Ag data being harvested from producers should be publicly available to avoid market manipulation, Montana Farmers Union President Walter Schweitzer told members of the Montana Legislature’s Interim Committee on Economic Affairs last week in Helena. The committee has been tasked with how ag data is collected and used after legislation was introduced during the 2023 Legislative Session. Protecting

Lustre Christian High School fans gathered to celebrate the divisional tournament team’s victories on Sunday, March 3. Bill Reddig, coach of the girls’ team, introduced his players and commended assistant coach Sadie Brown and those who volunteered to run the clock, etc., during the season. He read Ephesians 3:20-21 as the teams’ challenge verse and said, “Not only in basketball, but in

Montana Free Press This story is adapted from the MT Lowdown, a weekly newsletter digest containing original reporting and analysis published every Friday. Montana’s K-12 school system plays an essential role in this state — as essential as any of the many public institutions covered by Montana Free Press. It’s also an expensive endeavor, with districts across the state spending, according

Sunshine Week is March 10-16, and this year, there’s an even greater need for you to get involved. Sunshine Week annually celebrates freedom of information laws in every state. It also salutes efforts by good government advocates and journalists to use and ensure the effectiveness of those laws to get the information we need as self-governing citizens. The name is a play on the commonsense

Each year at this time, newspapers across the nation recognize Sunshine Week as a reminder of the importance of transparency in government. The duty of newspapers include making sure government agencies follow open meeting laws including public notices. In Montana, we’re fortunate that the Freedom of Information hotline, 406-4428670, is dedicated to keeping the operations of government in

Republican Congressman Matt Rosendale said on Friday he will not seek re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives — another twist in a two-month saga in which the eastern Montana representative has announced his run, and departure, in two federal races. Rosendale announced his decision to drop out of the 2nd Congressional District race on X, formerly known as Twitter, saying that a rumor

Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks recently approved $100,000 in funding for four projects to enhance angling opportunities at local ponds. These projects are intended to improve the angler experience as well as fish habitat and survival. The funding will come from FWP’s Community Pond Program and is matched with $200,000 from outside sources. The funded projects are located across eastern

In a move that spells savings for businesses across the state, Montana’s Largest Workers’ Comp Insurer has announced a significant 10 percent reduction in rates, following a successful 5 percent reduction in 2023. This marks a remarkable milestone, with rates having decreased by more than 60 percent since 2007. Friday’s announcement by Montana State Fund’s Board of Directors signals