Montana Is the Last State Without a Texting-While-Driving Law
Montana remains the only state in the United States without a law banning texting while driving. According to data from the National Conference of State Legislatures, distracted driving accounted for 8% of all traffic fatalities nationwide in 2022—resulting in more than 3,000 deaths.
Although there is no statewide ban, many Montana cities have enacted local ordinances prohibiting drivers from using their hands to call or text while behind the wheel within city limits.
Montanans Face Rising Costs and Uncertainty During Medicare Open Enrollment Amid Political Turmoil
Over 260,000 Montanans will soon review their Medicare options for 2026, with many facing significant premium increases, higher deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs. The open enrollment runs now through December 7. With rising costs and political uncertainty, insurance agents warn of confusion and potential coverage gaps as people select plans amid increasing financial pressures.
Governor Gianforte Announces Trade Mission to South Korea and Japan to Strengthen Montana’s Key Trade Relationships
Governor Greg Gianforte announced a trade mission to South Korea and Japan from October 19-25, involving Montana industries like agriculture, manufacturing, photonics, and bioscience. The trip follows a 2023 mission to Taiwan. Montana’s relationship with Japan dates back to 1982 via Sister State ties with Kumamoto prefecture. Japan and Korea are among Montana’s top trading partners, with significant exports of machinery, coal, beef, and wheat.
Corner-Crossing Petition to Supreme Court Employs Successful Past Strategies
The U.S. Supreme Court will meet today to consider whether to hear a Wyoming case in which ranch owner Fred Eshelman seeks to block the public from “corner crossing” to access public land surrounded by his Carbon County ranch.
Corner crossing—the act of stepping from one corner of public land to another where it meets private property—is not currently legal in Montana. The practice was not included in a recent federal ruling that established its legality in six other western states.
Maps Show NOAA’s New Winter Forecast for the U.S.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued its 2025–2026 winter outlook on Thursday. The forecast predicts above-normal precipitation from December through February for the Pacific Northwest and northern California, as well as the northern Rockies, Great Plains, and western Great Lakes—conditions consistent with the expected presence of La Niña.
‘We Will Appeal’: Judge Dismisses Youth Suit Against Trump’s Climate Actions
U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen this week dismissed a lawsuit brought by 22 young adults challenging former President Donald Trump’s executive orders that rolled back climate protections. The judge cited the Ninth Circuit’s 2020 opinion in a similar constitutional climate case that the U.S. Supreme Court effectively ended in March.
Among the plaintiffs are Eva Lighthiser and Rikki Held, the lead plaintiff in the historic Held v. State of Montana case. The group has announced plans to appeal the decision.
Montana Residents to Join Mass Protest Saturday, October 18
Residents from more than 2,000 communities nationwide—including 26 in Montana—will rally on Saturday in what organizers expect to be one of the largest coordinated demonstrations in U.S. history.
As thousands of Montanans continue to feel the impact of the federal government shutdown and related agency layoffs, participants will join millions across the country to declare their unity “against kings.” Organizers of all “No Kings” events emphasize a shared commitment to nonviolent protest and community safety.
More Headlines
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MSU Billings Enrollment Up:
More than 600 new freshmen started classes at Montana State University Billings this fall—a 9% increase over Fall Semester 2024 and the largest incoming class since 2019. University Campus retention rates have also reached record highs. -
Missoula Tree Restoration Effort:
During a windstorm that hit Missoula in July 2024, Sentinel High School lost an estimated 25% of its trees across its 45-acre campus. Following a recent replanting effort, the school grounds now have more than twice as many trees as before the storm. -
Beartooth Trail Reconnected:
The bridge at Rimrock Lake has been installed more than three years after the previous structure was washed out in a historic flood. The 26-mile route from East Rosebud Lake, over the 10,000-foot Beartooth Mountains, and down to the Clarks Fork Yellowstone River drainage—first completed in 1966—is once again fully connected. -
New Billings Water Plant Coming Online:
A new water treatment facility is scheduled to go online in Billings in 2026, supplementing the existing plant that has served the city for 110 years. The project is expected to save between $200,000 and $300,000 annually in energy costs and reduce reliance on extensive pumping from the original facility. -
Bigfork Senior Center Expands:
The Bigfork Senior Center is celebrating the opening of its new used book and clothing store this weekend. The shop will help raise funds for a wheelchair ramp and future expansion of the center’s facilities. Following a recent membership drive, about 180 people have enrolled this month, with volunteers working to increase community engagement in the new space.
