Chinese AI firm DeepSeek releases new coding model that’s 99% cheaper than Claude’s Opus 4.8

Chinese AI firm DeepSeek releases new coding model that costs a fraction of leading frontier systems; 1 million output tokens cost 28 cents, 99% cheaper than Claude’s Opus 4.8

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I Used to Be a VC. Now I’ve Found a Better Way to Build a Company

If you want to create an Evergreen company that’s designed to last, follow the example of some of the world’s largest tech companies: Don’t raise large amounts of venture capital.

University of Montana Office of Research and Creative Scholarship Newsletter – Special Edition Limited Submissions – Call for Proposals

When a program announcement limits the number of proposals that we may submit, we have an internal process to ensure that we do not exceed that limit. If you’re interested in one of the following opportunities, follow the instructions to submit a concept by the internal deadline indicated below. PIs must confirm eligibility prior to submission.

Stanford University has a class called: “How To Rule The World”. What’s “Pre-Idea” Funding?

Fareed Zakaria spoke with Stanford University recent graduate and award-winning journalist Theo Baker about his new memoir, “How to Rule the World: An Education in Power at Stanford University,” in which he documents what he sees as the worrying influence of Silicon Valley on his school.

Eight States Divert Rural Health Funds to Tech Startups

The Rural Tech Catalyst Fund reallocates 10% of rural health funds to support healthcare technology startups, sparking debate over the balance between innovation and traditional services. Montana may face similar challenges in integrating tech solutions while preserving essential local care.

Big Trucks in the U.S. Could Start Battery Swapping to Cut Diesel Consumption Drastically

Revoy’s retrofit battery swapping system promises up to 90% diesel savings and 85% emissions reduction for heavy freight trucks. This innovation could transform Montana’s diesel-reliant freight industry amid rising fuel costs.

GFDA Top Ten for 8/2/26

Touro University will launch its new Montana law school with the first class in Great Falls in the fall of 2027. The unique law school is designed for students working full time.

There’s a word for how we treat working moms—and you probably havent heard it

Read on to understand what the U.S. could learn from the way Japan treats working mothers—and how we could actually help women stay in the workforce after they have children. 

Flathead County’s Short-term Rentals Generated $207 Million in Revenue Last Year

Experts at the University of Montana’s Bureau of Business and Economic Research estimate visitors spent $755 million statewide on lodging, goods and services in 2025, three-quarters of which was spent in regions outside of Glacier and Yellowstone national parks

Northwestern Energy Uses 95 Weather Stations to Prevent Wildfires in Montana

Northwestern Energy’s Fire Mitigation Program employs weather stations, smoke cameras, and vegetation management to reduce wildfire risks along 18,000 miles of power lines. This comprehensive approach helps protect Montana’s communities and landscapes from catastrophic fires.

Gen Z women are having an entrepreneurship boom

More young women are starting businesses than those in older generations, data shows.

The Administration is now going after Head Start – doing so would help end the “radical indoctrination of our children.”

In June, the Heritage Foundation issued a report calling on the administration to “sunset Head Start and deregulate the program until officials end it.”

Are Older Americans Hoarding the Future By Staying In Power Too Long?

What if the real threat to American democracy is the tyranny of the elderly?

What Would A Montana Data Center Cost? 10% of a data center’s total cost would go toward Montana jobs and goods.

The University of Montana’s Bureau of Business and Economic Research estimates a $20 billion data center would support 750 jobs and generate $33 million in local property taxes. However, concerns about water use and rising utility costs have sparked opposition in several communities.

Which Montana County has a state-licensed gambling machine for every 24 residents?

Approximately 16,500 state-licensed machines operated statewide in Montana. Are we gambling away our future?

Public Rally Supports Hamilton, Montana’s Rocky Mountain Lab Scientists Laid Off Because of Federal Budget Cuts

On June 26, community members rallied to support employees affected by federal funding reductions.
Community members rallied in support of Rocky Mountain Lab scientists laid off due to federal budget cuts that have impacted the lab. In early May, 41 employees were let go or had their contracts canceled and research budgets were cut.

“Our Youth in the Age of AI” Code Girls United – Aug. 27 – Whitefish, Montana

Code Girls United (CGU) is proud to announce its upcoming event, \”Our Youth in the Age of AI\”, an interactive reception and panel discussion scheduled for Thursday, August 27, 2026, at the O’Shaughnessy Cultural Arts Center in Whitefish, at 5 p.m.

406 Transfusion: Injecting youth into the care continuum

This dynamic two-day event brings together key partners to strengthen the Montana healthcare talent pipeline through creative solutions and career-connected learning.

National park ranger quits, tours visitor centers to fight Trump censorship

She’s committed to fighting censorship across the National Park Service by talking about what the Donald Trump administration has omitted.

Flathead Valley Food Banks Face Rising Demand Because of SNAP Cuts

Food banks in Flathead, North Valley, and Bigfork report increased visits as SNAP recipients are kicked off the roles due to new work requirements and paperwork. Rising food and gas prices, along with funding losses, are adding to the challenges these organizations face.

California Hits 51 Percent Solar Power for Entire Month

In May, solar panels generated over half of California’s electricity, marking a major shift in energy production. This milestone was enabled by a dramatic increase in battery storage capacity that allows solar power use even after sunset.

Medicare Part D subsidy program: Why Trump is ending it and what it could mean for prescription drug costs

A Biden-era program meant to help seniors save money on prescription premiums is ending in 2027. Here’s what we know.

Judge Certifies Price-Fixing Lawsuit Against Major Meatpackers

A federal judge approved a class-action suit accusing four meatpackers of manipulating cattle and beef prices from 2015 to 2020. Montana ranchers and policymakers are watching closely as the case could impact the state’s beef market and industry consolidation.

National Parks Traveler Shuts Down After 21 Years of Coverage Due to Trump Pressures and Media Struggles

If properly appreciated, National parks, he said, “are so important in helping people reconnect with themselves, with forgetting about checking their email, checking their texts.” And that’s only the beginning of their value. With high burnout and low morale, he believes the park service is in danger of lasting. And because the agency has drastically scaled back communications, trying to report on it is very frustrating. It got so bad that Traveler reporters couldn’t even secure interviews on stories of park service successes, he said.

The DoorDash Drones are Coming

Sending deliveries by drone is hard. DoorDash’s secret sauce may be its software.

Over Half of Missoula Renters Struggle with Housing Costs

A recent survey shows 53% of Missoula renters spend more than 30% of their income on housing, with rising rents and limited tenant protections worsening instability. Local advocates are pushing for stronger protections and innovative solutions to address these challenges.

For four years, one of the best marketers on earth grew almost entirely by charging more. That just stopped working.

 People are still buying, but they won’t keep paying more just because the label is familiar.

Are Your Employee Social Media Stars Your Best Marketing Opportunities?

Companies are using more of their marketing budgets to utilize store staff and micro-creators into brand ambassadors—and it’s outperforming traditional mega-influencers.

“Look Ma- No Steering Wheel or Pedals” – Zoox Wins First Federal Approval for Driverless Robotaxis

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration authorized Zoox to operate up to 2,500 fully driverless robotaxis annually. This landmark approval allows Zoox to charge for rides starting in Las Vegas while meeting strict safety reporting requirements.

Sharing Shack Offers Free Camping Gear to Glacier Park Visitors

The Sharing Shack in Columbia Falls lends essential camping equipment at no cost to Glacier National Park visitors. This donation-based program aims to ease access to the wilderness while honoring local ambassador Mia Totten.

The Coming Food-Stamp Crisis

Enrollment in SNAP, America’s signature food-aid program for low- and no-income people, has sharply declined. States now face a deadline that could spell the end of the program for millions of Americans next year.

Montana Employment Law Seminar – Parsons Behle & Latimer – 9/15 – Missoula

Please join Big Sky SHRM and Parsons Behle & Latimer for the Montana Employment Law Seminar, geared toward providing contemporary legal information in employment and labor matters to business owners, human resource professionals and corporate counsel.

GFDA Quarter Index 2026Q2 Numbers to Celebrate

Our Mission

Grow diverse economic opportunities that enhance quality of life.

GFDA is a certified Community Development Financial Institution and a 501(c)3 charitable organization. High Plains Financial is a certified Community Development Corporation that offers SBA 504 loans statewide. GFDA and High Plains Financial are Equal Opportunity Employers, Lenders and Providers.

I’m the CEO of ClassPass and live in Missoula, Montana. I love CrossFit and fly-fishing meetings — here’s my routine.

I moved to Missoula about eight years ago, after we opened a ClassPass office here. My wife and I bought a home thinking it’d be a vacation home, and then we moved here full-time.

First US Case Charges American Citizen with Phone Data Wipe Using Duress Passcode While Entering the US

Samuel Tunick faces prosecution for allegedly erasing his phone at a border inspection using a duress passcode. This case raises important questions about digital privacy and legal rights at the border. With the number of border searches of electronic devices increasing every year, how can travelers keep their digital data safe?

Montana Sees Surge of Young Adults Moving to the State for Jobs

Young adults aged 18 to 24 are leading in-migration to Montana, driven by strong economic growth and expanding job opportunities in areas like Great Falls. This influx could reshape local labor markets, though challenges remain with many youth still disengaged from work or education.

Montana places near the bottom in new national ranking for childhood education – “The State With the Best Education Wins!”

WalletHub recently conducted a study on early education and ranked each state using 12 key metrics. Montana ranked 45th overall.

Federal Cuts Threaten Rural Maternal Healthcare Access and Safety

Rural mothers face higher mortality rates and hospital closures worsen care access. Federal policies raising costs and cutting Medicaid risk deepening these critical healthcare disparities. Care will be in shorter supply, travel distances will stretch farther, and high-risk situations will more likely result in tragedy.

Montana SMART Manufacturing Roadshow – 8/26 – Helena

WHO should Participate? Manufacturing Leads, Supervisors, Managers, and Leaders who want to discover potential applications of advanced technologies and data integration across all aspects of manufacturing operations.

2026 MEDA Fall Conference – Sept. 22-24 – Sidney, Montana

Join us in Sidney, Montana, for two days of networking, collaboration, professional development, and engaging discussions focused on strengthening economic development across Montana. Connect with colleagues, community leaders, and industry partners while exploring innovative ideas, sharing best practices, and building valuable relationships.

MEDA is currently accepting speaker proposals for the Fall 2026 Conference Sept. 22-24, Sidney, Montana!

We’re looking for speakers who can share real-world experiences, practical strategies, and ideas that can help strengthen community and economic development across Montana.