Aaron Bolton
Northwest Montana and Statewide Health Care ReporterAaron graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Journalism in 2015 after interning at Minnesota Public Radio. He landed his first reporting gig in Wrangell, Alaska where he enjoyed the remote Alaskan lifestyle and eventually moved back to the road system as the KBBI News Director in Homer, Alaska. He joined the MTPR team in 2019. Aaron now reports on all things in northwest Montana and statewide health care.
Have a northwest Montana or health care tip/story idea? Email me at aaron@mtpr.org or call/text at 612-799-1269
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Laurel residents have been raising concerns about city and state transparency in selecting Laurel for a new facility that would treat criminal defendants before they stand trial. What’s required of the government when it comes to public input isn’t straightforward. -
Federal environmental regulators Thursday repealed the bedrock finding that climate change endangers human health. It authorized the EPA to regulate planet-warming emissions as part of the Clean Air Act and to limit greenhouse gas emissions from cars and trucks. Experts say the repeal will worsen climate change and have a negative impact on industries across the state. -
Recent data show around 4,000 fewer Montanans purchased an Affordable Care Act health plan in 2026, a roughly 5% decline. That decline is attributed to the loss of federal subsidies for monthly premiums. More people are expected to drop coverage. -
A program aiming to keep Montana’s ambulance services financially afloat is in jeopardy, as federal health officials say the state can’t implement the program. Rural ambulance providers could close if it fails. -
The Trump administration has reversed its decision to cut billions of dollars worth of grants for addiction and mental health care across the country. Grant recipients in Montana were taken off guard by the cuts and sudden reversal.
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Montanans have until Wednesday to enroll in a federal marketplace health insurance plan. Federal subsidies have expired and many Montanans will see their premiums more than double as a result, according to KFF, a nonpartisan health research group. -
Mobile crisis teams are struggling. These are the teams of mental health professionals that respond to behavioral health calls instead of police. Those programs don’t have reliable funding, and the teams that remain say they need help. -
Federal officials have reduced the number of vaccines recommended for children. Some state medical groups say they will continue to follow the old guidelines. Parents will need to talk to their doctor to get the shots that are no longer recommended for all children. -
Permitting for fast-tracked mining project in the Bitterroot moves forward; Trump AI order could undercut state regulations; Health Department applies for federal recertification of Montana State Hospital. -
Flu hospitalization numbers are double compared to this time last year. The state is offering low-cost radon tests for the month of January. A livestock animal from a Gallatin County ranch has tested positive for brucellosis. State officials say Montana has paid more than $100,000 in restitution to victims of fraudulent schemes.
