Public News Service

A program at Montana State University has shown success in reducing the rate of youth suicide by educating students about alternatives. (Adobe Stock)

Experts want more school mental health services

Mental health experts have released a checklist for parents of students headed back to school in Montana. Research shows kids who need services are …

The latest data show 1 in 3 young females report symptoms of a mental health disorder, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)

Doctors: Prioritize mental health for Montana school kids

Montana's 166,000 students are headed back to the classroom soon. Beyond the typical school supplies like pencils, notebooks and backpacks, doctors …

Nearly half of all Montanans (482,214) have a library card, according to the state. (Adobe Stock)

Libraries sound alarm about ultra-conservative agenda

The Every Library Institute has just released a report contending the Republican Party's conservative agenda outlined in the Heritage Foundation's Pro…

Native American children make up more than a third of the foster care caseload in Montana, despite representing less than 10% of the state's child population, according to a data analysis by the Montana Free Press. (Adobe Stock)

Racial gaps persist for Montana's Indigenous foster care youth

New research shows Indigenous youth comprise more than a third of the children in Montana's foster care system, despite making up a far smaller …

The Hechinger Report's Tuition Tracker allows students to compare a school's graduation rates, which shows the likelihood of successfully completing their degree on time. That can affect affordability. (Adobe Stock)

Tuition calculator helpful for college-bound rural Montanans

For Montanans preparing to start college this fall, an interactive online Tuition Tracker can help them figure out some of the costs ahead of time…

In Montana, one-third of fourth graders scored at or above proficient in reading in 2022, according to the new Annie E. Casey Kids Count Data Book. (Adobe Stock)

Report: MT kids face poverty, lack reading and math proficiency

New data show Montana ranks 20th for the overall well-being of its children. The Annie E. Casey Foundation's "Kids Count Data Book" reported the …

Nationwide, about 27% of voters between the ages of 18 and 29 cast a ballot in the 2022 midterm election, according to the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement at Tufts University. (Adobe Stock)

MT's young, rural voters in spotlight

Get-out-the-vote advocates in Montana are spending more time and money than ever to get young people educated about the elections and get them to the …

In Montana, 6.9% of children do not have health insurance, ranking the state 44th out of 51, according to Georgetown University's study. (Adobe Stock)

MT sees nation's highest percentage of kids losing Medicaid

More than 4 million children nationwide were removed from Medicaid and CHIP health coverage by the end of 2023 as the government reset the programs af…

Montana classrooms have seen a more than 12% increase in the number of special education students, according to the latest data. (Adobe Stock)

MT disability advocates sue to stop school vouchers

Advocates for the rights of people with disabilities have joined the Montana Quality Education Association in a suit to stop a school voucher bill in …

Expanding the Child Tax Credit could lift as many as 16 million kids in the U.S out of poverty, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. But the measure awaiting action in the U.S. Senate does not have broad public support. (Adobe Stock)

Child Tax Credit would benefit 46,000 MT kids

Advocates of the Child Tax Credit are calling on Washington lawmakers to expand it as they return to the Capitol this week. It's estimated an …

Indigenous people will be discussing tribal identity on and off Montana reservations and learn what it means to be

Indigenous conference to address cultural identity

Billings-based Western Native Voice is holding its annual membership conference in Great Falls starting tomorrow, and members are discussing …

Montana House Bill 393, which would create Educational Savings Accounts for special education students, is scheduled to take effect July 1, 2024. Critics vow to challenge it in court. (Adobe Stock)

MT teachers oppose special-ed voucher program

The union that represents Montana teachers opposes a move to legalize private school vouchers in the state. Educational Savings Accounts, or ESAs…

The majority of victims in sextortion cases are boys between the ages of 13 and 17, targeted by online scammers pretending to be females, according to the FBI. (Adobe Stock)

FBI: Sextortion cases up 20% in Montana

The FBI reports an alarming rise in the number of sextortion cases in Montana, reflecting a national trend. The agency is drawing attention to the …

Public schools and colleges are working together to build a pipeline of homegrown talent to help address the teacher shortage in Montana's K-12 classrooms. (Working Nation)

Creating a local pipeline for Montana teaching jobs

By Victoria Lim for WorkingNation.Broadcast version by Mark Moran for Big Sky Connection reporting for the WorkingNation-Public News Service Collabora…

Some 43.5 million Americans have some form of federal or private student loan debt, which is 13% of the population, according to the Federal Reserve's Consumer Credit report. (Adobe Stock)

MT Sees Sluggish Signup for SAVE Program to Reduce Student Debt

The U.S. Department of Education said more than 4 million Americans have enrolled in the Biden administration's college loan repayment program…

There were 7,547 charter schools throughout the United States in the 2019-2020 school year, compared with 1,993 in the 2000-2001 school year, according to Statista. (Adobe Stock)

Parents, Teachers Sue Over Montana School Privatization

A coalition of parents and public-school teachers has sued to prevent the privatization of schools in Montana. Gov. Greg Gianforte has signed House …

