The Daily Montanan
@dailymontanan.com
The Daily Montanan is a nonprofit news outlet focused on state government. We are a nonpartisan source for trusted news covering state policy and politics as an affiliate of States Newsroom.
Marilyn Miller, the longtime former Secretary of the Montana Senate who retired in 2024 but continued to work during the 2025 session, died of natural causes on New Year’s Day, according to a press release from the Senate. dailymontanan.com/briefs/longt... #mtnews #montana #mtpol
Longtime Secretary of Montana Senate Marilyn Miller dies • Daily Montanan
Longtime Secretary of Montana Senate Marilyn Miller dies
dailymontanan.com
January 2, 2026 at 8:13 PM
Marilyn Miller, the longtime former Secretary of the Montana Senate who retired in 2024 but continued to work during the 2025 session, died of natural causes on New Year’s Day, according to a press release from the Senate. dailymontanan.com/briefs/longt... #mtnews #montana #mtpol
“I appreciate the Supreme Court bringing this frivolous complaint to a long-overdue conclusion." - AG Austin Knudsen on the Supreme Court decision to reject a recommendation to suspend him. by @keilaszpaller.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/31/m... #montana #mtpol #mtnews
Montana Supreme Court declines to suspend Attorney General Knudsen for misconduct • Daily Montanan
Montana Supreme Court found Knudsen violated two rules of professional misconduct, but it cleared him of three other misconduct allegations.
dailymontanan.com
January 1, 2026 at 1:10 AM
“I appreciate the Supreme Court bringing this frivolous complaint to a long-overdue conclusion." - AG Austin Knudsen on the Supreme Court decision to reject a recommendation to suspend him. by @keilaszpaller.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/31/m... #montana #mtpol #mtnews
Critters, public lands and political trouble are all topics among our most read stories of 2025. Here's a look back at your faves: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/30/m... #mtnews #montana #mtpol
Most read Daily Montanan stories of 2025 • Daily Montanan
If there’s one thing Montana means, it’s likely the great outdoors. And the readers on the Daily Montanan’s website were no different. Sure, they like politics and care a great deal about housing, but...
dailymontanan.com
December 31, 2025 at 8:13 PM
Critters, public lands and political trouble are all topics among our most read stories of 2025. Here's a look back at your faves: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/30/m... #mtnews #montana #mtpol
“I don’t think many folks 40 years ago, when the population was perhaps as low as 250 individuals, thought we’d ever be over 1,000 bears.” - Matthew Gould, Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team, with perspective on increase in deaths. By @mddrew.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/30/g... #mtpol
Grizzly deaths in greater Yellowstone reaches record level in 2025
Nearly two-thirds of the deaths were caused by humans, according to data from researchers studying the species.
dailymontanan.com
December 31, 2025 at 2:38 PM
“I don’t think many folks 40 years ago, when the population was perhaps as low as 250 individuals, thought we’d ever be over 1,000 bears.” - Matthew Gould, Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team, with perspective on increase in deaths. By @mddrew.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/30/g... #mtpol
"I feel betrayed and disappointed by both the Missoula Organization of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors." — Karen Berg-DiGangi on the treatment of an ethics complaint she filed and its aftermath. By @keilaszpaller.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/30/r... #mtpol #montana
Realtor says Missoula organization should have backed LGBTQ+ professionals, clients • Daily Montanan
When Karen Berg-DiGangi first became licensed as a Realtor, other queer real estate agents told her it was better not to be “out.”
dailymontanan.com
December 31, 2025 at 3:36 AM
"I feel betrayed and disappointed by both the Missoula Organization of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors." — Karen Berg-DiGangi on the treatment of an ethics complaint she filed and its aftermath. By @keilaszpaller.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/30/r... #mtpol #montana
“With this unprecedented funding, we are taking a major step toward modernizing Montana’s rural health care systems.” — Gov. Gianforte on $233M in federal award. Some say it's not enough to make up for Medicaid cuts. By @jordyhansen.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/29/s... #mtnews #mtpol
State announces $233 million in federal healthcare funds
Gov. Gianforte, DPHHS announce federal award that could top out at $1.2 billion for rural healthcare across Montana
dailymontanan.com
December 30, 2025 at 12:05 AM
“With this unprecedented funding, we are taking a major step toward modernizing Montana’s rural health care systems.” — Gov. Gianforte on $233M in federal award. Some say it's not enough to make up for Medicaid cuts. By @jordyhansen.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/29/s... #mtnews #mtpol
“Keeping these places in good shape for future generations depends on everyone.” — FWP. By @jordyhansen.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/briefs/picto... #mtnews #mtpol #montana
Pictographs vandalized at Missouri Headwaters State Park
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is seeking information on the vandalization of pictographs this month at Missouri Headwaters State Park.
