Montana News & Current Events | Public News Service

Montana's 2025 main budget bill funded 10 recommendations from the state's Behavioral Health System for Future Generations Commission and Montana lawmakers passed 14 bills related to improving mental health care. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Montana to expand mental health treatment for people in justice system

After a legislative session which opened doors to expand mental health care services across Montana, a state commission said it is considering the …

Members of the Blackfoot Drought Committee, first formed in 2000, include local landowners, irrigators and outfitters, as well as representatives from state and federal agencies, conservation organizations, and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. (Jason Olstad/Adobe Stock)

MT’s dry conditions test updated Blackfoot River drought plan

Following last year's historic drought in Montana and hot temperatures early this spring, the Blackfoot River is running at roughly 25% of normal …

The Montana Environmental Policy Act, which supports the state constitution, was weakened by a bill that passed in the state this session. Some involved with the legislation expect lawsuits will challenge the new law. (Adobe Stock)

Montana governor vetoes several bipartisan conservation bills

Environmental and wildlife conservation in Montana took hits during this year's state legislative session, including vetoes from the governor on …

The Montana Nurses Association said the decision from Providence Health Services to close St. Patrick Hospital's maternity center lacked

Negotiations begin next week on Montana maternity center closure

The multistate Providence Health System announced it will close the maternity center at one of its Montana hospitals in October. Opponents are …

Some 67% of college students say a characteristic of

Report: To Gen Z, ‘campus safety’ includes ideology, mental health

Nearly 30% of "Gen-Z" college students decided where they would attend school based at least partly on political reasons, according to a new report…

Montana group lifts queer and transgender resilience with latest zine

As Pride month winds downs, a Montana group said the latest edition of its zine celebrating queer and transgender folks is still hot off the presses…

In 2024, Helena Food Share recovered more than 825,000 pounds of food from grocery stores. (Adobe Stock)

Eight months after expansion, central Montana food bank meets increased need

A central Montana food bank has seen more traffic since it expanded last fall and as Congress considers cuts to safety-net programs including grocery …

Yellowstone National Park supports about 8,500 jobs in surrounding communities including Gardiner, Montana, which in 2023 had a population of 791. (Melissa MN/Adobe Stock)

Senate bill cuts would ‘decimate’ National Park Service, advocate says

The U.S. Senate's answer to the House Republicans' "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" includes proposals that advocates for public lands say would …

In its most recent report, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks estimated the state's 2023 wolf population numbered 1,096 individuals. (Michal/Adobe Stock)

Montana judge hears case on federal protections for gray wolves

Most gray wolves in the U.S. are protected under the federal Endangered Species Act, but not those in the Northern Rockies. A federal judge in …

Under Medicaid cuts proposed in the current budget reconciliation bill, federal spending in Montana would be reduced by $2 billion to $4 billion over the next 10 years, according to KFF. (Adobe Stock)

Montana, rural U.S. hospitals at risk under 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act'

As Congress considers cuts to safety net programs in what Republicans are calling the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," new analysis from the nonpartisan …

More than two dozen ‘No Kings’ events planned Saturday across Montana

While the Trump administration throws a parade tomorrow funded by taxpayers, Americans will gather at 1,800 protest events around the nation…

The national service organization AmeriCorps invested more than $12.7 million in its Montana program last year, funding which was cut by the Department of Government Efficiency in April. (U.S. Department of Agriculture)

Judge restores AmeriCorps funding in 24 states but not Montana

After the Department of Government Efficiency cut AmeriCorps funding earlier this year, a federal judge last week granted a temporary halt to the …

A 2025 report on childhood well-being showed Montana ranks 10th in the nation on family and community indicators but much lower on health indicators, at 29th. (Kristin Eldridge/Adobe Stock)

MT ranks 39th in U.S. for child health insurance coverage

An annual report on the well-being of children in each state shows Montana slipped two spots this year, ranking 22nd in the nation. The 2025 Kids …

