter hashtag. On Thursday evening, the Montana House passed the HELP Act, which is expected to expand Medicaid to 45,000 people. Thirteen Republicans joined House Democrats to pass the bill. Shortly after the passage, Americans for Prosperity Montana state director Zach Lahn released a statement that said, "We are deeply disappointed in the legislature's decision tonight to expand Medicaid. This decision stands directly against the voices of millions of Montanans who have made it clear that they do not want more Obamacare." Montana's estimated population in 2014 was 1.02 million.
Racism against Muslims needs to end: Ever since Sept. 11 we have been extremely racist toward Arabian-Americans and people of the Muslim faith. For some reason, America always struggles with discrimination and racism. When many people think of the Muslim religion or Arabians they think of terrorism. But anyone could be a terrorist, not just these people. Yes, there are terrorists who are Muslim and Arabian, but it certainly doesn't mean all of those people are.
Grandparents protest Child and Family Services: Patsy Fercho has been virtually cut off from the grandchildren she raised until social services handed them over to their father, she said. She worries now they're being abused based on his history and their descriptions of life with their father. Fercho was among about 30 people at the Montana Capitol taking part in a daylong protest Thursday against Child and Family Services Division.
Flint Rasmussen appears in new movie 'The Longest Ride': Rodeo folks in these parts realize that Flint Rasmussen is a star. But a movie star? "I have a five-second cameo, yes," he said with a chuckle when asked about the new film "The Longest Ride," which is currently playing at the Carmike 10 in Great Falls. Then Rasmussen laughed again. "If you're a star it's a cameo," he said. "Otherwise you're just an extra."
'Cut Bank' opens in its namesake town: For screenwriter Roberto Patino, the premiere of his film "Cut Bank" in the town that inspired it was "surreal." The western noir film starring Liam Hemsworth, Billy Bob Thornton and John Malkovich tells the story of a young man who sees an opportunity to get out of the small town that stifles him using a method outside the law.