dailymontanan.com
December 26, 2025 at 11:07 PM
“Keeping these places in good shape for future generations depends on everyone.” — FWP. By @jordyhansen.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/briefs/picto... #mtnews #mtpol #montana
A legal loophole for gun laws in Montana means gun-free zones around the schools are nullified, and it affects even law enforcement officers. By @darrellehrlick.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/23/m... #mtnews #mtpol #montana
Montana law of unintended consequence: Legislature wipes out gun-free school zones • Daily Montanan
A federal appeals court rules that Montana's Legislature may have wiped out the concept of gun-free school zones.
dailymontanan.com
December 24, 2025 at 3:39 PM
A legal loophole for gun laws in Montana means gun-free zones around the schools are nullified, and it affects even law enforcement officers. By @darrellehrlick.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/23/m... #mtnews #mtpol #montana
Sen. Jason Ellsworth will be charged with official misconduct stemming from a $170,000 contract he procured for a friend and business associate as Senate President, according to the Montana Department of Justice. By @mddrew.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/19/a... #mtpol #mtnews #montana
AG’s office charges former Senate President Ellsworth with official misconduct • Daily Montanan
Sen. Jason Ellsworth authorized $170,000 in contracts during final days as Senate President, was censured by chamber
dailymontanan.com
December 20, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Sen. Jason Ellsworth will be charged with official misconduct stemming from a $170,000 contract he procured for a friend and business associate as Senate President, according to the Montana Department of Justice. By @mddrew.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/19/a... #mtpol #mtnews #montana
"It is critical that we trust the science and look towards a more precise conservation approach when dealing with unique populations." - Rep. Downing, cosponsor of a bill to delist the gray wolf from the endangered species list. By @mddrew.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/18/h... #mtpol
House votes to delist gray wolves from endangered species list • Daily Montanan
Bill contains a provision preventing courts from reviewing legislation, similar to initial wolf delisting in Rocky Mountain states
dailymontanan.com
December 19, 2025 at 12:39 AM
"It is critical that we trust the science and look towards a more precise conservation approach when dealing with unique populations." - Rep. Downing, cosponsor of a bill to delist the gray wolf from the endangered species list. By @mddrew.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/18/h... #mtpol
“The scale and urgency of the situation have exceeded the City of Libby and State of Montana’s capacity to respond effectively.” Gov. Gianforte requests emergency federal assistance for flooding impacts in MT. @keilaszpaller.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/briefs/gover... #mtnews #mtpol #montana
Governor requests presidential major disaster declaration • Daily Montanan
Gov. Greg Gianforte requested Tuesday that President Donald Trump issue a presidential major disaster declaration due to flooding.
dailymontanan.com
December 17, 2025 at 9:27 PM
“The scale and urgency of the situation have exceeded the City of Libby and State of Montana’s capacity to respond effectively.” Gov. Gianforte requests emergency federal assistance for flooding impacts in MT. @keilaszpaller.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/briefs/gover... #mtnews #mtpol #montana
“The fault here is not just the water system. It is also the customers.” Public Service Commission approves settlement with North Star over inadequate water service for Helena-area subdivision with ~300 homes. @keilaszpaller.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/16/p... #mtnews #mtpol #montana
Public Service Commission approves settlement with North Star • Daily Montanan
The Montana Public Service Commission approved Tuesday a settlement with the utility that imposes monetary penalties and sets other requirements.
