Thanks for ending your week with The Western Word! Here are the topics that caught my eye for today’s column: 

• Breaking The Law
• Donald’s Week
• Another Year
• Photo from my Travels
• One More Thing

BREAKING THE LAW:

It was not much of a surprise, but Lee Newspapers is reporting that Lewis and Clark County District Court Judge Mike McMahon on Wednesday determined that several of the Montana Republican Party’s new bylaws dictating who can and can’t campaign for county-level party positions — established amid the GOP’s vicious internecine battle this election cycle — likely violate state election law. 

The Daily Montanan reported that the Republican central committees of Yellowstone and Chouteau counties, along with several individuals, sued to prevent the bylaws from taking full effect and won a partial victory. 

State GOP chairman Art Wittich has defended the new party bylaws, saying they passed with 97% of the delegates at the party convention voting in favor. 

But McMahon wrote in his order that “it does not matter how many people pass a bylaw contrary to law; it is still illegal.”

The implosion of the Montana Republican Party is fun to watch. 

DONALD’S WEEK:

In case you missed it, several sources are reporting that U.S. President Donald Trump bought up to $500,000 in Boeing stock the same day the U.S. Navy awarded the aerospace company an $880 million contract. 

Snopes is reporting that Trump’s June 2026 financial disclosure indicates he bought between $250,001 and $500,000 of Boeing stock on June 18, 2026. That same day, the Department of Defense announced an $880 million contract with Boeing.  

Coincidence? I think not! Everyone should know by now that Trump is in this for himself. 

Another issue that caught my eye is one I wrote about earlier this week. President Donald Trump did issue an Executive Order yesterday (Aug. 27) changing the name of Lake Ontario to Lake America. (Source)

With high gas and food prices, along with an out-of-control national debt, Trump decides to rename a lake just to piss off Canada. All he is doing is looking like an ass. Remember this when you fill up with gas or when you buy groceries for your family. Most importantly, remember this in November. 

ANOTHER YEAR:

Good news: I just paid the rent on The Western Word for another year!

Now, I need a favor. Tell your friends—and honestly, tell your enemies too—to stop by the site and kick the tires. Subscriptions cost exactly zero dollars. We are living in a historic, fast-moving time. Make sure you are reading The Western Word to get an independent, common-sense view of the issues impacting our daily lives.

PHOTO FROM MY TRAVELS:

The Dignity of Earth and Sky monument is a breathtaking 50-foot-tall stainless steel sculpture that stands on a high bluff overlooking the Missouri River near Chamberlain, South Dakota. Created by artist Dale Claude Lamphere, the statue honors the culture and resilience of the Lakota and Dakota peoples. The sculpture features a Native American woman holding an expansive star quilt composed of 128 blue glass diamond shards that beautifully catch the sunlight and wind. Located right off Interstate 90, this iconic landmark serves as a powerful symbol of shared humanity, grace, and cultural heritage on the Great Plains. More information can be found HERE. 

ONE MORE THING: 

If you see a road sign that says, “Survey Crew Ahead,” they are not actually interested in your opinion. I know that now. 

## HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND ##