After failed Senate votes, Montanans likely to see health costs soar in new year
Two opposing plans to address COVID-era insurance subsidies set to expire at the end of the year were rejected by U.S. senators Thursday. Unless Congress reaches an agreement before January 1, approximately 67,000 Montanans who purchase health insurance through the federal marketplace are expected to see some of the largest price increases in the country.
Governor Gianforte Receives Incident Command Briefing on Flooding in Libby
Montana Governor Greg Gianforte is responding to severe flooding in northwest Montana. Earlier today the governor joined an incident command briefing remotely after storms and snowmelt pushed the Fisher and Yaak Rivers to historic levels, damaging nine bridges and forcing lengthy detours for residents in Libby and Troy. One major bridge on Farm to Market Road collapsed after its approach eroded by nearly 200 feet. A boil water order remains in effect for Libby, and local crews are working around the clock to restore access. Gianforte has declared a flooding disaster, unlocking state resources to assist with recovery. For updates on closures and safety guidance, residents should call the Lincoln County Emergency Operations Center.
Made-in-Montana energy is back.
After President Trump overturned a Biden-era plan that blocked new coal leases on two million acres in eastern Montana. Senator Steve Daines calls it a big win for jobs, affordable energy, and Montana’s tax base—projecting four billion dollars in future revenue. He insists the state can mine responsibly while keeping clean air and water standards.
After a mid-pandemic boom, Montana’s population growth continues to slow in 2025
Montana’s population growth peaked during the COVID-19 pandemic but has slowed in recent years. According to state economists, Montana’s population growth in 2025 is projected to be between 0.3% and 0.4%, down from 0.52% in 2024. The state ranked 37th in population growth in 2024, a sharp decline from 2021 when Montana was tied for second in the country at 1.7%.
Montana Supreme Court says Attorney General wrongfully tried to rewrite ballot description
A unanimous Montana Supreme Court ruled that Attorney General Austin Knudsen had no basis for rewriting a constitutional initiative ballot statement that would make all district and Supreme Court judges nonpartisan. The court ordered Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen to restore the original language proposed by Montanans for Fair and Impartial Judges and certify the measure for signature collection.
Investigator: ‘No reasonable cause’ to believe state senator discriminated
The Montana Human Rights Bureau found “no reasonable cause to believe unlawful discrimination occurred” by Republican state Sen. Barry Usher, as alleged by state Sen. Mary Ann Dunwell. The Helena Democrat filed a complaint this summer accusing the Senate Judiciary Committee chairman of bullying, belittling, and harassing members of the public and other legislators based on political beliefs, sex, and gender identity.
Judge blocks massive logging project in southern Montana
A federal judge in Missoula on Thursday vacated the U.S. Forest Service’s approval of a major logging project that would have removed about 16,500 acres of pine trees in the Custer Gallatin National Forest, just north of Yellowstone National Park. Judge Donald Molloy’s ruling partly overturned recommendations from a magistrate judge earlier this year, who had sided with the Forest Service after hearing oral arguments on motions for summary judgment.
More Headlines
• The Whitefish Community Foundation awarded a $125,000 grant to DREAM Adaptive Recreation to support construction of a new 15,000-square-foot headquarters. The nonprofit provides year-round outdoor adaptive recreation for children and adults with disabilities.
• After a push by Montana leaders, President Donald Trump on Thursday signed a resolution repealing a moratorium on new federal coal leasing in the Powder River Basin. The moratorium, enacted in late 2024 by the Biden administration, cited declining coal demand and climate impacts.
• Missoula’s city-county planning board finalized its vision for future development this week, unanimously approving the draft Unified Development Code. The package includes a new zoning map and updated regulations that will guide what can be built across the city. The proposal now heads to the city council for final approval.
• Senator Tim Sheehy, joined by veterans and elite skydivers, reclaimed the world record for the largest flag flown during a group skydive. The team deployed a 3,200-square-foot, 170-pound American flag from a Vietnam-era Huey helicopter about 10,000 feet above Arizona.
• The Spirit of Columbia Gardens Carousel at Stodden Park in Butte will host a holiday celebration from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday. Children can visit Santa Claus, ride the carousel, and enjoy available snacks.
