DLI Warns Montanans of New Statewide Email Phishing Scam
The Montana Department of Labor and Industry is warning residents about a new email phishing scam. Officials say the messages appear to come from a fake “Bridget Hawkins” and reference code‑enforcement notices, urging people to open attachments or confirm documents. DLI stresses these emails do not come from official state domains, and interacting with them could expose you to malware or identity theft. Anyone who receives one is urged to delete it and report suspicious messages to the Office of Consumer Protection.
Lawsuit Challenges Recent Montana Property Tax Changes
Montana’s new property tax law is heading to court. Four Republican lawmakers filed a lawsuit in Gallatin County, claiming the tax shift on second homes and short-term rentals violates the state constitution. Critics argue the “reallocation” unfairly burdens small business owners and retirees. While the legal battle unfolds, officials say the current tax rules remain in effect.
Montana Forester Slams Court Ruling Halting South Plateau Timber Project
A major federal court ruling is sending shockwaves through Montana’s logging industry. U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy has vacated the South Plateau timber project near Yellowstone, citing “vague” plans regarding temporary roads and grizzly bear habitats. Sun Mountain Lumber forester Sean Steinebach calls the decision a “killer” for local mills, warning that skyrocketing transportation costs to haul logs from out of state are becoming unsustainable. However, conservationists argue the ruling is a win for the law, claiming the Forest Service failed to provide the transparency required to protect threatened species.
Judicial Election Spotlight: Dan Wilson Headlines Montana GOP Event
Montana Supreme Court candidate Dan Wilson took center stage at the Republican Party’s winter kickoff in Great Falls this weekend. While the race is officially nonpartisan, Wilson leaned into his conservative credentials, citing his past rulings against pandemic-era mask mandates. GOP leaders emphasized the importance of the seat, as the court remains a final hurdle for several stalled legislative priorities.
St. Peter’s Health Systemic Failure
A federal investigation into St. Peter’s Health in Helena has uncovered a “systemic” failure to report sexual abuse allegations. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services found that a dozen staff members failed to document multiple reports of sexual harassment and assault by two employees over a two-year period. The watchdog report warns these lapses created an unsafe environment, placing all patients at risk. Hospital officials say they have since adopted updated reporting protocols and trained their entire team to prevent future failures.
Butte Hit-And-Run Sentencing
A Butte woman has been sentenced for a fatal hit-and-run on the Montana Tech campus. Shania O’Brien received seven years, with five suspended, for the 2023 death of Austin Nieves. O’Brien, who had been drinking, fled the scene after striking Nieves with her Jeep. The judge called her actions “reprehensible” before she was taken into custody.
