Stories from surrounding communities, closest first.
Business Insider · Billings, MT
Nearby: Billings, MTParents are rethinking how to save for their kids' futures, as AI complicates the value of degrees. Some parents are shifting away from tax-advantaged 529 education savings plans. Others keep funding 529 plans, betting the rules will change in an AI future. When Nataliya Konovalova's sons were babies, she set up tax-advantaged 529 savings plans for them. On their birthdays, she'd tell relatives: no gifts, just contributions. As the boys got older — they are now eight and 10 — she began to change her mind about the value of a college education. Konovalova read stories about degree-holders working at McDonald's, and prestigious fellowships that take students straight out of high school. AI was the final straw. Konovalova had long discussions with her husband, who works in tech, about how AI is tightening the entry-level job market. Ultimately, the couple halved their contributions to the boys' 529 plans. "I honestly don't think they will go to a traditional four-year college," she said.
Montana Free Press · Billings, MT
Nearby: Billings, MTSign up for the free Billings This Week newsletter and stay in the loop on Billings city government, public school meetings, business news and upcoming entertainment and events. Good morning. A narrow win in a local House District got even narrower after provisional ballots were counted this week. Plus, we have details on the Zimmerman Trail closure, a possible measles exposure, the superintendent’s proposed 31% raise and the West High Bears’ recent domination in Class AA football. But first, a weather preview ☀️ It’s looking like another gorgeous, mild fall weekend in Billings. The National Weather Service forecasts highs in the 60s and overnight lows down to 35 with some light winds. Legislator’s narrow lead shrinks after provisional ballots counted One of the state’s closest legislative races got even closer after provisional ballots were counted Monday afternoon at the Yellowstone County Elections Office.
Montana Free Press · Billings, MT
Nearby: Billings, MTBillings Clinic has a new name. The nonprofit healthcare organization has operated in a combined capacity with Logan Health since 2023. Logan Health owns hospitals in Kalispell, Whitefish and several small communities on the Hi-Line, while Billings Clinic operates in Billings and runs satellite locations in Bozeman, Red Lodge and Columbus, among other communities. Under one administrative roof, the organization has more than 25 clinics and hospitals and 9,000 employees throughout Montana and northern Wyoming, according to a press release announcing the change. As of this week, the organization will now be called One Sky Health. Tuesday afternoon, staff, administrators and community partners filled the atrium and second-floor balcony of Billings Clinic to watch the announcement. People waved small purple pom-poms and ate cookies. Party music played from giant speakers near a stage.
Eagle Valley Enterprise · Action, MT
Nearby: Action, MTSeveral former Eagle Valley and Battle Mountain runners competed at their school’s respective NCAA conference meets last weekend. Milaina Almonte finished second at the West Coast Conference cross-country championships on Oct. 30 in San Diego. The Santa Clara senior finished the 6-kilometer course in 20 minutes, 36.5 seconds, just five clicks behind Portland’s Latham West. Almonte placed first or second in all four races during the regular season and was named the WCC runner of the week at the end of September. Last May, Almonte became the fourth Bronco in history to qualify for the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field West Regional. After setting school records in the 3,000- and 5,000-meters indoors, the former Battle Mountain star nearly broke Santa Clara 3,000-meter steeplechase school record held by trail world champion Grayson Murphy.
