The Daily Montanan
@dailymontanan.com
The Daily Montanan is a nonprofit news outlet focused on state government. We are a nonpartisan source for trusted news covering state policy and politics as an affiliate of States Newsroom.
“My tax dollars SHOULD NOT fund such propaganda.” — Susan Beley of Harlowton, who filed a complaint against the MT Secretary of State over a postcard announcing a new partnership with the Trump administration. By @keilaszpaller.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2026/01/14/s... #mtnews #montana #mtpol
Secretary of State’s Office said 23 ‘potential non-citizens’ voted
A postcard from the Montana Secretary of State’s Office has elicited one complaint and numerous inquiries, points to 'election security'
dailymontanan.com
January 15, 2026 at 3:01 AM
“My tax dollars SHOULD NOT fund such propaganda.” — Susan Beley of Harlowton, who filed a complaint against the MT Secretary of State over a postcard announcing a new partnership with the Trump administration. By @keilaszpaller.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2026/01/14/s... #mtnews #montana #mtpol
Two people — a student and teacher — are recovering and expected to survive a stabbing at Billings Senior High School on Tuesday afternoon. By @darrellehrlick.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2026/01/14/t... #mtnews #mtpol #montana
Two stabbed at Billings Senior High, district officials cancel Wednesday's classes • Daily Montanan
A student and teacher were stabbed after school on Tuesday at Billings Senior High. District officials cancelled classes on Wednesday.
dailymontanan.com
January 15, 2026 at 2:41 AM
Two people — a student and teacher — are recovering and expected to survive a stabbing at Billings Senior High School on Tuesday afternoon. By @darrellehrlick.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2026/01/14/t... #mtnews #mtpol #montana
A couple of members of the Montana PSC are crying foul after leadership approved a final decision in a major NorthWestern Energy case without a vote on the final order, which may mean higher bills for customers. @keilaszpaller.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2026/01/13/v... #mtnews #mtpol #montana
Voting questioned in major NorthWestern Energy rate case • Daily Montanan
A couple of Public Service Commissioners are crying foul after leadership issued a final decision in a major NorthWestern Energy rate case.
dailymontanan.com
January 14, 2026 at 6:48 PM
A couple of members of the Montana PSC are crying foul after leadership approved a final decision in a major NorthWestern Energy case without a vote on the final order, which may mean higher bills for customers. @keilaszpaller.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2026/01/13/v... #mtnews #mtpol #montana
“Our government has a system of checks and balances, and right now those checks have failed us,” lead plaintiff Eva Lighthiser said in a statement. Youth plaintiffs appeal climate case. By @mddrew.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2026/01/13/y... #mtnews #mtpol #montana
Youth appeal federal climate lawsuit to Ninth Circuit • Daily Montanan
A federal judge in Missoula dismissed Lighthiser v. Trump, the challenge of 3 Trump energy-focused executive orders, last fall
dailymontanan.com
January 14, 2026 at 2:57 PM
“Our government has a system of checks and balances, and right now those checks have failed us,” lead plaintiff Eva Lighthiser said in a statement. Youth plaintiffs appeal climate case. By @mddrew.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2026/01/13/y... #mtnews #mtpol #montana
“Everywhere I go around the state, people just want their elections back.” Transparent Election Initiative files new plan to stop corporations from political spending. By @darrellehrlick.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2026/01/08/t... #mtnews #mtpol #montana
Transparent Election Initiative files new plan to stop corporations from political spending • Daily Montanan
The Transparent Election Initiative in Montana has resubmitted paperwork to the state to get a proposal to curb corporate spending in politics on the ballot before the June 19 deadline.
dailymontanan.com
January 9, 2026 at 6:43 PM
“Everywhere I go around the state, people just want their elections back.” Transparent Election Initiative files new plan to stop corporations from political spending. By @darrellehrlick.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2026/01/08/t... #mtnews #mtpol #montana
“(Trump) is using what (the founders) called ‘tyrannical use of power. He’s doing what the founding fathers said a tyrant does.” — Brian Miller, a Helena lawyer who plans to challenge U.S. Rep. Downing. By @darrellehrlick.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2026/01/07/d... #mtnews #mtpol #montana
Democrat Miller looks to challenge Downing for Congress • Daily Montanan
Helena attorney Brian Miller, a Democrat, said he'll run to challenge incumbent Republican Troy Downing for Montana's eastern seat in Congress.
