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Treasure State Update

By Keila Szpaller | Deputy Editor

"While we want to have good working relationships with the legislature, it is not our job just to keep everyone happy when doing so violates the law.” — Misty Ann Giles, director of the Department of Administration, about an attempt to direct state funds to a vendor that didn’t win a state contract.

Leader of Montana Freedom Caucus defends push to steer state money to private company

Leader of Montana Freedom Caucus defends push to steer state money to private company

by Keila Szpaller

Montana Freedom Caucus Chairman Jerry Schillinger tried to direct $600,000 of state money to a private company even after it lost the bid for a state contract. The contract, to provide training for post-traumatic stress disorder therapy, came from House Bill 832 in the 2025 session of the Montana Legislature. A public records request by […]
Citizens group gets temporary reprieve in Butte-Silver Bow data center lawsuit

Citizens group gets temporary reprieve in Butte-Silver Bow data center lawsuit

by Micah Drew

A district court judge has issued a temporary pause on Butte-Silver Bow’s ability to retroactively change a deadline for a citizens group to gather signatures for an initiative that would put limits on data center construction.  A grassroots organization, 406 People First, received approval from the county election administrator for a proposed ballot initiative prohibiting […]
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Note: some links may lead to stories behind a news organization's paywall

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