Top stories of 2014

Another revolution around the sun

This past year has seen headlines that have altered the course of humanity in both discouraging and inspiring ways.

The self-proclaimed Islamic State declared a caliphate in Iraq and Syria, as civil war continues to rage. The Ebola virus swept through West Africa and threatens to spread across continents around the world. Race relations in the U.S. were put on edge by police killings in Ferguson, Mo., Cleveland, Ohio, and New York City.

North Korea hacked a motion picture studio, causing the unprecedented cancellation of a Hollywood film release. President Obama announced a historic new direction for diplomatic relations with Cuba. A viral social media trend raised $115 million for the ALS Association thanks to videos depicting people dumping ice water on their heads.

Closer to home, Montana democrats lost the Senate seat its party had held for more than a century when Steve Daines defeated Butte schoolteacher and state Rep. Amanda Curtis. Here in Big Sky, we enjoyed epic snowfall and great fishing conditions throughout the summer. The Warren Miller Performing Arts Center and Arts Council of Big Sky brought nationally-acclaimed touring acts to town and the fourth annual Big Sky Professional Bull Riders event won Touring Pro Division Event of the Year for the second year running.

This final issue of Explore Big Sky for 2014 offers us a chance to reflect, and recall the stories that defined the region this past year. From the economic recovery that has overwhelmed Big Sky roads with construction vehicles, to the housing crisis that persists in this resort community, and the proliferation of new trails built by the Big Sky Community Corporation and Big Sky Resort, we covered a number of significant stories in 2014.

Check them out in the link below. – Tyler Allen

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