NorthWestern Energy increased electric rates for its Montana customers by about 17% on May 23, legally but without approval. Montana's Public Service Commission on June 9 will hear arguments for another rate hike. (Adobe Stock)

Coalition to rally Monday opposing NorthWestern rate hike

Groups opposed to NorthWestern Energy's latest rate-hike proposal plan to rally on Monday in Helena. In an unusual move, the utility giant used a …

According to a 2024 survey, 82% of American transgender employees reported experiencing discrimination or harassment at work. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates shed light on discrimination against trans folks during Pride Month

June is Pride Month, and transgender advocates are speaking out, seeking equal recognition in society and in the workplace. The U.S. Supreme Court …

About 38% of Montana public school districts have used the state's voluntary early literacy program, launched in 2023. (Ekaterina Pokrovsky/Adobe Stock)<br />

Montana funds early literacy programs but district buy-in is low

Buy-in on Montana's first state-funded early literacy program has been lower than expected in its first year of operation and a school administrator g…

The Great American Rail-Trail utilizes more than 150 existing trails but has more than 80 gaps. Montana's section is 25.3% complete. (Adobe Stock)

U.S. Transportation Secretary reviews Montana bike corridor grant

The U.S. Department of Transportation has frozen millions in grant dollars awarded by the Biden administration, leaving those counting on them in …

Montana Fair Housing receives the most requests for assistance from people with disabilities, including veterans. (Lightfield Studios/Adobe Stock)

Proposed cuts in GOP budget bill spur National Fair Housing Week of Action

Housing groups across the country this week have declared a National Week of Action, as federal lawmakers consider a budget eliminating all funding …

A draft of the 2024 Yellowstone National Park Bison Management Plan received comments from 27,000 people. (Adobe Stock)

Lawsuits filed against NPS over Yellowstone bison plan

The National Park Service faces at least two lawsuits for its latest bison management plan for Yellowstone National Park, the first update released …

Wildlife crossing structures in Montana now have a dedicated funding stream after the governor signed a bill funneling marijuana tax revenue to conservation projects. (Steve Gadomski/Adobe Stock)

MT conservation groups applaud new marijuana tax revenue law

Tax revenue from marijuana sales in Montana will now support a wider variety of conservation projects, since Gov. Greg Gianforte has signed House …

Medicaid covers more births in rural areas than metro ones, at 47% and 40% respectively, according to a new report from the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families. (Oleg Breslavtsev/Adobe Stock)

Three Montana counties top U.S. list for moms’ reliance on Medicaid

Montana mothers and could-be moms rely more on Medicaid than in other states, and would be harder hit by proposed cuts to the program. More than 30%…

Among other 2025 bills passed, the Montana American Indian Caucus helped reauthorize Native language preservation programs and get formal recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day in the state. (Western Native Voice)

MT Native leaders: Civic engagement brings continued legislative wins

A Montana-based Indigenous advocacy group said it is increasing membership this year in a new way, with a traveling conference. Western Native Voice …

Montanans paid $213 million more in residential property taxes in 2023 than 2022, a median increase of 21% per property. (Adobe Stock)

Leaders from Montana, rural U.S. talk taxes at policy summit

As the Trump administration restructures the nation's economy, rural leaders said they fear things are moving in the wrong direction for their …

Funding for the National Endowment for the Humanities reached all 56 Montana counties in 2024 via libraries, museums, community organizations and schools, according to Humanities Montana. (Adobe Stock)

Rural Montanans, Americans most affected by federal humanities cuts

Supporters of the National Endowment for the Humanities say President Donald Trump's cuts to the agency disproportionately impact rural Americans - an…

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte signed a law shortening the time frame for voter registration, despite a 2024 Montana Supreme Court ruling a 2021 law banning same-day voter registration was unconstitutional. (MK Photo/Adobe Stock)<br />

