Department of Corrections Asks Communities if They’re Interested in Hosting New Women’s Prison
The 2025 Legislature budgeted $250 million to build the future of Montana’s prison system, including a new women’s prison. Now, the Montana Department of Corrections has issued a request for communities across the state to indicate whether they are interested in hosting the new women’s facility.
Montana Tribal Colleges and Universities Deliver Powerful Economic Boost to State and Local Communities
A new economic impact study highlights the contributions of Montana’s seven Tribal Colleges and Universities to the state’s economy and workforce. In fiscal year 2022–2023, they generated $332.2 million in added income, representing approximately 0.5% of the state’s total gross state product and supporting 5,178 jobs.
Montana Will Need Dozens of New Employees to Roll Out Federal Medicaid Work Requirements
New eligibility requirements in the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” signed into law on the Fourth of July by President Donald Trump, are expansive. During a presentation to state lawmakers on Tuesday, Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services officials said that hiring 40 to 50 new employees would be one of the most expensive parts of complying with the new federal regulations.
Feds Launch Investigation into Montana Youth Behavioral Health System
The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating whether Montana is violating the Americans with Disabilities Act by failing to provide services to children with behavioral health needs. The investigation focuses on allegations that the state has not provided sufficient community-based services, resulting in children being placed in psychiatric residential treatment facilities or other institutions, when they could be receiving care closer to home.
Montana Wildfire Season Shows Major Decrease
This year’s wildfire season in Montana has so far been one of the least damaging in the past decade. Approximately 71,000 acres have burned, with most of the larger fires occurring in the past month. In comparison, about 157,000 acres burned last year, and more than 1.3 million acres were scorched during the major fire year of 2017. This year’s 2,100 fires are close to the historical average and comparable to 2024.
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Whitefish Visitor Spending Hits Record High
Visitor spending in Whitefish reached an all-time high in July, totaling approximately $15.65 million—up 23% from July 2024. The top five international visitor origins were Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Germany, and New Zealand. Visitor spending contributed 71% to the overall market share in July and 60% year-to-date.
Congressman Zinke Welcomes Montana’s Inaugural Honor Flight
Congressman Ryan Zinke welcomed Montana’s inaugural Honor Flight this week, as 32 veterans from across the state traveled to the nation’s capital to visit memorials and monuments dedicated to their service. He met the group at the U.S. Navy Memorial, where he spoke with the veterans, answered questions, and reflected on the meaning of military service.
Federal Lease Sale Raises $38 Million
The U.S. Bureau of Land Management raised $38 million in its latest oil and gas lease sale, which included 23 parcels in Montana and North Dakota totaling over 7,500 acres. A 12.5% royalty rate will apply to oil and gas production from these leases. Proceeds will be shared between the federal government and the two states.
Young Plaintiffs Testify in Missoula Against Fossil Fuel Policies
Twenty-two young plaintiffs testified in Missoula on Tuesday, asking U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen to halt President Donald Trump’s policies promoting coal and other fossil fuels. It was the first of two days of testimony and arguments, as they seek a preliminary injunction to pause the implementation of three executive orders while the case moves forward.
Montana State University Sees Record Enrollment
A record 17,165 students registered at Montana State University this fall. MSU welcomed 3,743 new first-time college students, with 1,572 of them being from Montana. MSU remains the largest university in the four-state region that includes Wyoming and the Dakotas.
Montana Auditor’s Office Blocks Unwarranted Insurance Rate Increases
Between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, the Montana Auditor’s Office protected tens of thousands of Montanans from unwarranted insurance premium increases. It did so by reviewing and ultimately denying unsupported insurance rate filings. During this period, the office reviewed and closed 3,551 rate filings.
