Can a 28-year-old from D.C. fix Montana’s mental health system?
Charlie Brereton wants to remake much of Montana’s disjointed health care system for mental healthcare, addiction treatment and developmental disabilities into something functional, even harmonious. With the backing of Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte, a generous state budget surplus and alliances with key lawmakers, Brereton’s plan is playing out in an environment ripe for reform. Supporters…
Latest Government Reporting
The complaint against Austin Knudsen: Knowns, and unknowns
Montana’s Office of Disciplinary Counsel has filed a formal complaint against Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen, alleging in 41 counts that Knudsen and his attorneys violated the state’s rules of professional conduct during litigation over legislative subpoena powers. Here’s what you need to to know about the disciplinary proceedings against Montana’s top attorney and law-enforcement…
State argues Montana’s drag restriction should take effect
An attorney representing the Montana Attorney General’s Office and the Office of Public Instruction argued in federal court Monday that a state law restricting drag performances and drag story hours should take effect while a legal challenge against it continues.
The veto and the void
Gov. Greg Gianforte is asking a Lewis and Clark County district court judge to dismiss a lawsuit challenging his veto of Senate Bill 442, major bipartisan legislation from the 2023 session that reallocated marijuana tax revenue to conservation and county road projects.
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MORE GOVERNMENT REPORTING
Prosecutors drop charges against 7 arrested in Zooey Zephyr protests
The criminal cases against the seven people arrested during protests in support of Missoula Democratic Rep. Zooey Zephyr in the latter days of the 68th Legislature were dismissed after attorneys with Lewis and Clark County filed motions to drop the charges.
Former lawmaker leaving post as Public Service Commission director
Former Missoula GOP lawmaker Brad Tschida is leaving his post as executive director of the state’s utility regulation agency.
Filing period opens for homeowner property tax rebates
Montana homeowners have from Aug. 15 until Oct. 1 to file for rebates of as much as $675 on their 2022 property taxes. Learn more in our tax rebate FAQ.
Attorney general spreads unsupported election allegations
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen alleged in a recent radio interview that local election officials have “stonewalled” state investigations into voter misconduct. Fact check: There have been no documented state investigations into voter misconduct in Montana.
PSC to hold hearings on NorthWestern’s long-term energy strategy
PSC commissioners are seeking input about what constituents like, or don’t like, about NorthWestern Energy’s 2023 Integrated Resource Plan. In that plan, Montana’s largest electric utility eyes gas plant generation and pumped hydropower, a technology that’s been proposed but not implemented in the state.
Swanson named new state labor commissioner
Gov. Greg Gianforte is promoting a current Montana Department of Labor & Industry official to replace commissioner who resigned following DUI arrest.

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