Montana Lawmakers Take a Closer Look at Autonomous Vehicles
Earlier this year, Montana passed a law allowing autonomous vehicles on the state’s roadways. On Monday, the Legislature’s interim transportation committee questioned State Senators Russ Tempel and Denley Loge, who had recently returned from a fact-finding trip to Arizona to learn more about the autonomous taxi service Waymo. The pair described the experience as comparable in price to a traditional taxi and said the technology is impressive.
Sinking Ship? Panel Hears Woeful Reports on Vacated Governor’s Mansion
The Capitol Complex Advisory Council has endorsed a state plan to seek public comment on the future of the governor’s mansion at 2 Carson Street in Helena. The building, constructed in 1959, has housed 10 governors and their families. Structural and maintenance concerns prompted the state to relocate Governor Greg Gianforte in 2021. Gianforte purchased the Hauser Mansion and has offered to donate it to the state as a replacement governor’s residence.
Average Gas Prices in Montana Increase in 25 Out of 47 Weeks
Average gasoline prices in Montana dipped 0.3 cents per gallon over the past week, landing at $2.99 for a gallon of regular. Prices are 4.4 cents lower than a month ago but 6.2 cents higher than a year ago. Montana currently ranks 25th nationally for average gas prices, up one spot from last week. According to Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, Montana has seen gas prices rise in 25 of the past 47 weeks. He also provided updated pricing figures for the current week.
Montana–Washington Poachers’ Social Media Bragging Leads to Their Downfall
Bragging online led to charges against six men, including two from Montana, who faced 34 criminal counts in July for a range of hunting violations documented by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. The illegal activity occurred in Hunting District 590, which stretches south of the Musselshell River to the Crow Reservation and from Lavina in the west to Custer in the east. