Celebrating 20 Years of Smoke-Free Spaces in Montana
2025 marks the 20th anniversary of Montana’s Clean Indoor Air Act. The law affirms that everyone—from bartenders and cocktail waitresses to night-shift fry cooks—deserves clean, smoke-free air. No one should have to choose between a paycheck and their lungs. This year, state lawmakers updated the definition of smoking to include electronic smoking devices.
Senator Ellsworth Suspended From Office During Prosecution, District Judge Rules
Lewis and Clark County District Court Judge Kathy Seeley has suspended Republican state Senator Jason Ellsworth from office pending his criminal prosecution. Ellsworth is accused of attempting to quietly arrange a no-bid, six-figure state contract for a longtime friend. He is scheduled to make his initial court appearance and enter a plea on January 6.
Montana Poised to Receive Fourth-Largest Award in $50 Billion Federal Rural Health Program
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced Monday that Montana will receive $233 million this year and up to $1.2 billion over the next five years. The funding is intended to improve access to care and support providers in rural areas through the administration’s Rural Health Transformation Program. The announcement was met with widespread support from many of the state’s leading health care organizations.
Secretary Christi Jacobsen Continues Montana Business Support by Waiving Fees Once Again
For the third year in a row, Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen is waiving the annual report filing fee, this time for 2026. She also announced the fee will be waived again in 2027, marking four consecutive years of providing the one-time waiver to local businesses. The decision is expected to save Montana businesses more than $21 million over the next two years. In 2024, nearly 64,000 new businesses registered with the Secretary of State’s Office, and new registrations in 2025 have already surpassed that total.
Tax Relief, Minimum Wage, and SNAP Changes
As 2026 approaches, Montanans are preparing for several financial and policy changes. Montana’s minimum wage will increase by 30 cents to $10.85 an hour. A new federal law allows states to use USDA-approved waivers to restrict what SNAP benefits can purchase, including certain sugary drinks, candy, and other non-nutritious items. Additionally, a new state homestead property tax exemption could lower bills for thousands of residents.
More Headlines
Starting early next year, construction crews will break ground on six new homes in Columbia Falls as part of Habitat for Humanity of Flathead Valley’s latest project. The effort builds on the nonprofit’s growing inventory of below-market-rate homes. Applications for the single-family residences at the corner of Railroad Street and Fourth Avenue East North are open until February 3.
A recent death stemming from a domestic dispute in Laurel is drawing attention to an increase in this type of violence during the holidays. The incident occurred on Christmas Day, when a man in his 50s was found stabbed to death at his home on the 800 block of Piper Loop. According to Billings Clinic Forensic Nursing Coordinator Bridget Nelson, domestic-related violence is common this time of year.
Across the Northwest, a record-warm fall and a lack of snowpack heading into winter are increasing drought concerns in Oregon, Idaho, Washington, and western Montana. Snowpack, which acts as a natural reservoir for summer months when rainfall is scarce, is not accumulating at typical levels.
Veterans in the Lewistown area now have access to free transportation to their VA medical appointments through a new service offered by the Great Plains Veterans Services Center. The program provides rides to veterans traveling to VA or VA-referred appointments, addressing a major challenge for those living in rural Montana, where medical facilities can be hours away.
Former Yellowstone County prosecutor Edward Zink was sworn in Monday as the newest 13th Judicial District Judge, bringing three decades of legal experience to the bench. The courtroom ceremony was officiated by Judge Rod Souza.
