Latest news with #Bozeman
Forbes
2 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
New York To UHNW Yellowstone Club Private Flights Up In The Air
Private shuttle flights for members and their guests of Montana's ultra-high-net-worth playground Yellowstone Club may be in jeopardy for the upcoming season. Forbes reports Mark Zuckerberg, Melinda French Gates, Eric Schmidt, Robert Kraft, Tom Brady and Bill Ackman are among its 900 homeowners who are worth a combined $290 billion. Its 2,900 acres include both a private golf course and ski mountain. Current listings for homes spanning over 8,000-square feet are all price on request. Mark Zuckerberg is reportedly a member of Montana's Yellowstone Club. Flights for members who don't ... More own their jets between New York's Westchester County Airport and Bozeman, Montana, are up in the air after the club cancelled a contract for next season flights when the suburban New York airport restricted flight timings during the past season, according to a lawsuit filed by Private Jet Services Group against Westchester County, which operates the airport. (Photo by) (Photo by) According to a lawsuit filed today in the Southern District of New York, Yellowstone Club cancelled a contract with the broker that arranged the flights after officials at Westchester County Airport north of New York City denied landing permits for requested dates during the 2024-2025 season. The airport ranked as fourth-busiest in the U.S. for private jet flights last year. The flights for club members use FBOs so club members and their families can avoid crowded terminals, long lines, and packed airplanes without shelling out the $50,000 or more it costs to charter a private jet during peak travel periods. They are also popular for shuttling family members, visiting friends and nannies. The charter broker, Miami, Florida-based Private Jet Services Group, states in the lawsuit against Westchester County, which operates the airport, that the denial of landing approvals cost it at least $4.8 million after the Yellowstone Club terminated its contract covering the next four years. According to an emailed statement from Elevate Aviation Group, parent of Private Jet Services Group, also known as PJS, 'The suit alleges unlawful and discriminatory denial of access to (Westchester County Airport) for Boeing 757-200 charter flights operated on behalf of PJS, while allowing Delta Air Lines charter flights for MSG Sports, including the National Basketball Association's New York Knicks and National Hockey League's New York Rangers, on nearly identical Boeing 757-200 aircraft during the same time period as flights for PJS were denied.' The statement continues that PJS was 'denied access despite meeting all operational safety standards and following established procedures that had historically resulted in approvals. The suit claims that (airport) officials implemented ad hoc restrictions without public notice or justification, including an undocumented policy that selectively limited the number of Boeing 757-200 aircraft permitted on the ground per day. Records indicate, however, that (the airport) allowed Delta Air Lines to operate multiple flights on the Boeing 757-200s on the same dates that PJS flights were denied—suggesting that the restrictions were not equally enforced.' Delta Air Lines and Yellowstone Club are not parties to the litigation. A spokesperson for the airport says, 'We received the complaint and are in the process of reviewing it. That being said, we do not believe the county or the airport have acted in any unlawful manner.' Yellowstone Club did not respond to a request for comments. Private Jet Services Group had contracted with Northern Pacific Airlines to provide the flights. The airline has 757s configured with just 78 seats compared to more than 200 in a typical configuration. According to its website, the aircraft features 48 sleeper seats with up to 53 inches of legroom between rows, 20 more first-class-style seats with up to 50 inches of pitch, and 10 additional seats positioned around three tables. An executive with knowlege of charters on VIP-configured aircraft says there are only a limited number of U.S.-registered charter jets that have the range to fly the route nonstop in the desired configuration and capacity. The lawsuit alleges, 'In August 2024, PJS representatives visited HPN (the code for Westchester County Airport) to view the operational flow and requirements needed for the B757-200 at the designated pad at HPN, operated by Atlantic Aviation.' It continues, 'Following this visit and validation of safe, secure, and capable operations for the aircraft and the needs of the (Yellowstone Club) member-passengers, (Northern Pacific Airlines) approached HPN officials, via email, to ensure support and alignment for the continuation of Yellowstone Club charters at HPN.' PJS then alleges, 'On August 29, 2024, (Airport Executive Director April) Gasparri responded via email indicating that following a phone call with HPN's FBO, Atlantic Aviation, HPN found the charters to be 'acceptable under our operating parameters,' but only if the charters were on other narrow-body aircraft types such as the B737-800 or A320. Permission for use of the B757 was implicitly denied.' However, the lawsuit alleges Gasparri