Breaking News
- Escaped Inmate Search Underway in Gallatin County
Authorities are actively searching for a man who escaped from the Gallatin County Re-Entry Program in Bozeman. The public is urged to remain vigilant. - Bridge Projects Starting This Week Cause Detours and Access Changes:
Rehabilitation work begins on four Livingston-area bridges this week with traffic detours in place. Separately, I-90 bridge construction will limit river access at the Triple Bridges/Alberton Gorge area starting April 15.
Sen. Tim Sheehy’s Plane Makes Emergency Landing Near Ennis: A small plane piloted by U.S. Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) and a co-pilot made a safe emergency landing Friday afternoon after an engine failure. No injuries were reported. 4/10/2026 [20:11] - American Bar Association Rates Katie Lane ‘Not Qualified’ for Federal Bench: The ABA says Katie Lane, former deputy solicitor general at the Montana Department of Justice, lacks sufficient trial experience for a federal judicial appointment. The rating is drawing statewide attention. 4/10/2026 [18:19]
- Board of Regents to Decide on University of Montana’s Next President Tuesday: The Montana Board of Regents will vote Tuesday on hiring Dr. Jeremiah Shinn, interim leader of Boise State University, as UM’s next president. A proposed contract includes an $11,400 salary increase. 4/8/2026 [16:54]
- AG Austin Knudsen Stands Firm in Helena ‘Sanctuary City’ Dispute: Attorney General Austin Knudsen is holding his position after Helena city officials challenged his stance on sanctuary policies. The dispute continues to escalate. 4/10/2026 [16:11]
- Missoula Man Charged with DUI and Vehicular Assault: A Missoula man faces DUI and vehicular assault charges after allegedly fleeing the scene of a crash. Missoula Police say the investigation is active. 4/9/2026 [23:11]
- Emergency Closure Issued for Blankenship Southwest Area: Due to high water levels, the Flathead National Forest has closed the Blankenship Southwest (Blankenship Bridge) area along the Flathead River. Officials urge the public to stay out for safety. 4/9/2026 [22:10]
- Recall Petition Filed Against Laurel Mayor Dave Waggoner: A petition to recall Laurel Mayor Dave Waggoner has been submitted to Yellowstone County elections officials and is now under review. 4/9/2026 [19:09]
- Lattice Materials broke ground on a major manufacturing expansion in Montana, backed by an $18.5 million federal defense grant.
- Democracy & Elections Panel featuring former Sen. Jon Tester and former Gov. Marc Racicot was held at Montana State University Friday night.
- BLM is seeking public comment on a proposed July 2026 oil and gas lease sale affecting Montana parcels.
- Air Idaho Rescue Reopens Seasonal Base in West Yellowstone: The air medical service is back for the summer to support helicopter response in the area. 4/8/2026 [22:11]
- Nearly $940,000 in Grants to Four Coal-Impacted Communities: Funds go toward public safety and development projects in Custer County and others. 4/8/2026 [21:30]
- Relocated Montana Grizzly Thriving in Wyoming: A female grizzly moved from Montana has given birth to two cubs this spring, according to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. 4/8/2026 [21:30]
- Missoula Teens Head to National Speech & Debate Tournament — Twenty students from Big Sky, Hellgate, and Sentinel high schools qualified and will compete in June. 4/6/2026 [01:42]
- HRDC Spring Food Drive This Weekend — The Human Resource Development Council’s annual drive in the Gallatin Valley aims to stock local food banks amid rising grocery costs. 4/6/2026 [01:42]
- Mild Weather Today and Tomorrow — High pressure brings above-average temps (peaking 15–20° warmer tomorrow). Strong winds possible by Tuesday. 4/6/2026 [01:42]
- UM Presidential Finalist Dr. Jeremiah Shinn Visits Campus Today — The University of Montana’s top candidate for president arrives for public meetings and events on April 6-7 as the search enters its final public phase. 4/6/2026 [01:42]
- Montana Tribes Lose Millions in USDA Farm Grants — Federal cuts have terminated key agriculture funding, hitting programs like the Piikani Lodge Health Institute on the Blackfeet Reservation hard. 4/6/2026 [01:42]
- Gallatin County ICE Records Policy Deadline Today — The April 6 deadline looms in the ongoing dispute between the county and Attorney General Austin Knudsen over access for federal immigration agents. 4/6/2026 [01:42]
- Missoula Downtown Shooting Overnight — Missoula Police responded to reports of shots fired around 2 a.m. Sunday morning. An adult male showed up at the hospital with injuries; two people have been charged. 4/6/2026 [01:42]
- 1 Injured in Highway 93 Crash South of Missoula — Police diverted traffic near Miller Creek Road after the crash; drivers were asked to avoid the area. 4/6/2026 [01:42]
- Butte Police Investigating Multiple Broken Windows — Officers are looking into reports across town; early findings point to damage from projectiles. 4/5/2026 [14:33]
- No Injuries After Explosion at Weyerhaeuser Plant in Columbia Falls — Crews responded Saturday morning; the incident is under investigation. 4/5/2026 [11:23]
- 1 Dead in Head-On Crash on Highway 93 in Flathead County — A Wednesday night collision north of the area left one person dead. Montana Highway Patrol responded around 7:30 p.m. 4/3/2026 [04:22]
- Former BIA Officer Pleads Guilty to Raping Teen on Northern Cheyenne Reservation and Torching Patrol Car — The ex-federal agent admitted to the assault and trying to cover it up by burning his vehicle to hinder the investigation. 4/3/2026 [04:22]
- Trial Underway for Missoula County Deputy Charged with Speeding in Fatal Crash — Jury selection and testimony began in Missoula County Justice Court for Deputy Michael Baker in the case involving a deadly accident. 4/3/2026 [04:22]
- AG Austin Knudsen Orders Gallatin County to Reverse ICE Records Policy — Knudsen issued a cease-and-desist letter to Gallatin County Attorney Audrey Cromwell, calling it unlawful to limit federal immigration agents’ access to records. 4/3/2026 [04:22]
- University of Montana to Name Presidential Finalist Today — The search committee is set to announce the finalist and release the campus visit schedule this morning. 4/3/2026 [04:22]
- FWP Seeks Comments on 20,000-acre Conservation Easement in Western Montana — The proposal on timber lands would protect wildlife habitat and public access while allowing continued logging.
