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By DARRELL EHRLICK

"It’s not something we’re really alarmed about. It’s an awareness kind of thing. They don’t harm people or anything, and their impacts on the environment appear to be small, but they’re not a desirable thing," – Tom Woolf, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks coordinator for its Aquatic Invasive Program, commenting on freshwater jellyfish being found in Canyon Ferry Reservoir.

Federal judge releases 50 people to date in wrongful arrest class-action lawsuit

Federal judge releases 50 people to date in wrongful arrest class-action lawsuit

by Keila Szpaller

A federal judge has ordered the release of 50 people from jail since the end of July because the U.S. government wrongfully arrested them in Montana, according to Upper Seven Law, representing the plaintiffs. Andres Haladay, senior legal counsel with Upper Seven, said Wednesday the federal government has continued to ignore an earlier court order […]
Invasive freshwater jellyfish found near Canyon Ferry Reservoir

Invasive freshwater jellyfish found near Canyon Ferry Reservoir

by Jordan Hansen

The Treasure State is being invaded by aquatic jellyfish from parts unknown, and while Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks said they’re not dangerous, it’s an introduced species, not native to the state. “It’s not something we’re really alarmed about,” said Tom Woolf, who coordinates FWP’s  Aquatic Invasive Program. “It’s an awareness kind of thing. They […]
Voters to decide if Montana judiciary needs to be more political

Voters to decide if Montana judiciary needs to be more political

by Micah Drew

Barely a month after the 2025 Legislature, multiple organizations began efforts to put nonpartisan judicial elections in Montana’s Constitution.  The groups, which eventually folded together to bring a unified nonpartisan judicial initiative to November’s ballots, were responding to a push by conservative Republicans in the state Legislature, as well as Gov. Greg Gianforte, to make […]
Highlights from this week
DAILY MONTANAN ELECTION GUIDE 2026

Democracy is not a spectator sport, and as Montana absentee ballots start hitting the mailboxes, we want you to have the information, literally at your fingertips.

The staff of the Daily Montana has compiled the 2026 Voter Guide, which can be found here. It’s on our homepage and includes important dates to remember, frequently asked questions about voting in Montana, profiles and stories about candidates, as well as information about ballot initiatives. Plus, as always, our coverage is supplemented by a robust team of national and Washington, D.C., capitol reporters who help readers understand the larger political conversation.

As we continue to cover the 2026 Election, our stories will automatically flow into the guide so that you can reference the materials when it comes time to make the most important decision in democracy: How to cast your ballot.

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