dailymontanan.com
January 8, 2026 at 4:05 PM
“(Trump) is using what (the founders) called ‘tyrannical use of power. He’s doing what the founding fathers said a tyrant does.” — Brian Miller, a Helena lawyer who plans to challenge U.S. Rep. Downing. By @darrellehrlick.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2026/01/07/d... #mtnews #mtpol #montana
Another Democratic hopeful, Kalispell-based former firearms executive Ryan Busse, has joined the primary race for the chance to unseat incumbent U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke. By @mddrew.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2026/01/08/r... #mtnews #mtpol #montana
Ryan Busse joins race to challenge Zinke for House seat • Daily Montanan
After failing to unseat Gov. Greg Gianforte last fall, the former firearms executive has sights set on the state’s most competitive federal election following promising poll
dailymontanan.com
January 8, 2026 at 2:30 PM
Another Democratic hopeful, Kalispell-based former firearms executive Ryan Busse, has joined the primary race for the chance to unseat incumbent U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke. By @mddrew.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2026/01/08/r... #mtnews #mtpol #montana
“For them to sit there and lie, and try to paint a false narrative about Renee, is exactly what they have done for police abuse victims year after year after year.” — Attorney, activist Nekima Levy Armstrong. By @minnesotareformer.com @maxnesterak.bsky.social: minnesotareformer.com/2026/01/07/v...
Vigil for Renee Nicole Good becomes a call to action against ICE • Minnesota Reformer
Good’s death has already become a rallying cry for the people working to disrupt President Donald Trump’s mass deportation campaign.
minnesotareformer.com
January 8, 2026 at 2:19 PM
“For them to sit there and lie, and try to paint a false narrative about Renee, is exactly what they have done for police abuse victims year after year after year.” — Attorney, activist Nekima Levy Armstrong. By @minnesotareformer.com @maxnesterak.bsky.social: minnesotareformer.com/2026/01/07/v...
A group of conservation organizations said U.S. Critical Materials presented a “bad faith” proposal for “a mining plan” in the Sheep Creek area — not just an “exploration” plan as the company describes. By @keilaszpaller.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2026/01/06/c... #mtnews #mtpol #montana
Conservation groups call on Forest Service to reject Sheep Creek ‘mining plan’ • Daily Montanan
Conservation organizations said U.S. Critical Materials presented a “bad faith” proposal for “a mining plan” in the Sheep Creek area.
dailymontanan.com
January 6, 2026 at 8:38 PM
A group of conservation organizations said U.S. Critical Materials presented a “bad faith” proposal for “a mining plan” in the Sheep Creek area — not just an “exploration” plan as the company describes. By @keilaszpaller.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2026/01/06/c... #mtnews #mtpol #montana
An animal tested positive for brucellosis in Gallatin County, the state Department of Livestock reported in late December. By @jordyhansen.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2026/01/05/g... #montana #mtnews #mtpol
Gallatin County animal tests positive for brucellosis
Montana Department of Livestock says investigation “ongoing,” herd quarantined over positive brucellosis test.
dailymontanan.com
January 6, 2026 at 3:37 PM
An animal tested positive for brucellosis in Gallatin County, the state Department of Livestock reported in late December. By @jordyhansen.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2026/01/05/g... #montana #mtnews #mtpol
“It’s become too damn hard for most Montanans to afford basic things like housing, healthcare, childcare, and even groceries.” — Sam Forstag, smokejumper and union leader, announcing his run for Congress. By @mddrew.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2026/01/05/m... #mtnews #montana #mtpol
Missoula smokejumper, union leader enters race for Congress • Daily Montanan
Sam Forstag draws on experience as firefighter and local organizer to challenge incumbent Zinke
dailymontanan.com
January 6, 2026 at 5:18 AM
“It’s become too damn hard for most Montanans to afford basic things like housing, healthcare, childcare, and even groceries.” — Sam Forstag, smokejumper and union leader, announcing his run for Congress. By @mddrew.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2026/01/05/m... #mtnews #montana #mtpol
Marilyn Miller, the longtime former Secretary of the Montana Senate who retired in 2024 but continued to work during the 2025 session, died of natural causes on New Year’s Day, according to a press release from the Senate. dailymontanan.com/briefs/longt... #mtnews #montana #mtpol
Longtime Secretary of Montana Senate Marilyn Miller dies • Daily Montanan
Longtime Secretary of Montana Senate Marilyn Miller dies
dailymontanan.com
January 2, 2026 at 8:13 PM
Marilyn Miller, the longtime former Secretary of the Montana Senate who retired in 2024 but continued to work during the 2025 session, died of natural causes on New Year’s Day, according to a press release from the Senate. dailymontanan.com/briefs/longt... #mtnews #montana #mtpol
“I appreciate the Supreme Court bringing this frivolous complaint to a long-overdue conclusion." - AG Austin Knudsen on the Supreme Court decision to reject a recommendation to suspend him. by @keilaszpaller.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/31/m... #montana #mtpol #mtnews
Montana Supreme Court declines to suspend Attorney General Knudsen for misconduct • Daily Montanan
Montana Supreme Court found Knudsen violated two rules of professional misconduct, but it cleared him of three other misconduct allegations.
