EBS STAFF

Tourism officials in Montana are feeling the economic impact of a sharp decline in Canadian visitors, particularly from Saskatchewan, a historically reliable source of consistent visitation. New data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, as reported by CBC News, shows 62,000 fewer travelers crossed from Saskatchewan into the U.S. in 2025, equating to a 20% decline in Minot and 16% decline in Big Sky, two of the more popular destinations, according to the communities’ tourism agencies.

“Financially, having the loss of Canadian traffic is massive,” Brad Niva, CEO of Visit Big Sky, told CBC. “In my community, it’s half a million dollars of lost revenue.”

Niva said some Canadian visitors have told tourism officials they plan to delay U.S. travel for several years, citing political concerns and affordability. Niva told CBC that Big Sky has temporarily halted marketing efforts aimed at Canadians and hope conditions improve by 2026.

While Canadian travel south has slowed, Saskatchewan has seen an increase in U.S. visitors, a shifting cross-border tourism pattern that Montana communities like Big Sky are watching closely as they plan for future seasons.

The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Jan. 15, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Jan. 15 drawing

03-24-32-39-41, Lucky Ball: 18

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from Jan. 15 drawing

03-08-30-31, Bonus: 05

Check Big Sky Bonus payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the Montana Lottery drawings held?

• Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
• Mega Millions: 9 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
• Lucky For Life: 8:38 p.m. MT daily.
• Lotto America: 9 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
• Big Sky Bonus: 7:30 p.m. MT daily.
• Powerball Double Play: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
• Montana Cash: 8 p.m. MT on Wednesday and Saturday.

Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.

Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.

Where can you buy lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

WESTERN MONTANA — Here’s a look at Western Montana’s top news stories for Thursday.

Aaron Walker, a mill worker severely burned in a fire at Montana Timberline Firewood Company on Dec. 30, died at a Salt Lake City burn facility on Sunday. Walker’s medical team said they transitioned to comfort care before his death, while officials said the cause of the fire remains under investigation. (Read the full story)

Political speculation is swirling around University of Montana President Seth Bodnar as a potential challenger to Senator Steve Daines after former Senator Jon Tester sent a text suggesting the possibility. Bodnar declined to comment on the speculation, but did not deny it either. (Read the full story)

The Whitefish School District has started its superintendent search with community meetings to gather input from parents, students and staff about the next leader. McPherson and Jacobson consulting firm will conduct candidate interviews in early March with selection expected by the end of the month. (Read the full story)