Another record passenger year for Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport
2025 was another record-setting year for Montana’s busiest airport. Last year, 2,809,419 passengers traveled through Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, a 6.3% increase over the record-setting year in 2024. The airport’s multi-phase, $190 million East Terminal Expansion Project continues to progress on schedule and under budget.
Health care marketplace closes this week as premium debate remains unresolved
Montanans who have not yet signed up for health insurance on the Affordable Care Act marketplace have until midnight Thursday to do so. Last year, about 77,000 people in the state purchased health coverage through the marketplace, the highest number since the Affordable Care Act was passed more than a decade ago. Insurance purchased before the January 15 cutoff will go into effect February 1.
Potential candidates face shorter filing deadline for county offices
Anyone planning to file as a candidate for a county office up for election in 2026 can do so beginning February 17, with the deadline set for March 4. In previous years, candidates had about two months to file, typically starting in January, but the filing timeline has now been significantly shortened.
Constitutional climate litigation lands before 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals
Twenty young Americans seeking to block President Donald Trump’s efforts to “unleash” American energy are asking the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to reverse a lower court’s dismissal of their constitutional climate case. The Montana Department of Justice argues that a ruling in favor of the plaintiffs could hinder energy projects in Montana and cost the state money if it becomes involved in additional litigation.
Plaintiffs allege BLM project plan in southwest Montana lacks key details
This week, the Alliance for the Wild Rockies and three additional plaintiffs filed a lawsuit in federal court in Butte. They allege a project proposed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management’s Dillon Field Office failed to fully analyze impacts to wildlife and the surrounding landscape. The plaintiffs contend the proposed project is short on specifics but long on potential impacts.
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Beginning later this year, the Gallatin Ice Arena will enter the second phase of its $8.1 million expansion. Planned upgrades include seating for up to 1,500 spectators along the entire west side of the rink, a restaurant and bar, an executive suite, and new locker rooms. The full expansion is expected to be completed by summer 2028.
Helena has unveiled new flooring in the Helena Civic Center ballroom. The wax-free tile is expected to save the city on maintenance costs. Laser-cut designs in the luxury vinyl tile are intended to provide shine without added labor and hold up well to heavy use. The project cost $119,535.
Classes at Billings Senior High School are canceled today after a teacher was attacked and stabbed at the school late Tuesday afternoon. According to police and the school district, a student was also reportedly stabbed. Both were in stable condition Tuesday evening.
As the new year begins, Montana real estate professionals are encouraging buyers to act early before spring competition increases. Inventory remains limited across much of the state, a trend that could give buyers an advantage. With fewer homes on the market, there are also fewer buyers actively searching.
The Montana Heritage Center is preparing to reopen its research library and archives after being closed for more than three years. Ground was broken in September 2020, and the archives closed in December 2022 during construction. Officials say many of the materials remain available online.
