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Shoppers are feeling the pinch of higher grocery prices in Montana, where food costs rose ninth-most in the nation in 2023. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, April 22, 2024

FTC: Grocers gouging consumers with food prices

Food prices remain high, in Montana and across the country. A new report by the Federal Trade Commission says the country's largest grocery …

According to the Montana Farmers Union, data is often harvested by third parties through precision ag tools, without a farmer's knowledge. (Adobe Stock)

Montana farmers want ag data protection

Montana farmers have testified before a panel of state lawmakers asking them to protect agricultural data that is collected by precision farming techn…

The number of mental health-care providers in Montana increased 36%, from 282.7 to 385.1 per 100,000 people, according to the United Health Foundation report. (Adobe stock)

Health report: Bright spots and warning signs in Montana

New data from the United Health Foundation show a handful of significant and chronic health conditions on the rise across the U.S. But there is …

Montana used $13.5 million in pandemic relief aid to upgrade its online unemployment benefits application system. (Adobe Stock)

MT upgrades 'archaic' unemployment system

Montana has upgraded its outdated online unemployment insurance system, which should allow the state to process unemployment claims more efficiently…

It's estimated that 37.2% of women and 34.6% of men in Montana have experienced physical, sexual or stalking abuse from an intimate partner. Evidence indicates the numbers are vastly underestimated, according to 'domesticviolence.org.' (Adobe Stock)

MT launches $1 million family mediation program

CORRECTION: The funding source for this program is federal. An earlier version indicated that Montana state tax dollars were funding it, which is not …

According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey program, about 29% of Montana households pay more than 30% of their income for rent. (Adobe Stock)<br />

MT housing advocates take aim at cost disparity

New U.S. census data show nearly a third of Montanans spend at least 30% of their income on housing. Advocates for affordable housing said it mostly …

Montana fair housing laws prohibit discrimination based on someone's protected class status, including age, race, creed, familial status, national origin, religion, color, sex, marital status or disability. (Adobe Stock)

Fair housing advocates concerned over changes to MT tenant law

A key change to Montana's Landlord Tenant Act is causing concern among people who advocate for affordable housing. The Legislature shortened the …

EPA Upholds MT Farmers' 'Right to Repair'

The Environmental Protection Agency has upheld Montana farmers' right to repair their own equipment, and says doing so does not violate the Clean Air …

Some 43.5 million Americans have some form of federal or private student loan debt, which is 13% of the population, according to the Federal Reserve's Consumer Credit report. (Adobe Stock)

MT Sees Sluggish Signup for SAVE Program to Reduce Student Debt

The U.S. Department of Education said more than 4 million Americans have enrolled in the Biden administration's college loan repayment program…

More than 136 million people in the United States are TikTok users, and more than half are women. (Adobe Stock)

Montana ACLU Files Legal Support Opposing TikTok Ban

The ACLU of Montana is supporting a lawsuit to overturn a ban on the social media platform TikTok. Montana lawmakers passed a bill fining app …

The unpaid care provided by the 115,000 caregivers in Montana is valued at $1.76 billion, according to new state data available in AARP's latest report in the Valuing the Invaluable series. (Adobe Stock)

AARP MT Calls for In-Home Care Reform

More than 48 million Americans count themselves as in-home caregivers, helping loved ones live independently as long as possible. A recent AARP …

A bipartisan group of attorneys general in 31 states, including Montana, and the District of Columbia are partnering with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to enhance competition and protect consumers in food and agricultural markets. Montana does not currently have a price-gouging law. (Adobe stock)

MT Joins Food Price Gouging Investigation

Montana is part of a bipartisan effort around the U.S. to strengthen enforcement and prevent antitrust activity within the nation's food system…

The U.S. Postal Service delivers more mail than any of its counterparts around the world, serving nearly 165 million addresses in the country and covering every state, city and town. (Adobe Stock)

Short Staffed, USPS Still Meets High Demand in Rural MT

The U.S. Postal Service marks National Postal Worker Day this Saturday, recognizing the effort it takes to deliver mail across the country through …

In exchange for 25 pro bono hours and 225 reduced rate service hours, the Montana Legal Services Association's RIPL program provides networking, assistance with business and client development, and hands-on legal experience. (Adobe Stock)

Program 'Incubates' New Lawyers and Rural Montanans

The Montana Legal Services Association has started a program to help young attorneys get started on a path to success - becoming community leaders…

Ranchers say imported beef hurts the market in the United States from local producers. (Laura/Adobe Stock)

USDA Rule Would Reform 'Made in USA' Meat Labeling

Ranching and agriculture groups say the federal government has taken a positive step in ensuring truth in labeling on meat from the United States…

Montana Legal Services Association provides advice in civil cases across the state's 56 counties. (Bacho Foto/Adobe Stock)

Retired MT Attorneys Provide Pro Bono Legal Advice

For their next act in life, retired attorneys in Montana are providing free legal advice on civil matters over the phone. The Second Act Justice …

Nonprofit organizations employed nearly 30,000 Montanans in 2019. (Artur/Adobe Stock)

