Irish Eyes: New Montana Push Focuses on Ireland
A new effort to strengthen economic, cultural, and trade ties between Montana and Ireland is moving forward. The Montana-Ireland Trade Commission held its first meeting in August and another one last month to set its goals for the biennium. Those goals include hosting in-state cultural events and traveling to Ireland for similar exchanges. Commissioners also discussed organizing a potential trade mission to Ireland.
Water Leak Woes Continue at Montana State Prison
Authorities discovered a water leak affecting inmates and staff at the Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge last Friday morning. The Department of Corrections has hired a Missoula-based water leak detection and mapping consultant to help locate the source. As of Monday afternoon, the search was still underway. Montana National Guard troops have been transporting water to the prison’s main tank, and portable showers were brought in Monday, though officials are still working to secure additional units.
Montana Gas Prices Drop 4.9¢ Per Gallon
Gasoline prices continue to fall across Montana. According to GasBuddy.com, the average price of gas in the state dropped 4.9¢ per gallon over the past week. Prices are now 14.2¢ per gallon lower than a month ago and 11.3¢ lower than a year ago. Nationally, the average price has fallen 13.7¢ per gallon since last month and is 14.4¢ below last year’s level.
Montana Merges Cannabis and Alcohol Regulation Divisions in 2025
New legislation that took effect this month allows divisions within the Department of Revenue to consolidate. The Cannabis Control Division and the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division have merged to form the new Cannabis and Alcohol Regulation Division. A new logo and website are in development, and the merger is still being rolled out to the public. Day-to-day operations within both former divisions will remain largely unchanged.
Seniors, Mark Your Calendars! 2026 Social Security COLA Announcement Date Set
The 2026 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) announcement for Social Security—originally scheduled for this Wednesday—will now be released on October 24th, regardless of any federal government shutdown. The Bureau of Labor Statistics will publish the September Consumer Price Index that morning at 8:30 a.m., allowing the Social Security Administration to calculate and announce the new COLA soon afterward.
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A stretch of U.S. Highway 93 running through the Flathead Indian Reservation continues to claim lives, with 25 people killed in crashes between Missoula and Kalispell since January 2024. Officials acknowledge the road needs major upgrades, but the Montana Department of Transportation’s Ninepipes federal grant was rescinded in July by the Trump administration.
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The National Weather Service’s Billings radar is offline after suffering a mechanical failure last Tuesday. Replacement parts are on the way, but officials say repairs could take up to two weeks or longer. The NEXRAD radar tracks everything from rain and snow to severe storms and tornadoes, using Doppler beams to measure motion, intensity, and internal structure within weather systems.
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Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has partnered with the Montana Food Bank Network to allow hunters to donate a portion of their legally harvested game through the Hunters Against Hunger program. All donated meat must be processed by a certified and licensed meat processor, typically at no cost or a reduced rate.
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Construction crews are working along the Madison River near Montana Highway 84 to improve spawning habitat for trout populations that have declined in recent years. The project includes expanding islands, clearing silt buildup, and reinforcing the river’s natural flow patterns. The modifications will narrow the river channel and increase stream velocity to enhance fish spawning conditions.
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The Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Center has announced its 18th class of inductees. The honorees will be recognized during the Induction Ceremony on February 14, 2026, at the Heritage Inn in Great Falls.
