A wave of new economic data is pointing to broad-based strength across the American economy, with improvements in housing, manufacturing, consumer confidence, and the labor market. Housing New residential construction surged last month to its highest level in more than a year, reflecting strong momentum in expanding housing supply. Home prices declined on an annual Read More…
Montana has topped the nation in year-over-year increases in single-family home permits, according to a new report from the National Association of Home Builders. The Washington, D.C.-based trade association, which represents over 140,000 members in the residential construction industry, reported that seven states recorded year-over-year increases in single-family permits in January. Gains ranged from 25.5 Read More…
Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon joined members of the Wyoming National Guard in Tunisia this week, participating in activities surrounding Exercise African Lion 2026, the largest annual joint military exercise led by the U.S. Africa Command. Held in Tunis, Tunisia, the exercise brought together military forces from the United States, Tunisia, and more than 40 partner Read More…
(The Center Square) – The U.S. national debt is now larger than the entire American economy and is only set to keep growing, further exacerbating the affordability crisis and risking national security. Out of the $39 trillion total national debt, debt held by the public hit $31.27 trillion on March 31, surpassing the $31.22 trillion Read More…
The Federal Aviation Administration announced Thursday that only 776 air traffic controllers and technicians will receive $10,000 bonuses for maintaining perfect attendance during the recent government shutdown — leaving nearly 20,000 other employees without the incentive despite having worked through the same period of financial strain. The month-long shutdown pushed thousands of FAA personnel into Read More…
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen honored two Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) troopers Thursday for exceptional acts of bravery and service. Trooper Jourdon Gulick received the MHP’s highest honor, the Award of Valor, for his courageous actions during a fiery vehicle rollover in 2024. Trooper Nick Wade earned the Attorney General’s Award of Commendation for going Read More…
During a strategic trade mission to Japan, Governor Greg Gianforte signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) to explore potential investments in data center and energy infrastructure projects in Montana. “Montana offers affordable, reliable energy, a skilled workforce, and a welcoming environment for innovation,” Gov. Gianforte said. “This agreement with Mitsubishi Read More…
NorthWestern Energy customers will see lower utility bills and receive refunds with interest after the Montana Public Service Commission finalized a sweeping decision in the company’s 2024 electric and natural gas rate case, rejecting $43 million of the utility’s proposed costs while approving construction of a new Yellowstone County power plant. The decision caps a Read More…
Cryptocurrency markets tumbled Friday, with Bitcoin falling to a seven-month low of $80,553, approaching a key technical level that analysts warn could trigger steeper losses. Ether also dropped to a four-month low as digital assets led a wider retreat from riskier investments. https://bigskyheadlines.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MVD1.mp4 The selloff reflects growing investor caution over high valuations in the tech Read More…
The Montana Historical Society is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the second wave of its History and Civics Travel Grant program. Thanks to generous support from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana, the Society has already awarded funding to 46 schools across 23 Montana counties—from Eureka to Hardin—making hands-on history accessible Read More…
A University of Montana student and ROTC cadet, who is serving as UM’s student government president, recently was named a finalist for the oldest and most renowned scholarship in the world. Buddy Wilson, of Eden, North Carolina, a senior studying environmental science with minors in international development and climate change studies, is the seventh student Read More…
The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday temporarily blocked a lower court ruling that found Texas’ 2026 congressional redistricting plan—supported by former President Donald Trump—likely discriminates on the basis of race. The emergency order, signed by Justice Samuel Alito, will remain in effect for the next few days as the court considers whether the new map, Read More…
Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador announced a major legal victory Monday after a federal court dismissed a lawsuit filed by The Satanic Temple challenging the state’s pro-life laws. U.S. District Judge David C. Nye ruled that the group’s constitutional claims were legally flawed and could not be remedied through amendment, dismissing the case with prejudice. Read More…
Governor Greg Gianforte joined Emmy-winning TV host Mike Rowe, NeighborWorks Great Falls, and Wells Fargo this week to celebrate progress on the Great Falls High School House Program and announce a $200,000 investment from Wells Fargo to support the hands-on workforce development initiative. The governor visited the project site to receive updates from student builders Read More…
