International Visitors to Yellowstone, Glacier to Pay Added Surcharges
The U.S. Department of the Interior has announced changes to how national parks will be accessed next year. While entry fees and annual passes for U.S. residents will remain the same, nonresident visitors will pay a higher rate to help fund maintenance across the national park system. Both of Montana’s national parks rank among the top 10 most visited: Yellowstone placed fourth in 2024 with 4.7 million visitors, and Glacier ranked 10th with 3.2 million.
‘Outpouring’ of Community Support Meets Growing Demand at Montana Food Banks
Montana food banks are reporting higher-than-usual demand during the holiday season—an annual period that is already among their busiest. Because food pantries typically do not ask clients why they need assistance, the exact cause of the increase is unclear. However, the surge is likely tied to the lingering effects of paused grocery assistance during the federal government shutdown, combined with persistently rising food prices.
Montana Could Lose Millions for Low-Income Housing Under New Federal Policy
Montana may receive up to 70% less federal funding for housing programs that assist low-income residents under a newly released federal policy. The changes, outlined in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s annual grant notice for Continuum of Care funding, include capping permanent housing program allocations at 30% of current levels and reducing the amount of guaranteed funding.
Unemployment Claims in Montana Increased Last Week
New jobless claims in Montana rose to 1,181 for the week ending November 21, up from 944 the previous week. Nationally, U.S. unemployment claims fell to 216,000, down 6,000 from 222,000 the week before on a seasonally adjusted basis. Arkansas experienced the largest percentage increase in weekly claims, rising 93.8%, while the Virgin Islands saw the largest percentage decline, dropping 88.6%.
Montana’s Cannabis Revenue Continues to Soar
According to The Marijuana Herald, which cited data from the Montana Department of Revenue, the state’s combined marijuana sales totaled $28,550,882 in October, compared to $27,728,562 in October 2024. Total cannabis sales for 2025 have reached $272,938,344 to date.
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Northern Cheyenne Tribe Weighs Stronger Dangerous-Dog Ordinance
The Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council is considering strengthening its ordinance on dangerous dogs after a recent attack on a tribal member. Proposed solutions focus on holding dog owners accountable while balancing community safety with tribal culture and values.
New Recovery Program Opens in Bozeman
Recovery Point, a new program launched by the Bozeman nonprofit Greater Impact, will open Saturday with game nights, events, and other sober activities. The new space on North Seventh Avenue is designed to connect people with recovery services, mental-health care, and community support.
Fort Peck Community College Receives $11 Million Gift from MacKenzie Scott
Fort Peck Community College has received an $11 million donation from MacKenzie Scott, former wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. It is the largest gift in the tribal college’s history and will help expand services for students and communities across the Fort Peck Indian Reservation for generations to come.
BLM Issues Advisory on Preventing Chronic Wasting Disease Spread
The Bureau of Land Management has issued a critical advisory for hunters to help prevent the spread of chronic wasting disease. According to the agency’s Facebook page, hunters must leave all head or skull parts containing brain material—and the spinal columns of deer, elk, and moose—at the kill site or dispose of them in a Class II landfill after processing.
Helena Braces for Visitor Surge Ahead of Montana Heritage Center Opening
As the Montana Heritage Center prepares to open, local organizations are gearing up for an influx of visitors expected to explore Helena after touring the museum. A 2016 University of Montana Bureau of Business and Economic Research study projected the expansion could bring an additional 78,500 visitors to Helena annually, generate $7.5 million in yearly spending, and create 180 jobs statewide.
