Tuition Increases Coming for Residents and Non-residents at Montana Campuses
In-state tuition at the University of Montana and Montana State University will increase $432 per year over the next two academic years. Yearly tuition averages are approaching $5,000 for residents and currently sit around $20,000 for non-residents. The increase is being driven by rising costs associated with higher education and recent adjustments to an employee pay plan adopted by the 2025 Legislature.
Biden-Era Grizzly Bear Management Changes on Hold as U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Waits for Senate Confirmation of Nominee Brian Nesvik
Biden-era plans to change grizzly bear management are on hold while the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service awaits Senate confirmation of Brian Nesvik, nominated by Trump to lead the agency. Nesvik, a former Wyoming official, has yet to be confirmed but testified that Yellowstone grizzlies were ready for delisting. Senators Daines and Sheehy have varying responses regarding their support.
Flathead National Forest Approves Operating Permit for Holland Lake Lodge, Focuses on Preservation
The Flathead National Forest approved a 20-year permit to operate the historic Holland Lake Lodge in Swan Valley. New owners, Jacobsen and Knowles, aim to preserve the lodge’s historic charm without expansion plans. Public opposition and rejected proposals for resort expansion last year highlighted community concerns. The Forest Service is now reviewing the 2025 operating plan, ensuring the lodge’s continued role as a valuable recreational resource.
Ballot measure in the works would preserve nonpartisan judicial campaigns in Montana
Republican lawmakers failed to put political party labels on judicial campaigns at the legislature and now a ballot initiative is in the works to prohibit future attempts. Montanans for Fair and Impartial Judges has registered with the commissioner of political practices allowing the new political committee to begin raising and reporting money.
Montana ranks in top 10 for employment growth
Even though its population growth is slowing Montana is still a top 10 state for employment growth in technical services construction hospitality and retail industries. Unemployment in the Treasure State remains under 3% well below the national average so it continues to be a tight job market but a positive job market.
Air Force to host virtual town hall on cancer study findings
The Air Force Global Strike Command will host a public virtual town hall June 4th led by commander General Thomas A. Bussiere who will address findings from the Missile Community Cancer Study. It examines environmental factors at three ICBM Wings including Malmstrom in Montana. Using government health databases the study compares 14 common cancers in the general population to those in missile-related careers.
After historic lows hydropower generation in the Northwest is expected to rise in 2025
After dropping to historic levels last year due to ongoing drought and high temperatures hydropower generated in the Northwest is expected to rise slightly this year from much needed precipitation. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration hydropower in the region is expected to increase about 17% compared to last year but will still be below the 10-year average. Overall hydropower generation in the U.S. is expected to rise 7.5% in 2025 representing about 6% of the country’s electricity.
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Personnel and overall operating costs are driving an increase in the proposed Whitefish city budget which in turn is expected to increase property taxes. The total proposed budget for fiscal year 2026 is $58 million about $4.8 million more in expenditures over the previous budget. The Whitefish City Council will hold a work session on the budget this afternoon at 5:30 in City Hall.
The Gallatin County health department is investigating a new measles case in an adult patient who has tested positive bringing its number to 9 since an outbreak linked to out-of-state travel began in April. Montana now has 11 confirmed measles cases including one in Flathead County and one in Hill County. Before this year Montana had not seen a measles case in 35 years.
The Billings City Council approved a 3 percent annual cost-of-living increase for City Administrator Chris Kukulski Tuesday evening. The boost increases Kukulski’s base pay to about $218,000 annually. In 2024 the city chose to forgo the pay increase at a time when many residents were frustrated with high water bills. The pay increase is in line with similar cost-of-living increases he received in 2021 2022 and 2023.
Governor Greg Gianforte has vetoed Senate Bill 72 that would have allowed “presumptive eligibility” for older Montanans and those with disabilities to claim Medicaid benefits for some home- and community-based services. He also vetoed Senate Bill 244 which would have required state employee health plans to cover behavioral health screenings with no out-of-pocket costs.
The Hamilton City Council has approved an ordinance altering the city’s sewer and water rebate code requirements. The update is intended to make rebate rates more equitable for taxpayers. It will directly impact rebate rates in Ravalli County’s Targeted Economic Development District of about 420 acres around the Ravalli County Airport sewer extension.