Montana governor signs law tightening voter registration window

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte has seen the last few bills of the 2025 legislative session cross his desk and as the ink dries, policy experts reminded …

Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Mont., is one of 14 lawmakers on the new bipartisan Congressional Public Lands Caucus, launched last week. (Adobe Stock)

Public land sales voted down in MT Statehouse, added to federal budget bill

Correction: An earlier version of this story attributed a quote to Rep. Zinke which was made by Alex Blackmer. (5:05 p.m MST., May 12, 2025) Montana …

Mothers lose out on an average of $16,516 on income annually because of inequitable caregiving responsibilities, according to the Institute for Women's Policy Research. That totals $450 billion annually for all moms across the United States. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Moms spend 167% more time parenting than dads

Sunday is Mother's Day, and what moms may need most is a day off. Research shows that inequities persist in the amount of time moms and dads spend …

In a new survey, 71% of Montanans said they believe oil and gas drilling should be restricted to areas of public land that are highly likely to contain fossil fuels. (Adobe Stock)

House Committee takes up 'drill, baby, drill' budget today

Today, the Republican budget package on the nation's energy policy gets a closer look from the House Natural Resources Committee in Congress…

Among the many Montana bills Western Native Voice advocated for this session is one recognizing Indigenous People's Day, in conjunction with Columbus Day. (Kristina Blokhin/Adobe Stock)

Montana-based Native advocacy group opens D.C. office

On the heels of a busy Montana legislative session, the advocacy group Western Native Voice is setting its sights higher and opening a Washington…

Experts say Wildfire Community Preparedness Day on Saturday is a good time to move fuels and flammable materials away from homes. (Adobe Stock)

Neighborhood action is more effective for wildfire prep, experts say

Montana's wildfire risk is 74% higher than other states, so experts are encouraging Montanans to think ahead Saturday on Wildfire Community …

Montana lawmakers discussed a bill which would have legalized cigar smoking in designated rooms in bars, despite a 2006 declaration by the U.S. Surgeon General there is no safe level of exposure to tobacco smoke. (Marco Mayer/Adobe Stock)

Indoor cigar smoking bill, unpopular with voters, fails in Montana House

A bill to legalize cigar smoking in designated Montana barrooms has failed a third reading in the state House. Similar legislation is introduced most …

Around 85% of first responders in the United States report experiencing symptoms related to mental health. (Adobe Stock)

Montana bill could cover PTSD treatment for first responders

A bill headed to the Montana governor's desk would qualify post-traumatic stress disorder under workers' compensation for the state's first responders…

Western Watersheds Project Executive Director Erik Molvar says a permitting change announced by the U.S. Department of the Interior this week will mean

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Feds unveil 'emergency permitting' for energy projects in MT, U.S.

This week, the Trump administration announced what it terms "emergency permitting" for energy projects, streamlining a sometimes yearslong process …

In some parts of Montana's Big Hole River, levels of phosphorus and nitrogen are at two or three times healthy thresholds, according to data from area conservation groups. (Tracy/Adobe Stock)

Montana DEQ denies Big Hole River decision, cites law opposed by EPA

Montana officials have denied a petition asking the state to designate the Big Hole River as "impaired" by pollution. Two conservation groups …

According to a report from the Montana Nonprofit Association, local governments are among many recipients of federal funding in the state. They receive about $361.3 million annually in federal contracts, grants, loans and direct payments. (Adobe Stock)

Federal funding cuts could hit Montana harder than other states, says report

A new report showed Montana receives a larger share of federal funding than the national average and the effects of continued cuts could be "dramatic.…

The Empire Builder currently provides rail passenger service through Montana's Hi-Line, paralleling U.S. Highway 2 through the northern part of the state. The Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority hopes to expand service through eastern and southern Montana. (Adobe Stock)

Passenger rail funding bill narrowly fails Montana Senate vote

Communities in southern and eastern Montana were connected to passenger rail lines running from Chicago to Seattle until 1979. An effort to fund the …

