
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
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
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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