New Homebuyer Assistance Program Launches Across Montana

New Homebuyer Assistance Program Launches Across Montana

NeighborWorks Montana has introduced HomeStretch, a new homebuyer assistance program available in 22 counties statewide. The program contributes 30% of the home purchase price and includes a limited equity return at resale to support future buyers. HomeStretch targets households earning 60% to 140% of the Area Median Income and aims to make homeownership possible for more Montanans.

Montana State Prison Water Back to ‘Normal Use,’ Corrections Department Says

The water supply at the Montana State Prison near Deer Lodge has returned to normal use after a three-week effort to patch the facility’s failing water system. Department of Corrections spokesperson Carolyn Stocker said Tuesday that the system is now operational following numerous leak repairs and valve replacements — but a clear risk of failure remains.

Montanans Could See Some SNAP Benefits ‘in the Coming Weeks’

Montana SNAP users may see some financial aid for groceries on their electronic benefit cards this month, but “far less” than expected. On Tuesday, U.S. Department of Agriculture officials informed states that maximum allocations for households enrolled in the food assistance program will be cut in half for November.

In Montana, a household of two people will be eligible for a maximum of $273, while a household of four will be eligible for up to $497.

States Where Credit Card Delinquency Rates Are Rising the Fastest – WalletHub Study

With credit card delinquency rates increasing in all 50 states during the first two quarters of 2025, the personal finance company WalletHub has released its updated report on the States Where Credit Card Delinquency Is Increasing the Most.

Montana ranks 20th on the list. Minnesota saw the highest increase, while Florida ranks 50th, showing the smallest rise in delinquency.

Legislative Panel Begins Investigation Into Campus Censorship Claims

A new legislative committee met Monday to begin investigating alleged censorship and civil rights violations on Montana University System campuses. Unlike other interim committees, this one will meet only three times and has an equal number of Democrats and Republicans.

Committee members plan to schedule their next meeting around midterms and finals, hoping to find a time convenient for students to attend and testify.

More Headlines

• Bozeman Democrat Representative Ed Stafman has resigned effective immediately from the State Legislature, citing a desire to spend more time with family. The Gallatin County Democrats will nominate three candidates to replace him, and the Gallatin County Commissioners will appoint one from that list. Stafman’s resignation comes midway through his third term in the Legislature.

• RiverStone Health in Billings is donating an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to the Lockwood Little League to ensure players, families, and fans have lifesaving support close at hand. The AED will be presented at the concessions stand this afternoon at 4 p.m., where it will be permanently housed and accessible for emergencies.

• Custer County leaders are making their case for locating a proposed state mental hospital in Miles City, citing available space, workforce capacity, and strategic advantages. The state is evaluating potential locations for the new $26.2 million facility in eastern Montana. The proposed site would sit behind the Pine Hills Correctional Facility, which houses youth offenders.

• Intermountain Health St. Vincent Regional Hospital has received the 2025 Innovation in Healthcare Award from the Montana Hospital Association. The honor recognizes the hospital’s robotics hub project and its impact on patient care and surgical innovation, allowing providers to consult virtually and monitor robotic-assisted surgeries in real time.

• A Flathead County District Court judge has denied a motion to temporarily halt the Lakeside County Water and Sewer District’s expansion plans. The district is upgrading its 40-year-old wastewater plant to prepare for population growth and improve treatment capacity. A second phase includes constructing a septage treatment facility to serve Flathead County.