dailymontanan.com
January 1, 2026 at 1:10 AM
“I appreciate the Supreme Court bringing this frivolous complaint to a long-overdue conclusion." - AG Austin Knudsen on the Supreme Court decision to reject a recommendation to suspend him. by @keilaszpaller.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/31/m... #montana #mtpol #mtnews
Critters, public lands and political trouble are all topics among our most read stories of 2025. Here's a look back at your faves: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/30/m... #mtnews #montana #mtpol
Most read Daily Montanan stories of 2025 • Daily Montanan
If there’s one thing Montana means, it’s likely the great outdoors. And the readers on the Daily Montanan’s website were no different. Sure, they like politics and care a great deal about housing, but...
dailymontanan.com
December 31, 2025 at 8:13 PM
Critters, public lands and political trouble are all topics among our most read stories of 2025. Here's a look back at your faves: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/30/m... #mtnews #montana #mtpol
“I don’t think many folks 40 years ago, when the population was perhaps as low as 250 individuals, thought we’d ever be over 1,000 bears.” - Matthew Gould, Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team, with perspective on increase in deaths. By @mddrew.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/30/g... #mtpol
Grizzly deaths in greater Yellowstone reaches record level in 2025
Nearly two-thirds of the deaths were caused by humans, according to data from researchers studying the species.
dailymontanan.com
December 31, 2025 at 2:38 PM
“I don’t think many folks 40 years ago, when the population was perhaps as low as 250 individuals, thought we’d ever be over 1,000 bears.” - Matthew Gould, Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team, with perspective on increase in deaths. By @mddrew.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/30/g... #mtpol
"I feel betrayed and disappointed by both the Missoula Organization of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors." — Karen Berg-DiGangi on the treatment of an ethics complaint she filed and its aftermath. By @keilaszpaller.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/30/r... #mtpol #montana
Realtor says Missoula organization should have backed LGBTQ+ professionals, clients • Daily Montanan
When Karen Berg-DiGangi first became licensed as a Realtor, other queer real estate agents told her it was better not to be “out.”
dailymontanan.com
December 31, 2025 at 3:36 AM
"I feel betrayed and disappointed by both the Missoula Organization of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors." — Karen Berg-DiGangi on the treatment of an ethics complaint she filed and its aftermath. By @keilaszpaller.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/30/r... #mtpol #montana
“With this unprecedented funding, we are taking a major step toward modernizing Montana’s rural health care systems.” — Gov. Gianforte on $233M in federal award. Some say it's not enough to make up for Medicaid cuts. By @jordyhansen.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/29/s... #mtnews #mtpol
State announces $233 million in federal healthcare funds
Gov. Gianforte, DPHHS announce federal award that could top out at $1.2 billion for rural healthcare across Montana
dailymontanan.com
December 30, 2025 at 12:05 AM
“With this unprecedented funding, we are taking a major step toward modernizing Montana’s rural health care systems.” — Gov. Gianforte on $233M in federal award. Some say it's not enough to make up for Medicaid cuts. By @jordyhansen.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/29/s... #mtnews #mtpol
“Keeping these places in good shape for future generations depends on everyone.” — FWP. By @jordyhansen.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/briefs/picto... #mtnews #mtpol #montana
Pictographs vandalized at Missouri Headwaters State Park
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is seeking information on the vandalization of pictographs this month at Missouri Headwaters State Park.
dailymontanan.com
December 26, 2025 at 11:07 PM
“Keeping these places in good shape for future generations depends on everyone.” — FWP. By @jordyhansen.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/briefs/picto... #mtnews #mtpol #montana
A legal loophole for gun laws in Montana means gun-free zones around the schools are nullified, and it affects even law enforcement officers. By @darrellehrlick.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/23/m... #mtnews #mtpol #montana
Montana law of unintended consequence: Legislature wipes out gun-free school zones • Daily Montanan
A federal appeals court rules that Montana's Legislature may have wiped out the concept of gun-free school zones.
