NorthWestern Energy plans to merge with South Dakota Utility
NorthWestern Energy announced Tuesday it will merge with South Dakota-based Black Hills Corporation. The all-stock tax-free merger will create a singular electric and natural gas utility company in eight states and serve roughly 2.1 million customers. The deal is set to be completed in 12 to 15 months.
Trump Criticizes Court Blocking Arizona Copper Mine as U.S. Production Gains Momentum in Montana and Across the Country
When it comes to copper production, In 2024, Chile was number 1, producing 5.3 million metric tons of copper, the United States is 6th globally, producing 1.1 million metric tons of copper in 2024 from 5 states. Of that 70% comes from Arizona at 700 million metric tons and Montana is fifth at 4% or 64 million metric tons, according to world population review dot com. Today U.S. President Donald Trump criticized an appeals court decision that temporarily blocked a land transfer crucial for the development of the Resolution Copper mine in Arizona, which involves mining giants Rio Tinto and BHP. Trump emphasized the project’s importance for U.S. copper supply and jobs. The 9th Circuit Court issued the restraining order amid challenges from opponents, including the San Carlos Apache Tribe, citing religious, cultural, and environmental concerns. The project has faced legal obstacles over nearly two decades. Demand for copper, which plays an important role in many green energy technologies, is estimated to grow by 350% by 2050.
Montana Halts Possible Billings Behavioral Health Facility Plans Amid Calls for Clarity from State Leaders
Montana officials have paused plans for a critical behavioral health facility anticipated in Billings today, seeking clarity from the Legislature and Governor Greg Gianforte’s administration. The Board of Investments needs answers on what type of facility is envisioned, the population served, and if it will function as a state investment. Until these questions are answered, project progress remains on hold.
USDA Blocks Taxpayer-Funded Solar Projects on ‘Prime’ Farmland
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced Tuesday taxpayer funds will no longer be used in solar panel projects involving removing prime farmland from production and includes a ban on using panels manufactured by US “adversaries” in USDA projects. The Bureau of Land Management has reported over 5,300 acres of BLM land in Montana could be developed into solar projects by 2045. Since 2012 the use of solar panels has doubled the use of farmland nationwide.
As August hits the midway point Montana’s wildfire season picks up
With 34 new fires in the last week Montana’s current active wildfire count is up to 43. More than 48,060 acres have burned since the start of this year and acres burned since July 21st represent 65% of that total. In late July state fire officials said moisture-heavy storms low temperatures and high overnight humidity had kept the state well below the number of acres that had burned by that point in 2024 but they expected a change in the weather to increase fire activity in August.
American Cancer Society lodges strong opposition to Montana Medicaid waiver
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network registered strong objections to Montana’s Medicaid 1115 waiver request Tuesday in comments filed with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. It says if granted more than 215,000 residents will face significant burdens to maintaining healthcare coverage and the waiver request undermines the idea people should be able to see a doctor when they need to not just when they can afford it.
Montana Ranked No. 6 Most Dangerous State to Drive This Labor Day Weekend
A new study from Munley Law ranks Montana as the 6th most dangerous state to drive this Labor Day weekend the second deadliest weekend to drive in America behind only July 4th. Seven factors were analyzed in all 50 states and the District of Columbia such as traffic fatalities DUI’s speeding and pedestrian fatalities per capita.
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The 2025 Montana State Fair in Great Falls closed out its summer run with revenue of over $2 million and more than 74,000 attendees. From July 25th to August 2nd visitors from across Montana and beyond gathered at Montana ExpoPark to experience the “Good Time Vibes” that defined this year’s fair.
Two new measles cases were reported in western Montana this week. The Gallatin County Health Department has reported a new exposure site that occurred on August 12th at Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport. Southwest flight 2740 was inbound to Bozeman from Denver. Those exposed are advised to monitor for symptoms until September 2nd.
The Yellowstone Art Museum will receive $50,000 for fiscal year 2026 from Yellowstone County. That’s down almost three-quarters from the funding it received in fiscal year 2025. It’s also significantly lower than the dollars they’d been promised for the 2026 fiscal year. The cuts are due to a shortfall of funding for public safety.
Two rabid bats have been detected in Montana in Lewis and Clark County this year and the Hamilton middle school has delayed opening this year due to a small number of bats that have been found in the building. Bats found with rabies in Montana is very rare and officials recommend leaving bat removal to the professionals.
Corvallis senior Brady Powell turned in a round of golf he’ll probably never forget Tuesday at Canyon River in East Missoula. Powell carded a 12-under score of 60 in the Blue Devils’ dual meet with Polson. It’s a course record and may also be an all-time high school state record. The only blemish on his card was a bogey on Number eight.
