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…
Native lawmakers blast Gianforte after bison plan dropped
BILLINGS (AP) — Native American lawmakers criticized Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte on Friday over his decision to scrap a bison management plan
Gianforte signs bill allowing payment to wolf hunters
HELENA (AP) — Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte signed a bill Friday allowing the use of private funds to reimburse wolf hunters or trappers for their expenses — rem…
Montana governor signs bill nullifying gun restrictions
HELENA (AP) — Gov. Greg Gianforte on Friday signed a bill that prohibits state and local law enforcement in Montana from enforcing federal bans on firearms, am…
Flathead gets 'F' in air quality report
A new report from the American Lung Association shows that Western Montana continues to suffer from particle pollution — a finding that aligns with air quality…
Biden taps Montana environmentalist for public lands boss
BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — President Joe Biden has nominated a longtime environmental advocate and Democratic aide to oversee the vast expanses of federally-owned …
Montana Senate advances bill banning vaccine requirements
HELENA (AP) — The Montana Senate voted Thursday to advance a measure banning the use of vaccine passports and prohibiting workplaces from requiring vaccinations as a condition for employment.
Gianforte signs religious freedom bill allowing challenges
HELENA (AP) — Montana's governor on Thursday signed a bill that codifies the right of people to challenge government regulations that interfere with their religious beliefs.
Montana transgender bill advances, other measures vetoed
HELENA, Mont. (AP) — The Montana Legislature voted Thursday to advance a bill that would ban transgender athletes from participating in school and university sports according to the gender with which they identify.
Committee tables bill to help NorthWestern
Rep. Derek Skees, R-Kalispell, said his caucus loves coal. Nonetheless, a House committee voted 11-1 on Wednesday to table a bill that purported to encourage c…
Gianforte signs bill allowing direct patient care contracts
HELENA (AP) — Gov. Greg Gianforte signed a bill Wednesday that allows health care providers to contract directly with patients for certain basic care, such as annual checkups, office visits, vaccines, bloodwork and…
Utility to build $250M gas-fired power plant in Montana
BILLINGS (AP) — NorthWestern Energy has announced plans to build a $250 million power plant in Montana as part of an effort to increase its power capacity in the state.
U.S. ends oil, gas lease sales from public land through June
BILLINGS (AP) — The U.S. Interior Department is cancelling oil and gas lease sales from public lands through June
Grizzly victim knew risks of living with bears, friends say
BILLINGS (AP) — Grizzly bears are part of life in the gateway communities around Yellowstone National Park
Montana blocks bill to ban gender affirming surgery in youth
HELENA (AP) — The Montana Senate voted Tuesday to indefinitely postpone a bill that would have banned gender affirming surgery for transgender minors, effectiv…
Governor drops bison plan, says he's protecting ranchers
BILLINGS (AP) — Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte said Tuesday he is ending a bison management plan that would have allowed the wide-ranging animals to be restored i…