Montana Public Radio News

Wally McRae – cowboy poet, Colstrip rancher, lover of literature and the land - died last weekend at the age of 89.

Gov. Greg Gianforte vetoed a bipartisan bill that would have expanded access to free school meals.

Summertime in Western Montana means long days, time outside, and for many, farmer's markets. But beyond the once a week event, people have become increasingly distanced from their food. One local publication is working to change that.

The day was abnormally rainy and cold for June in Montana, with clouds hanging low over Mount Sentinel, but that didn't stop artists from setting up shop in long lines of white tents throughout Caras Park.

Governor Greg Gianforte signed a two-year budget outlining more than $16 billion in spending.

America's weekend airstrikes against three Iranian nuclear facilities earned unanimous praise from Montana's Republican congressional delegation.

Montana has received federal approval to provide Medicaid-funded housing services to assist those with behavioral health needs find housing.

Most Montanans have probably heard the old phrase: "If you don't like the weather, wait a minute and it will change." Montanans could get a striking demonstration of that phenomenon this week, forecasters say.

A group of local, state, and federal partners is studying how to better prepare for future large flooding events in the Flathead. The work looks different but is moving forward after federal funds were rescinded.

Many Montana schools faced defeat at the ballot box this May as they requested taxpayer dollars to pay for upgrades that keep students and staff safe. Two Missoula-area schools that say they won't be able to keep their security up to date.

Libraries do more than just lend books. They offer community events, classes, access to computers — and they help preserve cultural knowledge. But, public funding is being slashed, delayed or taken back as the Trump Administration works to cut government programs. After recent federal cuts, one listener wants to know what's going to happen to rural museums and libraries across the state.

After a rash of federal job cuts earlier this year, the U.S. Forest Service is reversing course and asking people qualified to fight fires to come back to work. Missoulian outdoors reporter Sam Wilson sat down with MTPR's Austin Amestoy with more.

Senate Bill 188 would have established a voluntary, subscription-style option for businesses or individual homeowners to purchase shares of a solar array. They could then be credited on their monthly bill for the electricity generated by the solar panels.

The number of measles cases in Montana continues to rise. Twenty people have contracted the virus since April. Most cases have come from out-of-state travel, but measles may now be spreading in Gallatin County.

Helena Public Schools trustees voted to close its historic Hawthorne Elementary. The district cites the need to close a budget gap.

In 2023, a state audit found a culture of retaliation among Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks' leadership. Last week, legislators were told the agency has made progress, but there's more work ahead.

Montana's Republican congressional delegation unanimously supports Israel's military strikes against Iran.

With the legislative session over, lawmakers are beginning to look at how to solve some of the state's biggest issues. They'll study competitive bidding for government contracts, and which branch of government should estimate the cost of a proposed law, among other issues.

Montana families with transgender children are quickly losing access to care. A Missoula hospital Wednesday announced it would stop offering gender-affirming care to minors. It is the latest hospital system to stop offering that service.

For the last 25 years, intrepid groups of teens have set out to explore, document and preserve some of the most fragile ecosystems around Montana: caves. Ahead of National Cave Week, Montana Public Radio's Ellis Juhlin joined them for a trip deep into the Judith Mountains.

The Montana Supreme Court Monday threw out three abortion-related laws passed in 2021. The justices ruled the laws violated the right to privacy outlined in the state Constitution.

Montanans could see their power bills spike this year, but by how much is still up for debate. Utility regulators Tuesday heard public comment on NorthWestern Energy's latest request to hike electricity rates. The hearings are scheduled to run through June 20.

Public media faces its most urgent threat yet. Congress will soon vote on whether to eliminate $1.1 billion in already-approved funding. Visit Protect My Public Media to learn how to call your representatives and voice your support for public media.

A new full-service cancer center opened in Lewistown this month. The nearly 17,000 square foot facility will offer radiation, chemo and other oncology services. It's the only facility like it within 100 miles.

Snowpack across Montana is well below normal for early June; Heat and drought are stressing Great Falls' aging trees; Flathead Lake managers say there's not enough water to fill the lake this year

Butte residents Wednesday voiced their concerns on the possibility a new state women's prison is built in town. The Department of Corrections has Butte on a shortlist of potential locations.

Amid ongoing federal efforts to revitalize the timber industry, an annual intertribal timber symposium took place in Montana last week.

The number of measles cases in Montana has grown to 17, and two people have been hospitalized. Most people who've contracted the virus have been unvaccinated. But, at least one fully vaccinated individual did get sick.

Communities across Montana are learning about policy that passed during the 2025 Legislative Session and how it affects them.

A recent Bozeman summit brought together cultural and education advocates focused on preserving tribal languages by teaching their children. The event drew over 100 educators, language speakers and community members from Montana's seven tribal nations, Canada and the western U.S.

The state's largest utility company is now charging customers 17 percent more for electricity. It made that price bump without the approval of state regulators. Montana Free Press' Amanda Eggert sat down with MTPR's Ellis Juhlin to talk about her reporting on the change.

President Donald Trump is asking Congress to claw back roughly $9.4 billion from foreign aid programs and public news broadcasters. Montana's federal representatives are voicing their support.

A state program lets Montana nonprofits design special license plates to help raise funds for their organization. There's an option for any charismatic Montana animal, university sports team or social cause you want to support. There are also three versions of a 'Don't Tread on Me' plate. One listener wants to know why. MTPR's John Hooks has the story behind the state's 200 license plate options – including the most popular choice.

More than 150 people gathered to dedicate the brand-new Hope Hospice Center in west Missoula on Tuesday. The facility offers 12 private rooms and all-day care to residents and their families navigating the end of life.

One of the biggest wildfires in the American west right now is burning about 4 miles north of Plains in western Montana's Sanders County.

Gov. Greg Gianforte on Monday received his first wildfire season briefing of the year. The outlook is a mixed bag. Most of Montana's land and fire management agencies say they're prepared for fire season. The weather forecast, however, is grim.

Missoula urban foresters the last 10 months clearing debris left by a powerful storm that tore through the region last July.That storm and another in August destroyed thousands of trees in western Montana. Now, volunteers and grant dollars are helping fill in that lost canopy.

For decades, people have been trying to find the ivory-billed woodpecker, convinced it's still out there, despite many – including the federal government – claiming it's gone extinct. But some avid birders are convinced it still exists. Some think they've seen it. Today: A bird lost to extinction, or maybe just the deep, dark Southern hardwood forest. The search for the ivory-billed woodpecker.

The number of Canadian tourists visiting the Flathead and Glacier regions this spring has declined compared to last year. That has industry leaders casting a cautious eye toward the summer.

Private equity investors are one step closer to owning a historic lakeside lodge on public land in the Swan Valley. Eric Jacobsen and business partner Thomas Knowles are now permitted by the forest to operate Holland Lake Lodge for at least 20 years.

Montana's Department of Commerce recently awarded more than $300,000 in grants to Native-owned businesses across the state. The funds aim to support the economic development of tribal communities while supporting small businesses.

Two more measles cases have been confirmed in Montana. One case in Hill County exposed others in the community.