Rural Montana schools are understaffed. Licensing obstacles are making it worse.
How to comply with Montana’s new vaccine discrimination law
COVID cases uptick as vaccinations slow
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Tester presses the case for National Guard reimbursement
Montana Water Court decides tribal water rights in first-of-its-kind decision
Montana hemp growers awarded $65 million for ‘deceptive’ deal
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Montana coronavirus report
The latest news and information on the coronavirus pandemic in Montana, including updated case count maps and original in-depth reporting.
Share your stories of our Shared State
Montana Free Press, Montana Public Radio and Yellowstone Public Radio are now soliciting stories for the second season of our ‘Shared State’ podcast collaboration.
State removes roadblock to northwest Montana mines
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has asked a judge to dismiss its ‘bad actor’ case against the CEO of Hecla Mining Co., which is trying to develop two copper and silver mines in Lincoln County.
Recommending new rules for schools
The Office of Public Instruction has convened two task forces to review the regulations governing teacher preparation and licensing. It’s a routine process, but with many Montana schools struggling to fill teaching positions, it could have a major impact on K-12 education in the state.
ACLU sues OPI, alleging Indian education shortcomings
The ACLU of Montana filed a lawsuit Thursday against the Montana Office of Public Instruction on behalf of tribes, parents and students. The challenge alleges that state education officials have failed to live up to their constitutional Indian education mandate.
‘Economic transformation’ commission adopts priorities, seeks public input
Lawmakers and Gianforte administration officials tasked with allocating $150 million to bolster Montana’s post-COVID economy name business innovation, value-added ag, worker training and affordable housing as priorities.
Lungs on fire
The smoke and heat pummeling Montana have driven people to seek refuge at libraries, movie theaters, museums and other indoor venues. In areas with low COVID-19 vaccination rates where people have largely abandoned masks and physical distancing, health officials are concerned the result will be COVID outbreaks.
DPHHS hears public comment on Medicaid waiver for substance use, mental illness
Montana’s health department has a draft plan to help tackle substance use and mental illness. It includes housing support, more care for inmates and a big financial boost for inpatient treatment. Public comment is open until Sep. 7.
MTFP launches MT Fire Report
With an expansive drought drying out vegetation across the state, 2021 is shaping up to be a particularly active year for Montana wildfires. MTFP’s new Fire Report has information on the location and size of fires reported across the state, as well air quality ratings for Montana communities with monitoring stations, updated hourly.
Political district-drawing commission finalizes its sideboards
Montana’s districting commission adds legislative district criteria to previously adopted guidelines for dividing the state into U.S. House Districts. On their list: Equal population, compact, contiguous, in compliance with the Voting Rights Act — and maybe even competitive.
Lawmaker continues to press Missoula County election allegations
Emails obtained by Montana Free Press show Republican Rep. Brad Tschida is leaning on Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen to investigate his voting irregularity claims. Jacobsen has so far declined.
State senator charged with reckless driving, obstructing a peace officer
Montana Senate President Pro Tempore Jason Ellsworth, R-Hamilton, has been charged with three misdemeanors, including obstruction of a peace officer, after he was pulled over for speeding in a construction zone in May. The officer reported a verbal altercation with Ellsworth in which the senator claimed he was exempt from arrest because he was a lawmaker traveling for legislative business.
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