Nate Schoenfelder
@nschoenfelder.bsky.social
Director of Audience Engagement at Montana Free Press
Believer in local nonprofit journalism
Boros in the streets, Dimir in the sheets
Believer in local nonprofit journalism
Boros in the streets, Dimir in the sheets
Reposted by Nate Schoenfelder
The proposed details come as the department works to implement the second-home tax in the second phase of major property tax legislation passed by lawmakers and Gov. Greg Gianforte earlier this year.
Have a backyard Airbnb? Proposed rules say Montana’s upcoming second-home tax will hit it
The public can weigh in as the state revenue department clarifies details lawmakers left ambiguous in this year’s major tax legislation.
montanafreepress.org
November 13, 2025 at 11:47 PM
The proposed details come as the department works to implement the second-home tax in the second phase of major property tax legislation passed by lawmakers and Gov. Greg Gianforte earlier this year.
Reposted by Nate Schoenfelder
The federal shutdown and ongoing lawsuits have scrambled plans for food aid in November.
How would losing SNAP benefits affect your food budget? Our reporters want to hear from you. Click here to let us know: https://bit.ly/3WD9MuH
How would losing SNAP benefits affect your food budget? Our reporters want to hear from you. Click here to let us know: https://bit.ly/3WD9MuH
November 4, 2025 at 12:36 AM
The federal shutdown and ongoing lawsuits have scrambled plans for food aid in November.
How would losing SNAP benefits affect your food budget? Our reporters want to hear from you. Click here to let us know: https://bit.ly/3WD9MuH
How would losing SNAP benefits affect your food budget? Our reporters want to hear from you. Click here to let us know: https://bit.ly/3WD9MuH
Reposted by Nate Schoenfelder
As the federal government shutdown and ongoing litigation put the nation’s main federal food support program in limbo, local governments, groups and individuals across Montana are hustling to prevent hunger from gripping thousands of households in November.
Local food pantries, community members hustle to fill potential SNAP void
The federal shutdown and ongoing lawsuits have scrambled plans for food aid in November. Here’s how Montanans are trying to fill the gaps.
montanafreepress.org
October 31, 2025 at 8:59 PM
As the federal government shutdown and ongoing litigation put the nation’s main federal food support program in limbo, local governments, groups and individuals across Montana are hustling to prevent hunger from gripping thousands of households in November.
Reposted by Nate Schoenfelder
The most expensive race on a Montana ballot this fall isn’t about candidates; it’s about water and rent.
Developers and real estate organizations spend big in effort to defeat Bozeman affordable housing ballot issue
The most expensive race on a Montana ballot this fall isn’t about candidates; it’s about water and rent in one of the state’s most expensive communities.
montanafreepress.org
October 31, 2025 at 1:55 AM
The most expensive race on a Montana ballot this fall isn’t about candidates; it’s about water and rent.
Reposted by Nate Schoenfelder
Missoula leaders praise its TIF program for helping to revitalize the city; others maintain taxpayers are paying more than their fair share.
Missoula’s quandary: where do the tax dollars go?
Missoula leaders praise its TIF program for helping to revitalize the city; others maintain taxpayers are paying more than their fair share.
montanafreepress.org
October 30, 2025 at 4:46 PM
Missoula leaders praise its TIF program for helping to revitalize the city; others maintain taxpayers are paying more than their fair share.
Reposted by Nate Schoenfelder
As the federal shutdown drags on, the Fort Belknap Head Start program is scrambling to secure the funding necessary to keep its doors open.
Federal shut down puts a Hi-Line Head Start program at risk
Amid Congressional gridlock, child care programs on the Fort Belknap Reservation are scrambling to keep their doors open.
montanafreepress.org
October 23, 2025 at 2:02 PM
As the federal shutdown drags on, the Fort Belknap Head Start program is scrambling to secure the funding necessary to keep its doors open.
Reposted by Nate Schoenfelder
The Montana Public Service Commission voted 3-2 to demote Brad Molnar, who had been the commission’s president. He’ll continue to serve as commissioner. He and his four colleagues vote on a replacement Tuesday, Oct. 28.
Utility board votes 3-2 to demote its president
Now-former Montana Public Service Commission President Brad Molnar continues to serve on the commission.
montanafreepress.org
October 22, 2025 at 12:57 AM
The Montana Public Service Commission voted 3-2 to demote Brad Molnar, who had been the commission’s president. He’ll continue to serve as commissioner. He and his four colleagues vote on a replacement Tuesday, Oct. 28.
Reposted by Nate Schoenfelder
More than 77,000 Montanans — and potentially 41 million Americans — could lose access to a food assistance program beginning in November if the federal government shutdown continues.
Shutdown could stop SNAP benefits for 77,000 Montanans
Montana food bank leaders say the disruption of benefits would hurt individuals, families and communities statewide.
montanafreepress.org
October 21, 2025 at 11:48 PM
More than 77,000 Montanans — and potentially 41 million Americans — could lose access to a food assistance program beginning in November if the federal government shutdown continues.