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) submitted the state’s application Tuesday for the federal Rural Health Transformation Program, seeking up to $200 million per year for five years — a total of $1 billion — to revamp healthcare delivery in rural communities. The funding request follows Governor Brad Little’s Executive Order 2025-08, the Read More…
Governor Greg Gianforte on Monday announced the 58 Montanans selected to receive the 2025 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation, an annual honor recognizing veterans who have demonstrated exceptional service to both their country and their communities. “Our veterans answered the call to serve our nation and continue to answer the call to serve their communities,” Gov. Read More…
President Donald Trump has purchased at least $82 million worth of corporate and municipal bonds between late August and early October, according to newly released federal financial disclosures. The information, published Saturday by the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, details more than 175 financial transactions conducted by the president from August 28 through October 2. Read More…
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has spearheaded a 22-state coalition supporting President Donald Trump’s decision to deploy National Guard units to Chicago in response to violent unrest and threats against federal law enforcement personnel. The multistate coalition filed an amicus brief Monday in Donald J. Trump, President of the United States v. State of Illinois Read More…
The Wyoming Business Council (WBC) has announced the hiring of Chloe Valentine as its new Southwest Regional Director, serving Lincoln, Sweetwater, and Uinta counties. Valentine brings extensive experience and a strong commitment to fostering economic growth in Wyoming, reinforcing the WBC’s mission to reverse economic decline and build a prosperous future. A native of Greybull Read More…
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is inviting public comment on the state’s 2022-2024 Draft Water Quality Integrated Report and a new pH Assessment Method for Streams and Rivers. In addition, DEQ has opened a call for data and surface water assessment requests for the next integrated report cycle, which will be submitted to Read More…
The Montana Historical Society’s Library and Archives has announced the return of its research fellowship programs in 2026, following a temporary pause during construction of the Montana Heritage Center. The fellowships will resume as the newly renovated Larry Len and LeAnne Peterson Library and Archives reopens to the public in spring 2026. Since 1983, the Read More…
The Wyoming Military Department honored Soldiers, Airmen, and civilian employees for their service and contributions during a series of award ceremonies held Nov. 3 and 4 at the Joint Forces Readiness Center, the 153rd Airlift Wing, and Camp Guernsey Joint Training Center. Maj. Gen. Greg Porter, Wyoming’s Adjutant General, praised award recipients for their dedication Read More…
Senator Steve Daines underscored the importance of strong economic and strategic ties between the United States and Central Asia during the C5+1 Tenth Anniversary Business Conference this week, delivering both the opening and closing remarks at the event. Over the past 20 months, Daines has visited all five Central Asian nations, meeting with their presidents Read More…
A federal judge on Friday permanently blocked President Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops to Portland, ruling that the president “exceeded his authority” by federalizing the forces to protect an ICE facility amid ongoing protests. The ruling extends an earlier temporary injunction and underscores judicial limits on the domestic use of military forces. The decision Read More…
(The Center Square) – With Chicago’s downtown office vacancy rate now at a record-high 28%, Illinois Policy Institute researcher LyLena Estabine says city policymakers have become their own worse enemy when it comes to addressing the area’s changing demographics. New data shows Loop vacancies ballooned over the recent third quarter as post-pandemic work trends continue Read More…
U.S. markets lost momentum this week as investors stepped back from recent highs, digesting mixed economic signals and growing uncertainty around the outlook for interest rates and growth. After several weeks of gains, the S&P 500 fell roughly 2.4% for the week, while the Nasdaq Composite dropped about 3%, its steepest decline since April. The Read More…
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) have released a draft programmatic Environmental Assessment (EA) for 318 Authorization applications and are accepting public comments through Dec. 8. The draft is available on DEQ’s website. The 318 Authorization regulates short-term turbidity, or water cloudiness caused by suspended particles, Read More…
The North Dakota Department of Commerce announced this week that the Automation Tax Credit (ATC) Program Portal is now open for applications. The program is designed to support primary sector businesses that invest in automation to improve productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness in manufacturing and animal agriculture. Authorized under N.D.C.C. § 57-38-01.41, the ATC allows eligible Read More…
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announced Wednesday that nine individuals—eight men and one woman—have been indicted by a Davison County Grand Jury for their alleged involvement in a cocaine distribution network operating in the county. Three of the suspects are also facing immigration-related investigations. The indictments, returned on Oct. 29, encompass 36 felony charges Read More…
