Montana Is 2025’s 2nd Most Patriotic State in America – WalletHub Study
With the Fourth of July approaching today WalletHub today released its report on 2025’s Most Patriotic States in America. Montana ranked 2nd in the nation with the most red white and blue pride. The personal-finance website compared the 50 states across 13 key indicators of patriotism. The data set ranged from the state’s military enlistees and veterans to the share of adults who voted in the 2024 presidential election to AmeriCorps volunteers per capita. Virginia is number one.
Unemployment claims in Montana declined last week
Initial filings for unemployment benefits in Montana fell to 377 in the week ending May 31st down from 428 the week before. U.S. jobless claims rose to 247,000 up 8,000 on a seasonally adjusted basis. Kentucky saw the largest percentage increase with claims jumping by 208.9%. Nebraska saw the largest percentage drop in new claims dropping by 50%.
Trump orders creation of new federal wildfire agency
With fire season already underway in many western states President Donald Trump is directing federal agencies to begin combining their wildland firefighting staff into a new unified wildfire force. The executive order similar to legislation introduced by Senator Tim Sheehy placing federal employees from five land management agencies in a newly created Federal Wildland Fire Service within the Interior Department.
Drivers warned that 31 states now have strict ‘no touch’ laws for cellphone use in cars
Motorists in more than 31 states should now be aware of strict laws regarding cell phone usage while driving but Montana has no restrictions on cell phone use while driving whatsoever. A National Safety Council report in 2014 concluded use of mobile phones caused 26% of U.S. car accidents. It found only 5% of these accidents were due to texting with talking on the phone including using hands free devices a much more common reason for accidents.
Montana: $129 Million in Legal Cannabis Sold So Far in 2025 Bringing All-Time Total to $1.07 Billion
According to new data released by the Montana Department of Revenue the state’s legal marijuana market has generated over $129 million in sales through the first five months of 2025. Since voters approved the legalization of recreational marijuana in 2020 with licensed sales beginning in January 2022 the all-Time Total has risen to $1.07 Billion. Montana imposes a 20% tax on adult-use marijuana sales and a 4% tax on medical marijuana purchases. Local jurisdictions are allowed to implement another 3% tax which contributes further to municipal revenues.
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The Kalispell City Council is inviting the public to weigh in on proposed adjustments to police and fire impact fees this evening in City Hall at 7 when it meets. The fees were last adjusted in 2015 and were adjusted again to forecast for the next 20 years. Council members also mull over creating three special improvement districts to fund water and sewer improvements at two resident owned communities.
Pierce Brosnan and Samuel L. Jackson filmed a new Western “The Unholy Trinity” in the Paradise Valley that’s now theaters around the country. According to production notes sets were built with an eye to authentic period details including 23 structures interior and exterior that were shot with all-natural lighting. The film shoot didn’t involve sound stages.
According to a new report from Visual Capitalist housing prices in Montana have officially outpaced what most residents can afford making it harder than ever for locals to stay put. Montana known for its wide-open spaces and beautiful landscapes now holds the title of the least affordable state for buying a home.
As water levels on Flathead Lake are projected to reach historic lows the U.S. Secretary of Interior has approved a plan allowing operators at the SKQ Dam in Polson to implement a 45% reduction in minimum outflows. The stopgap measure will keep lake levels within a foot of full pool through July and temporarily hold the consequences of extreme drought at bay for boat dock users.
There are plans for the high-traffic corner of West Babcock Street and South Willson Avenue in downtown Bozeman. The lot on the southwest corner of the intersection is home to a small two-story building with a parking lot behind it. Papillon LLC is proposing to tear down the structure and construct one with two floors for retail or commercial use and two floors floors with two apartments on each for the upper stories.
