Alex Sakariassen is a 2008 graduate of the University of Montana’s School of Journalism, where he worked for four years at the Montana Kaimin student newspaper and cut his journalistic teeth as a paid news intern for the Choteau Acantha for two summers. After obtaining his bachelor’s degree in journalism and history, Sakariassen spent nearly 10 years covering environmental issues and state and federal politics for the alternative newsweekly Missoula Independent. He transitioned into freelance journalism following the Indy’s abrupt shuttering in September 2018, writing in-depth features, breaking news stories and columns for a variety of publications including the Pacific Northwest Inlander, Mountain Outlaw Magazine, Kaiser Health News and Montana Free Press. Sakariassen took a full-time position as Montana Free Press’ education reporter in January 2021, covering K-12 and higher education as well as state policy developments impacting voting rights and health care.
For one Hamilton conservative, the 2026 primary election season became a fight to reclaim and defend his Republican identity from his own political party.
Montana Republicans keep trying to rewrite the laws around same-day voter registration and other election procedures. Ahead of the June 2 primary, here’s what’s settled, what isn’t, and who’s caught in the middle.
MCPS is reviewing 14 non-school properties worth millions. But what looks like real estate decisions on paper poses harder questions about what neighborhoods are willing to lose.
After fleeing war and persecution, Missoula’s refugee families face losing the food and health care benefits that have long served as a bridge to rebuilding their lives.