VOTE!

“Election Day is the equalizer. It is the one day that all Americans, we are all equal. No matter your wealth, no matter your status in life, no matter your age, your accomplishments. So Vote!” Eddie Vedder, Pearl Jam, 8/13/18, Missoula, Montana

Corona Virus Information

• Dr. Deborah Birx speaks on COVID-19 situation in Montana’s Yellowstone County – “Wear a Mask!”

  Dr. Deborah Birx, with the White House Coronavirus Task Force, was in Billings Tuesday to meet with Yellowstone County commissioners, the mayor of Billings, health care providers, and first responders. She agreed to an interview with KULR-8.

Northwestern Energy

• NorthWestern Energy to begin replacing vehicles with electric alternatives this year

  NorthWestern Energy is looking to update its 1,200 vehicle fleet with electric options, signaling its intention to make 30 percent of its light-duty and new bucket vehicles, along with 20 percent of its new medium and heavy-duty vehicles and all-new forklifts, electric by 2030.

Montana Department of Commerce

• Commerce Department Launches Program to Provide Legal Assistance for Montanans Facing Pandemic-Related Evictions

  “This partnership is to make sure Montana renters have access to free legal resources that can provide information, guidance and support so people can stay in their homes and not have to worry about possibly being evicted,” Montana Department of Commerce Director Tara Rice said.

City of Bozeman Economic Development

• City of Bozeman proposes program to fund public art

  The proposed ordinance, called a municipal percent for art program, would set aside 1% of construction costs from some future city capital projects to be used for public art installations.

Big Sky Commerce

• TODAY! – Chuck Marohn, Jr. – founder of Strong Towns – will present to Missoula and guests from other communities LIVE via Zoom on Oct. 28th from 10am-11:30am MST.

  Thousands of people across North America are choosing to make their cities stronger and more financially resilient. It’s time to build prosperity in your strong town.

Kalispell Chamber of Commerce

• Who’s on The Road to Montana’s Flathead Valley?

  An influx of ‘COVID migrants’ has led to a swell of new residents in the Flathead Valley, as well as rampant speculation about an unprecedented population explosion. But how many people have really moved here?

MEDA -Montana Economic Developers Association

• The University of Montana is seeking instructors/course designers to develop courses for female entrepreneurs!

  Our goal is to provide real-world solutions that can be implemented based on practical, hands-on learning rather than theoretical concepts.

• Introducing Decoder, a new podcast about big ideas and other problems launching Nov. 10

  I’m going to interview executives from the worlds of tech and business, policymakers from across government, and a few other assorted troublemakers about the problems they’re solving, the trade-offs they have to make, and the opportunities they see in the future.

• Senator Jon Tester sponsors legislation designating 17 wild and scenic rivers in Montana

  The number of miles of wild and scenic rivers in Montana would jump by nearly 87% under legislation to be introduced by Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester.

Next Generation Broadband in Montana

• Mural Net – Working with Native Nations to design, build and control their Internet access future

  Broadband is the basis and future of economic development, health, and education for Native Americans.

• SpaceX releases Starlink app, prices for satellite internet service

  According to the documents CNBC viewed, Starlink service will be $99 per month. There’s also an upfront $499 charge for a starter kit that includes the equipment necessary to connect — a terminal, tripod, and WiFi router.

• How the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe in South Dakota created its own wireless education network with help from MuralNet for around $250,000.

  Leaders with the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe in central South Dakota say they have found a low-cost solution to the tribe’s computer and internet needs that will aid education but which may ultimately improve life overall in the community.

Montana Business

• Two Railways Diverged: Amtrak Planning Expansion While Cutting Service

  Amtrak is presented with the potential for two futures: In one is a $25 billion expansion to update national intercity rail with contemporary patterns of settlement. In the other is fiscal crisis and continued service cuts.

Visit Montana

• Kate Bosworth Reveals One Of Her Favorite Places In The World – Montana

  In between her projects, we talked to Bosworth to glean tips on how to travel with a dog (her French spaniel Happy is a constant companion), see what she’s working on next (a series) and get the scoop on her favorite destination (hint: it’s not far from home).

Wyoming Business

• Renewable Energy Surges Even In Fossil Fuel Friendly Red States Like Wyoming

  The nation’s two largest coal-producing states, Wyoming and West Virginia, have emerged as leaders in renewable energy and energy storage, respectively, according to a new report.

• The Wyoming Business Ready Community Grant and Loan Program

  This program provides financing for publicly owned infrastructure that serves the needs of businesses and promotes economic development within Wyoming communities.

2020 Montana Politics

• Has there been a staff exodus at OPI under Elsie Arntzen? Only OPI knows.

  With allegations swirling in the race for superintendent of public instruction, public records requests for clarifying documents have been inexplicably delayed.

Careers

• Neuroscience Can Help You Become A Better Leader

  Not everyone is born a leader. But the good news for anyone who’s not is that those abilities can be developed.

Energy and Climate Change

• Method can upcycle plastic into useful molecules

  With a one-pot, low-temperature catalytic method that upcycles polyethylene—a polymer found in about a third of all plastics produced, with a global value of about $200 billion annually—into high-value alkylaromatic molecules that are the basis of many industrial chemicals and consumer products.

• Flaxseed Could Soon Dethrone Carbon Fiber in Racing

  Did you know that carbon fiber kits are not that good for the environment?

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