- Tribes Lose Millions in USDA Farm Grants — Federal cuts have hit Montana tribal agriculture programs hard. 4/3/2026 [04:22]
- Winter Weather Advisories in Effect This Morning; Warmer Weekend Ahead — Slick roads possible in higher elevations from lingering moisture, but temperatures climb into the 50s–60s by Saturday with drier conditions. 4/3/2026 [04:22]
- Partial US Government Shutdown (DHS only) Becomes the Longest in American History The Department of Homeland Security shutdown—now in its 44th day—has surpassed all previous records. It stems from a deadlock over immigration enforcement reforms and funding. TSA staffing shortages are causing major airport delays nationwide, with thousands of workers missing paychecks. President Trump has signed an order to ensure TSA pay starts tomorrow or Tuesday, but broader negotiations remain stalled amid GOP rifts in Congress. The rest of the federal government is funded and operating
- Helena City Commission Scraps Immigration Resolution Over Legal Risks The commission voted 4-1 to rescind a proposed resolution on immigration after the state threatened legal action. Leaders indicated they may revisit the issue later.
- Manhattan Middle School Names Interim Principal After Field Trip Incident The district announced a new interim principal today following an unspecified incident during a recent field trip. Superintendent Brian Ayers confirmed the appointment via email.
- Frenchtown School District Seeks $760K Operational Levy Voters will decide May 5 on a $759,916 mill levy to help cover rising costs and declining enrollment. The district says the funds are needed for basic operations.
- Helena: More than 1,000 gathered at the State Capitol (the first such rally there since October). Former Gov. Steve Bullock spoke, calling for election protections.
- Missoula: Roughly 9,000 people marched from Higgins Avenue to Caras Park for speeches and music.
- Thousands Join Statewide “No Kings” Protests Against Trump Administration Policies Large crowds turned out yesterday (March 28) for “No Kings” rallies across Montana in opposition to President Trump and his administration’s policies. Organizers described the events as a show of resistance, with turnout doubling or exceeding previous rallies in some areas.
- State Announces Zoning Change and Public Comment Period for Proposed Mental Health/Forensic Facility Near Laurel
Yellowstone County sets a hearing on rezoning; officials emphasize “Laurel or nowhere” for the controversial project. - March 26, 2026 - Republican Lawmaker Proposes Ballot Measure to Cap Local Property Tax Growth
A constitutional amendment initiative to limit increases in local property taxes is gaining traction as a key policy story. Sen. Wylie Galt, R- Martinsdale is leading the charge. - March 26, 2026 - Montana Supreme Court Rules Media Outlets Can Argue for Release of Sealed Documents in Anaconda Homicide Case
The court sided with news organizations, calling public access “essential” while balancing the defendant’s fair-trial rights. This statewide story is one of the most prominent right now. - March 26, 2026 - Montana Neighbors Donating Food to Unpaid TSA Agents at Local Airports
With TSA workers affected by a partial government shutdown, communities (especially in Missoula) are stepping up with meals and support for staff at Montana airports. - March 25, 2026 - Montana Supreme Court Rules Media Can Argue for Release of Sealed Documents in Anaconda Homicide Case
The court sided with news outlets, saying it’s “essential” to balance public access with the defendant’s fair-trial rights. This is one of the most widely reported stories today. - March 25, 2026 - Danny Choriki Announces Democratic Run for Yellowstone County Commission
The former Billings City Council member says the county commission is where he can have the biggest impact and officially launched his campaign today. - March 25, 2026 - Montana Supreme Court Upholds 2023 Development and Zoning Reform Laws
The court ruled that the Montana Land Use Planning Act gave the public sufficient opportunity to weigh in on development projects. - March 25, 2026 - New Owners to Take Over Historic Fishtail General Store
The beloved landmark in Fishtail is changing hands in a “passing of the torch” moment. - March 25, 2026 - U.S. Deploys 1,000+ 82nd Airborne Paratroopers to Middle East Amid Iran War
The Army is sending elite troops to supplement the roughly 50,000 already in the region as fighting continues. - March 24, 2026 - Trump Administration Sends Iran a 15-point Ceasefire Plan
The proposal for a temporary halt to the war was delivered via Pakistani mediators; oil prices tumbled and stocks jumped on the news of possible de-escalation. - March 24, 2026 - Democrat Flips Florida State House Seat That Includes Trump’s Mar-a-Lago
Emily Gregory defeated Republican Jon Maples in a special election, handing Democrats a surprising win in a longtime GOP stronghold. - March 24, 2026