As the justice system in Missoula develops new ideas around incarceration, the county detention center and tribal defenders on the Flathead Reservation hope to maintain an agreement intended to help Native American inmates land on their feet upon reentry into the community. To do so, the Flathead Reservation Reentry Program is seeking another round of funding from the … [Read more...] about Flathead Tribal Defenders Office, Missoula County collaborating on jail diversion, reentry

The amplification of sound in a quiet Missoula park may be freedom for some and a nuisance to others. It will be up to the City Council to decide how to strike the balance. On Monday night, council members opened a public hearing on an ordinance regulating the amplification of sound in certain community parks. The ordinance has been on the books for 26 years but was … [Read more...] about Freedom to blast or public nuisance? Missoula to decide ‘amplified sound’ ordinance for parks

HELENA (KPAX)— Former Montana Governor Stan Stephens, a Republican whose 1988 electoral victory ended 20 years of Democratic governors in the state, has died. He was 91. Stephens, who died Saturday in Kalispell, served a single term as governor, choosing not to run for re-election in 1992 for health reasons. Prior to running for governor, he had served as a state senator … [Read more...] about Former Montana Governor Stan Stephens dies at 91 in Kalispell

Montana’s Covid-19 vaccine distribution is among the most efficient in the nation, but closer examination reveals a patchwork of systems among counties and tribal governments that will be put to the test as the state opens vaccine eligibility to all people 16 and older this month. KHN, Montana Free Press and the University of Montana School of Journalism surveyed all 56 … [Read more...] about Covid-19: Montana sticks to patchwork vaccination rollout as eligibility expands

(Daily Montanan) A bill to “stop the press from serving as a slander machine” passed Thursday in the Montana House Judiciary Committee with language and a title that are nearly boilerplate to legislation that’s cropped up in other states. Sponsored by Rep. Mark Noland, R-Bigfork, the “Stop Guilt By Accusation Act” aims to mandate media outlets cover specific proceedings a … [Read more...] about House Judiciary Committee passes bill squelching Montana press freedom