Categories:

The Trump administration upended how we fight wildfires. Then came the West’s worst fire season in years.

Full suppression and reorganization: Inside a changed world of wildland firefighting.

MontanaSky and Vero Fiber Merge to Boost Northwest Montana Broadband

The merger combines MontanaSky’s local expertise with Vero Fiber’s national network skills to enhance fiber access. This partnership aims to improve competition and service quality while focusing on underserved communities.

Silicon Valley Executives Are Tech Fans. Just Not for Their Own Kids.

At home, moderation and restraint are the rule for tech parents. Boredom is exalted. Maybe they’re onto something.

Does You Community Have a Repair Cafe? What You Can Do.

Repair Cafés are free meeting places and they’re all about repairing things (together). In the place where a Repair Café is located, you’ll find tools and materials to help you make any repairs you need. On clothes, furniture, electrical appliances, bicycles, crockery, appliances, toys, et cetera. You’ll also find expert volunteers, with repair skills in all kinds of fields.

The Invisible Font Résumé Hack Is Breaking AI Job Screeners. As a Recruiter, I Don’t Blame Candidates

We’ve built hiring systems that reward people who know how to talk to machines rather than people who can actually do the job.

New $3.2M Grant Boosts Drug Access for Rural Hospitals in 9 States Including Montana

The Civica Rural Hospital program offers reliable generic drug supplies to 330 rural hospitals across nine states, including Montana. This pilot aims to reduce drug shortages and costs, benefiting isolated communities with limited purchasing power.

AI Tools Slash Housing Permit Delays in U.S. Cities

Cities like Denver and Honolulu are using AI to cut permit approval times and reduce errors. Federal funding supports these efforts, promising faster housing development pipelines nationwide.

College Enrollment Rises Despite Growing Public Skepticism

While only 35% of adults now see college as very important, bachelor’s degrees awarded have increased significantly. Tuition costs have decreased and degree holders earn substantially more, suggesting financial benefits often outweigh costs.

GFDA Top Ten for 8/23/26 + a New Mural

GFDA has some great Career Opportunities! We’re looking for two Business Development Officers, one to focus on attracting investment in Downtown Great Falls and one to focus on expanding food, ag and bio processing industry in the region. We’re looking for two business advisors, one to focus on helping businesses with government contracting and one to focus on helping existing businesses to thrive and entrepreneurs to start new businesses including business plans, profitability, market research, and securing capital.

University of Montana President Shinn gives first state-of-the-university address

“Our goal is simple: If a talented Montana student wants to earn a degree from this university, they will have the resources,” Shinn said.

Why America’s Energy Grid Has To Change and How Wyoming is Poised to Benefit from U.S. Energy Grid Modernization

Wyoming hosts about 15 data centers and faces rising demand for large digital loads. ATLAS advocates for grid upgrades to reduce costs and support AI-driven growth.

JoeyCo Connects Students and Seniors for Affordable Housing

JoeyCo pairs college students with retired homeowners to provide affordable rent and companionship. This intergenerational model addresses high student housing costs and senior isolation, offering mutual benefits in communities like the Bay Area and potentially Montana.

You Should Read “The Pulp” Fresh Press – In old fashioned paper form now as well as online…

The Pulp is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization serving Missoula and western Montana. The Pulp’s mission is to produce in-depth journalism that informs and engages the people of Missoula and western Montana and advances transparency, equity, and democracy.

Protect Your Ideas – 8/27 – Kalispell

If you are unfamiliar with patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets? Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about intellectual property (IP) basics and potential ways to protect your innovation as you transition from idea to product.

University of Montana Office of Research and Creative Scholarship Newsletter

ORCS supports the UM research community to accelerate discovery and deliver impact.

Missouri Launches $10.4M Flood and Drought Monitoring App – Could it work in Montana?

The new app provides real-time flood conditions, forecasts, and drought data to help residents and officials prepare for extreme water events. With live updates and customizable alerts, it modernizes access to critical environmental information statewide.

Montana State University’s Bracken Center Secures Internships for Over 300 Students

The Bracken Center and Jake Jabs College provide personalized career support connecting students with internships across industries. Nearly 70 percent of business students completed internships in summer 2026, gaining valuable hands-on experience.

Great Falls Development Alliance Wins Bronze for Economic Development Organization of the Year

We’re especially proud that GFDA is the only organization in Montana to receive a 2026 IEDC Excellence in Economic Development Award.

California Voters to Decide on Billionaire Wealth Tax This November. The World is Watching

The proposed 5% wealth tax could raise $100 billion for state programs and faces fierce opposition from billionaires. This landmark measure may influence regional debates on wealth and public revenue strategies.

3 alarming predictions with the housing market on pace for its worst year since 2011

Brace for one of the worst years the US housing market has seen in over a decade.

U.S. Bond Yields Hit Highest Since 2007 Amid Debt Concerns – This is why you should pay attention

Federal debt has reached a record $40 trillion, pushing bond yields up and borrowing costs higher. Montana businesses may face increased financing expenses as interest rates rise nationwide.

