Montana lawmakers are one step closer to having more oversight at the state psychiatric hospital. A bill that would give legislators access to the facility had its second hearing Monday.

With Montana’s Medicaid expansion program renewed, the conversation in the Legislature has shifted to work requirements. A bill would expand the number of people subject to those rules.

Taking your car to the repair shop can be anxiety inducing, especially if you’re on a tight budget. You pay for parts and labor. The longer a fix takes, the higher the bill. But, one nonprofit auto shop in Kalispell is changing this equation to help make repairs more affordable.

Montana Republican lawmakers are supporting efforts by another state to gain control of federal public lands. The resolution passed out of committee after nearly 50 people spoke against it. No one spoke in favor of it.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has published its final statewide wolf management plan. This is the final step in updating the 22 year-old document that guides how the agency manages wolves.

The Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority is pitching state lawmakers on a plan to continue funding their operations by redirecting around $2 million a year from an existing state tax on railroads; State lawmakers are considering a bill that would bolster a program to clean up unsafe and contaminated properties. Most of the program’s current funding stems from the Environmental Protection Agency, which is undergoing significant budget cuts.

Attorney General Austin Knudsen asked the Montana Supreme Court Friday to dismiss any punishment for violating rules of conduct. The charges stem from strong language the attorney general used to rebuke the high court in a 2021 case.

Montana’s Food Bank Network is slated to lose $400,000 worth of food from a federal program intended to provide emergency food assistance to low-income populations. That’s according to the food bank network President Gayle Carlson, who said she learned of their financial loss on March 21.

Montana’s Medicaid expansion program has officially been renewed. Gov. Greg Gianforte signed legislation Thursday that will keep the existing program in place.

Montana’s water operators are responsible for keeping drinking water clean and sewers running. But in rural towns, many are aging out of the workforce. Finding replacements for these operators caught between dedication and retirement hasn't been easy.