dailymontanan.com
December 24, 2025 at 3:39 PM
A legal loophole for gun laws in Montana means gun-free zones around the schools are nullified, and it affects even law enforcement officers. By @darrellehrlick.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/23/m... #mtnews #mtpol #montana
Sen. Jason Ellsworth will be charged with official misconduct stemming from a $170,000 contract he procured for a friend and business associate as Senate President, according to the Montana Department of Justice. By @mddrew.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/19/a... #mtpol #mtnews #montana
AG’s office charges former Senate President Ellsworth with official misconduct • Daily Montanan
Sen. Jason Ellsworth authorized $170,000 in contracts during final days as Senate President, was censured by chamber
dailymontanan.com
December 20, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Sen. Jason Ellsworth will be charged with official misconduct stemming from a $170,000 contract he procured for a friend and business associate as Senate President, according to the Montana Department of Justice. By @mddrew.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/19/a... #mtpol #mtnews #montana
"It is critical that we trust the science and look towards a more precise conservation approach when dealing with unique populations." - Rep. Downing, cosponsor of a bill to delist the gray wolf from the endangered species list. By @mddrew.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/18/h... #mtpol
House votes to delist gray wolves from endangered species list • Daily Montanan
Bill contains a provision preventing courts from reviewing legislation, similar to initial wolf delisting in Rocky Mountain states
dailymontanan.com
December 19, 2025 at 12:39 AM
"It is critical that we trust the science and look towards a more precise conservation approach when dealing with unique populations." - Rep. Downing, cosponsor of a bill to delist the gray wolf from the endangered species list. By @mddrew.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/18/h... #mtpol
“The scale and urgency of the situation have exceeded the City of Libby and State of Montana’s capacity to respond effectively.” Gov. Gianforte requests emergency federal assistance for flooding impacts in MT. @keilaszpaller.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/briefs/gover... #mtnews #mtpol #montana
Governor requests presidential major disaster declaration • Daily Montanan
Gov. Greg Gianforte requested Tuesday that President Donald Trump issue a presidential major disaster declaration due to flooding.
dailymontanan.com
December 17, 2025 at 9:27 PM
“The scale and urgency of the situation have exceeded the City of Libby and State of Montana’s capacity to respond effectively.” Gov. Gianforte requests emergency federal assistance for flooding impacts in MT. @keilaszpaller.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/briefs/gover... #mtnews #mtpol #montana
“The fault here is not just the water system. It is also the customers.” Public Service Commission approves settlement with North Star over inadequate water service for Helena-area subdivision with ~300 homes. @keilaszpaller.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/16/p... #mtnews #mtpol #montana
Public Service Commission approves settlement with North Star • Daily Montanan
The Montana Public Service Commission approved Tuesday a settlement with the utility that imposes monetary penalties and sets other requirements.
dailymontanan.com
December 17, 2025 at 8:18 PM
“The fault here is not just the water system. It is also the customers.” Public Service Commission approves settlement with North Star over inadequate water service for Helena-area subdivision with ~300 homes. @keilaszpaller.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/16/p... #mtnews #mtpol #montana
More than a week ago, the rainbow-colored banner that proclaimed “God is Still Speaking” on the west side of Mayflower Congregational Church was torn down. But Billings is rallying behind the church. By @darrellehrlick.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/16/v... #mtnews #mtpol #montana
https://dailymontanan.com/2025/12/16/vandalism-graffiti-at-billings-church-being-investigated-as-a-hate-crime/"I
December 17, 2025 at 3:14 PM
More than a week ago, the rainbow-colored banner that proclaimed “God is Still Speaking” on the west side of Mayflower Congregational Church was torn down. But Billings is rallying behind the church. By @darrellehrlick.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/16/v... #mtnews #mtpol #montana
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum has “assumed jurisdiction” of three American Prairie grazing rights cases, according to a memo obtained by the Western Ag Network. By @jordyhansen.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/12/b... #mtnews #montana #mtpol
Burgum assumes control over American Prairie grazing cases
Cases, now more three-years old, deal with American Prairie bison grazing on federal land in Phillips County.
dailymontanan.com
December 15, 2025 at 6:17 PM
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum has “assumed jurisdiction” of three American Prairie grazing rights cases, according to a memo obtained by the Western Ag Network. By @jordyhansen.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/12/b... #mtnews #montana #mtpol