Number of Montanans on Medicaid falls to lowest level since expansion as charity care rises • Daily Montanan In Montana, the number of residents who are covered by Medicaid expansion has fallen to its lowest level yet, while health outcomes for those enrolled continues to show improvement.

An annual Medicaid report tracking the healthcare program in Montana shows what happened after state lawmakers changed eligibility rules, leading to the lowest number of enrollees since the program began. By @darrellehrlick.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2026/04/16/n... #mtnews #mtpol #montana

"I know unionism is about leveraging informed, engaged, and empowered members into winning fights for our shared values. I’m so excited to get started.” - Melissa Romano. By @mddrew.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/briefs/state... #mtnews #mtpol #montana

All three Democratic candidates for Montana’s eastern district want President Donald Trump impeached and called on Congress to act. But they tried to differentiate themselves too. By @jordyhansen.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2026/04/13/d... #mtnews #mtpol #montana

State of Montana ‘prolonged litigation,’ racked up unnecessary legal fees, order says • Daily Montanan The State of Montana has been ordered to pay more than $500,000 to the ACLU of Montana and its legal team.

The State of Montana has been ordered to pay more than $500K to the ACLU of MT and its legal team in a lawsuit to protect the rights of people who are transgender after the state repeatedly defied court orders. By @keilaszpaller.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2026/04/13/s... #mtnews #mtpol #montana

Katie Lane, who has been nominated to the federal court in Montana by President Donald J. Trump, received a “not qualified” evaluation by the American Bar Association to become a federal judge. By @darrellehrlick.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2026/04/09/a... #mtnews #mtpol #montana

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At the Daily Montanan, we’re proud to cover the stories from Montana that affect your life. For Local News Day, we’re sharing this Local News Finder tool so you can cut through noise and turn to trusted journalists in your community: localnewsday.org/newsrooms/
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It’s Local News Day! Show your support for the journalists working in your community by sharing this post and subscribing to our free daily newsletter, the Treasure State Update. dailymontanan.com/subscribe/ #FairFearlessFree #LocalJournalism #montana

First financial reports show expensive contested races for Legislature • Daily Montanan Republican primaries pitting moderate candidates against conservative hardliners; some races hit six figures already.

The state GOP has rebuked some Republican legislative candidates, but many of them are outraising their more conservative opponents. By @mddrew.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2026/04/08/f... #mtnews #mtpol #montana

Montana GOP financially backs Wilson for SupCo, opposes nonpartisan judicial elections • Daily Montanan Republican Party donated $20K to Wilson, due to a new Montana law allowing more direct political action in court races

Judge Dan Wilson, making his second run at a seat on the state’s highest court, received $20K in contributions from the Montana Republican Party, according to the latest filings. By @mddrew.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2026/04/08/m... #mtnews #mtpol #montana

Helena responds to AG’s sanctuary city cease-and-desist letter The Helena City Commission gave an update on its legal saga with the state regarding an immigration resolution.

Helena still wants an immigration resolution after rescinding one following an investigation launched by the AG's Office — and potentially costly consequences. This time, it's asking for the AG's approval first. By @jordyhansen.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2026/04/07/h... #mtnews #mtpol #montana

Clancy event becomes censorship example at U.S. Senate hearing Children’s author Bess Kalb couldn’t read book after parents threatened to disrupt event last Fall at Clancy Elementary.

“The Trump administration is using the whole of government to silence or intimidate criticism and dissent in ways that go far beyond McCarthyism.” Said at a hearing where an author discussed a canceled reading in Montana. @jordyhansen.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2026/04/06/c... #mtnews #mtpol

President finalist for University of Montana sees ‘community’ at flagship • Daily Montanan Jeremiah Shinn said he was drawn to UM because of its sense of community, evident in higher education in general but especially in Missoula.

“There’s a sense of community on a lot of campuses, but there’s a particular brand of it here. There’s a sense of belonging and a sense of taking care of one another.” — Jeremiah Shinn, UM prez candidate. @keilaszpaller.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2026/04/06/p... #mtnews #mtpol #montana

Montana AG demands Gallatin County attorney rescind ‘policy’ that doesn’t recognize ICE • Daily Montanan County attorney refutes AG claim that policy is illegal under state and federal law, says it’s a mischaracterization of individual ruling on a civil matter

AG Knudsen demands the Gallatin County Attorney rescind what Knudsen says is an illegal “policy” refusing to recognize ICE as a criminal justice agency. But the county attorney said he's confused a civil matter with policy. By @mddrew.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2026/04/03/m... #mtpol #montana

University of Montana president finalist announced • Daily Montanan The finalist candidate for the University of Montana job is Jeremiah Shinn, interim president of Boise State University, UM and the Montana Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education announced Fri...

The finalist candidate for the University of Montana president job is Jeremiah Shinn, interim president of Boise State University, UM and the Montana Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education announced Friday. By @keilaszpaller.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2026/04/03/u... #mtnews #mtpol

Montana Supreme Court dismisses constitutionality challenge to ‘The Montana Plan’ initiative • Daily Montanan Organizers behind the Transparent Election Initiative are cleared to continue gathering signatures last month to put I-194, or Ballot Issue 10, on the ballot in November

The Montana Supreme Court has dismissed a challenge from a coalition of business and industry groups over a proposed ballot initiative seeking to limit corporate spending in Montana elections. By @mddrew.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2026/04/01/m... #mtnews #mtpol #montana

Montana Supreme Court denies governor's request to take up property tax case • Daily Montanan The Montana Supreme Court dismissed a petition from Gov. Greg Gianforte that it take over a property tax lawsuit over Senate Bill 542.