Workers at MT Nonprofits Feel Burden of Ramped-Up Demand

The work of some nonprofit organizations has only increased with the pandemic and the needs that have come from it. An author and expert in the field …

In a recent survey, 86% of Montanans polled said they believe their health-care costs increase each year. (Michail Petrov/Adobe Stock)

Montanans Look to Congress for Help on Health-Care Costs

Congress is considering a major package of bills that could affect not only investments in fighting climate change, but also the affordability of …

Debt cases have steadily grown to dominate state civil courts, according to the Pew Charitable Trusts.(MU Studio/Adobe Stock)

New Tool Offers Legal Resources for Common Issue: Debt Collection

A new website is helping Montanans answer tricky legal questions about debt. The Montana Legal Services Association has launched MontanaDebtOptions.…

Apps can help people understand how certain purchases will affect their overall budget. (Andrey Popov/Adobe Stock)

Money Tips for Young Montanans Who've Become Financially Independent

Many recent Montana high school graduates are setting off on their own, meaning it's likely their first time being financially independent. A few …

Gas prices are higher on average in western Montana than they are in eastern Montana. (Vin�cius Bacarin/Adobe Stock)

Expect Delays: High Gas Prices Not Slowing Down Travel

The cost of heading out of town this Memorial Day weekend will be higher than past years, with higher gas prices and inflation hitting travelers…

Four meat companies - Cargill, Tyson Foods, JBS and National Beef Packing - control about 70% of the beef market in the United States. (agnormark/Adobe Stock)

Fed Funds for Small MT Meat Processors Fend off Industry Consolidation

Small Montana meat processors are on the front lines against the large companies that control the industry. Funding from the American Rescue Plan is …

The federal government announced its overhaul of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program last year. (Stephanie Zieber/Adobe Stock)

Gratitude, Relief for Public Workers Who Saw Student Debt Erased

Changes to a federal loan-forgiveness program are erasing debt for public employees, but people have a limited window to consolidate their debt under …

Montana groups are among those who signed onto a letter urging Congress to pass mandatory country-of-origin labeling. (Tsado/Adobe Stock)

MT Ranchers: Time is Now to Pass Beef Labeling Act

Farmers and ranchers in Montana and across the nation are calling on Congress to pass the American Beef Labeling Act. Most food is required to have …

Violet Hopkins had been paying off her student debt for more than a decade when she got news it had been forgiven. (Courtesy of Violet Hopkins)

Public Service Loan-Forgiveness Overhaul Brings Relief for Montanans

Changes to a student-loan program for public-service employees is transforming the lives of Montanans who had their debts forgiven. In October…

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program typically helps people with incomes of $58,000 or less. (adragan/Adobe Stock)

Assistance Available for Montanans as Tax Season Begins

It's tax season, which can be a scary prospect for some. But free aid will be available for many Montanans across the state. Chastity Roofner …

The U.S. Energy Information Administration reports that energy costs across the nation rose from 2020 to 2021, resulting in higher utility fees for many families. (Adobe Stock)

Support Available for MT Residents Facing Housing Insecurity

As Montana heads deeper into winter, state officials want folks to know financial support is available for those facing housing insecurity during the …

Donations to charitable nonprofits such as the Billings Public Library are eligible for a non-itemized deduction, now through Friday. (Billings Public Library Foundation)

Tax Deduction for Charitable Donations Expires Friday

There is still time to give to charity and claim a deduction on your taxes, whether you itemize or not, but the temporary pandemic-era deduction …

Signers of a letter to NorthWestern Energy's chief executive want the company to move away from fossil fuels. (Winona Batemen)

Frustration Boils Over as MT Utility Doubles Down on Fossil Fuels

The clean-energy future needs to start now, according to some Montanans fighting to change the direction of the state's largest utility. Nearly 1,000…

Scammers use phony websites that look legitimate to steal people's information. (Atstock Productions/Adobe Stock)

Tips to Avoid Holiday Scams for Last-Minute Shoppers

Attention last-minute shoppers: stay vigilant as you complete your gift-buying. Scammers are lurking. Rebecca Barr - public relations and …

More than one in four people in a recent survey said when payments resume in February, they'll be paying at least one-third of their income toward student loans. (Vitalii Vodolazskyi/Adobe Stock)

Financial Tips as Student-Loan Payments Set to Resume Soon

GREAT FALLS, Mont. - Student-loan borrowers have had a reprieve from making payments during the pandemic, but that's set to end in 2022. Starting in …

A recent poll finds 68% of Montanans have struggled to pay a medical bill, even while they had health insurance. (Valeri Luzina/Adobe Stock)

Poll: Montanans Eager to See Health-Care Costs Go Down

HELENA, Mont. - As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, Montanans are thinking about the quality of their health care, according to new research. A poll …

There are more than 58 million acres of farm and ranch land in Montana. (Annika Charter-Williams)

August Challenge for Montanans: Eat Local Every Day

BILLINGS, Mont. - Montanans are being challenged this month to eat locally grown foods, every day of August. The Northern Plains Resource Council is …

