Montana News
Comprehensive coverage of Montana’s statewide news—politics, environment, communities, and culture—delivered with trusted reporting and a local lens.
Calls to end intraparty fight mount after bitter GOP primary season
Some Republicans believe results of the legislative primary mean it’s time for the Montana Republican Party to men…
Forest Service delays logging project near Yellowstone park
The U.S. Forest Service has delayed a proposed logging project just outside the boundaries of Yellowstone National Park that the agency said was meant to mitigate the risk of fire and improve forest health, but tha…
After reappearing in Montana range, grizzly killed over cows
Wildlife officials in central Montana have killed the first confirmed grizzly bear in modern times in the Big Snowy Mountains south of Lewistown, state wildlif…
Gianforte vetoes childcare task force
Gov. Greg Gianforte issued a rare veto this week of a low-profile bill that would have created a task force of business community representatives to identify s…
Governor names advisory committee for judicial nomination
Gov. Greg Gianforte on Friday named an advisory council to help him identify candidates to fill a District Court vacancy in Cascade County under a new law that…
Inslee, Murray, Cantwell oppose Simpson plan to remove dams
SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — Washington state's top Democrats have come out against a proposal from U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson, R-Idaho, to remove four hydroelectric dams…
Gianforte signs 2 bills to reduce prescription drug costs
Beginning this fall, all Montana physicians will be able to dispense medications they prescribe to patients, not just those whose offices are at least 10 miles…
Court rejects motion to disqualify justices ruling on judicial docs
The state Supreme Court Wednesday rejected a motion from the Legislature for a blanket disqualification of all justices sitting on a case over the scope and au…
Highway Patrol finds lost video evidence sought for lawsuit
The Montana Highway Patrol says it has found lost dashcam footage of a 2017 crash that is the subject of an ongoing lawsuit against the agency by a driver who …
Mining ban considered to protect bird species in West
BILLINGS (AP) — The Biden administration announced Tuesday it will consider a ban on new mining on large expanses of public lands in Western states to protect …
Well-known Bitterroot Valley climber dies in weekend fall
HAMILTON (AP) — A well-known Bitterroot Valley climber died in a weekend fall from an ice-covered slope southwest of Darby, Ravalli County officials said.
Montana universities eye plan for students to carry guns
HELENA (AP) — People could have concealed weapons on Montana's public college campuses if they have firearms training and keep the guns holstered or locked in …
1980s Montana shooting victim identified through DNA
MISSOULA (AP) — Officials in western Montana, working with a private DNA lab in Texas, have identified the victim of an early 1980s homicide and are now investigating to see if she may have died at the hands of a s…
Water quality: New law changes standards for nitrogen, phosphorus
In 2015, Montana became a national leader when it adopted numeric nutrient standards to protect water quality.
Former lawmakers sue over Supreme Court election changes
HELENA (AP) — A lawsuit has been filed to challenge a legislative proposal to change the way Supreme Court justices would be elected in Montana.
Man dies when train hits pickup truck in Big Horn County
BILLINGS (AP) — A 70-year-old man died when his pickup truck was struck by an eastbound freight train in Big Horn County, the Montana Highway Patrol said.