Out-of-state providers target Native people in $55M insurance scheme
According to an announcement from State Auditor James Brown, out-of-state substance use treatment facilities have been carrying out a deceptive scheme targeting Native people in Montana, resulting in up to $55 million in fraudulent health insurance claims. PacificSource alerted the state auditor’s office in January 2025 about the suspected fraud.
Legislature seeks solutions on rising property insurance rates
Property insurance rates in Montana are increasing, and the legislature is trying to determine why. On Tuesday, the Legislature’s Economic Affairs Interim Committee heard from a panel that included insurance lobbyists, consumer advocates, and research organizations. Insurance companies said they are paying out more in claims than they take in, raising concerns about providers leaving the state.
BLM wants American Prairie’s bison kicked off Montana grazing leases
Overruling past decisions made by its own field managers and outlined in its Resource Management Plan, the Bureau of Land Management is proposing to revoke the nonprofit group American Prairie’s grazing privileges for bison on 63,500 acres of federal land in northeastern Montana. The Gianforte administration, which had challenged the permits and banned American Prairie from grazing bison on adjoining state lands, is praising the decision.
Billings airport officials announce $110M in upgrades to boost regional growth
Officials at Billings Logan International Airport unveiled expansion plans Tuesday outlining $110 million in upgrades over the next five years, with $20 million in projects projected for 2026 alone. The plans were presented to about 160 community members and focused on how airport expansion can drive local economic development. The comprehensive plan includes major ticket-terminal upgrades and new passenger amenities designed to improve the travel experience.
Montana Secretary of State reviewing voter rolls
In recent weeks, Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen’s office has been drawing attention to its increased efforts to review voter registrations, with the goal of removing ineligible voters from the rolls. Montana’s constitution requires voters to be U.S. citizens, and the state’s voter registration form requires applicants to certify citizenship. Montana currently has just under 785,000 registered voters.
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The boil order for tap water in the town of Libby, which was put in place after major flooding, has been downgraded to a “health advisory.” That means tap water is safe to drink, but people with compromised immune systems or other health concerns should consult their doctor. About 5,000 people are served by Libby’s water system.
As Flathead County’s population grows, so does development along its lakes and lakeshores. Some residents and land-use advocates say county rules designed to protect lake resources have gone unenforced. County administrators began updating the regulations two years ago, but staffing turnover and other challenges stalled progress. The county last updated its lake and lakeshore protection regulations in 2016.
The Montana Department of Transportation is working with Lincoln County to repair the damaged bridge on Farm-to-Market Road. A recent Facebook post said that after further review, building a new bridge was determined to be the best option. Planning is now underway, including reviews of environmental and land-use impacts.
Providence Montana is preparing to open its new $18 million Southgate Health Center in Missoula, with an official opening scheduled for next Monday. The facility includes a new urgent care clinic, a primary care clinic accepting new patients, and a Providence Heart Institute general cardiology clinic for established patients. Providence operates St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula and St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson, along with more than 40 clinics statewide, and employs about 2,800 people in Montana.
The Blackfeet Nation released a statement Tuesday regarding an incident in which a Browning Public Schools wrestling team was denied service at a McDonald’s restaurant in Ronan last week. The statement said the Blackfeet Nation remains committed to standing firmly against discrimination in all its forms. It was signed by the Blackfeet Tribal Business Council and the Blackfeet Executive Committee.