dailymontanan.com
December 17, 2025 at 8:18 PM
“The fault here is not just the water system. It is also the customers.” Public Service Commission approves settlement with North Star over inadequate water service for Helena-area subdivision with ~300 homes. @keilaszpaller.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/16/p... #mtnews #mtpol #montana
More than a week ago, the rainbow-colored banner that proclaimed “God is Still Speaking” on the west side of Mayflower Congregational Church was torn down. But Billings is rallying behind the church. By @darrellehrlick.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/16/v... #mtnews #mtpol #montana
https://dailymontanan.com/2025/12/16/vandalism-graffiti-at-billings-church-being-investigated-as-a-hate-crime/"I
December 17, 2025 at 3:14 PM
More than a week ago, the rainbow-colored banner that proclaimed “God is Still Speaking” on the west side of Mayflower Congregational Church was torn down. But Billings is rallying behind the church. By @darrellehrlick.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/16/v... #mtnews #mtpol #montana
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum has “assumed jurisdiction” of three American Prairie grazing rights cases, according to a memo obtained by the Western Ag Network. By @jordyhansen.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/12/b... #mtnews #montana #mtpol
Burgum assumes control over American Prairie grazing cases
Cases, now more three-years old, deal with American Prairie bison grazing on federal land in Phillips County.
dailymontanan.com
December 15, 2025 at 6:17 PM
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum has “assumed jurisdiction” of three American Prairie grazing rights cases, according to a memo obtained by the Western Ag Network. By @jordyhansen.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/12/b... #mtnews #montana #mtpol
An embezzlement case and legislative efforts to remove its funding have complicated the financial picture for the Montana Heritage Commission and called its viability into question. By @jordyhansen.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/11/u... #montana #mtnews #mtpol
Heritage Commission looks to rejigger Virginia City leases
Embezzlement case, inconsistent leases prompt contract review by state Department of Commerce, which oversees Heritage Commission
dailymontanan.com
December 12, 2025 at 4:39 PM
An embezzlement case and legislative efforts to remove its funding have complicated the financial picture for the Montana Heritage Commission and called its viability into question. By @jordyhansen.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/11/u... #montana #mtnews #mtpol
“I very much wish that everything the proponents said was true,” Commissioner Huls said of the mine officials. “But what they lined out for us, in my opinion, was a project that’s too good to be true.” By @keilaszpaller.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/10/c... #mtnews #mtpol #montana
Congressional delegation to Forest Service: Sheep Creek mine needs transparency, engagement • Daily Montanan
A Sheep Creek mine would bring economic development to the Bitterroot, but the U.S. Forest Service should ensure “needed transparency."
dailymontanan.com
December 11, 2025 at 5:06 PM
“I very much wish that everything the proponents said was true,” Commissioner Huls said of the mine officials. “But what they lined out for us, in my opinion, was a project that’s too good to be true.” By @keilaszpaller.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/10/c... #mtnews #mtpol #montana
Free days are changing for national parks, the U.S. National Park Service announced. The newest line-up includes Trump’s birthday, June 14, which is also Flag Day. By @darrellehrlick.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/10/t... #mtnews #mtpol #montana
Trump administration changes 'fee-free' days for national parks • Daily Montanan
The National Park Services has announced a new fee-free day schedule and almost all of the days in 2025 were replaced in 2026.
dailymontanan.com
December 11, 2025 at 4:14 PM
Free days are changing for national parks, the U.S. National Park Service announced. The newest line-up includes Trump’s birthday, June 14, which is also Flag Day. By @darrellehrlick.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/10/t... #mtnews #mtpol #montana
“Now, (NorthWestern) asks the commission for extraordinary and unprecedented rate treatment ... without any discussion of the impact to ratepayers.” — Montana Environmental Information Center. By @keilaszpaller.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/09/n... #mtnews #montana #mtpol
NorthWestern request to tap customer credit ‘unprecedented,’ watchdog says • Daily Montanan
NorthWestern Energy continues to treat oversight by the Montana Public Service Commission and engagement with stakeholders as “afterthoughts.”
dailymontanan.com
December 10, 2025 at 2:37 PM
“Now, (NorthWestern) asks the commission for extraordinary and unprecedented rate treatment ... without any discussion of the impact to ratepayers.” — Montana Environmental Information Center. By @keilaszpaller.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/09/n... #mtnews #montana #mtpol
A Lewis and Clark County District Court judge struck down a law passed in 2023 that created an education savings account for students with disabilities who wanted to utilize the program. By @darrellehrlick.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/09/c... #mtnews #montana #mtpol
Court strikes down Education Savings Accounts for students with disabilities as unconstitutional • Daily Montanan
A Lewis and Clark District Court Judge said that House Bill 393 which the Legislature created for Educational Savings Accounts for students with disabilities violates the state's constitution because ...