later reversed course. According to the filing, PJS and Northern Pacific discovered Delta Air Lines had operated 35 Boeing 757-200 charter flights for the New York Knicks and New York Rangers at Westchester County Airport in 2024. After Northern Pacific emailed Gasparri in early December 2024 claiming 'discriminatory behavior of HPN and requesting that it revisit its denial,' Gasparri approved the use of the B757-200s for some dates but not January 5, January 6, March 16, and March 17, 2025. The lawsuit claims the dates were denied based on what the airport said was 'operational policy of no more than one B757-200 on the ground at any given time.' PJS states that it was never provided with any written documentation outlining the policy or when it was implemented. However, PJS Group alleges that Delta landed two 757-200 flights on January 5, 2025, a date on which the Yellowstone Club flights were not approved. One of the Yellowstone charter flights had to be diverted to LaGuardia Airport in Queens County, approximately 30 miles and an hour or so south of Westchester County Airport. The lawsuit claims Westchester County Airport's actions were 'arbitrary and discriminatory.' According to the filing, 'As a direct result of the defendant's actions, (Yellowstone Club) cancelled the remaining four years of its contract with plaintiffs, resulting in a loss of at least $4.8 million in revenue.' In its written statement, Elevate Aviation Group said, 'The lawsuit highlights broader concerns about transparency, fairness, and equitable access at a publicly funded airport. PJS is seeking declaratory and injunctive relief to prevent further arbitrary and discriminatory treatment and to restore fair access to the airport. PJS hopes the lawsuit can shed light on the fact that HPN has created undocumented policies that favor some operators over others, in violation of federal regulations.'
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Montana mountain town sees mysterious population decline
The idyllic town of Great Falls in Montana has seen an exodus of people while much of the state continues to attract newcomers. In the latest data from the US Census Bureau, Great Falls was noted as the only large Montana city to consistently see its population decline since 2020. The city lost 230 people from 2023 to 2024, while many other hubs in the state have grown as people flocked during the pandemic. Great Falls' population decline is still relatively small compared to its population of over 60,000, and it remains around half the size of Montana's largest city, Billings, at 123,000. Billings grew by 686 people in that same time frame, with the second most populated city, Missoula, growing its 77,000-people population by 557 people. Montana's idyllic scenery and low taxes drew in many people during the pandemic as people opted to work remotely from the state. But the rapid growth has slowed according to the new census data, with cities such as Bozeman still growing but at a much lower rate. From 2020 to 2021, Bozeman grew at three percent as it added over a thousand new residents, but this fell to a 1.4 percent rate from 2023 to 2024. The next town over from Bozeman, Belgrade, saw an even bigger drop than the major city as the influx it saw from the pandemic slowed dramatically. In 2021, Belgrade grew by a huge 8.1 percent, but this dropped to a growth rate of just 2.3 percent this year as its population grew by 280 residents, per the Montana Free Press . But while much of Montana grew since the pandemic in 2020, Great Falls is the only major city in the state that consistently shrunk. Statewide, migration from those already living in the US has reportedly been the primary driver of Montana's population surge. Between 2020 and 2023, over 51,000 more people moved into Montana than moved away, according to the census bureau. Over 6,000 more people moved into Montana than moved out in 2024 alone, with a huge majority of those coming from other states rather than people born outside the US. It comes as startling new data on the US population found that the nation's natural-born population could be almost extinct in just 500 years. Not taking into account immigration or major changes in death rates, statisticians predict this group could be cut by at least one-third every 75 years. This, economist Dr Abigail Hall told is a clear sign the US is heading toward a 'detrimental' crisis. Dr Hall, an associate professor of economics at the University of Tampa, told 'Economically speaking, depopulation is detrimental for economic growth.' 'One thing people would probably witness is that it's going to be harder to find people to fill jobs.' Experts have warned that as the US population dwindles, there will be fewer people to pay off the nation's debt. For example, the Heritage Foundation estimates a baby born in 2007 will assume $30,500 in debt. However, a baby born in 2020 will assume $59,000. Based on the current trends, recent Census data predicts the natural-born population in the US will be back to levels of the post-Civil War era in the next 300 years, with just 60million people. And around the year 2600, this population could dwindle to only 10 million, a number not seen since the early 1800s when the country bounced back from the Revolutionary War.
