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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'I am tired of it’

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. April 17, 2025Sen. Jacinda Morigeau had heard enough.
Montana confirms 5 measles cases in Gallatin County

1 week ago | montanafreepress.org | Mara Silvers

Montana public health officials have identified five cases of measles in Gallatin County, the first confirmed instances of the infectious disease in the state since 1990. In a Thursday evening press release, the state Department of Public Health and Human Services said the individuals — children and adults — are isolating at home in Gallatin County. All are unvaccinated or their vaccine status is not known, the release said.
Bill advances to end preference to nonresident landowners for big-game hunting licenses

1 week ago | montanafreepress.org | Amanda Eggert

Montana lawmakers are considering a proposal to unwind parts of a 2023 bill that guaranteed large nonresident landowners access to a big-game hunting license. House Bill 907 strikes portions of House Bill 635, which narrowly passed the Legislature two years ago. HB 635 established a new nonresident preference pool program that effectively guaranteed nonresident landowners with 2,500 acres of land access to a big-game combination license good for one elk and one deer.
Montana lawmakers pass bill barring discipline against students who refuse to use peers’ preferred names, pronouns

1 week ago | montanafreepress.org | Alex Sakariassen

The Montana Senate on Friday cast the final vote approving a bill restricting public schools from taking action against students or staff who decline to use the preferred names or pronouns of other individuals — a move supporters have framed as a protection against compelled speech but opponents have criticized as damaging to transgender students. The controversial proposal now passes to Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte for his signature or veto. House Bill 400, sponsored by Rep.
Missoula City Council reduces maximum sidewalk assessment

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].
Committee clearance

2 weeks 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. April 10, 2025A bipartisan coalition of Senate moderates on April 8 gained more control over the final 19 possible days of the legislative session.
Bill reimbursing counties for holding DPHHS inmates advances

2 weeks ago | montanafreepress.org | Katie Fairbanks

As Montana lawmakers consider how much to reimburse county jails for holding inmates waiting for a bed at the Montana State Hospital, local officials continue to raise concerns about the cost of housing state inmates. County and law enforcement representatives during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing this week spoke in favor of House Bill 643 as a step in the right direction, with some emphasizing the need for a longer-term solution. Sponsored by Rep.
Enviro groups petition DEQ to limit nutrient pollution on Big Hole River

2 weeks ago | montanafreepress.org | Amanda Eggert

Two conservation groups are petitioning the Montana Department of Environmental Quality to designate the Big Hole River, a treasured southwestern Montana fishery, as impaired for nutrient pollution. The groups argue that an impairment designation will lead the state to put the Big Hole on a “pollution diet” to limit the nitrogen and phosphorousthat are contributing to the fishery-damaging algal blooms that have become a recurrent issue.
State Supreme Court Justice Beth Baker won’t run again

2 weeks ago | montanafreepress.org | Tom Lutey

Montana Supreme Court Justice Beth Baker said Wednesday that she won’t seek a third term in 2026, saying that 16 years on the bench is enough. Baker told Montana Free Press that she knew her current term would be her last when she ran for reelection in 2018. “I never contemplated serving more than two terms. The eight-year terms are long ones and if I were to put in for a third term, [that] would be 24 years,” Baker said.
Potential buyers seek permit to operate historic Holland Lake Lodge

2 weeks ago | montanafreepress.org | Justin Franz

The Flathead National Forest is seeking public input on an operating permit for the Holland Lake Lodge, which is under contract with a potential new owner. The comment period comes two years after a previous sale was derailed by strong public backlash against a proposal to dramatically expand the resort south of Condon. The potential buyers, Eric Jacobsen and Thomas Knowles, have stated that they do not plan to expand the resort beyond its current footprint.