Food assistance on the chopping block for Montanans next month if shutdown persists
Nearly 78,000 Montana residents who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to buy groceries may soon be forced to go without. The state health department has been directed by the federal government to withhold SNAP benefits starting in November unless Congress reopens the government.
Helicopter Crash Near Ekalaka Kills Illinois Gubernatorial Candidate’s Son and Family Members, Investigation Underway
A helicopter crash near Ekalaka, Montana, on Wednesday night killed Zachary Bailey, the son of Illinois gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey. Also killed were Zachary’s wife, Kelsey, and their two children, Vada Rose (12) and Samuel (7). Darren Bailey, a Trump-endorsed Republican running against JB Pritzker, announced his 2026 primary bid on September 25. The Bailey family is grieving, and federal authorities are investigating the crash.
Superintendent Hedalen Supports Legislation to End PIR Days for Teacher Unions, Plans to Push Again in 2027
Superintendent Susie Hedalen of the Office of Public Instruction sent a press release Tuesday stating support of House Bill 557 during the 2025 Montana legislative session, which aimed to end PIR days for teacher union meetings. She believes these meetings have declined in attendance and become ideological. Hedalen plans to work with the 2027 legislature in Helena to pass similar legislation, emphasizing PIR days should focus on improving instruction, not union politics.
Lynx central to court fight over Montana logging project
Environmentalists were in court Wednesday challenging a federal logging project in the Garnet Mountain Range east of Missoula, arguing it would displace Canada lynx rather than conserve their critical habitat. Roads through the area are at the center of the dispute. U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen did not indicate when he would rule on the latest challenge.
Blue Cross Blue Shield breach could compromise one-third of Montana residents’ data
The Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance is warning 462,000 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana customers that their private information—including financial, health, and personal data—may be at risk following a major data breach. Commissioner James Brown has launched an investigation that could affect nearly one in three Montanans. The breach originated with a third-party vendor used by the insurance company.
USDA to reopen offices nationwide to aid farmers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to reopen about 2,100 county offices across the country. Each office will have two employees who will continue to receive pay despite the ongoing government shutdown. The offices assist farmers with farm loans, crop insurance, disaster aid, and other federal programs.
BNSF Railway fights Libby asbestos case in federal appeal
A panel of federal judges this week appeared skeptical of arguments from attorneys representing two deceased plaintiffs who claim BNSF Railway is responsible for past asbestos contamination at its rail yard in Libby. BNSF appealed the case to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals after a federal jury in Helena in 2024 found the company liable for asbestos exposure that likely caused their deaths. A ruling from the appeals court is not expected for several months.
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The Whitefish Community Foundation awarded $8.1 million to 85 Flathead Valley nonprofit organizations during this week’s Great Fish Awards Ceremony. The Great Fish Community Challenge is a charitable giving campaign that allows donors to support multiple organizations through a single contribution.
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TDS Communications has connected its 1,000th customer in Butte to all-fiber, high-speed internet. The company is building a $160 million network across Montana that will ultimately serve 150,000 homes and businesses.
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In downtown Belgrade, traffic congestion at peak hours causes vehicles to back up across the railroad tracks and along Main Street. The city is moving forward with plans to add two new roundabouts—one at Cruiser Lane and Dry Creek Road, and another at North Broadway and Main Street.
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Calumet Montana Refining and the Montana Department of Revenue have finalized a property tax settlement for the company’s crude oil refinery in Great Falls, covering tax years 2022 through 2025. The agreement resolves a long-running dispute over the facility’s fair market value.
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During the Big Sky Resort Area District’s annual convention this week, the board discussed nonprofit grant allocations. All eligible applicants received awards, and most projects were funded in full. The board moved its grant cycle from June to October to improve efficiency, requiring some nonprofits to request temporary funding to cover the four-month gap.
