The first week of a criminal trial involving alleged misuse of government funds by an elected official has wrapped up at the Lewis and Clark County District Court in Helena. Here’s what happened. The post The major takeaways from week 1 of the Sen. Jason Ellsworth criminal trial  appeared first on Montana Free Press.

Eva Lighthiser and her co-plaintiffs argue in their July 16 petition that a three-judge panel has abdicated its responsibility to determine the constitutionality of President Trump’s executive orders seeking to expand fossil fuel development. The post Young plaintiffs ask 9th Circuit Court to rehear climate lawsuit appeared first on Montana Free Press.

PLUS: It got how hot? The post ‘A dress rehearsal’ for grizzly delisting appeared first on Montana Free Press.

PLUS: Three questions for UM’s new president. The post Survey IDs top barriers for Missoula renters appeared first on Montana Free Press.

Heat events are becoming more common as part of a changing climate. On July 12, some Montana cities hit 115 degrees F, hotter than Death Valley, the hottest place on Earth. The post Eastern Montana shatters heat records appeared first on Montana Free Press.