Should Content Creator Be a New Degree? ASU Thinks So

More Gen Z students want creator careers. ASU is betting a new degree can help turn passion into a profession.

Eighteen New Mobility Devices Transform Urban and Off-Road Travel – Amazing What’s Coming

From electric ATVs to eVTOL aircraft, these devices offer diverse, efficient alternatives amid rising urban congestion and vehicle costs. Their range of power, portability, and safety features could appeal to Montana’s unique terrain and commuter demands.

9c5fea63-4228-411f-8d78-93de1ca3ed68

Is an AI minor now required in college to be successful? Colleges are listening

Students are pursuing AI minors because every field they’re already in is being reshaped by the same tech transformation.

For Sale – The John R. Toole House at 1005 Gerald Avenue, a National Register–listed historic property offering a compelling adaptive reuse opportunity in Missoula’s University District.

The building totals approximately ±13,977 square feet above grade with an additional ±4,898 square feet of below-grade space, providing flexibility for a range of redevelopment concepts. The property’s historic designation makes it eligible for the Federal 20% Historic Tax Credit and Montana’s 5% Historic Tax Credit. With these, a buyer can potentially offset up to 25% of qualified rehabilitation costs and materially improve redevelopment economics.

Amazon Plans Drone Delivery in 500 U.S. Cities by 2026

Amazon’s Prime Air aims to expand drone deliveries nationwide, pending FAA rule changes. This shift could reshape last-mile logistics and impact Montana’s supply chains.

Montana State University’s Community Design Center is celebrating 50 years as it helps shape communities across Montana

The center was founded in 1976 and has completed over 50 projects across the state.

Montana State University offers support to middle school teams that design a fire-resistant city; applications due Sept. 7

In small teams and with the support of a coach and mentor, students will research, plan and design a city set 100 years in the future, then create a scale model built primarily from recycled materials, a project plan, an essay and a presentation.

New Report From Dr. Zachary Hoylman of the Montana Climate Office Urges Updated Drought Assessments for Changing Climate

Dr. Zachary Hoylman co-authored a national report recommending improvements to drought risk measurement that reflect climate change. These updated methods aim to help communities better prepare for future drought conditions.

Nation’s Largest Human Composting Facility Opens in Maryland – Have you watched Soylent Green?

Earth Funeral’s new site in Elkridge processes up to 2,000 bodies annually, offering a major eco-friendly burial option on the East Coast. This facility’s scale and technology mark a turning point in regional end-of-life choices.

Responding Quickly Boosts Job Seekers’ Hiring Chances by 30 Percent

Research shows that replying to job inquiries within minutes significantly increases the likelihood of getting hired. Job seekers should monitor messages frequently and respond promptly to stay competitive in today’s fast-paced hiring environment.

Second Story Housing Hub – Meetings on 9/3 – 10/13 and 11/9 – Butte, Montana

Second Story Housing Hub helps revitalize historic buildings, expand housing options, strengthen the local economy, and preserve the unique architectural character of Butte. By bringing together the right people and resources, the organization is helping create a more livable, resilient, and prosperous community—one second story at a time.

Record-breaking El Niño could be a preview of Earth’s future. It’s not pretty

Some experts are calling the global climate phenomenon a ‘time machine,’ saying it may offer a glimpse of our planet past its tipping point.

Missoula County Parks, Trails and Recreation is now accepting applications online for its annual Community Parks & Recreation Grants Program.

The program provides funding to help residents and local organizations enhance parks, trails and other public recreation sites. Staff encourage local nonprofits, schools and community groups to apply by 11:59 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30.

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Condemns USDA’s Intent to Rescind Roadless Rule 

Rescission would strip protections from tens of millions of acres of the nation’s best hunting and fishing habitat. 

Even College Students Are Getting Lonely By Not Hanging Out

A UCLA study shows college seniors spend less time socializing and more students report loneliness. Universities are trying new strategies to boost in-person interactions and improve campus culture.

Why We Need to Rethink Disability – Guy Kawasaki Podcast

…what can happen when people stop asking whether something is possible and start asking how they can make it accessible.

Black Eagle, Montana Wants to Survive But Who Will Carry the Torch?

The EPA began removing contaminated soil from hundreds of homes in 2024, while infrastructure upgrades continue with millions invested in water and sewer systems. Community leaders worry about younger residents leaving, threatening the town’s future cohesion.

There’s a Free Way to Gauge Childhood Development. Why Isn’t It Used More?

Nationally, only 36 percent of parents report having completed a developmental screener recently. “I have told people: ‘Get checked out. It’s free, and they figure out things you might not realize,’” Ms. Gregory said.

McDonald’s Franchise Cuts $35,000 Monthly in Missed Shift Costs with Escalate

A new app providing transportation and childcare support helped reduce absenteeism and improve retention at seven McDonald’s locations. Montana businesses may find similar solutions beneficial for their workforce challenges.