Montana PSC president Brad Molnar under investigation
Public Service Commission President Brad Molnar is under an internal investigation by a hired outside attorney which he and his attorney claim is an illegal effort to silence and oust him from his position. The PSC’s chief legal counsel Lucas Hamilton has confirmed the investigation is underway concerning unprofessional conduct in interactions with others in the workplace and said the commission is committed to a fair and lawful process.
Senator Steve Daines Introduces William Mercer as Trump’s Nominee for U.S. District Judge in Montana
Senator Steve Daines made these remarks before the Senate Judiciary Committee today, introducing William Mercer as President Trump’s nominee to be the next United States District Judge for the District of Montana.
Steve Daines
Senator Daines also added: “Senator Sheehy and I are confident Bill is the top choice to once again serve Montana, this time as our Federal Judge.”
Montana Detects West Nile Virus in Mosquitoes and Horses, Urges Precautions Through October
In Montana, health officials have detected West Nile virus (WNV) for summer 2025, with four mosquito pools testing positive—three in Lewis and Clark County and one in Cascade County—indicating widespread activity. Confirmed WNV cases in horses have been reported in Sheridan, Custer, and Daniels Counties, totaling three. The Department of Public Health and Human Services urges all residents to take precautions against mosquito bites, as the risk of human illness is expected to continue through October.
Funding Cut For State Relying On Food Stamp Benefits By Trump Administration
President Donald Trump “One Big Beautiful Act” which is now law will cut federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funding by roughly $187 billion over the next decade through changes to eligibility requirements benefit levels and the way states administer the program. In Montana approximately 80,000 people rely on SNAP benefits providing food assistance to individuals and families with limited income. SNAP also plays a role in supporting the local economy by supporting retailers and grocers who accept SNAP benefits.
States Where Student Loan Delinquency Is Increasing the Most – WalletHub Study
With student loan delinquency rates increasing in 32 states in the first quarter of 2025 today the personal-finance website WalletHub released its updated report on the States Where Student Loan Delinquency Is Increasing the Most. Montana ranks 37th on the list where borrowers face the highest risk of credit score damage and other financial setbacks.
Agreement Commits Montana To Increase Timber Production
Montana and the U.S. Forest Service have signed an agreement to jointly select large-scale management projects to increase the scope of timber production on federal lands. It commits to harvesting an annual sustainable volume of up to 100 million board feet helping to meet President Donald Trump’s order requiring federal agencies to increase timber production by 25%.
Zinke Secures Key Funding Forest Management Reforms and ESA Rollbacks
Congressman Ryan Zinke has announced a series of major victories for Montana in the Fiscal Year 2026 Interior Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. The legislation now heading to the House floor for a full vote includes several of Zinke’s top priorities ranging from rural water infrastructure funding to sweeping reforms of the Endangered Species Act and forest management practices.
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Health officials have confirmed the first detections of West Nile virus in Montana for the summer and it appears to be widespread across the state. The Department of Public Health and Human Services is urging all Montanans to take increased precautions against mosquito bites. The increased risk of transmission to humans is expected to continue through October or as long as mosquitoes remain active in the state.
$12.5 million has been raised for the Signal Peak Energy Arena in Billings. It represents 75% of the $16.9 million goal needed to bring the two-sheet ice facility to the city’s south side for youth recreation ice sports and tourism. The Yellowstone Ice Foundation aims to complete fundraising within the next eight to ten months.
The 161-unit Creekside Apartments in Missoula originally built in 1996 is currently undergoing renovation. NeighborWorks Montana is supporting rehab project providing a $1.4 million loan and partnering with Glacier Bank to contribute an additional $4.7 million in financing. This will ensure Creekside remains a quality affordable housing option for the Missoula community.
Helena property owners could buy into clean energy and safety investments in exchange for higher taxes if city officials approve a new program. Commercial property-assessed capital enhancements or C-PACE offers a loan for energy efficiency improvements that are paid off in property taxes for 20 or more years.
The Kalispell City Council is considering Northwest Montana History Museum’s request to acquire the Central School building. The municipality has leased the brick and stone building to the nonprofit since 1997 but the agreement has made it difficult to raise money from private donors and apply to funding programs.