Prior to passage of House Bill 648, Montana families paid as much as 14% of their monthly income in co-pays, leaving some less than $2,000 a month to cover housing, food and other expenses. The new law caps co-pays at 9% of monthly family income. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

MT Advocates Herald Increased Child Care Funding

Gov. Greg Gianforte has signed a bill into law aimed at reducing child-care costs in Montana. This month, the Annie E. Casey Foundation ranked …

One key issue in the case is whether Montana is responsible for emissions within the state and downstream emissions from fossil fuels extracted in the state and transported elsewhere, or whether it is responsible only for emissions within its territory. (Lesley Clark/POLITICO's E&E News)

Montana's Youth-Led Climate Case Could Set Precedent

Now in its fifth day, 16 kids are participating in a court trial with a lawsuit accusing Montana state agencies and the governor of compromising the …

The rate of children under age 19 without health insurance dropped to 5% in 2021, an estimated 4,165,000 million kids nationwide, down from 6% in 2019, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. (Adobe Stock)

Healthy Kids Study Shows Dramatic Lack of Montana Child Care

The Annie E. Casey Foundation's Kids Count Data Book ranks Montana 18th nationally in overall child well-being. The just-released numbers showed …

As of 2022, 448 statehouse reporters across the U.S. work at newspapers, making up 25% of the statehouse corps. That's down from 604 statehouse reporters - 38% of the total - in 2014. (Adobe Stock)

University Students Add to MT Statehouse Reporting

Student reporters are stepping up to fill gaps in news coverage as the number of full-time statehouse reporters continues to decline. State …

A bill that could threaten transgender people's legal rights in Montana has passed the Senate and is in the House. (pabrady63/Adobe Stock)

MT Coalition Stands Up Against Anti-Trans Bills

As the Montana Legislature considers bills that target transgender people, a coalition of groups in the state wants impacted folks to know they stand …

Children are feeling the effects of an increase in online harassment. (New Africa/Adobe Stock)

Tools for Parents as Harassment Permeates Online Spaces

It can be challenging for parents and caregivers to shield their children from bigotry and hatred online, but there are a few tips they can follow…

About 18,000 Montana kids will experience the loss of a family member by the time they're 18. (Africa Studio/Adobe Stock)

MT Hosts Conference on Supporting Grieving Children

A touring conference from the National Alliance for Children's Grief comes to Montana this week. The event will be in Whitefish on Tuesday. The …

Miles Community College is in the eastern Montana town of Miles City, which has population of less than 9,000. (David Schott/Wikimedia Commons)

Virtual Learning Shrinks Distances for MT's Rural Students

Montana's big landscapes and sparse populations present a challenge to colleges and universities. But the internet is shrinking distances for the …

Apps can help people understand how certain purchases will affect their overall budget. (Andrey Popov/Adobe Stock)

Money Tips for Young Montanans Who've Become Financially Independent

Many recent Montana high school graduates are setting off on their own, meaning it's likely their first time being financially independent. A few …

The Center for Restorative Youth Justice is based in Kalispell, Mont. (arloo/Adobe Stock)

MT Restorative-Justice Org Offers Another Path in Juvenile System

An organization in Montana is providing an alternative model for juvenile justice. The Center for Restorative Youth Justice is based in the Flathead …

U.S. Housing and Urban Development doled out $75 million in grants in its initial efforts to tackle youth homelessness. (anetlanda/Adobe Stock)

Legal Aid Among Services to Take On Youth Homelessness in MT

A federal grant is helping Montana tackle homelessness among the state's young people. The Treasure State was chosen as a rural recipient of a $3.4 …

One-fifth of all Montana voters in the 2020 election were between ages 18 and 29, according to a New York Times exit poll. (auremar/Adobe Stock)

Youth Groups File to Stop New MT Election Laws Before 2022 Primary

Groups representing young people in Montana hope to stop a slate of election laws from going into effect before the state's primary in June. The …

Young people who are transitioning out of foster care could be spending the holidays without a support system. (Brian/Adobe Stock)

Aging Out of Foster Care System Presents Challenges for MT Youth

MISSOULA, Mont. - Young people who age out of the foster care program face unique challenges. Those challenges can feel especially acute and …

There are about 50,000 college students in Montana. (Jitze Couperus/Flickr)

How MT's New Student ID Voting Law Could Affect Turnout

HELENA, Mont. -- Voting-rights groups are concerned a new Montana law could depress student turnout in elections. This session, state lawmakers …

About 52,000 children were living in households with high housing cost burdens in 2019. (melissadoar/Adobe Stock)

Discouraging Trends for MT Children Leading into Pandemic, Data Shows

HELENA, Mont. -- Troubling trends in Montana may have made the pandemic harder for children, a new report shows. The latest Annie E. Casey's KIDS …

Students now have to show a second form of identification if they use their student ID to register to vote in Montana. (Jos/Adobe Stock)

