Roof of Great Falls’ elementary school blown off in windstorm Gusts of 70 mph battered the city and the plains east of the Rocky Mountain Front, according to weather officials.

The roof of Lincoln Elementary School in Great Falls blew off during a windstorm with gusts topping 70 miles per hour in Cascade County.

At a fundraiser in Froid, donations were welcome. Talk of politics was not. Organizer Keith Nordlund said keeping politics out of the event was crucial to its success.

In Froid, fundraiser organizers say one decision made all the difference: no politics.

By making clear that proceeds would support Roberto Orozco-Ramirez's wife and four sons — not a legal defense — they say more neighbors felt comfortable showing up and giving.

As filing deadline arrives, a look at the most interesting races Party fractures over property taxes, reshaping GOP stir primary challenges in Montana legislative races.

At least 22 Republican incumbents for state Legislature and three Democrats are facing challengers. Here is a look at some of the most potentially contentious, intriguing state races.

Most Montanans support GOP-backed work requirements for Medicaid beneficiaries An MTFP-Eagleton Poll found that 59% of survey respondents supported mandatory work and community engagement hours for Medicaid recipients.

An MTFP-Eagleton Poll found that 59% of survey respondents supported mandatory work and community engagement hours for Medicaid recipients.

Montana voters assign feds, fossil fuel industry most responsibility for tackling climate change MTFP-Eagleton poll results also showed that younger voters are the most concerned about Montana climate shifts.

A strong majority of Montana voters said they believe the federal government and fossil fuel companies bear at least some responsibility for responding to climate change, according to a Montana Free Press-Eagleton poll.

With several Western states running Dem-aligned Independents, where does that leave the Dems?

As filings close, Republican Steve Daines withdraws from U.S. Senate race Daines praised Alme in a press release issued after campaign filing ended.

First Zinke, then Daines bails. Montana politics went open field

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Rep. Ryan Zinke said he won’t seek reelection citing health problems Dr. Al Olszewski said he plans to run as a Republican in the Western District

Western Montana politics just became the Wild West
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AI brain-farts?

Where Montana cities stand on ICE and immigration enforcement Helena’s non-cooperation resolution is under scrutiny by the state, underscoring potential tensions in communities that take a variety of approaches to immigration enforcement.

Montana Free Press reached out to law enforcement and elected officials across the state to learn about their policies. We found that each jurisdiction handles immigration enforcement a bit differently, but all agreed that the roles played by local law enforcement are limited.

The next decade of Montana Free Press starts now. As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, we're building toward what comes next. If you believe in where we’re going and you’re able make a gift today, click here: https://bit.ly/4aCRqkg

Warming summers force early fishing closures. Yellowstone is making a shift. As Yellowstone National Park extends fishing season, anglers and fisheries managers consider impacts of adding spring days to alleviate late-summer river pressures.

As Yellowstone National Park extends fishing season, anglers and fisheries managers consider impacts of adding spring days to alleviate late-summer river pressures.

After a fire ravaged an iconic restaurant in Babb, its owners pledge to rebuild After a fire destroyed the iconic restaurant, community members came together to clear the rubble and the Burns family vowed to rebuild.

After a fire destroyed the iconic restaurant, community members came together to clear the rubble and the Burns family vowed to rebuild.

Sheehy signs on to brief arguing for end to birthright citizenship Montana U.S. senator among 28 federal Republicans joining effort led by Sen. Ted Cruz, Rep. Jim Jordan.

Montana U.S. Sen. Tim Sheehy has added his name to an amicus brief supporting the Trump administration’s effort to challenge the United States’ longstanding policy of granting citizenship to nearly any child born in the country as the matter is heard before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen complies with federal demand for Montana voter data Trump and U.S. Department of Justice assert authority to determine voter eligibility in the state.

Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen has handed over confidential voter data to the U.S. Department of Justice, which has asked the state to remove, upon demand, any voters who may be deemed ineligible by federal officials.

