Federal Trade Commission

Two of Montana’s largest hospital systems recently announced they intend to merge. Both Kalispell-based Logan Health and Billings Clinic say the merger will save money by keeping more patients in the state. But some experts worry the deal could increase health care costs for employers and workers.

A recent agreement allowing farmers to repair their own high-tech John Deere agricultural equipment gets mixed reviews from Montana producers. Even the deal’s skeptics say it represents an important milestone for the growing ‘right-to-repair’ movement.

The state auditor is allowing unregistered multi-level marketing companies to pay a reduced fine if they put their businesses under state oversight to “confirm that they are not running an illegal pyramid scheme.”

The Federal Trade Commission reports fraud is booming in the pandemic. Advocates for seniors say older Montanans are especially at risk.AARP Montana…