News Category: The Montana Future | Page 376

Student Loan Collections Resume for Over 9 Million Borrowers Next Year

With pandemic forbearance ended, wage garnishments and tax refund seizures will restart, impacting millions in default. Montana’s unique economy may feel indirect effects as borrowers adjust to resumed collections.

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Manufacturing Drives Montana’s Economy with $3 Billion GDP Contribution

The 2025 Montana Manufacturing Report highlights manufacturing’s key role in supporting jobs, wages, and community stability, especially in Northwest Montana. This sector’s diverse careers extend beyond production, underpinning local economies and family well-being.

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Ecocities Emerging November 2026

The next Summit will build on the first and open its doors wider. We will welcome people from beyond Montana who want to learn from what we’re building here and share what they’ve learned elsewhere.

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Montana Legislators Studies New Mexico’s Free Childcare Model for Reform in 2027 Session

Montana lawmakers and advocates met with New Mexico leaders to explore the nation’s first no-cost universal childcare program. They aim to strengthen Montana’s early learning system while addressing childcare supply challenges across the state.

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A photo essay – Students from a two-room public school in Ovando, Montana, start the year learning outdoors on horseback in the Bob Marshall Wilderness

Nine students from Ovando’s two-room elementary school embarked on a three-day horsepacking journey into the Bob Marshall Wilderness, blending outdoor skills, history, and nature study. This unique program highlights how rural schools can use local resources to create immersive educational experiences beyond the classroom.

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Montana’s Public Service Commission approved a $15.4 billion merger between NorthWestern Energy and Black Hills Corp. in a narrow 3-2 vote.

The Public Service Commission narrowly approved the merger of NorthWestern Energy and Black Hills Corp., creating Bright Horizon Energy to serve 2.1 million customers. The decision includes strict conditions and ongoing regulatory oversight to address concerns about rates and energy resources.

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Montana’s MPG Ranch Newsletter Issue XIV

As the natural world prepares for winter, our work on the ranch follows a similar seasonal rhythm. Aside from some ongoing forestry work, late fall and winter bring a quieter pace to the ranch, allowing time to reflect on the past season, prepare for the next, and turn months of field observations into meaningful scientific findings.

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