Montana Free Press

Montana Free Press is a trustworthy source dedicated to providing thorough news, information, and analysis about Montana. Established by seasoned journalist John S. Adams, who has received multiple awards for his investigative and political reporting, MTFP is committed to revealing the truth and highlighting significant news stories. This is achieved through examining complex bureaucratic processes, exploring overlooked areas of major institutions, thoroughly analyzing data and documents, and ensuring that leaders are held accountable to the public. Our reporting covers all of Montana, focusing on topics such as government, politics, natural resources, energy, social justice, healthcare, and the environment. We operate both independently and in partnership with other news organizations across Montana to deliver impactful news stories that resonate with and affect local communities.

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A trial run for Montana’s new judicial campaign laws

6 days ago | montanafreepress.org | Tom Lutey

Get an insider’s look into what’s happening in and around the halls of power with expert reporting, analysis and insight from the editors and reporters of Montana Free Press. Sign up to get the free Capitolized newsletter delivered to your inbox every Thursday. May 8, 2025Although Republican lawmakers failed to bring party identification to the ballot for Montana Supreme Court races, they did manage to pass two laws that might come into play in the 2026 race to replace retiring Justice Beth Baker.
Voters deliver mixed outcomes to levy requests from some of the state’s largest school districts

1 week ago | montanafreepress.org | JoVonne Wagner |Katie Fairbanks |Alex Sakariassen

Voters in five of Montana’s largest public school districts on Tuesday delivered several key successes in local efforts to increase the amount of money flowing to classrooms via local levies. Yet in some communities, requests to bolster funding for school security and help hold the line on general fund budgets hit hard by inflation, fluctuating enrollment and the expiration of pandemic-era federal aid fell flat.
Under settlement, Montana Board of Public Ed vows to improve how state teaches Native American history and culture

1 week ago | montanafreepress.org | Nora Mabie

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.
Gianforte signs MEPA bills into law

1 week ago | montanafreepress.org | Amanda Eggert

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte last week signed into law a handful of bills revising the Montana Environmental Policy Act, the state’s 54-year-old “look-before-you-leap” law that directs state agencies to study and disclose large projects’ environmental impacts before issuing permits. The Held v. Montana ruling issued by the state Supreme Court in December played a prominent role in lawmakers’ handling of MEPA during the 69th legislative session that adjourned last week.
Making the most of summer’s beautiful veggie bounty

1 week ago | montanafreepress.org | Jon Bennion

Wide Open Table is a bi-monthly Montana Free Press column on all things food and cooking. Sign up for this newsletter here. We’re heading into one of my favorite seasons: farmers’ market season. While it may take a bit before fresh produce starts to show up at the stands, it’s not too early to bookmark this recipe, which collects the bounty of Montana into a healthy and delicious dish for summer. I’ve lived in many places around the state with seasonal farmers’ markets that seem to expand each year.
On MMIP day of awareness, Blackfeet father demands justice

1 week ago | montanafreepress.org | Nora Mabie

On the evening of Dec. 28 last year, Chris Butterfly got a call that someone had been shot at his daughter’s boyfriend’s house. Butterfly jumped in his car with his brother and called his 19-year-old daughter, Jadie Butterfly, as they drove. When she didn’t answer, he texted her. “Please answer,” he thought.
Ward 6 City Council seat headed for rematch

1 week ago | montanafreepress.org | Katie Fairbanks

Sign up for the free Missoula This Week newsletter and stay in the loop on Missoula city government, public school meetings, business news and upcoming entertainment and events. “Missoula This Week” is reported and written By Katie Fairbanks. Send your Missoula news and tips to [email protected]. This fall, Missoula voters will likely have a second chance to weigh in on a city council race that ended in a tie two years ago.
Amara usque in finem (to the bitter end)

1 week ago | montanafreepress.org | Tom Lutey

Get an insider’s look into what’s happening in and around the halls of power with expert reporting, analysis and insight from the editors and reporters of Montana Free Press. Sign up to get the free Capitolized newsletter delivered to your inbox every Thursday. May 1, 2025Minutes after the 69th session of the Montana Legislature ended Wednesday, members of the Senate’s Republican majority stepped onto the dais on the Senate floor for a group photo.
Bills reworking allocations for recreational marijuana head to Gianforte’s desk

1 week ago | montanafreepress.org | Amanda Eggert

Two bills seeking to reallocate the recreational marijuana taxes the state collects are bound for Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte’s desk. Senate Bill 537, described by its sponsor as a “cops and conservation bill,” cleared its final legislative vote Tuesday, garnering support from three-quarters of state lawmakers. The following day, House Bill 932, which addresses only the conservation and water side of the marijuana-supported funding equation, also passed out of the Legislature.
Venezuelan man arrested in Whitefish released by federal authorities

1 week ago | montanafreepress.org | Justin Franz

A 33-year-old Venezuelan man, in the country legally when he was arrested by federal agents in Whitefish last week, has been released from an out-of-state detention center. Beker Rengifo del Castillo spent nearly a week in the custody of U.S. Border Patrol and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, despite having entered the United States legally in 2024. Andrea Sweeney, Rengifo del Castillo’s attorney, stated that he was released from ICE custody in Tacoma, Wash., Wednesday.