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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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.

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MORE GOVERNMENT REPORTING

Vetoes complicate compensation claim for wrongful convictions

Cody Marble, who fought 14 years to overturn his 2002 conviction for a Missoula jailhouse rape he says never happened, is the only person who has filed for payment under a state law to compensate the wrongfully convicted. But his road to a potential $758,000 award has been made rockier by a pair of vetoes…

Five ways to lower Montana’s residential property taxes

Startling reappraisal numbers have driven widespread concern among Montana homeowners. While initial tax estimates are probably too high, here are some ideas that could bring property taxes down in the long run.

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