Elinor Smith

When Bea Burnham walked up to her house one day, she saw her husband of 30-plus years lying dead in the lawn. That stopped her world from spinning for a while, but she pulled herself up, fixed what needed to be fixed and got on with life, eventually outliving three more husbands. She worked hard and taught her daughters about women’s rights. She took care of her friends in their grief. She was buried in her fur coat and shaved her legs one swipe at a time, so that it was always in progress. After her dearth, her daughters come to a new understanding about a mom who carved her own way.

A longtime mechanic and beloved community member in Froid, Montana was detained by the U.S. Border Patrol in January. Roberto Orozco-Ramirez’ arrest has forced a reckoning in the Republican stronghold on what President Trump’s immigration policies mean on the ground. Nora Mabie of the Montana Free Press has been following the case and the community’s response. She joined MTPR’s Elinor Smith to break down the details.

A jury ruled in favor of Ravalli County Thursday in a federal class-action lawsuit over the county’s Jail Diversion Program. A jury ruled that the fees inmates pay for that program are constitutional.

The Montana Department of Justice is warning Montanans to be wary of fraudulent text messages appearing to be from the Motor Vehicle Division, or MVD. The MVD does not send text messages asking for payment. If you receive such a text from MVD, it is likely a scam.

Landowners in the state can now apply for 2026 hunting access programs through Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks. The first meeting for the state’s Licensing Reform Task Force took place in Helena Tuesday.

According to a recent report issued by the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, Montana’s snowpack sits below average for this time of year.

Court denies request to halt Montana GOP operations amid lawsuit from party members. Wildlife officials seek information on illegal introduction of non-native pike to a Kalispell pond.

A long-time auto mechanic in the town of Froid, Montana has been swept up in President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown. Border Patrol recently arrested Roberto Orozco-Ramirez. Orozco-Ramirez is the community’s mechanic and volunteers as a youth baseball coach. Montana Free Press’ Nora Mabie has been reporting on the community’s reaction to his arrest. She sat down with MTPR’s Elinor Smith to go over the details.

Montanans charged or convicted of crimes in the state often face barriers finding a job and housing, long after their cases have closed. And the internet creates a permanent record. The state is looking at ways to change that.

According to a 2025 Forbes report, Montana ranks number one in the nation for drunk driving fatalities. One local nonprofit is offering a reward for drinkers who keep their keys in their pocket.