Montana State University site of new U.S. Patent and Trademark office
The MSU-based office will join Dallas and San Francisco as the largest hubs west of the Mississippi providing trademark and patent services to U.S. innovators.
Insights: Tax preparation following the One Big Beautiful Bill
This January edition of Insights focuses on provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that will affect many businesses and households across Northwest Montana.
Four years of legalized adult-use marijuana in Montana produces more than $1 billion in sales
Adult-use sales remain on a growth trajectory while medical sales fell over 70%.
Montana-Canada border traffic falls sharply in 2025
Container crossings fell 21% and inbound visitation dropped 29% over the first 11 months of the year.
Insights: Artificial Intelligence in the real world
Our February edition of Insights focuses on the implementation of artificial intelligence in the Flathead Valley.
Montana business leaders react as Supreme Court nixes many Trump tariffs
As the U.S. Supreme Court declared many of President Donald Trump’s import tariffs unconstitutional Friday, business leaders reached by Montana Free Press were split on whether the ruling will make life easier for Montana businesses that have struggled to navigate the president’s often-volatile trade policies.
Licensing rules for 176,000 Montana jobs up for discussion as Gianforte preps for 2027 Legislature
Licensed as a nurse, funeral director or contractor? Rules that apply to those and other professions could change as Republicans take aim at alleged red tape.
Insights: Tech companies boot up
The Flathead Valley is home to several innovative high-tech companies and is a key player in the state’s advanced manufacturing industry.
Trump administration aims to roll back limits on toxic wastewater from coal-fired power plants
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency moved Thursday to roll back limits that require coal-fired power plants to prevent the release of toxic heavy metals into streams and rivers through polluted groundwater, saying a three-year-old rule is unduly costly for the energy industry at a time when energy demand is spiking.
Tribal groups join lawsuit seeking restoration of $127 million in canceled farm grants
In March, the USDA canceled 49 of 50 Increasing Land, Capital and Market Access Program grants designed to support “underserved” farmers and ranchers.