dailymontanan.com
December 10, 2025 at 2:40 AM
A Lewis and Clark County District Court judge struck down a law passed in 2023 that created an education savings account for students with disabilities who wanted to utilize the program. By @darrellehrlick.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/09/c... #mtnews #montana #mtpol
“None of the facts provided support a finding that Commissioner Bukacek ‘used public time, facilities, equipment, ... for [her] private business purposes.'” Bukacek cleared of ethics violation allegations. By @keilaszpaller.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/04/b... #mtnews #montana #mtpol
Bukacek cleared from ethics violation allegations • Daily Montanan
Bukacek offered a "plausible explanation” for why she brought documents from her medical office to the public agency.
dailymontanan.com
December 5, 2025 at 7:45 PM
“None of the facts provided support a finding that Commissioner Bukacek ‘used public time, facilities, equipment, ... for [her] private business purposes.'” Bukacek cleared of ethics violation allegations. By @keilaszpaller.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/04/b... #mtnews #montana #mtpol
“This is arbitrary and discriminatory state action that does not treat all applicants for a driver’s license under like circumstances and therefore it is unlawful under Montana’s equal protection clause.” — Missoula County District Court order. #mtnews #montana #mtpol
A Missoula County District Court ruled that the state's refusal to issue a driver’s license to a nonbinary minor violates the Montana Constitution, report @dailymontanan.com and @statesnewsroom.com
Judge rules Montana DMV discriminated against nonbinary residents, orders changes • Daily Montanan
Missoula County District Court Judge Shane Vannatta rules that the Montana Department of Motor Vehicles discriminated against nonbinary residents in issuing driver's licenses.
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December 5, 2025 at 7:41 PM
Berkeley Pit could produce more than 40 tons of rare earth minerals annually. Montana Environmental Quality Council requests federal funding for such projects. By @mddrew.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/04/e... #mtnews #mtpol #montana
EQC requests funding for rare earth and critical mineral extraction from existing mining sites • Daily Montanan
Federal program would support Montana Mining Association's Rare Earth and Critical Minerals Extraction Demonstration project
dailymontanan.com
December 5, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Berkeley Pit could produce more than 40 tons of rare earth minerals annually. Montana Environmental Quality Council requests federal funding for such projects. By @mddrew.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/04/e... #mtnews #mtpol #montana
Politicians, philanthropists and an excited public are celebrating the opening of the Montana Heritage Center, a $107 million project showcasing the state’s history. By @jordyhansen.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/03/m... #montana #mtnews #mtpol
Montana Heritage Center opens in Helena
$107 million project gives a chance to experience broad swath of Treasure State history in thousands of square feet of space.
dailymontanan.com
December 4, 2025 at 3:15 AM
Politicians, philanthropists and an excited public are celebrating the opening of the Montana Heritage Center, a $107 million project showcasing the state’s history. By @jordyhansen.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/03/m... #montana #mtnews #mtpol
“The plan is not to do this ever again because frankly, it was a disaster." But the plan doesn't mean a promise, and two international students from MSU say they need the court's protection if the plan changes. By @keilaszpaller.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/02/m... #montana #mtnews #mtpol
MSU international students still face harm, fear deportation, ACLU says • Daily Montanan
The U.S. government already fixed the problem over which a couple of Montana State University international students sued.
dailymontanan.com
December 3, 2025 at 4:47 PM
“The plan is not to do this ever again because frankly, it was a disaster." But the plan doesn't mean a promise, and two international students from MSU say they need the court's protection if the plan changes. By @keilaszpaller.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/02/m... #montana #mtnews #mtpol
“Don’t let this happen here.” — A Bitterrooter on dangers from other mining in Montana, regarding the proposed Sheep Creek mine exploration in the Bitterroot. By @keilaszpaller.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/02/s... #montana #mtpol #mtnews
Sheep Creek mine exploration in Bitterroot draws opposition • Daily Montanan
Ravalli County Commissioners voted unanimously to oppose the placement of the Sheep Creek mine “exploration” project on a federal fast track.
dailymontanan.com
December 3, 2025 at 2:12 AM
“Don’t let this happen here.” — A Bitterrooter on dangers from other mining in Montana, regarding the proposed Sheep Creek mine exploration in the Bitterroot. By @keilaszpaller.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/02/s... #montana #mtpol #mtnews