The Montana Supreme Court dismissed a petition from Gov. Greg Gianforte that it take control of a property tax lawsuit over Senate Bill 542. By @keilaszpaller.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2026/03/31/m... #mtnews #mtpol #montana

One finalist for president heads to University of Montana • Daily Montanan One finalist for University of Montana president job is headed to campus soon as part of the search for the Missoula flagship’s new leader.

One finalist for the University of Montana president job is headed to campus soon as part of the search for the Missoula flagship’s new leader, according to the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education. By @keilaszpaller.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2026/03/30/o... #mtnews #mtpol #montana

Bill redefining sex signed nearly a year after it passed A long-running legal battle over bills redefining sex likely has a new chapter as new legislation signed by Governor

Gov. Greg Gianforte last week signed the final bill passed during the 2025 legislative session defining sex in state law, likely spawning a protracted legal fight. By @jordyhansen.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2026/03/30/b... #mtpol #mtnews #montana

Protestors back at Montana Capitol, other ‘No King’ rallies double Issues from No Kings protests across Montana ranged from threat of authoritarianism to war, healthcare and reproductive freedom

Demonstrators in Helena, Billings and Missoula protested what they said is creeping authoritarianism in the United States at Saturday's No Kings rallies in Montana. By @jordyhansen.bsky.social @keilaszpaller.bsky.social @darrellehrlick.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2026/03/28/p... #mtnews #mtpol

Helena City Commission votes to rescind immigration resolution Officials pointed to possible financial risks, say choice removes state’s investigative capacity over resolution

On the advice of legal counsel and possibly in the face of steep financial losses, the Helena City Commission rescinded an immigration resolution on Thursday night in a meeting at the city’s Civic Center. By @jordyhansen.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2026/03/26/u... #mtnews #mtpol #montana

Helena to have meeting discussing rescinding immigration resolution The meeting will be hosted at the city’s Civic Center on Thursday, as the state continues its investigation into the resolution

The City of Helena is considering rescinding an immigration resolution that had large backing by the public following an investigation announced by the state’s Department of Justice. By @jordyhansen.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2026/03/24/h... #mtnews #montana #mtpol

State appears to reverse course on Capitol permit rules The DOA appears to have reversed course on its weekend permit rules at the Capitol as another “No Kings” rally draws near.

“With word last Friday afternoon from the agency that it is suspending the new policy, we do plan to stage the No Kings Rally at Capitol flag plaza.” By @jordyhansen.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2026/03/23/s... #mtnews #mtpol #montana

What National Park Service interpretive material in Montana has been flagged for review? • Daily Montanan A publicly published database lists signs, brochures, books and other interpretive materials flagged for review under Trump’s executive order to restore ‘truth and sanity’

As the Trump administration orders National Park Service staff change or remove hundreds of exhibits and other interpretive materials at NPS sites, the Daily Montanan points out material under review in Montana. By @mddrew.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2026/03/20/w... #mtnews #montana #mtpol

Wanted: Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen at the Legislature • Daily Montanan Lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle have questions for Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen, but she's staying mum.

“Members of the public have contacted us asking what the heck is going on here.” — Rep. Schillinger, R-Circle, of questions for SOS Christi Jacobsen. She's provided sparse answers and been absent at important meetings. @keilaszpaller.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2026/03/19/w... #mtnews #mtpol

DPHHS reports $34.4 million shortfall in interim budget committee Agency will file 2027 supplemental budget request to cover costs as agency says it warned Legislature about the issue.

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services is projecting a budget shortfall of $34.4 million, staff told an interim budget committee this week. By @jordyhansen.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2026/03/18/d... #mtnews #mtpol #montana

Gulch Distillers highlighted as part of state Ag investment program March is National Agriculture Month and the state program, created in 1987, provides grants up to $50,000 and loans up to $100,000.

On a sunny and bright St. Patrick’s Day in downtown Helena, Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte stopped at Gulch Distillers for a tasting and to highlight the state’s Growth Through Agriculture grant and loan program. By @jordyhansen.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2026/03/17/g... #mtnews #mtpol #montana

Ten candidates advance in University of Montana president search • Daily Montanan Out of more than 60 candidates for University of Montana president, 10 are advancing for further consideration.

Out of more than 60 candidates for University of Montana president, 10 are advancing for further consideration, according to the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education. By @keilaszpaller.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/briefs/ten-c... #mtnews #montana #mtpol

Yellowstone National Park notches second-highest visitation year on record • Daily Montanan Yellowstone National Park notches second-highest visitation year on record, more than 4.7 million tourists

Yellowstone National Park welcomed its second-highest number of visitors on record during 2025, according to a National Park Service press release Tuesday. By @mddrew.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/briefs/yello... #mtnews #montana #mtpol

Stop work order issued in Flathead dock case • Daily Montanan A Flathead County judge has stopped a dock construction on Flathead Lake.

A Flathead county judge has temporarily stopped a luxury real-estate company from construction on a 159-foot dock on Flathead Lake. By @jordyhansen.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2026/03/16/s... #mtnews #mtpol #montana

Gianforte wants Montana Supreme Court to expedite property tax lawsuit • Daily Montanan Gov. Greg Gianforte is asking the Montana Supreme Court to take over a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of a property tax bill.

“I’m ... asking the Supreme Court to step in to ensure the relief provided to Montanans remains intact.” — Gov. Gianforte on asking the MTSupCo to take on a property taxes lawsuit, hoping to expedite it. By @keilaszpaller.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2026/03/16/g... #mtnews #mtpol #montana