Property Tax Rebate Deadline Approaching
Qualified Montana taxpayers have until October 1 to file a claim for their 2024 property tax rebate. The fastest way is online at getmyrebate.mt.gov, since mailing a paper application will add processing time. Most electronically filed rebates are issued by paper check within 30 days of filing. Paper-filed applications may take up to 60 days to process.
As Trump Punts on Medical Debt, Battle Over Patient Protections Moves to States
The Trump administration is scaling back federal efforts to protect Americans from medical bills they cannot pay. Meanwhile, bills in Montana and four other states to shield patients from medical debt failed this year. Advocates warn these states need to step up as millions of Americans are expected to lose insurance coverage under President Donald Trump’s tax and spending law. An estimated 100 million adults in the U.S. already carry some form of health care debt.
Montana DOJ Raises Greenwashing Claims in Investigation Into Four Big Tech Companies’ Energy Use
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen is working with 15 other attorneys general to investigate the renewable energy claims and power usage of four of the world’s largest tech companies. Knudsen argues Amazon, Google, Meta, and Microsoft could be violating Montana’s Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Act by claiming they are “solely” powered by renewable energy.
Unemployment Claims in Montana Increased Last Week
The U.S. Department of Labor reported Thursday that initial filings for unemployment benefits in Montana rose last week compared with the week before. New claims increased to 465 for the week ending September 20, up from 404 the prior week. Nationally, U.S. unemployment claims fell to 218,000, down 14,000 from 232,000 the previous week on a seasonally adjusted basis.
Critical Mineral Company’s Thompson Falls Expansion Advances After $245M Federal Contract
The United States Antimony Corporation’s operation in Thompson Falls, the only operating antimony smelter in the U.S., has secured a $245 million federal contract to supply the National Defense Stockpile. As part of an ongoing expansion, the company will create 25 new jobs and produce more than 300 standard tons of metals per month at its critical mineral mining and processing facility.
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Governor Greg Gianforte reinforced Montana’s trade relationship with Taiwan by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Taiwan Flour Millers Association. The agreement will expand opportunities for Montana’s agricultural sector, which sells 1.1 million metric tons of wheat to Taiwan annually.
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A 9th Circuit Court of Appeals panel sent back the case of a Billings man who previously pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a gun in a school zone near Broadwater Elementary School. The panel recommended dismissal of his indictment, ruling that the government failed to give him proper notice he could be violating federal law.
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The Missoula City Council approved a one-year contract with Black Knight Security to patrol city parks, homeless shelters, and government buildings. The agreement builds on prior contracts with the city and includes a 3% pay increase. Workers will now earn $44.03 per hour, with overtime billed at $66.05 per hour. The updated deal is valued at more than $779,000, up from $670,000 last year.
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The Bureau of Land Management has prepared a Record of Decision for the West Antelope III coal lease application submitted by Navajo Transitional Energy Company. The application seeks to develop coal resources in the Powder River Basin that are recoverable through surface mining methods.
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Supporters of the Signal Peak Energy Arena gathered Thursday to sign their names on the final steel beam completing the arena’s frame in Billings. The twin-sheet facility represents a major public-private investment in local sports and economic growth, with plans to open by early 2026. The $16.5 million project includes about $4.6 million in Tax Increment Financing from the South Billings Boulevard Urban Renewal District.