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Mysterious exodus from idyllic Montana mountain town despite state booming for years
The idyllic town of Great Falls in Montana has seen an exodus of people while much of the state continues to attract newcomers. In the latest data from the US Census Bureau, Great Falls was noted as the only large Montana city to consistently see its population decline since 2020. The city lost 230 people from 2023 to 2024, while many other hubs in the state have grown as people flocked during the pandemic. Great Falls' population decline is still relatively small compared to its population of over 60,000, and it remains around half the size of Montana's largest city, Billings, at 123,000. Billings grew by 686 people in that same time frame, with the second most populated city, Missoula, growing its 77,000-people population by 557 people. Montana's idyllic scenery and low taxes drew in many people during the pandemic as people opted to work remotely from the state. But the rapid growth has slowed according to the new census data, with cities such as Bozeman still growing but at a much lower rate. From 2020 to 2021, Bozeman grew at three percent as it added over a thousand new residents, but this fell to a 1.4 percent rate from 2023 to 2024. The next town over from Bozeman, Belgrade, saw an even bigger drop than the major city as the influx it saw from the pandemic slowed dramatically. In 2021, Belgrade grew by a huge 8.1 percent, but this dropped to a growth rate of just 2.3 percent this year as its population grew by 280 residents, per the Montana Free Press. But while much of Montana grew since the pandemic in 2020, Great Falls is the only major city in the state that consistently shrunk. Statewide, migration from those already living in the US has reportedly been the primary driver of Montana's population surge. Between 2020 and 2023, over 51,000 more people moved into Montana than moved away, according to the census bureau. Over 6,000 more people moved into Montana than moved out in 2024 alone, with a huge majority of those coming from other states rather than people born outside the US. It comes as startling new data on the US population found that the nation's natural-born population could be almost extinct in just 500 years. Not taking into account immigration or major changes in death rates, statisticians predict this group could be cut by at least one-third every 75 years. This, economist Dr Abigail Hall told is a clear sign the US is heading toward a 'detrimental' crisis. Dr Hall, an associate professor of economics at the University of Tampa, told 'Economically speaking, depopulation is detrimental for economic growth.' 'One thing people would probably witness is that it's going to be harder to find people to fill jobs.' Experts have warned that as the US population dwindles, there will be fewer people to pay off the nation's debt. For example, the Heritage Foundation estimates a baby born in 2007 will assume $30,500 in debt. However, a baby born in 2020 will assume $59,000. Based on the current trends, recent Census data predicts the natural-born population in the US will be back to levels of the post-Civil War era in the next 300 years, with just 60million people. And around the year 2600, this population could dwindle to only 10million, a number not seen since the early 1800s when the country bounced back from the Revolutionary War. Dr Hall highlights America's flailing fertility rate, which was laid bare in a report last month by the CDC. The report found women on average had 1.6 births each in 2023, well below the 2.1 needed to sustain population growth. Political leaders are warning of dire consequences, with Elon Musk often saying population decline could become one of the most pressing issues to face humanity in the coming decades.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Bozeman Athletics faces major turnover just one year after historic success
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) — In spring 2024, Deane Bozeman High School's athletic program wrapped up one of the most successful school years in Florida but is now starting fresh with more than a half-dozen coaching changes. In 2023-2024, Bozeman finished with the highest combined win percentage in the state across football, boys basketball and baseball. Bozeman concludes historic year of athletics The Bucks went 62-8 in those three sports, capturing two district titles, earning three playoff berths, reaching a Final Four and finishing as the Class 1A state runner-up in baseball. But just over a year later, the program looks nearly unrecognizable. The shake-up began in the spring of 2024, when head football coach Jason Griffin left to take a job at Arnold High School. That summer, longtime baseball coach and athletic director Jeff Patton stepped down from his administrative role as AD. In July 2024, Andrew Halford was hired as the new athletic director, ushering in what was expected to be a new chapter for Bozeman athletics. However, the months that followed were marked by widespread coaching turnover. In less than a year, the school has seen more than half a dozen coaching departures, including head coaches from boys and girls soccer, volleyball, football, boys basketball, baseball and softball. Bozeman head football coach, Sweatt resigns Football coach Bronson Sweatt resigned on April 16, just before the start of spring practice. Boys basketball coach Matt Granville stepped down on May 7. Less than a week later, on May 12, Patton officially retired from coaching after decades on the diamond. Bozeman baseball coaching legend, Patton retires Most recently, head softball coach Jared Smith was fired on May 29 — a move that stunned many in the community. The Bucks were coming off their first playoff win in program history under Smith's leadership. Bozeman fires softball coach following historic season In response to growing public concern, Bay District Schools released a statement on behalf of Deane Bozeman School: 'Moving forward, our focus is on strengthening and unifying the athletic department. We aim to hire and support coaches who demonstrate excellence in their sport and who also embody the values of mentorship, character, and school spirit.' BDS releases statement regarding Bozeman coach firing As Bozeman looks to rebuild, the future of its once-dominant athletic program remains uncertain. The school will likely introduce a new boys basketball coach in the coming days and will look to replace its softball coach this summer. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
National Post
02-06-2025
- Business
- National Post
FICO Drives Financial Empowerment at Professional Golf Tournaments Across North America
Article content FICO pairs Score A Better Future™ Fundamentals workshops with golf tournaments to inspire and motivate teen golf fans to learn how to take control of their financial futures. FICO partners with First Tee—Ontario, First Tee — Central Carolina, and Drew Charter School to give teens valuable financial education. The FICO Score A Better Future™ Fundamentals program is designed to help students make more informed credit decisions for a brighter financial future. Article content BOZEMAN, Mont. — Global analytics software company FICO will be showcasing Score A Better Future™ Fundamentals (Fundamentals), a free credit education program for high-school-aged students, through a series of golf events this summer. As a part of its successful, nation-wide Score A Better Future (SABF) financial education program, FICO designed Fundamentals to empower teens to be better prepared for their financial futures with the knowledge and tools to help them make more responsible credit decisions. Article content 'Financial literacy is one of the most powerful tools we can give teens today. The upcoming Fundamentals events held in conjunction with various golf tournaments this summer will be a great opportunity to showcase the importance of financial literacy. When young people understand how personal finance and credit can impact their futures, they are better equipped to make smart decisions,' said Jenelle Dito, vice president of Consumer Empowerment Programs and Partnerships at FICO. Article content A recent FICO-sponsored Harris poll on financial literacy found that more than one in four members of Gen Z do not consider themselves financially literate even though 99% of Gen Z adults believe financial literacy is important for achieving financial stability. The goal of the Fundamentals program is to help bridge that gap by expanding access to financial literacy education through workshops focused on credit and personal finance. FICO has paired Fundamentals workshops with thrilling sports events to inspire and motivate students to learn how to take control of their financial futures. Article content FICO will be sponsoring a number of golf tournaments in North America in the coming months, including: Article content The 2025 RBC Canadian Open, June 4-8 in Toronto, Canada The Wyndham Championship, July 30-August 3 in Greensboro, North Carolina The TOUR Championship, August 20-24 in Atlanta, Georgia. Article content As part of FICO's goal to broaden financial literacy and empower teens to be better prepared for their financial futures, FICO will work with the First Tee chapters in Ontario and Central Carolina, as well as with the Drew Charter School in Atlanta to host Fundamentals events for teen golf fans in conjunction with these tournaments. Through these partnerships, FICO will provide a fun way for teens to learn about personal finance and credit through the sport they love. Article content The First Tee is a nonprofit, youth-development organization that focuses on integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, creating active learning experiences that build inner strength, self- confidence, and resilience in kids and teens worldwide. Article content FICO (NYSE: FICO) powers decisions that help people and businesses around the world prosper. Founded in 1956, the company is a pioneer in the use of predictive analytics and data science to improve operational decisions. FICO holds more than 200 US and foreign patents on technologies that increase profitability, customer satisfaction and growth for businesses in financial services, insurance, telecommunications, health care, retail and many other industries. Using FICO solutions, businesses in more than 80 countries do everything from protecting 4 billion payment cards from fraud, to improving financial inclusion, to increasing supply chain resiliency. The FICO® Score, used by 90% of top US lenders, is the standard measure of consumer credit risk in the US and has been made available in over 40 other countries, improving risk management, credit access and transparency. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content
