It’s Friday! Here are the topics that caught my eye this week:

• Judge Sam Haddon
• Montana Driver Licenses
• Montana PSC
• Things to Know/Read
• One More Thing

U.S. DISTRICT COURT JUDGE SAM HADDON:

I was saddened to learn that Senior U.S. District Court Judge Sam Haddon passed away recently. He was 88 years old. 

Haddon was recommended by U.S. Senator Conrad Burns to President George W. Bush for the federal bench in 2001. He was confirmed by the U.S. Senate by a vote of 95-0 on July 20, 2001. 

Sadly, we don’t see 95-0 votes for federal judges very often these days. 

At the beginning of his time as a federal judge, Haddon worked in the Federal District Court in Great Falls, which was above the main post office, a block or two from Burns’ office, where I worked. He often called me to ask me to stop by and visit about legislation, politics, football, and the Senator’s schedule. Haddon always ensured I was invited to the naturalization ceremonies that he presided over. He was genuinely excited to swear in the new United States citizens. 

Haddon was a patriot. May he rest in peace. You can read his complete obituary HERE. 

MONTANA DRIVER LICENSES:

The Montana Department of Justice announced that the Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) unveiled today a redesigned and more secure driver license and identification card featuring elements to help reduce driver license fraud and identity theft, making it one of the most secure credentials in the nation. The new cards will be issued beginning in December 2025. Currently issued cards will remain valid until their expiration dates.

The Montana DOJ also says the new credentials will feature up to three icons: a white star with a black circle indicating a REAL ID, a black eagle-in-flight U.S. citizenship marker, and a black organ donor symbol consisting of a black heart with a Y inside surrounded by a circle.

Can political party identification be far behind? 

Check out the press release announcing the new license HERE. 

MONTANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION:

In case you missed it, the circus continues at the Montana Public Service Commission!

The Daily Montanan is reported:

Montana Public Service Commissioner Annie Bukacek offered a “more plausible explanation” for why she brought documents from her medical office to the public agency — and it doesn’t amount to an ethics violation.

That’s the decision Commissioner of Political Practices Chris Gallus issued Wednesday regarding allegations Public Service Commissioner Brad Molnar made that Bukacek was copying medical records on the public agency’s dime.

In a letter rejecting the complaint, Gallus said Bukacek explained she doesn’t have enough disposable material to require pickup at her medical office, so she brings recycling to the Public Service Commission.

You can read more about the craziness HERE. 

THINGS TO KNOW/READ:

A Grand jury declined to indict New York AG Letitia James, less than two weeks after the first case was dismissed (Source)

Several people commented that the DOJ has a better chance of indicting a ham sandwich than Letitia James!

The U.S. Supreme Court allows Texas to use a congressional map favorable to Republicans in 2026 (Source) 

Anything to keep the majority, but will it help? 

FBI makes arrest in investigation into pipe bombs placed in DC on eve of Jan. 6 riot (Source)

You can bet the Republican-run DOJ is trying to find a way to pin this on Democrats

Trump’s 2025 Spotify Wrap Reveals He Listened To ‘God Bless The USA’ 160,000 Times (Source) 

This is satire…

ONE MORE THING:

The world is getting too sensitive. Soon, I won’t be able to make fun of myself without offending someone. 

# HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND ##