MT Education Freedom: Gov. Greg Gianforte hosted an education freedom roundtable in Great Falls, highlighting open enrollment, the Montana Digital Academy, and Big Sky Scholarships as lawmakers gear up for the next session. Nursing Expansion: Montana State University opened a new Billings nursing education building, funded by a $101M Jones donation, adding simulation and skills training space for a growing health workforce. Local School Options: Ronan Charter Academy is expanding a hybrid path to graduation for students who need flexibility to stay enrolled. Teacher Shortage Pressure: Rural districts like Malta say staffing gaps are forcing tough choices, with band programs left without qualified teachers and broader turnover concerns looming. Wildlife & Fishing Management: Montana FWP will hold a public meeting Oct. 1 on removing illegally introduced bass from Livingston’s Sacajawea Lagoon to protect cutthroat trout and the Yellowstone River system. Courts & Voting: The Kalispell Chamber endorsed CI-132 to keep Montana judicial elections nonpartisan, arguing small businesses need predictable, politics-free rulings. Immigration Detention Scrutiny: Federal watchdog reports say ICE wasted tens of millions expanding detention capacity without solid planning, including unused tents and costly warehouse purchases. Culture Calendar: Billings Symphony kicks off its Classic Series with conductor candidate auditions, while Opera Montana brings “A River Runs Through It” back to Montana stages.