Reposted by Nate Schoenfelder
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum wants to cancel a public land management rule that sought to put conservation on equal footing with industry.
Trump administration wants to cancel Biden-era rule that made conservation a 'use' of public land
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum wants to cancel a public land management rule that sought to put conservation on equal footing with industry. The announcement comes as President Donald Trump seeks to o...
montanafreepress.org
September 10, 2025 at 8:32 PM
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum wants to cancel a public land management rule that sought to put conservation on equal footing with industry.
Reposted by Nate Schoenfelder
Early election results Tuesday night showed that Helena voters were rejecting more than $280 million in bonds that school officials sought to replace two city schools and restore another, although the vote was precariously close. #mtnews
Early results show Helena school bonds failing
Early election results Tuesday night showed that Helena voters were rejecting more than $280 million in bonds that school officials sought to replace two city schools and restore another, although…
buff.ly
September 10, 2025 at 2:37 AM
Early election results Tuesday night showed that Helena voters were rejecting more than $280 million in bonds that school officials sought to replace two city schools and restore another, although the vote was precariously close. #mtnews
Reposted by Nate Schoenfelder
Adrian Swensen has a criminal history in multiple states that includes financial crimes like forgery and credit card fraud. Despite his history, the Great Falls Clinic Legacy Foundation hired Swensen last month as its fundraising administrator.
New Great Falls hospital fundraiser has history of forgery, allegations of promoting fake Kamala Harris event
The Great Falls Clinic said that it checks the backgrounds of potential employees but declined to comment specifically on Adrian Swensen's history.
montanafreepress.org
September 8, 2025 at 6:28 PM
Adrian Swensen has a criminal history in multiple states that includes financial crimes like forgery and credit card fraud. Despite his history, the Great Falls Clinic Legacy Foundation hired Swensen last month as its fundraising administrator.
Reposted by Nate Schoenfelder
Scoop: The state health department’s highest-ranking official focused on American Indian health is resigning from her position. Stephanie Iron Shooter said "recent events" led to her resignation, according to an email obtained by MTFP.
High-ranking tribal official resigns from state health department, cites ‘recent events’ as reason in an email
Stephanie Iron Shooter’s tenure at the state Department of Public Health and Human Services was mired in controversy, as she repeatedly fielded concerns from tribal leaders about the agency.
montanafreepress.org
September 5, 2025 at 12:52 AM
Scoop: The state health department’s highest-ranking official focused on American Indian health is resigning from her position. Stephanie Iron Shooter said "recent events" led to her resignation, according to an email obtained by MTFP.
Reposted by Nate Schoenfelder
Town members gather to mourn and remember while the search for the suspected assailant continues.
Anaconda searches for words and ways to process shooting that left four of its residents dead.
Town members gather to mourn and remember while the search for the suspected assailant continues.
montanafreepress.org
August 4, 2025 at 8:06 PM
Town members gather to mourn and remember while the search for the suspected assailant continues.
Reposted by Nate Schoenfelder
Montana’s draft plan for community engagement mandates and premiums comes months ahead of the federal timeline laid out by the Trump administration’s domestic policy bill. Tribal representatives urged state officials to slow down.
‘More questions than answers’: Tribal representatives caution state health officials against plan for Medicaid work requirements
The state’s draft plan comes months ahead of the federal timeline laid out by the Trump administration’s domestic policy bill. Tribal representatives urged Montana officials to slow down.
montanafreepress.org
July 30, 2025 at 11:31 PM
Montana’s draft plan for community engagement mandates and premiums comes months ahead of the federal timeline laid out by the Trump administration’s domestic policy bill. Tribal representatives urged state officials to slow down.
Reposted by Nate Schoenfelder
Local groups spending big had some success, national groups not so much.
Price of persuasion: Groups spent more than $9 million influencing Montana legislators, with mixed results
474 groups spent more than $9.3 million to influence lawmakers as they decided the fates of hundreds of pieces of legislation.
montanafreepress.org
July 23, 2025 at 9:06 PM
Local groups spending big had some success, national groups not so much.
Reposted by Nate Schoenfelder
The new hire is possible through support from Report for America and CatchLight.
Montana Free Press bringing on photographer
The new hire is possible through support from Report for America and CatchLight, a San Francisco-based visual media organization that specializes in accessible image-based reporting.
montanafreepress.org
May 27, 2025 at 11:19 PM
The new hire is possible through support from Report for America and CatchLight.
Reposted by Nate Schoenfelder
The case marks Montana’s ninth documented measles infection in 2025, as the disease continues to spread nationwide.
Measles case identified in Flathead County
The case marks Montana’s ninth documented measles infection in 2025, as the disease continues to spread nationwide.
montanafreepress.org
May 22, 2025 at 10:03 PM
The case marks Montana’s ninth documented measles infection in 2025, as the disease continues to spread nationwide.
