If your graduating senior is looking for work, the outlook is good

The job market is looking bright for this year’s graduating seniors. In Montana, April’s jobless rate is hovering around 3.8 percent compared to the national rate of 4.4 percent. With Montana’s unemployment rate it can make hiring difficult for employers to find the skilled workers they may need to grow and expand their operations, said Pam Bucy, Labor and Industry Commissioner in a recent news release. “Tight labor markets also have benefits for workers because of rising wages and ample job opportunities.”

Preparedness begins at home, and results in stronger communities

By Sharon Loper

Montana officials study taking over federal land

Montana officials are looking into taking control of federal lands in the state, although they say the proposal is complicated and potentially expensive.

Thank you to all the Elves.

Decorating Bigfork in celebration of Christmas exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism and the special people of our community. It is their effort that ensures the success of various projects each year. Over the years Decorating Day has grown and become a fun, festive, and wonderful social interaction for all ages. Thank you to all who participated.

Gianforte has proven business track record

We have a job opening for the person best qualified to represent Montana in the hugely important position in the U.S. Congress. As such, the person must speak for all Americans, not just Montanans. The person must not only have insight into state and national issues but also international. Therefore our candidate’s priority must be far above that of personal aspirations or financial gain. This is not simply a “popularity contest.” We seek competency, knowledge, values, and dedication with accountability for the huge responsibilities of this key office.

Cyprus struggles to ease problem of bad loans

NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) — Defaulted loans are a prime economic issue for Cyprus, which since a 2013 financial crisis has seen overdue payments weigh on consumers and banks. Yet a government scheme to ease the problem has not been embraced by borrowers as hoped.

Cyprus struggles to ease problem of bad loans

NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) — Defaulted loans are a prime economic issue for Cyprus, which since a 2013 financial crisis has seen overdue payments weigh on consumers and banks. Yet a government scheme to ease the problem has not been embraced by borrowers as hoped.

Cyprus struggles to ease problem of bad loans

NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) — Defaulted loans are a prime economic issue for Cyprus, which since a 2013 financial crisis has seen overdue payments weigh on consumers and banks. Yet a government scheme to ease the problem has not been embraced by borrowers as hoped.

Cyprus struggles to ease problem of bad loans

NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) — Defaulted loans are a prime economic issue for Cyprus, which since a 2013 financial crisis has seen overdue payments weigh on consumers and banks. Yet a government scheme to ease the problem has not been embraced by borrowers as hoped.

Orders for US durable goods advance 2.4% in December

WASHINGTON (AP) — Orders to U.S. factories for big-ticket manufactured goods rose in December as a big jump in demand for military aircraft offset a sharp decline in commercial aircraft that reflected Boeing’s continued problems with its 737 Max. A key category that tracks business investment fell by the largest amount in eight months.

Administration touts 100th mile of border wall under Trump

YUMA, Ariz. (AP) — Trump administration officials on Friday touted the 100th mile (161st kilometer) of border wall to be built since the president took office as crossings have continued to drop.

Abbott named interim Newport chamber president

After four years of leading the Greater Newport Area Chamber of Commerce, board president and Roxy Theatre owner, Jason Totland, is stepping down. The board unanimously voted to appoint Jake Abbott, owner of Ruby Creek Resort and co-chair of the chamber’s 2024 Gala Committee, as interim president until officer elections are held in November.

German government agrees on national hydrogen strategy

BERLIN (AP) — The German government agreed Wednesday on a long-term strategy for increasing production and use of hydrogen as part of a plan to cut the country’s greenhouse gas emissions.

‘The West will lead’: Utah, Idaho, Wyoming team up on nuclear energy development

States agree to coordinate on development of critical energy infrastructure, as well as navigating regulatory and environmental challenges

EDITORIAL: Easing the child care burden

In Kootenai County, the struggle of working families is exacerbated by the astronomical cost of child care. So far this year, local and state leaders have taken modest but meaningful steps to address this issue, offering a glimmer of hope for parents caught between work responsibilities and the prohibitive expenses of raising children.

Aerospace conference coming to Coeur d'Alene Resort

Program eyes youth for aerospace careers

The American Aerospace Materials Manufacturing Center may become a reality through the U.S. Department of Commerce Tech Hub award and industry commitments of over $50 million.

Penny Marlene Robbe

Penny Marlene Robbe

Innovia receives 'Building Together' award

The foundation’s approach emphasizes trust-based philanthropy, long-term relationship building, and a belief that lasting change is rooted in collaboration. This work has earned support from national funders like the Trust for Civic Life and the Aspen Institute.

US stocks halt their slide after the Treasury Department moves to ease pressure from the bond market

The S&P 500 rose 0.3% and is on track for its first gain in four days after setting its all-time high last week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 133 points, or 0.3%, as of 2:30 p.m. Eastern time, and the Nasdaq composite was up 0.2%.

French security forces kill gunmen, end terror rampage