The Daily Montanan

The Daily Montanan is a nonprofit and nonpartisan news source committed to delivering reliable news, analysis, and insights on state policies and politics in Montana. Our goal is to inform readers about state government and key issues, such as public lands, healthcare, education, and politics, by explaining not just what is happening, but also the implications for the residents of the Treasure State. As an independent news organization, we uphold the values of truth, transparency, and trust, which are vital for a democratic society. We proudly align with States Newsroom, a national nonprofit organization that is 501(c)(3) certified, funded by grants and contributions from donors and readers. Our network includes dedicated editors and reporters focused on comprehensive coverage of state-level government and issues across the nation. We provide our service free of charge to readers and other news organizations, with no paywalls or advertisements—just straightforward information and ideas.

Local

English

Non-profit, Online/Digital

Outlet metrics

Domain Authority

Ranking

Global

#388476

United States

#84082

News and Media

#3314

Traffic sources

Monthly visitors

Articles

How Bernie Sanders won Montana again

6 days ago | dailymontanan.com | George Ochenski

4:09 Commentary It’s no mystery why the most popular Senator in the nation drew huge crowds How strange that due to the disastrous policies of “their president,” Montana’s all-Republican Congressional delegation and governor are now too scared to even face Montanans in town halls.
From legislative secrecy to Constitutional sunlight

1 week ago | dailymontanan.com | Bob Brown

Only a handful of us who served in the legislature under the old 1889 Montana Constitution still survive. That constitution reflected the dominant power of the copper mining industry when Montana achieved statehood. It was also ridiculously verbose and prescriptive, and by the late 1960s a consensus had developed that the time had come for our 1889 Constitution to be replaced. Among the people’s major concerns was the secrecy by which laws were made within the Legislature.
Trump and Musk’s DOGE ‘functionally destroying’ historic Yellowstone grizzly science team

1 week ago | dailymontanan.com | Mike Koshmrl

by Mike Koshmrl, Daily Montanan April 16, 2025 A dismayed Chris Servheen is raising the alarm about what’s become of federal scientists who have kept watch over the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem’s grizzly bear population for the last 55 years. The group of research biologists and technicians, known as the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team, are being hamstrung at best and arguably dismantled, he told WyoFile.
Major education bill advances, would boost starting teacher pay

1 week ago | dailymontanan.com | Keila Szpaller

Sen. John Fuller championed a $55 million education bill by reminding the Senate of his fiscally conservative values. “Some of you may know that I’m so tight, I squeak when I walk, but I do support public education, and I support it fiercely,” Fuller, R-Kalispell, said on Tuesday. Sen. Sara Novak, a Democrat from Anaconda, said House Bill 252 isn’t perfect, but it’s a step in the right direction, and it will help especially small rural schools and young educators.
Committee tables bill to split health department

1 week ago | dailymontanan.com | Keila Szpaller

Admonishing the Montana Legislature for being the “enabler” of a “pampered” and “dysfunctional” health department, Rep. John Fitzpatrick said Monday it’s time to break up the largest bureaucracy in the state. The Republican from Anaconda said legislators have been forking over tens of millions of dollars to the Department of Public Health and Human Services and excusing it from accountability, and it’s time for a structural change.
Amid spending concerns, budget advances, major new trust proposed

1 week ago | dailymontanan.com | Keila Szpaller

Montana’s big budget bill, House Bill 2, is headed to the full Senate after bulking up in the Senate Finance and Claims Committee, as is a separate proposal for a beefy new trust fund. The debate over spending is taking place alongside a discussion about how the state can keep paying for its needs — and whether legislators can keep adequate oversight and control over state dollars.
Police: Man charged in attack admitted hatred for Shapiro, planned to beat him with a hammer

1 week ago | dailymontanan.com | Peter Hall |Ian Karbal

by Peter Hall and Ian Karbal, Daily Montanan April 14, 2025 A Harrisburg man charged with what police said was a “targeted attack” on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s official residence admitted hatred toward Shapiro and planned to beat him with a hammer if he encountered Shapiro inside the home. Police on Sunday arrested 38-year-old Cody Balmer in connection with the firebombing that heavily damaged the Pennsylvania governor’s residence early Sunday morning as Shapiro and his family slept inside.
Montana moves to ban styrofoam containers in food industry

1 week ago | dailymontanan.com | Micah Drew

Senator Daniel Zolnikov brought one of life’s biggest dilemmas to the Senate floor over the weekend: When you’re microwaving leftovers, how do you determine the perfect amount of time needed to evenly heat your food? Specifically, how long should you heat up your takeout pork carnitas in its styrofoam container? “Is it a minute? A minute-and-a-half? The ultimate, ultimate microwave dilemma” Zolnikov asked.
Senate moves to allow temporary door locks in public buildings

1 week ago | dailymontanan.com | Jordan Hansen

Legislation aimed at making schools and other buildings safer during emergency events, like active shooters, passed through the Senate on Monday. House Bill 651, sponsored by Rep. Amy Regier, R-Kalispell, creates an exemption in state fire code for temporary door locks in public buildings. Temporary door locks can help save lives, according to a study published in the Journal of Mass Violence Research.
Trump authorizes U.S. military to begin occupation of federal land along southern border

1 week ago | dailymontanan.com | Ariana Figueroa

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump late Friday signed a memorandum directing several agencies to start militarizing a stretch of the southern border, an escalation of the administration’s use of the U.S. military amid its immigration crackdown. The move, which The Washington Post first reported last month, could potentially put U.S. military members in direct contact with migrants, a possible violation of federal law.