Montana Gas Prices Drop For 4th Time In 2025
Gasoline prices in Montana have fallen 1.6 cents in the last week averaging $3.18 for a gallon of regular unleaded today. According to Gas Buddy dot com gas prices in Montana are 4.2 cents a gallon higher than a month ago but are 22.1 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. Montana is ranked 12th in the U.S. when it comes to the average price of gas which is the same spot as last week.
NorthWestern Energy asks to raise rates for Montana customers
A hearing began Monday for the Public Service Commission to hear evidence from NorthWestern Energy as to why it needs an increase in electricity and natural gas rates. If the PSC agrees the utility would be allowed to raise monthly electric bills by 4.21% and natural gas bills by 9.13%. The publicly traded company says investors deserve a Return on Equity rate of 10.8%.
NorthWestern Energy Rate Hike Proposal Under Review by Public Service Commission Amid Two-Week Hearing
The Public Service Commission is considering whether to allow NorthWestern Energy to raise its electric and natural gas rates as it has requested. Monday was the first day of what’s expected to be a two-week hearing. In opening remarks Director of Regulatory Corporate Council for the utility Sarah Norcott explained how the company’s investments benefit customers both now and in the long term.
Sarah Norcott
If approved, the PSC would allow the utility to increase monthly electric bills by 4.21% and natural gas bills by 9.13%. The company states investors expect a 10.8% return on equity.
Fire Near Rattin Campground Contained After Burning Heavy Underbrush South of Red Lodge
Red Lodge Fire Rescue and U.S. Forest Service firefighters responded to a wildfire near Rattin Campground south of Red Lodge on Monday. Smoke was first reported around 1:30 p.m., and crews worked until 6 p.m. to extinguish it. The fire burned heavy downed trees and underbrush, but no structures were threatened. Fire officials urge caution with campfires as Montana’s fire season approaches.
Best & Worst States for Working Dads in 2025 – WalletHub Study
With Father’s Day Sunday and 94.3% of married dads working last year compared to 72.3% of married moms today the personal-finance website WalletHub released its report on 2025’s Best and Worst States for Working Dads. Montana ranks 40th in the nation across 22 key indicators of friendliness toward working dads. The data set ranges from the average length of the work day for men to child-care costs to the share of men in good or better health.
New Study: Montana No. 18 Safest State for ‘Aging in Place’
Seniorly has released a study on the Safest and Most Dangerous States for Aging in Place and ranks Montana as the 18th safest state for ‘Aging in Place’. Ten key factors were analyzed in all 50 states and the District of Columbia including home health aides ER wait times weather safety smart homes fatal car crashes and financial security. A record 4.2 million Americans are expected to turn 65 this year and nearly 75% want to remain home as they age.
Montana Family Foundation files legal challenge to strike down Constitutional Initiative 128
The Montana Family Foundation filed a Petition for Original Jurisdiction with the Montana Supreme Court Monday challenging the constitutionality of Constitutional Initiative 128. If enacted the proposed amendment would eliminate virtually all regulations on abortion in Montana including up to the moment of birth.
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The Kalispell Planning Commission is expected to discuss whether to issue a permit to run a casino inside the proposed Mountain Prime Steakhouse downtown when it meets this evening at 6 in City Hall. The restaurant will take up around 11,000 square feet and will feature a 960-square-foot casino separated by walls.
Missoula County commissioners have voted to join the American Civil Liberties Union’s lawsuit against House Bill 121 passed this last session. It forces trans Montanans to use bathrooms not aligned with their gender and throws intersex Montanans into legal limbo. The bill can’t be enforced until the suit is resolved.
The Helena City Commission has officially accepted a $3.2 million transportation planning grant to fund changes on Montana Avenue voting to approve the Railroad Crossing Elimination Program grant. The city received the grant award notice at the beginning of the year, but the process was later stalled due to implications of federal funding changes.
The Central Montana Medical Center in Lewistown has unveiled a new 16,700-square-foot cancer center. It was made possible by a $9 million grant from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust along with significant donations from local philanthropists. It offers comprehensive radiation oncology services alongside existing medical and surgical oncology.
Montana is facing a challenge after becoming one of seven states where all federal family planning funds have been frozen. The sudden loss of $2 million in Title X funding initiated under the Trump administration has left 20 health clinics across the state searching for answers and alternative sources of support.
