Atlantic Richfield Not Ready Yet
Last year, Atlantic Richfield said preliminary analysis of the Berkeley Pit suggested the contaminated lake was shaping up as a preferred option to accept Superfund wastes from sites in the Silver Bow Creek Corridor—but not yet. The company said continued analysis of the Berkeley Pit is needed, which will delay the Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit schedule.
Interior Secretary Grants BLM Motion to Remand Decision Regarding Montana Grazing Allotments
On December 9, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum formally assumed jurisdiction over an appeal of a 2022 Bureau of Land Management decision allowing bison to graze on several federal allotments used by American Prairie. As things stand now, the status has reverted to what it was prior to the appeal filed by American Prairie, which led to the 2022 decision permitting bison grazing on the allotments.
U.S. Border States’ Economies Hit Hard by Canadian Tourism Declines of Up to 30%
A sharp decline in Canadian travel to the United States in 2025 is inflicting real economic pain on states that have historically depended on cross-border tourism, including Montana. A December 2025 Joint Economic Committee report found that from January through October, passenger-vehicle crossings at the U.S.–Canada border fell by nearly 20% overall, with several border states experiencing much steeper declines.
Sales Tax on BBER Roadshow Agenda
The Bureau of Business and Economic Research will hold its 2026 Economic Outlook Seminar roadshow, which will ask whether Montana should reconsider its opposition to a sales tax. The series of meetings will stop in nine Montana towns from January 27 through March 11, running from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at each location. Montana is one of five states without a general sales tax.
Labor Market
The Ninth District Federal Reserve Bank, which includes Montana, reports that nearly half of survey respondents are actively trying to hire workers. According to the Big Sky Business Journal, electricians, plumbers, and similar tradespeople are in high demand. Some respondents believe data center projects are employing a large number of these workers, putting upward pressure on wages. Only about a quarter of businesses reported being at least somewhat dependent on foreign-born labor.
More Headlines
-
Carroll College has launched a Tuition Assistance Partnership Program for its online Master of Social Work degree. Officials say the program will strengthen the college’s commitment to access, affordability, and workforce development across Montana’s health, behavioral health, and social service sectors.
-
Waded Cruzado, Montana State University’s president during an era of athletic and university-wide success, will enter the Bobcat Athletics Hall of Fame. The ceremony will be held January 16 at the Strand Union Building on the MSU campus. The evening begins with a social at 5:30 p.m.
-
Sheepherder Square in Big Timber is slated to become a landscaped community hub. Key elements of the design include an outdoor amphitheater, turf field, splash fountain, and landscaped areas with benches, fire pits, and walkways. The project aims to enhance local quality of life and attract visitors.
-
Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport has confirmed that U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance made an unexpected visit to Bozeman over the weekend. Videos posted on Facebook showed Air Force Two departing the airport. The airport was under temporary flight restrictions due to a VIP presence from Friday afternoon through Saturday evening.
-
Bridger Bowl Ski Area will celebrate the arrival of 2026 with a torchlight parade and fireworks display on Tuesday. The public event will feature live music by Roadrunner at Jim Bridger Lodge and Brendan Nolan at Saddle Peak Lodge. Beginning at 4 p.m., visitors can enjoy a spaghetti dinner at both lodges.