Students Targeted by MT Legislation This Session

HELENA, Mont. - Montana students were the subject of multiple pieces of legislation during this year's session. Amara Reese-Hansell, program …

Jen Banna has five children, including one daughter with a neurodevelopmental disability. (Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities)

Families of People with Disabilities Get Support in MT

HELENA, Mont. -- Families with people who have disabilities can sometimes feel isolated because of their experiences. Siblings of people with …

HB 113 would fine Montana doctors up to $50,000 for offering gender-affirming health care to minors. (nito/Adobe Stock)

Bills Targeting Transgender Youths Introduced in MT

HELENA, Mont. -- Two bills restricting transgender youths are on the docket for Montana lawmakers this year. House Bill 112 would ban transgender …

About 67,000 Montana kids were eligible for free and reduced-price lunches during the 2019-2020 school year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. (Africa Studio/Adobe Stock)

MT Families Receive Funds for Missed School Meals

HELENA, Mont. -- Students who qualify for free and reduced-price meals missed out on those meals when school closed down in March. But a program …

Some 30% of Montana high school-age kids say they currently use e-cigarettes, according to a 2019 survey. (Grispb/Adobe Stock)

As Youth Use Rises, MT Proposes Flavored E-Cigarette Ban

HELENA, Mont. -- Montana has proposed banning the sale of flavored electronic cigarettes as a way to curb the growing number of young people using …

Public schools on Montana reservations are more likely to have law enforcement on campus, according to a new report. (bartsadowski/Adobe Stock)

Report: Native Students Suspended, Arrested 6 Times More Often

HELENA, Mont. - Indigenous students are disciplined more often and more severely than their white peers in Montana public schools, according to a new …

Montana schools are required to have bullying prevention plans. (soupstock/Adobe Stock)

Bullying Prevention Month: 'No One Should Be a Bystander'

HELENA, Mont. – October is National Bullying Prevention Month, bringing awareness to this issue's growing impact on students. According to …

Montanans in cities including Bozeman, Helena and Missoula are joining the Global Climate Strike on Friday. (ink drop/Adobe Stock)

Urgency Palpable as Young Montanans Gear Up for Climate Strike

MISSOULA, Mont. - Montanans are joining the Global Climate Strike on Friday to demand action on climate change. More than 3,400 climate-strike events …

Research finds kids learn better when they have a good night's sleep � and powering down cell phones and other screens could be key. (Paolese/Adobe Stock)

With Kids Back in School, Doctors Affirm No Screens Before Bedtime

HELENA, Mont. – With school back in session, doctors are saying, “Well, your mom is right – time to turn the phone off and get to …

As of Friday, the CDC is looking into 450 cases of a severe respiratory illness that could be linked to vaping. (lezinav/Adobe Stock)

Health Officials: 'Stop Vaping' After Possibly Related Deaths

HELENA, Mont. – As the number of deaths possibly linked to e-cigarettes climbs, health officials are urging people not to use them. State …

Narcan, also known as naloxone, can reverse overdoses while they're happening. (Gov. Tom Wolf/Flickr)

Overdose Awareness Day: Montanans Honor Lives Lost

MISSOULA, Mont. – Montanans on Thursday are remembering lives lost to overdose in Missoula. The organization Open Aid Alliance is marking …

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends lead levels in drinking water not exceed one part per billion in schools. (Rafael Ben-Ari/Adobe Stock)

MT Takes Comments on Requiring Schools to Test for Lead

HELENA, Mont. – A proposed rule change in Montana would require schools to test for contaminants like lead in their water systems every quarter…

Two spirit people are reclaiming some of their traditional roles in native tribes at a gathering in Montana this week. (Montana Two Spirit Society)

MT Gathering Celebrates Native Two-Spirit People

FLATHEAD LAKE, Mont. – Indigenous people from around the world this weekend at Flathead Lake are reclaiming the roles of what some refer to as …

The United States' suicide rate increased 60% between 1999 and 2017. (Michail Petrov/AdobeStock)

MT Psychologist: Time to Rethink Suicide Prevention

BOZEMAN, Mont. – A Montana psychologist wants folks to get a new perspective on an issue that is plaguing the state – suicide. Montana …

Research shows foster children who are placed with families are more likely to finish school. (U.S. Forest Service/Flickr)

Report: More MT Foster Children Being Placed with Families

HELENA, Mont. — More foster youths are being placed in families across the country, according to a new report. The Annie E. Casey Foundation …

With the election over, eyes turn to the Montana legislative session and other political gatherings. (Drew Tarvin/Flickr)

How to Keep Montana College Students Engaged Post-Election

MISSOULA, Mont. – Voting soared among students in Montana and across the country for the midterm election. But now that the election is over…

Montana youths who have been in the foster care system can struggle to find a place to live, with only 48 percent reporting stable housing by age 21. (Andres Rodriguez/Flickr)

Report: Instability Hurts Trajectories of MT Foster Children

HELENA, Mont. – New research highlights the instability young people in foster care face in Montana, and the barriers this can create as they …

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