Montana Not Alone On The Edge of Recession

A new report suggests Montana is already in a "recession." But it also says there's only one state in the Greater Northwest that's not in a similar situation.

The numbers from Moody's Analytics say Montana is one of several states that have dropped into a recession, suffering from a combination of "persistent" weakness in the economy and the first stages of job loss.

Marketwatch says analyst Mark Zandi believes the U.S. is on the "precipice" of a full-blown recession. He says Montana is among 22 states that are showing trouble signs. He points to federal job cuts, and uncertainty caused by tariff policies and flat job growth are the major factors. He does admit some of the indicators used by the National Bureau of Economic Research aren't available at the state level.

Montana isn't alone. His analysis has every state in the Greater Northwest in recessionary territory with the exception of Idaho's economy being in "expansion."

      Other problem indicators include rising credit card delinquencies and declining credit scores.

Latest winter forecasts confirm "wetter, colder" winter

No surprises in the latest long-range weather outlook for Montana from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, with forecasts confirming we're heading for a colder, wetter winter.

The Climate Prediction Center's 2025-26 Winter Outlook reflects the impacts of the La Niña Ocean currents we reported on earlier this week, with colder temperatures and more precipitation through January or February. However, the line for "below average" temperatures cuts right across the middle of Montana. That means the southern parts of the state, and especially the Beaverhead and Southwest Montana, may not see consistent heavy snows. Though frequently, that fluctuating "temperature line" can create more robust storms.

READ MORE: How Will La Niña Impact Montana's Winter?

Water fixes are being made at Montana State Prison

Montana Department of Corrections officials say it will "take some time" to completely repair the broken water system at the Montana State Prison.

But fortunately, paying for the repairs isn't going to be a problem.

The prison has been without water service for a week, although experts have been able to find three water leaks causing most of the problems. Maintenance crews have been able to restore water to a couple of high-security units and were working yesterday on lower-security units, using some workarounds for the temporary water system. The kitchen is still using disposable and boiled water, while the prison laundry is fully operational.

The major repairs are being planned and are expected to start next week, with Governor Gianforte giving his go-ahead.

     ️ The money is covered because the Legislature approved $21-million for infrastructure repair last spring, knowing that the aging system was in danger of failing.

Big Butte drug bust

More than 30 people will have an upcoming court date after being caught in the state's latest sweep for illegal drugs in the Butte area.

Montana Highway Patrol troopers arrested 34 suspects in the sweep over the past week, seizing $75,000 in drug money, 260 pounds of marijuana, 11 pounds of meth, and 25 grams of fentanyl powder.

The operation was conducted with the help of federal agents with U-S Border Patrol, and aviation surveillance from the Air National Guard. It's not immediately known if the operation also resulted in immigration cases.

Bozeman Health Care moves

Big health care news for Bozeman this week, with news that Bozeman Health and Billings Clinic are signing an agreement to expand health care at the west Bozeman Medical Campus. The site was initially developed by Billings Clinic. It's said the additional collaboration will help provide a cost-efficient way to quickly offer more patient care, meet future growth, and expand services.

Late last year, Billings Clinic and Bozeman Health had already begun some integration using leased space.

Make sure you do this with your absentee ballot

If you're going to fill out an absentee ballot this weekend, you'll notice some changes required under new Montana election laws.

The exterior of the security envelope now includes a new space to enter your birthdate where you sign your name. And if you don't include that info, your ballot will be void.

Election officials say the change is designed to provide another layer of ballot security.

Montana is seeing painful prices for used cars

It was just a couple of years ago that it was very difficult to find a used car on a Montana lot. Now, there are lots to choose from. But the prices are higher than ever, as Nick Northern reports, average prices are now close to $40k.