Record High Labor Force Continued Wage and Personal Income Growth Fuel Montana’s Economy
According to the 2025 Labor Day Report more Montanans are working now than at any point in the state’s history. More than 60,000 jobs were added over the last five years alone The state’s economic growth has resulted in an average 2.3% annual growth in real wages since 2020 and an average 7.2% annual increase in personal income.
Montana DEQ Denies Petition to Change Selenium Water Standards for Lake Koocanusa, Continues International Coordination
Today, Montana’s DEQ denied the Lincoln County Commissioners’ petition to modify Lake Koocanusa’s selenium water standards. The agency reviewed 305 comments from various stakeholders, including tribal groups and agencies, after holding a public hearing on August 13. DEQ continues coordinating with British Columbia and international bodies regarding selenium levels in Lake Koocanusa. Public comments and responses are available on the DEQ website.
Harmful Algal Blooms Reported in Multiple Montana Lakes, Authorities Warn to Stay Out of Affected Waters
Harmful algal blooms have appeared in Montana lakes, including Tongue River Reservoir, Homestead Lake, McGregor Lake, and Holter Lake, according to the Montana Department of Environmental Quality. These naturally occurring organisms can release toxins when conditions are right, often in late summer. Blooms may look like paint spills or scum. Stay out of water if blooms are visible to protect yourself, children, and pets.
Another Surge In Business Growth In August 2025
According to the latest Montana Business Economic Report the state welcomed nearly 6,000 new business registrations this August. The year-to-date total is nearly 51,000 new businesses registered with the Secretary of State’s Office. Montana remains on track to surpass last year’s record-setting 64,000 new filings marking the fourth consecutive year of new business growth.
Indian Health Service opens 3 new employee housing complexes in Montana
The Indian Health Service is opening three employee housing complexes on the Crow Fort Belknap and Blackfeet reservations. The federal entity hopes the developments will improve employee recruitment and retention. The projects were funded by Healthcare Facilities Construction Funds, Non-Recurring Expense Funds and Medicare and Medicaid collections.
USDA starts rolling up landmark Roadless Rule’
The U.S. Forest Service has formally begun rescinding the 2001 Roadless Rule prohibiting road construction in national forests. Montana has approximately 6 million acres of inventoried roadless landscape overseen by the Forest Service much of it at high elevations or otherwise unprofitable locations. The first round of comments closes on September 19th.
Best and Worst Places to Retire in 2025
With 50% of people thinking it’s not realistic for the average American to expect to retire comfortably today WalletHub released its report on 2025s Best and Worst Places to Retire. The personal-finance website compared more than 180 cities across 45 key measures of affordability quality of life health care and availability of recreational activities. Missoula ranks 39th on the list while Billings comes in at number 149.
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The Kalispell City Council will consider approving a seven-building apartment complex proposed for South Kalispell when it meets this evening at 7 in City Hall. Developer Roger Foley is proposing 99 multi-family apartment units on a 12-acre plot of land between Ashley Creek and Bluestone Drive. Kalispell’s growth policy designates the area as urban residential which supports high-density development.
Yellowstone Industrial Development is nearing the completion of a transloading facility on 220-acres in Billings west of 64th Street West between Central Avenue and Monad Road. The facility will increase convenience and reduce costs of shipping and receiving products equipment and other shipments by rail. It is expected to open in October.
The state Supreme Court has ruled Paws Up Luxury Ranch Resort is shielded from Connecticut orthopedic surgeon Gerald Girasole’ lawsuit seeking damages after being inured from a horseback ride. The majority said The Montana Equine Activities Act says his injuries resulted from the inherent risks of horseback riding.
The Flathead County Library Board will continue a Covid-era wireless internet hotspot program through donation assets. Continuing using the portable devices will cost the library system $1,200 a year for 11 hotspots to provide informational materials to anyone and everyone.
Upland game bird season opened Monday and archery season opens Saturday coinciding with the kickoff of Montana Fish Wildlife and Park’s Bear Aware Month. Some areas with dense concentrations of grizzly bears are very accessible to hunters and they’re being asked to keep precautions in mind when hunting in grizzly country.