The Blackfeet Reservation is one of seven tribal reservations in Montana. (Kushnirov Avraham/Adobe Stock)

DIY Estate Planning Essential for MT Tribal Members

HELENA, Mont. - COVID-19 is underscoring the importance of ensuring that people's estates are in order, but estate planning can be be tricky for …

Independent cattle ranchers feel the squeeze from large meatpacking companies such as JBS. (Gerwin Schadl/Adobe Stock)

Cyberattack Offers Chance for Reform in Meat Industry

HELENA, Mont. -- Ranchers see opportunities for reform in the wake of a cyberattack on the world's largest meatpacking company. JBS controls nearly …

The Court Help Connect program in 11 locations across Montana helps folks fill out legal documents. (BillionPhotos.com/Adobe Stock)

Program Brings Civil Legal Help to Rural Montanans

HELENA, Mont. -- Legal documents can be hard to parse, and for rural Montanans, and it also can be hard to find help filling out those documents…

Wheelchair-accessible vehicles often are prohibitively expensive for the people who need them. (Harvey Keim)

Loan Program Helps Montanans with Disabilities Afford Assistive Tech

HELENA, Mont. - People with disabilities face a number of barriers to getting the equipment they need in daily life. A program in Montana is helping …

Critics are concerned a bill allowing NorthWestern Energy to buy more Colstrip energy could pass on costs of more than $700 to each ratepayer annually. (Rachel Cernansky/Flickr)

MT Poll: Kill NorthWestern Bid to Buy More Coal-Fired Power

HELENA, Mont. - Most Montanans are opposed to a bill that would allow NorthWestern Energy to buy greater shares in units at the Colstrip power plant…

Virtual aids like Zoom have become more common tools for attorneys, allowing them to meet remotely with clients during the COVID-19 pandemic. (NicoElNino/Adobe Stock)

Project Gets Affordable Legal Aid to Rural Montanans

HELENA, Mont. - A Montana program is reaching rural residents who struggle to afford legal representation when they need it. The Rural Incubator …

Last year, about four in five Montanans who applied for plans through Healthcare.gov qualified for financial assistance. (megaflopp/Adobe Stock)

Marketplace for Affordable Health Plans Reopens Soon

HELENA, Mont. -- Montanans will have another chance to find low-cost health insurance starting Monday. Through executive order, President Joe Biden …

Does protecting businesses from liability for customers' COVID-19 infections excuse those who haven't made safety precautions a priority? Montana legislators are debating the issue. (DanRentea/Adobe Stock)

MT Business Liability Bill: Necessary, or a Shield for 'Bad Actors?'

HELENA, Mont. -- Lawmakers in Montana and other states are considering legislation to give businesses liability protection in lawsuits related to …

Documents from Puget Sound Energy show a section of Colstrip Unit 4 needs $20 million in repairs.(Rachel Cernansky/Spot Us)

Few Details in NorthWestern Energy Bid for Colstrip Unit

LIVINGSTON, Mont. - Some Montanans are concerned about the lack of transparency in a proposal that's expected to have a major impact on the state's …

Montana's new climate-change report addresses the health impacts of global warming, including poor air quality from more wildfire smoke. (Adobe Stock)

MT Climate Plan Aims for Carbon Neutrality by 2050

MISSOULA, Mont. -- As wildfires rage across the West, a new report from the Montana Climate Solutions Council calls for a complete reduction in …

For the local food challenge, Montanans are encouraged to eat something grown locally everyday. (Northern Plains Resource Council)

Montana Local Food Challenge: More Significance This Year

HELENA, Mont. - This August is the fifth annual Montana Local Food Challenge. With the food supply chain and local businesses in a precarious state …

The U.S. Postal Service was left out of coronavirus relief in the CARES Act. (MelissaMN/Adobe Stock)

Postal Workers Rally Across U.S. to Save Post Office

HELENA, Mont. -- Postal workers are rallying across the country today for Save the Post Office Day. The U.S. Postal Service has struggled during …

The U.S. Senate could vote on the Great American Outdoors Act as soon as this week. (Mike Knell/Flickr)

Senate Poised to Pass Great American Outdoors Act

HELENA, Mont. -- Congress could give a boost to the outdoor places Montanans enjoy most. The Senate is considering the Great American Outdoors Act…

An orphaned oil well cleanup fund could put employees of the fossil fuel industry back to work, mitigating the environmental damage at abandoned well sites. (tristanbnz/Adobe Stock)

COVID-19 Relief Proposals: Bail Out States, Workers – Not Oil Companies

HELENA, Mont. -- The Trump administration and Congress are considering relief for the fossil fuel industry, which has been hit hard by low demand …

American Prairie Reserve's donation of bison meat to the Montana Food Bank Network is coming at time when some meat processors are closed due to COVID-19 (Mike Quist Kautz/APR)

American Prairie Reserve Donates Bison Meat to MT Food Bank Network

HELENA, Mont. -- The American Prairie Reserve (APR) is donating about 4,000 pounds of harvested bison meat to the Montana Food Bank Network. The …

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