Among those who voted down Montana House Bill 838, which would have state Supreme Court candidates to identify a political party while running, were Rep. Marta Bertoglio, R-Clancy; Rep. Sherry Essmann, R-Billings; and Valerie Moore, R-Plentywood. (Adobe Stock)

Push to make Montana judicial elections partisan fails

A handful of Montana bills pushing for partisan judicial elections as part of a broader movement in the state were defeated this month. Montana law …

Following a U.S. Supreme Court decision in 'Department of Education v. California,' the future of federal Fair Housing grants now sits with a Massachusetts district court. (Adobe Stock)

District court to determine future of MT fair-housing grants

Since February, 66 fair-housing groups across the country have been in limbo while their federal grants were cut, temporarily restored, then tied in …

Of the nearly half million mining claims on federal public lands across the U.S., more than 120,000 are within 30 miles of a national park or monument. (Billy Clay Myers/Adobe Stock)

Mining claim map shows encroachment on national parks, monuments

The number of mining claims on U.S. public lands is growing. A 27% increase since 2019 has brought the total to nearly a half-million. A new study …

According to a report from the LOR Foundation, roughly 111 media outlets are producing news in Montana. (Adobe Stock)

Montana map of news shows rural regions lose

By Ilana Newman for The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Kathleen Shannon for Big Sky Connection for the Public News Service/Daily Yonder Collaborati…

Online datasets already archived include FEMA's Future Risk Index and the U.S. Department of Energy's Local Investments Map. (Adobe Stock)

Groups race to archive federal environmental data before it disappears

As U.S. government website purging continues, the Open Environmental Data Project is one of several groups working to preserve public access to …

Among Montana workers' compensation cases, those in the construction industry are the most costly, according to the Montana Department of Labor and Industry. (Andrey Popov/Adobe Stock)

Montana workers oppose bill to change compensation laws

CORRECTION: Niki Zupanic is a lobbyist for the Montana Trial Lawyers Association. Her title in an earlier version of the story was incorrect…

In the 2025 Report Card for America's Infrastructure, Montana scored a

Montana scores ‘C-minus’ on infrastructure report card

Montana scored a "C-minus" on a new Report Card for America's infrastructure. The American Society of Civil Engineers said the state's performance …

The United States has about 3.3 million transgender adults, according to the Human Rights Campaign. (Scott Griessel/Adobe Stock)

Montanans observe International Transgender Day of Visibility at the Statehouse

Today, Montanans will gather outside the Statehouse to observe International Transgender Day of Visibility, during a legislative session that has …

Proposed federal cuts to Medicaid over the next decade are equal to program spending for 22 million children nationwide, or 76% of children enrolled, according to KFF. (Adobe Stock)

Montana teachers concerned over looming federal Medicaid cuts

The U.S. House of Representatives last month passed a budget resolution that would reduce the federal deficit by $880 billion over the next decade…

Common barriers to hiring and retaining federal wildland firefighters include low pay, mental health challenges and limited workforce diversity, according to a 2022 report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office. (BLM Oregon and Washington/Wikimedia Commons)

Women’s wildland firefighting boot camps axed by new DEI policies

Wildland firefighting is a tough job and the industry has long struggled with worker retention. Training boot camps have helped bring new …

According to the 2025 Conservation in the West poll, 65% of Western voters oppose giving state governments control over national public lands. That's up from 56% in 2017. (Adobe Stock)

Opponent calls MT resolution 'slap in the face' to public land owners

Months after the nation's highest court declined to hear a Utah case about ownership of public lands, a Montana House committee will debate whether …

A proposed $12 billion in cuts to federal school meal funding could impact 75 Montana schools serving more than 10,000 students. (Adobe Stock)

School meal programs on GOP's chopping block

Children's advocates are crying foul after House Republicans called for $12 billion in cuts to school meal programs, including the Community …

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