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Saturday, July 18, 2026

Government

Week One of Ellsworth Trial Ends With Jury Hearing State's Core Allegations

The first week of the criminal trial against former Montana Senate President Jason Ellsworth wrapped up Friday evening at Lewis and Clark County District Court in Helena, with jurors hearing the state's opening argument that the Hamilton Republican used his legislative position to steer government contracts for personal benefit.

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Government

State Officials Testify Ellsworth Forced Rushed Contracts Around Normal Oversight

State procurement officials took the stand this week in the Jason Ellsworth trial, telling jurors that the former Senate president pressured them to b...

Government

Legislative Legal Analysts: Mid-Cycle Redistricting Would Violate Montana Constitution

The Montana Legislature cannot legally redraw its own district boundaries between the regular ten-year redistricting cycles, according to a legal anal...

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