Economic Impact: Miles Community College says a Lightcast study found it contributes about $17.7 million annually to the local economy, supporting roughly 342 jobs through operations, student spending and alumni effects. Higher Education Funding: MSU-Northern won about $2.5 million over five years from the U.S. Department of Education to expand student support and improve graduation and workforce transitions. State Government & Infrastructure: Gov. Greg Gianforte named Larry Flynn as Montana Department of Transportation director, tasking him with road and bridge upgrades, safety and customer service. Workforce & Education: MSU-Northern’s grant and MCC’s impact study both point to the same theme: Montana schools are pitching measurable returns to taxpayers and employers. Energy & Agriculture Costs: A Farm Bureau analysis links recent diesel spikes to global supply disruptions, raising operating and transportation costs for farmers during peak harvest. Public Lands Policy: U.S. Sen. Steve Daines urged continued U.S.-China engagement on rare earth supply chains, warning the bigger risk sits downstream in processing and manufacturing. Local Business Disruption: Livingston residents and businesses are pushing back on a film production in downtown, saying permits and notifications didn’t adequately reach affected shops and services.