In low-elevation valleys, spring in Montana unfurls gradually, with wildflower blooms progressing to higher elevations and creating vibrant displays throughout the region.
"When I moved to Bozeman in 2012, it had just under 40,000 residents. Today, it's pushing the 60,000 mark... The average value of a single-family house in Bozeman is over $740,000 and the average rent is nearly $2,400 a month."
Robin Pruitt, the city council president, emphasized the critical role that researchers and federal employees play in the local economy and community engagement, stating, "They are participating in the local economy. They're volunteers for our nonprofits, for our schools. They're very engaged citizens."
As I stood atop a rocky precipice in central Montana, the most striking thing before me was nothing. More precisely, it was space: the all-encompassing nothingness for which the West is famous.
Justin Timberlake's real estate journey reflects his career evolution, with homes that portray a commitment to privacy, allowing him and Jessica Biel to escape the public eye.
"In 2025, during the 61st annual Milk River Indian Days, I'm going to be the women's head flag bearer - and to me, that is major, because in my 57 years, I've never seen a woman in men's regalia in charge of a big powwow like that."
Anyone tasked with describing Montana often focuses on the sheer vastness of the state, from its expansive skies to its rugged landscapes, yet few venture to explore the Great Plains region.
Montana's population has grown considerably, yet the construction sector is facing significant labor shortages, especially in the trades, as demand continues to rise.
The Zootown Festival, taking place in Missoula, Montana on July 4th-5th, will feature top artists Hozier, Kacey Musgraves, Jason Isbell, and Modest Mouse, alongside many others.
The investigation into Dustin Kjersem's death has transitioned from a potential bear attack to a homicide inquiry, highlighting the severity and peculiar circumstances surrounding his demise.
"It's not that they're mismanaging everything, but their management philosophy and scheme do not align with ours," said Tony Incashola Jr., the director of tribal resources for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, or CSKT, as he looked out the window of his Jeep at the landscape. This highlights the disconnect between state-managed and tribally managed land, affecting how resources are utilized and preserved, underlining that differing philosophies lead to different management outcomes.