From the Embers? Controversial National Wildfire Service Could Launch in January - Mountain Journal Although Congress hasn’t provided budget or authority for consolidated firefighting force, opposition to new plan appears weakening

National wildland fire service getting new Chief, but we still don’t know if the service exists

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Raccoon found passed out in bathroom of Virginia ABC Store after breaking in, ransacking shelves A raccoon was found passed out in the bathroom of the Virginia ABC Store in Ashland after breaking in and ransacking shelves, according to Hanover County Animal Protection and Shelter.

Sometimes you just need to sleep it off. www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/...

Sheep Creek mine exploration in Bitterroot draws opposition • Daily Montanan Ravalli County Commissioners voted unanimously to oppose the placement of the Sheep Creek mine “exploration” project on a federal fast track.

“Don’t let this happen here.” — A Bitterrooter on dangers from other mining in Montana, regarding the proposed Sheep Creek mine exploration in the Bitterroot. By @keilaszpaller.bsky.social: dailymontanan.com/2025/12/02/s... #montana #mtpol #mtnews

ESA on Edge: Interior Proposals Prioritize Energy over Endangered Species - Mountain Journal Public comment on rule changes affecting critical habitat, extended protections and economic impact due December 22

Public comment due Dec. 22

bit.ly/4rxlzJi

This truly (and beautifully) outré band is lumped into the same scene as Black Flag; remarkable. I always assume they’re in the first Decline of Western Civilization (they’re not), which leads me to watching said film. Important in that regard.

Lessons on 'The Lost Bus': New Film Shows Challenge of Urban Wildfire - Mountain Journal Firefighting strategy struggles to evolve as ember storms overwhelm both town and forest defenses

Sometimes the movie gets it right

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Faces of Climate: Sierra Harris and the Art of the Climate Battle - Mountain Journal A climate organizer and Montana native reflects on the art of collaboration to mitigate impacts of a warming planet

In our "Faces of Climate" series, Katie O'Reilly profiles Montana native Sierra Harris, Greater Yellowstone Coalition's climate and water conservation manager, who reflects on the art of collaboration to mitigate impacts of a warming planet. Hint: she sometimes recommends acting like a beaver.

What is Wild? Part 2, Give a Man a Fish: How Stocked Waters Blurred Lines Between Wild and Native Trout - Mountain Journal With a billion-dollar economy at stake, Greater Yellowstone fishing tangles artificial and authentic nature

Sunday long read: What is Wild?

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Fallow federals

Shutdown Smokescreen? Public Lands Furloughs Could Become Layoffs - Mountain Journal Trump administration leaders planned more job cuts before budget impasse closed federal government

As federal employees face furloughs amid congressional loggerheads over the federal budget, Yellowstone National Park employees, visitors and local businesses are navigating a series of uncertainties about operations at the destination that drew more than 4.7 million visitors last year.

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Shutdown Comes for National Parks, Nation - Mountain Journal It remains unclear if park gates will close or remain open with limited staff. But budget impasse could have bigger impact than just furloughs, government watchers warn

Shutdown plans come for National Parks, with indications of much bigger changes looming

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What Happens to National Parks if the Government Shuts Down? - Mountain Journal What we know as Congress hurtles toward a Wednesday funding deadline for the federal government

Odds are feds go dark midnight Tuesday

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UPDATED: Wildfire Services Stay Independent in New Federal Plans for 2026 - Mountain Journal US departments of Interior, Agriculture responses to Trump unification order keep Forest Service fire management separate

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Opinion | The wolf-killing case that could change Wyoming By dragging a muzzled wolf into a bar, Cody Roberts also dragged Wyoming’s outdated treatment of wildlife into broader public view, writes Wendy Keefover.

OPINION: By dragging a muzzled wolf into a bar, Cody Roberts also dragged Wyoming's outdated treatment of wildlife into broader public view, writes Wendy Keefover.