SNOW SCARCITY SHIFTS SKI FINALS TO UTAH
An unprecedented lack of winter weather in Montana has forced the NCAA to move the 2026 National Collegiate Skiing Championships away from Bozeman. Originally set for Bridger Bowl and Crosscut next month, the title events will now be hosted by the University of Utah at venues in Park City and Midway. Officials say the move is necessary to ensure a fair and high-level competition for the student-athletes.
Daines Kicks Off 2026 Election Cycle with Re-Election Bid
The 2026 election season has officially arrived in Big Sky Country. Senator Steve Daines became the first candidate to formally file for office this morning as the two-week filing window opened in Helena. Seeking his third term, Daines enters the race with a high-profile endorsement from President Donald Trump. Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen says the filing period remains open through March 4th, marking the start of a busy year for Montana voters.
Montana PBS Expands Free TV Access in Eastern Montana
Montana PBS has purchased three TV stations in eastern Montana—KYUS‑TV in Miles City, KXGN‑TV in Glendive, and K13IG‑D in Sidney—bringing free, over‑the‑air public television to the region for the first time. The stations went live with PBS programming this month, offering five Montana PBS channels, from kids’ shows to state legislative coverage.
Land Board Approves $115,000 for Montana Schools
Montana State Auditor James Brown and fellow statewide officials approved an estimated one‑hundred fifteen thousand dollars in new revenue for Montana schools at February’s State Land Board meeting. The funding comes from projected timber sales and easements, all benefiting state trust lands and public education. Brown says the board remains committed to strengthening opportunities for Montana students.
Billings Public Schools Sees Dramatic 43% Drop in Student Dropout Rates
A major turnaround for Billings Public Schools as new data shows student dropouts have plummeted by forty-three percent over the last year, hitting numbers lower than before the pandemic. Superintendent Erwin Garcia credits the shift to a new focus on ‘career pathways,’ including specialized charter schools and expanded military and technical programs. Officials say when students see a clear path to a career, they’re staying in the classroom.
Giant Rail Merger Faces Scrutiny Over Montana Impacts
A massive eighty-five-billion-dollar railroad merger is drawing fire from Montana leaders. Union Pacific is looking to acquire Norfolk Southern, a move that would create the nation’s first coast-to-coast rail giant spanning fifty-thousand miles. While Union Pacific says the deal will lower shipping costs and take trucks off the road, Montana’s congressional delegation warns the lack of competition could drive up prices for local farmers and disrupt critical grain shipments.
New City Leadership in Helena
Helena’s newest city manager is officially settling into her role. Alana Lake, a fifth-generation Montanan and military veteran, says her immediate focus is on long-term strategy and active listening. Lake takes over a position that has seen four different managers in just six years. She’s already tackling high-priority items like the city budget and affordable housing. Lake is encouraging residents to get involved, noting that community perspective is vital for effective government.
UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA HITS FIVE-YEAR ENROLLMENT HIGH
The University of Montana is celebrating a spring surge, reporting a three-percent jump in student headcount. New data shows more than 11K students are enrolled this semester, marking the fifth consecutive year of growth. Officials credit the rise to a record-breaking 1,240 high schoolers taking dual-enrollment courses and a five-percent boost in graduate programs. Notably, Missoula College saw the largest individual gain with an eight-percent increase.
