DOC to Access Legislative Funding to Build New Water Infrastructure at MSP
After receiving approval from Governor Greg Gianforte on Wednesday, the Montana Department of Corrections will begin installing new, modern, and permanent water and sewer infrastructure to serve the Montana State Prison. The facility near Deer Lodge, which houses more than 1,600 male inmates, has experienced multiple system failures, including water leaks discovered last Friday that shut it down completely.
Supreme Court Hears Arguments in Case Tied to Fourth Amendment
The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments Wednesday in Case v. Montana. The case centers on whether police need a search warrant to enter a home without probable cause if they believe an emergency is occurring, focusing on the Fourth Amendment’s emergency-aid exception. It asks whether “reasonable suspicion” or “probable cause” is the correct legal standard for officers to enter a home without a warrant under that exception. A ruling is expected later this year. The case is docketed as No. 24-624.
Supreme Court Won’t Let Lawmaker Intervene in Tariff Challenge
The U.S. Supreme Court has denied a motion from Montana State Senator Susan Webber, rancher Jonathan St. Goddard, and Rhonda and David Mountain Chief, who sought to intervene as the high court takes up a challenge to former President Donald Trump’s tariff authority. The Court did not explain its decision but set oral arguments for November 5.
Study Reveals the Best and Toughest States to Start a Business in 2025
A new nationwide study from payroll and accounting firm Patriot Software ranks all 50 states by business-friendliness in the 2025 Startup Index. Montana, South Dakota, and North Carolina top the list as the best states to start a business. All 50 states were evaluated using data from both federal and state sources.
Ten States Have Amended Their Voter ID Laws So Far This Year
Across the country, ten states passed ten bills related to voter ID requirements for in-person or mail-in voting during their 2025 legislative sessions. Montana’s Senate Bill 276 expanded the list of acceptable forms of identification to include a student ID card issued by any school in the Montana University System or by a Montana school that is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).
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The University of Montana has been awarded a three-year, $1.2 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration through its Rural Communities Opioid Response Program – Pathways Initiative. The grant will support youth behavioral health programs and career development pathways in rural areas, addressing urgent needs in both youth wellness and the health workforce.
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The Billings Amateur Hockey League Board of Directors confirmed Wednesday that Sean Gilmore, the program and facility director of the Centennial Ice Arena, has been fired after his arrest on suspicion of felony theft. The board began investigating after accounting discrepancies were noticed a few days ago.
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A taxpayer assistance office run by the Internal Revenue Service in Missoula has been closed for more than a week due to the federal government shutdown. Air traffic control operations at the Missoula airport continue as normal, since air traffic controllers are required to remain on duty even though they are not being paid during the shutdown.
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Bears aren’t just staying in the mountains this fall — many have been spotted in neighborhoods around Bozeman as they search for food before hibernation. According to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, fall is peak feeding season for bears. The City of Bozeman offers bear-resistant trash cans to help reduce encounters.
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Montana Highway Patrol troopers will receive a 10.5% pay raise under a new contract reached between their union and the state Department of Justice. During negotiations, troopers considered joining a national police union and leaving the state’s largest public employees’ union but ultimately decided not to.