A class action lawsuit has been filed against Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana (BCBSMT) over a data breach that allegedly exposed the sensitive personal and medical information of hundreds of thousands of members. The filing comes as Montana State Auditor and Commissioner of Securities and Insurance James Brown launched a separate investigation into the Read More…
Wyoming PBS and the Buffalo Bill Center of the West have launched a new partnership aimed at sharing authentic stories of the American West through a combination of history, storytelling, and visual media. Their inaugural production, From the Center of the West: A Conversation with Authors Dr. Paul Hutton and Peter Cozzens, features an in-depth Read More…
In a game packed with big plays, wild momentum swings, and a finish few will forget, the No. 2 Montana Grizzlies held off Eastern Washington 29–24 on Saturday at Washington-Grizzly Stadium to remain unbeaten on the season. The win pushed Montana to 10-0 overall and 6-0 in Big Sky Conference play, keeping the Grizzlies firmly Read More…
Governor Greg Gianforte announced Wednesday that he is donating a quarter of his annual salary to The Producer Partnership, a Montana nonprofit dedicated to providing locally raised beef and other animal proteins to families in need across the state. The Producer Partnership, founded in 2020, works with Montana livestock producers to accept donated animals, process Read More…
(The Center Square) – Dick Cheney, vice president to former President George W. Bush, has died. He was 84. His family was with him Monday evening and said the cause of death was due to complications of pneumonia and cardiovascular disease. Cheney served as the 46th vice president, often being referred to as the “most Read More…
The Montana Department of Commerce announced Wednesday that last year $24 million in tourism loan funding was distributed to economic development organizations (EDOs) across the state to help grow local economies, support tourism businesses, and create and retain jobs. The funding comes through the Tourism Development and Enhancement Revolving Loan Fund Program. “The Tourism Development Read More…
The Montana Microfabrication Facility at Montana State University recently received a $1.1 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration through its Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs program. The funding will support current and new Montana Microfabrication Facility customers to rapidly develop, assemble and test photonic integrated circuits, or PICs. In this 2023 file photo, Read More…
Montana State Auditor and Commissioner of Securities and Insurance James Brown announced an immediate investigation into Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana (BCBSMT) following a major data breach that may have compromised the personal and medical information of up to 462,000 Montanans. “This breach is not just a technical lapse. This is a deeply disturbing Read More…
The Original Governor’s Mansion will temporarily close to public tours beginning November 1, 2025, as contractors begin a series of critical exterior repairs aimed at preserving one of Montana’s most cherished historic landmarks. The restoration effort, funded through the Governor’s Long-Range Building Program, will address both the mansion and its adjacent historic carriage house. Planned Read More…
Now that the United States has officially stopped making pennies, a nationwide scramble is underway among gas stations, fast-food chains, and major retailers to adjust prices and handle cash transactions — a shift that could quietly erode profits for many high-volume businesses. The transition follows President Donald Trump’s decision earlier this year to halt production Read More…
(The Center Square) – Death threats against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers are up by 8,000% compared to the same timeframe last year, the Department of Homeland Security said on Friday. Assaults against ICE officers remain at a 1,000% increase, The Center Square first reported. Targeted removal efforts prioritizing arresting violent offenders are ongoing as Read More…
Bitcoin was on track Friday to post its first October loss in seven years, breaking a streak that had given the month a “lucky” reputation among cryptocurrency traders. The world’s largest digital currency is set to fall nearly 5% for the month, trading around $66,800 Friday afternoon, as investors pulled back from risk assets amid Read More…
University of Montana alum Cassidy Randall will serve as the 2026 Kittredge Distinguished Visiting Writer in Environmental Studies. As an author and freelance journalist, the Missoula resident covers adventure and the environment in the West. Her most recent book, “Thirty Below: The Harrowing and Heroic Journey of the First All-Women’s Ascent of Denali,” recently won Read More…
Hilltop Bank announced today that it has reached an agreement to acquire Cheyenne State Bank, marking a significant expansion of its banking footprint in Wyoming. Under the terms of the agreement, Hilltop Bank will integrate Cheyenne State Bank’s operations, employees, and branch network, aiming to provide enhanced banking services to both retail and commercial customers Read More…
Dakota Foundry, a vertically integrated grey and ductile iron foundry, has been named one of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce “CO—100 Top 100 Small Businesses in America”, a national recognition that highlights the company’s innovation, craftsmanship, and impact on American manufacturing. The CO—100 designation honors small businesses demonstrating exceptional innovation and influence across the country. Read More…