A ballot initiative aimed at restricting dark money in Montana elections is advancing. Dubbed "The Montana Plan," the proposal would prohibit any entity that does business in Montana from contributing to candidates, political parties or ballot issues.

Democrats competing in Montana’s western district congressional race met for a debate in Butte Tuesday. They discussed money in politics, data centers and access to health care, among other topics. While the candidates found some distinction between their views, they agree on most issues.

Have you had any unexpected bird sightings this winter? Maybe you saw birds in unexpected places or times. Or maybe birds you expected never showed up. You're not alone. Bird researchers – and an observant listener – have noticed, too. That listener wants to know: What do we know about how climate change is impacting birds, both in and out of Montana?

More than 100 Missoula scientists and activists gathered this weekend to demonstrate against political interference in science. The nationwide rally is a repeat of last year’s demonstration. Then, Trump administration officials were slashing the federal workforce and moving to gut funding for academic research. Attendees at this year’s Stand Up for Science event said the damage from those actions has, in their view, been devastating.

An elementary school near Great Falls lost a portion of its roof Sunday after severe wind battered the region.

Controversial BLM director nominee clears first Senate hurdle. Dillon City Council appoints new mayor. Court upholds state law that allows insurance companies to factor gender, marital status into rates. Bozeman-based candidate withdraws from State Department nomination process.

Severe winter weather arrives in Montana this week leading to the potential for blizzards. Officials are asking people to be wary of travel plans starting Thursday. Schools in the Flathead Valley and Butte will be closed Thursday in preparation for the storm.

Montana Democrats gathered in Helena over the weekend to rally ahead of the 2026 election. Party leaders focused their message on rebuilding support for Democrats and unifying around their candidates.

State environmental officials in 2023 determined a wastewater lagoon serving Holland Lake Lodge had been leaking for an unknown period of time. It’s taken another two years for the Flathead National Forest to propose a fix to the lagoon, which sits on public land. The lodge's owner recently got county permission to pump the lodge’s sewage into a separate holding tank while the Forest Service works to build the new wastewater system this summer.

Montana’s top health official pushed back on allegations that a new mental health facility will harm Laurel residents’ quality of life. Residents have questioned the facility since it was proposed late last year.