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.

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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.

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.

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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.

Climate Change Quadruples Snow Drought Risk in Western U.S. – Montana State University Researchers

Researchers from Montana State University found that severe snow droughts are now over four times more likely due to human-caused warming. This shift threatens regional water supplies and calls for urgent adaptation and emission reduction efforts.

Microsoft and LinkedIn just analyzed the future of work and AI. It all points to one key skill set

The future belongs to leaders who stay human.

Data center industry PR efforts are intensifying even as public opposition surges.

The Data Center Coalition has increased advertising and economic reports to defend expansion amid rising resistance in states like North Carolina and Texas. Despite transparency efforts and audits, skepticism remains about addressing energy and community concerns.

Can Baby Boomers Really Trust Their Trustees With $124 Trillion In Wealth Transfers

Trust & Will’s 2026 report reveals many lack proper estate documents, risking costly disputes. Experts advise clear communication and careful trustee selection to prevent family conflicts and legal battles.

Slow Bets – Singles and Doubles – Twenty years of nothing impressive – Mario Schulzke

It feels to me the world is obsessed with home runs.

Great Falls Development Alliance Top Ten for 8/16/26

Allegiant Air is bringing back direct flights connecting Great Falls with Las Vegas beginning March 5, 2027. KRTV ran a great story about 406 Arena in Vaughn. Montana was ranked the 3rd Most Outdoorsy State in a study by REezy; see Travel & Leisure. The new VA Clinic opened in Lewistown, nearly doubling the space in the old facility; see KRTV.

How to stay calm when you’re stressed

“When stress rises, most people do not suddenly become someone different. They often become more intensely who they are or were rather than who they are working on becoming. Old habits, protective behaviors, and familiar patterns tend to reappear, sometimes before we even realize it is happening.”

County Climate Plan Saves Six Dollars Per Dollar Invested

The County Climate Justice Plan focuses on prevention and community input, promising significant cost savings. This shift toward localized, grassroots climate resilience offers a model that could inspire similar efforts in Montana’s rural communities.

Missoula Neighbors Lead Accessibility Audit on West Broadway

Residents and city planners collaborated to assess sidewalks and safety along West Broadway. Their findings will guide future repairs and improvements to better serve all community members.

New UM President Dr. Jeremiah Shinn to Address Community at State of the University – 8/21 – Montana Theatre

Shinn took the University’s helm on July 1 as UM’s 20th president. He joined UM after a successful tenure as the interim president of Boise State University, where he led efforts to enhance student engagement, strengthen campus partnerships and expand access to affordable education opportunities for students.

Career Opportunities at Northwestern Energy – Your Future May Be Here

Manager Environmental Permitting Northwestern Energy – Butte Read the full job description:  CLICK HERE! Planning Engineer Northwestern Energy – Billings Read the full job description:  CLICK HERE! Estimator Northwestern Energy – Read the full job description:  CLICK HERE! Customer Associate…

Montana Ambassadors Seattle Speaker Series: Aerospace in Montana – 10/8

The Montana Ambassadors is a volunteer, not-for-profit, and non-partisan association made up of passionate people dedicated to living and doing business in Montana. Our members act as official Ambassadors of the State of Montana, both in and out of state. Ambassadors are leaders across all industries committed to furthering the best interests of Montana.

A.I. Companies are trying to capture the brains of American’s students

Google’s drive to increase student access to its A.I. tools ramps up a longstanding battle among tech giants like Apple, Google and Microsoft to capture classrooms and secure students as long-term customers.

The real purpose of leadership is to create opportunity

The goal should be to expand access to possibilities

New Snow Eater Heat Waves Threaten Western Snowpack

Scientists have identified ‘snow eaters,’ heat waves that rapidly melt snowpack earlier in the year. This shift could impact water resources and seasonal planning for Montana businesses.

Headwaters Tech Hub August Newsletter

This year we’re highlighting how the technologies we build bring benefits across industry sectors. We’ll kick off the summit with a tech demo day at Lubrecht Forest. Our conference will feature an industry panel building innovative solutions to “wicked” problems, and breakout sessions focused on resiliency in entrepreneurship and expanding onramps into the tech workforce.

University of Montana Office of Research and Creative Scholarship Newsletter

Traditionally, Vision has included a “Student Spotlight” section which highlights great work by our undergraduate and graduate researchers. If you know of such students, please send us your ideas.