SNAP 80-Hour Rule Starts This Month
Changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) took effect after Congress passed the federal budget bill this summer. Under the new rules, Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) in Montana—ages 18 to 49—must meet work requirements to receive benefits for more than three months in a 36-month period. This includes working, participating in job training, or volunteering at least 80 hours per month.
Glacier Park Remains Open Despite Federal Shutdown
Glacier National Park remains open during the federal government shutdown, but disruptions to operations are expected to affect local economies. Concessionaires are allowed to continue running facilities such as lodges and restaurants, but no visitor services are currently being provided.
Government Shutdown: What It Means for Montanans
Federally funded programs administered by state agencies will continue as normal for at least 30 days, according to the governor’s office. This comes after the first U.S. government shutdown since 2018 began at midnight on October 1.
State Supreme Court Hears Police Filming Case
The Montana Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday in a case involving Sean Doman, who claims his constitutional free speech rights were violated when he was arrested for filming police officers during a traffic stop. Attorneys from the ACLU argued his right to record was protected under the First Amendment. The Attorney General’s Office, representing the City of Kalispell, countered that while the right to record exists, it has limits—and Doman interfered with the traffic stop.
Anglers Boost Montana’s Economy by $1.27 Billion
Research from the University of Montana’s Bureau of Business and Economic Research found that more than 450,000 anglers spent an estimated $1.27 billion on fishing trips in the state in 2024. Over 70 percent of that spending came from out-of-state visitors, who contributed significantly to lodging, guide services, restaurants, and other tourism-related sectors.
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The U.S. District Court of Montana is operating under phase one of its shutdown plan, relying on reserve funds from court fees and no-year appropriations. Employees will be paid once Congress passes an appropriation.
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The federal shutdown is affecting agriculture. Farm loan processing and farmer payments, including billions in disaster aid from President Donald Trump’s tax-cut and spending bill, have stopped. The USDA will continue limited mission-critical operations such as food inspections and nutrition program administration.
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Over 6,000 new businesses registered in Montana in September, up from about 4,900 in September 2024. The state is on pace to surpass last year’s total of 64,000 new businesses, marking the fifth straight year of growth.
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The Huntley Project School District broke ground Wednesday on a $1.7 million multipurpose center near the high school. The facility will serve as a gym, classroom space, and wrestling practice area. Construction is expected to be completed by spring 2026, with hopes to open by late February or mid-March.
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Montana’s waterfowl season opens Saturday. Last year, the state introduced a new commemorative Migratory Bird Stamp to raise awareness of wetland conservation. Proceeds from migratory bird license sales will continue to support wetland habitat conservation and restoration.
