Libby, Fort Belknap Still Without Drinking Water as Calendar Turns to New Year
As the calendar turns to a new year in Montana, a handful of communities are still reeling from separate natural disasters that damaged water supply systems, leaving thousands of residents without clean drinking water. Communities in both Libby and the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, nearly 400 miles apart, remain several weeks into boil-water orders, with efforts to deliver safe drinking water continuing well into the holidays.
Legacy of Service: Longtime Montana Senate Secretary Marilyn Miller Dies at 83
Tributes are pouring in today for a cornerstone of Montana politics. Marilyn Miller, the longtime Secretary of the State Senate, has passed away at the age of 83. Miller’s career spanned forty years at the state Capitol, where she served as both the Chief Clerk of the House and Secretary of the Senate. Known for her bipartisan approach, she was recently honored when the Senate leadership offices were renamed The Marilyn Miller Senate Suite. Senate President Matt Regier praised her “gentle strength,” stating that her mentorship touched thousands of lawmakers over the decades.
Montana Supreme Court Dismisses Misconduct Case Against Attorney General Austin Knudsen
The Montana Supreme Court has officially rejected a 90-day suspension for Attorney General Austin Knudsen. In a New Year’s Eve ruling, the court cited due process violations by the Commission on Practice. While the court issued a public admonition for two conduct violations, Knudsen called the long-running case a “political stunt” and says the distraction is finally over.
National Report Warns of Challenges Facing Rural America, Highlights Need for Policy Support and Investment
A recent national report is sounding the alarm about the future of rural America pointing to rising health care costs and a fragile economy. Beyond health care the report’s blueprint included investing in rural clean energy and doing more to strengthen democracy. Trent Bolger executive director of Big Sky 55+, an advocacy group for Montanans age 55 and older, says positive policies are crucial for allowing people the economic freedom to live and work in rural areas.
Trent Bolger
Montanans Largely Unreceptive to Efforts Highlighting “Negative” Signage on Public Lands
During the summer, QR codes were posted across public lands in the United States, including Montana, asking visitors to report government signage that ran afoul of President Donald Trump’s executive order titled “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History.” None of the nine comments submitted in Montana suggested changes that appeared to fit either the intent of the executive order or the purpose of the signage, which critics said was intended to support the president.
More Than 2,800 Pounds of Grass-Fed Ground Beef Recalled Across Six States
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced a recall of raw ground beef due to potential E. coli O26 contamination. The recall involves Mountain West Food Group LLC, an Idaho-based producer, after routine testing detected the bacteria in a specific batch of meat. The packages were shipped to major distributors in Montana and five other states before being sent on to various retail grocery stores.
Survey: Montanans Support Eliminating State Tax on Social Security Benefits
An AARP Vital Voices survey found that nearly four out of five Montanans age 45 and older say it is extremely or very important to eliminate or phase out the state tax on Social Security income. Under current law, older Montanans pay state income taxes on some of their Social Security benefits if their income exceeds certain thresholds. The survey of 720 people was conducted last June.
New ‘Product of USA’ Labeling Rules Take Effect With the New Year
Starting in the new year, shoppers may notice changes in how meat products are labeled at grocery stores. New federal rules tighten standards for when meat can carry a “Product of USA” or “Made in the USA” label. Meat may only use the “Product of USA” label if the animal was born, raised, slaughtered, and processed entirely in the United States. The updated policy aims to clarify food origins and reduce consumer confusion.
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Bridger Bowl ski area set a record for the water content in its December snowfall. The Bozeman-area hill received 64.75 inches of snow containing 9.05 inches of water. The previous record was set in December 1977, when Bridger recorded 114 inches of lighter snow containing 9.04 inches of water. The average December snowfall at Bridger Bowl is 55 inches with 3.78 inches of water.
Montana’s minimum wage increased to $10.85 an hour this year. Unlike some states that set wage increases years in advance, Montana’s minimum wage is indexed to inflation, meaning it automatically adjusts based on cost-of-living changes. The indexing is designed to help wages keep pace with rising prices over time.
Responding to routine calls as well as natural and domestic disasters, Butte’s police and fire services had a busy year in 2025. Police handled about 3,400 calls, slightly more than in 2024, with a similar number of arrests. Butte’s fire department estimates it responded to about 5,400 calls, up from the previous year, including roughly 50 structure fires.
Ravalli County commissioners have approved a resolution of intent to dissolve the Bitterroot Community College District. The decision follows the failure of a levy on the 2024 ballot, marking the third unsuccessful attempt by the college’s board of trustees to secure voter-supported funding. A public hearing on dissolving the district is scheduled for Wednesday, January 21.
Laurel police officer Ryland Ratliff works year-round to keep impaired drivers off the road, particularly during high-risk periods like New Year’s Eve, when impaired-driving deaths spike by 116 percent compared to regular days. Ratliff also serves on the Yellowstone County DUI Task Force, focusing on identifying and stopping impaired drivers before they can cause harm.
