Last month, Roosevelt County Sheriff Jason Frederick wrote a letter to a federal judge vouching for an undocumented immigrant he’d only met once before. In doing so, he became one of at least seven sheriffs nationwide who have taken a public stance against immigration policies since January.

Montana is aiming to limit which foods low-income families can purchase with SNAP. Researchers say many of the costs for SNAP waivers fall on grocery stores, and that the restrictions don’t help improve health outcomes for low-income people.

Montana-based awardees called the terminations ‘devastating’ — and said they were based on a false presumption that tribal initiatives fall under Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. "It’s so, so, so cruel,” Neal Rosette said of a canceled grant meant to support the Chippewa Cree Tribe.

Protesters line the streets in Hamilton, MT for the latest No Kings demonstration. Hamilton, a town of around 5,000 residents, is in Ravalli County, which favored Trump by a 41-point margin in 2024.

NEW: Trump’s DEI crackdown spurred university regents to expand Montana’s tuition waiver for Native students. Some tribal lawmakers say the action confuses race with political identity.

Two of the four bail bondsmen involved in the fatal shooting of a fugitive in Missoula were unlicensed, having failed the required test numerous times, and the other two had received temporary licenses less than a month before the shooting, according to the Montana State Auditor’s office.

MTFP reporter @noramabie.bsky.social joined Today, Explained to talk about what happens when Border Patrol comes to a tiny Montana town. Listen here 🎧

NEW: After their neighbor was arrested by Border Patrol, residents of Froid, MT wore shirts to support him. The shirts are now a common sight in the tiny town, worn by youth and adults not typically prone to taking public stances on immigration. #mtnews #Friod #Orozco

Oh my god you all, please read @noramabie.bsky.social 's ongoing reporting about the town of Froid, Montana, the Orozco family, and the national battle over who gets to be considered a neighbor. montanafreepress.org/2026/02/10/f...

NEW: Border Patrol just arrested one of this conservative town’s 195 residents. Neighbors, forced to reckon with their own complicated views on immigration, are now fighting back. montanafreepress.org/2026/01/28/f...

Fraudsters transported Native Americans to other states and billed insurance companies for treatments that did not occur or were not needed.

Following their brother's death, two sisters on the Blackfeet Reservation are creating a horse-based alternative to talk therapy.

NEW: A proposal by the Crow tribal chair could dramatically change who counts as a Crow tribal member under the “blood quantum” standard, a concept created by White settlers and rooted in assimilation tactics. montanafreepress.org/2025/12/05/c...

The federal government recently directed states to stop issuing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits in November. That means more than 77,000 Montanans — and potentially 41 million Americans — could lose access to food assistance if the federal government shutdown continues.

NEW: After years of legislative debate, today marks the first time the state of Montana - home to 12 tribes and 7 reservations - has officially observed Indigenous Peoples' Day as a legal holiday.

It was my pleasure to join tribal housing experts on Native America Calling this morning. We spoke about the causes and consequences of Indian Country's housing crisis and heard from a listener about their experience. open.spotify.com/episode/0xyq...

I've spent more than a year investigating housing insecurity in tribal communities across Montana. Part 1 of our series, The Shelter Gap, explains how the housing shortage thwarts the development of a middle class on reservations, perpetuating cycles of poverty. montanafreepress.org/2025/09/29/h...

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

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.

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.

Although Native Americans are exempted from many of the new state and federal requirements, representatives from tribal governments and Urban Indian Organizations raised red flags about the risks of increased bureaucracy.

IndigiPalooza, a 2-day event in Missoula, MT, brings together more than a dozen Native artists, musicians and writers for panel discussions, live music, an art market and more.

‘Our doors would have to close’: Tribal college leaders in Montana say Trump’s proposed cuts threaten their institutions and would harm the state's economy. #mtnews #mtpol

The group of tribal plaintiffs argue that changes to Election Day voter registration laws disproportionately harm Native Americans in rural and tribal communities who already face significant barriers to voting.

Montana's state budget includes several new investments for Indian Country — a historic increase in funding for tribal colleges and $367,000 to support repatriation efforts at UM.

Facing darkness head-on is the guiding principle of a new semester-long class at two schools on the Blackfeet Reservation. #mtnews

The Aiuppa family was told their daughter had 2,000% more lead in her bones than an average child. She began breaking bones in 2022 & hasn’t stopped. She’s had a broken finger, forearm and a tibial spiral fracture in her leg — twice. via @thatsmohrlikeit.bsky.social www.sfgate.com/national-par...

Tribal leaders say the funding cuts disrupt critical healing processes for boarding school survivors, families and tribes, and keep the general public from learning the truth about what happened at these schools.

NEW: Members of Montana’s American Indian Caucus say the 2025 legislative session may have been the group’s most successful yet. The caucus successfully advanced legislation establishing Indigenous Peoples Day, extending child welfare protections, bolstering state efforts to combat #MMIP and more.

Native Americans in Montana are four times more likely to be reported missing than their counterparts. Several new laws aim to address the crisis. #mmip #mmiw #mtnews

A new law professionalizes doula care in Montana. Supporters believe it will expand access to maternal care and improve health outcomes, particularly in rural and tribal communities. montanafreepress.org/2025/05/14/g... #mtnews #mtpol

Breaking: After a decade-long fight, the state of Montana — home to 12 tribes and 7 reservations — will now recognize Indigenous Peoples Day. #mtnews

BREAKING: A group of Montana students, families and tribes recently reached a settlement agreement with the Montana Board of Public Education — a major development in a years-long class action lawsuit regarding the implementation of Indian Education for All. #mtnews #mtpol

May 5 is a National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous People. As groups lead marches, panels, protests and other events nationwide, a Blackfeet father demands justice in his daughter’s case. #mmip #mmiw #mmiwg2s

NEW: Funding challenges have crippled the Medicine Bear Lodge homeless shelter on the Blackfeet Reservation. Looming federal cuts could threaten its existence. #mtnews

NEW: This year will likely make history, as a bill establishing Indigenous Peoples Day in Montana is poised to become law. Senate Bill 224 now heads to the governor's desk — marking the most significant progress the legislation has made in a decade.

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

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

Frustrated with persistent violence, Fort Peck community members are demanding change. 400 miles away in Helena, members of Montana's American Indian Caucus are pushing for legislation that aims to bolster public safety in Indian Country. #mtnews #mtpol

NEW: Senate Bill 319 could increase access to doula care in Montana. Advocates say it would transform maternal care in rural and tribal communities. #mtnews #mtpol

From last week's Lowdown newsletter: Tribes across the nation are issuing IDs to more of their members, responding to Trump's immigration orders and reports that Navajo tribal members have been questioned and detained in recent sweeps. #mtpol #mtnews

NEW: 2 bills aim to resolve a long-standing law enforcement dispute between the state of Montana, Lake County and Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. montanafreepress.org/2025/03/18/b... #mtpol #mtnews

Salish and Blackfeet hip-hop artist Shadow Devereaux (known on stage as Foreshadow) said that while his new album has been in the making “for forever,” it wouldn’t have been possible without support from a new grant available in Montana. "Perfect Timing," Foreshadow's first solo album, is out today.

NEW: Montana's American Indian Caucus touts success at the Legislature's halfway point. #mtpol #mtnews

My 1st story for @montanafreepress.org: A bill establishing Indigenous Peoples Day in Montana cleared the Senate, marking the most significant progress the legislation has made in years. While several states recognize Indigenous Peoples Day, MT is not among them.

This is my first week covering Indigenous affairs at @montanafreepress.org! Story ideas, feedback, advice? Reach me at [email protected]. Excited to get started!