Reposted by Nate Schoenfelder
This week's newsletter: As Great Falls city commissioners consider utility rate increases to support new development, a developer is also in discussions with the city about how to fund infrastructure extensions. More details:
montanafreepress.org/2025/05/19/w...
montanafreepress.org/2025/05/19/w...
Who pays to put new homes on city utilities?
Great Falls celebrates Police Week.
montanafreepress.org
May 19, 2025 at 6:30 PM
This week's newsletter: As Great Falls city commissioners consider utility rate increases to support new development, a developer is also in discussions with the city about how to fund infrastructure extensions. More details:
montanafreepress.org/2025/05/19/w...
montanafreepress.org/2025/05/19/w...
Reposted by Nate Schoenfelder
Glad to join MTPR to go over my recent reporting about gang allegations in immigration cases.
(I start at 5:00 but the whole cast is a good listen)
omny.fm/shows/newsca...
(I start at 5:00 but the whole cast is a good listen)
omny.fm/shows/newsca...
Montana Morning Newscast 04-23-25 - Montana Newscasts
Montana Public Radio Morning Newscast 04-23-25
omny.fm
April 23, 2025 at 2:23 PM
Glad to join MTPR to go over my recent reporting about gang allegations in immigration cases.
(I start at 5:00 but the whole cast is a good listen)
omny.fm/shows/newsca...
(I start at 5:00 but the whole cast is a good listen)
omny.fm/shows/newsca...
Reposted by Nate Schoenfelder
Know your rights!
If your opponent resolves a Chalice of the Void remember:
1. Ask "Am I free to go?"
2. Ask "Am I being detained?"
3. Ask "Does this Lightning Bolt Resolve?"
If your opponent resolves a Chalice of the Void remember:
1. Ask "Am I free to go?"
2. Ask "Am I being detained?"
3. Ask "Does this Lightning Bolt Resolve?"
April 8, 2025 at 5:28 PM
Know your rights!
If your opponent resolves a Chalice of the Void remember:
1. Ask "Am I free to go?"
2. Ask "Am I being detained?"
3. Ask "Does this Lightning Bolt Resolve?"
If your opponent resolves a Chalice of the Void remember:
1. Ask "Am I free to go?"
2. Ask "Am I being detained?"
3. Ask "Does this Lightning Bolt Resolve?"
Reposted by Nate Schoenfelder
NEW: Blackfeet tribal members are suing the federal government, alleging Trump's tariffs on Canada violate the Constitution and tribal treaty rights. It's the latest example of tribes flexing their sovereign status to oppose new federal policy. #mtpol #mtnews
Blackfeet tribal members sue feds over Canada tariffs
The lawsuit — filed one day before thousands of people participated in nationwide protests against the Trump Administration — is the latest example of tribes flexing their sovereign status to oppose n...
montanafreepress.org
April 7, 2025 at 11:51 PM
Reposted by Nate Schoenfelder
my Minnesota Twins will NEVER shake hands with Trump. Sure, this is mainly because they won't win a World Series anytime soon. But still.
April 7, 2025 at 4:23 PM
my Minnesota Twins will NEVER shake hands with Trump. Sure, this is mainly because they won't win a World Series anytime soon. But still.
Reposted by Nate Schoenfelder
New today: I toured the Great Falls Fire Rescue training center with the fire chief, who says the department has little to no ability to conduct real-world training.
montanafreepress.org/2025/04/03/g...
montanafreepress.org/2025/04/03/g...
Great Falls fire chief pushes to rehab ailing training center
If approved by the city commission, the training center project could be the first recipient of reallocated Great Falls Public Library funds.
montanafreepress.org
April 3, 2025 at 9:49 PM
New today: I toured the Great Falls Fire Rescue training center with the fire chief, who says the department has little to no ability to conduct real-world training.
montanafreepress.org/2025/04/03/g...
montanafreepress.org/2025/04/03/g...
Reposted by Nate Schoenfelder
Almost exactly one year into the job, Montana’s Missing Indigenous Persons coordinator has left the post.
While the DOJ spokesperson said the task force will continue to meet while the position is open, staffing issues have stalled the group’s work in the past. #MMIW #MMIP #mtnews
While the DOJ spokesperson said the task force will continue to meet while the position is open, staffing issues have stalled the group’s work in the past. #MMIW #MMIP #mtnews
Top role in Missing Indigenous Person Task Force vacant as lawmakers consider bills combating crisis
While a Montana Department of Justice spokesperson said the task force will continue to meet while the position is open, staffing issues have stalled work in the past.
montanafreepress.org
April 2, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Reposted by Nate Schoenfelder
Johnson spent 45 years covering the state Capitol after launching his career covering the 1972 Montana Constitutional Convention for the Associated Press.
Plaque honoring Chuck Johnson, fixture of Montana journalism, placed in state Capitol
Johnson, who died in 2023, covered Montana’s state government for 45 years.
montanafreepress.org
March 21, 2025 at 11:40 PM
Johnson spent 45 years covering the state Capitol after launching his career covering the 1972 Montana Constitutional Convention for the Associated Press.