Speaking at a three-day conference presented by Montana Free Press, Barry Beach said his 10-year probationary sentence, issued by former Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock in 2015, was ending soon.

Tribal officials say the move, an apparent first among tribal governments in Montana, is intended to prevent potential addiction to products that can have opioid-like effects.

Ethiopian spice and Montana protein elevate a diner classic.

As human-driven climate change makes winters shorter, ticks are spending less time hibernating and have more active months when they can hitch rides on animals and people. Sometimes the ticks carry themselves — and diseases — to new parts of the country.

After a slew of public critiques, Montana’s labor department announced it will review the state’s process for monitoring medical providers struggling with addiction and mental health issues.

Live now: Free Press Fest 2025 | The Power of the Press: Barry Beach’s Winding Road to Freedom

A recent death raises questions about oversight of state-mandated recovery program.

Following the second day of a two-day hearing before a federal judge, 19-year-old Eva Lighthiser said she felt optimistic about a legal challenge to the Trump administration’s climate and energy policies, a court case that bears her name.

Livingston’s Max Johansen gave up his new post as the party’s vice chair after acknowledging ‘disruptive’ comments.

Free Press Fest 2025 | Managing the Millions: What Lies Ahead for Montana’s Public Lands?

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Parents, school administrators and disability rights advocates are rallying the public to protect federal programs.

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Tensions between Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Prime Minister Mark Carney softened at a Sept. 10 meeting.

Former state senator Shannon O’Brien defeated Flathead farmer and former legislator Mike Jopek, who had been endorsed by former U.S. Sen. Jon Tester.

As traditional leaders and the Bureau of Indian Affairs wade into the conflict, questions remain about who is in charge.

The hospital’s 14-bed adult unit, the first inpatient psychiatric beds in the history of the booming city, is slated to start accepting patients in September.

The youth plaintiffs argue that President Trump’s orders violate their Fifth Amendment rights and will cause nearly 200,000 additional deaths over the next 25 years and lead to more heart, respiratory and other health problems.

Over the years, Charlie Kirk made several appearances in Montana, both public and private, and solicited donors to launch his political movement.

The largest wildfire of 2024 ignited underground coal seams in eastern Montana. A year later, more than 100 are still smoldering.

Questions remain about the hiring of Adrian Swensen, who is still wanted by authorities in Iowa.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum wants to cancel a public land management rule that sought to put conservation on equal footing with industry.

While early returns were unfavorable for school supporters, unofficial results Wednesday show the $283 million bonds passing.

UPDATE: Results released just after midnight Wednesday show both bonds passing, each by only a few hundred votes.

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

Future of Helena schools at stake as voters are asked to approve more than $280M in new taxes.

Montana lawmaker remembered as unwavering champion of social and community causes.

A new fried favorite for football season, with a heaping helping of parm.

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.

Missoula County commissioners approved the 2026 budget that increases property taxes by 8% to raise an additional $4.6 million, mostly needed to fund wage increases and cover lost revenue and increased costs for the detention center. #mtnews

Interpersonal conflict among Montana’s elected utility board and the staff that work for them escalated Sept. 4, 2025, amid a first-of-its-kind attempt to unseat its president, Brad Molnar. #mtnews

Stephanie Iron Shooter’s tenure at the Department of Public Health and Human Services was mired in controversy, as she repeatedly fielded concerns from tribal leaders about the agency.

Plan envisions providing connectivity via fiber optic cables, Starlink-style satellites.

Officials say inflation and rising construction costs have led to the historically high requests.

The state party said it has the right to manage its affairs as it sees fit, including censuring and expelling members.

The suspect pleaded not guilty to all seven counts; prosecutors undecided whether to seek the death penalty against him.

While the city’s ‘housing sprint’ was a success, officials say the closure of the 165-bed facility will strain Missoula’s remaining shelter, especially as the weather cools.

Abbey Lee Cook plans to plead guilty in federal court Sept. 9 to the charges against her, and is now the subject of two complaints made to the state Commissioner of Political Practices.

In a reversal, a district court judge in Anaconda-Deer Lodge County has unsealed most of the documents filed in the criminal case against the man accused of carrying out a shooting last month in a southwest Montana town that left four people dead.

MTFP reporter @noramabie.bsky.social‬ was featured on Yellowstone Public Radio and @mtpublicradio.bsky.social this morning to discuss her reporting on the Chippewa Cree Tribe suing Chouteau County, alleging the county’s election system dilutes the power of Native voters.

Local leaders think light industrial development in the Opportunity Triangle offers the best hope for a stable economic future in this southwest Montana community.

An independent report revealed that several Indian Health Service leaders were aware of Dr. Stanley Patrick Weber’s suspicious behaviors, yet failed to take action.

The Department of Corrections wants to reduce the number of its inmates held in county jails around the state.

Hi-Country Snack Foods, a Lincoln-based company renowned for its beef jerky, laid off 16 people, the company confirmed.

New eligibility rules will lead to disruptions in coverage, tribal leaders fear.

From the latest Wide Open Table: Fusing ‘Indian’ classics across hemispheres of flavor. #mtnews

The Missoula County Public Schools Board of Trustees approved elementary and high school budgets for the upcoming school year that include new state funding to increase teacher salaries and minimal cuts, despite declining enrollment. #mtnews

About a decade ago, several stakeholders in western Montana came together to discuss issues related to beavers. Beaver dams occasionally wreaked havoc on roadways and property, but those involved recognized the animals' importance to the landscape. #mtnews