Montana Free Press

09/06/2025

Heather Tal Murphy has joined MTFP as editor-in-chief and director of newsroom strategy. In this new role, she will help us deliver sharper stories, develop smarter editorial products and reach more readers, listeners and viewers. She’ll also work closely with our newly acquired publication Mountain Journal to grow its coverage of wildlife and land in the West.

She brings two decades of reporting, editing and leadership experience at some of the country’s most respected news organizations, including The New York Times, NPR, The Washington Post and Slate.

Welcome !

09/05/2025

Missoula County commissioners approved the 2026 budget that increases property taxes by 8% to raise an additional $4.6 million, mostly needed to fund wage increases and cover lost revenue and increased costs for the detention center, officials said.

Officials say most homeowners will see a decrease in their tax bill because of changes to state tax rates.

09/05/2025

Interpersonal conflict among Montana’s elected utility board and the staff that work for them escalated Sept. 4, 2025, amid a first-of-its-kind attempt to unseat its president, Brad Molnar.

The PSC is grappling with friction amid a professional misconduct allegation that culminated in an effort to place Brad Molnar on administrative leave.

09/04/2025

Stephanie Iron Shooter’s tenure at the Department of Public Health and Human Services was mired in controversy, as she repeatedly fielded concerns from tribal leaders about the agency.

Stephanie Iron Shooter’s tenure at the state Department of Public Health and Human Services was mired in controversy, as she repeatedly fielded concerns from tribal leaders about the agency.

09/04/2025

Plan envisions providing connectivity via fiber optic cables, Starlink-style satellites.

Montana is ranked last in the nation for broadband connectivity. The administration of Gov. Greg Gianforte says a $308 million plan pending federal approval, combined with past investment, will close the gap in the coming years.

09/04/2025

Proposal would replace some property taxes, but has collided with sales tax skepticism.

Some advocates believe school funding should be the focus if Montana’s history of opposing a sales tax came to an end.

09/04/2025

Officials say inflation and rising construction costs have led to the historically high requests.

09/04/2025

The move would clear the way for President Donald Trump’s plans to sharply expand mining and drilling on public lands.

Republican lawmakers in Congress are moving to eliminate limits on energy development in several Western states. That would clear the way for President Donald Trump’s plans to sharply expand mining and drilling on public lands.

09/04/2025

The state party said it has the right to manage its affairs as it sees fit, including censuring and expelling members.

Responding to allegations publicly for the first time, Montana GOP leadership told a Helena district court judge that it had the right under the First Amendment to manage its affairs as it sees fit, including censuring and expelling members.

09/03/2025

The suspect pleaded not guilty to all seven counts; prosecutors undecided whether to seek the death penalty against him.

09/02/2025

While the city’s ‘housing sprint’ was a success, officials say the closure of the 165-bed facility will strain Missoula’s remaining shelter, especially as the weather cools.

09/02/2025

Abbey Lee Cook plans to plead guilty in federal court Sept. 9 to the charges against her, and is now the subject of two complaints made to the state Commissioner of Political Practices.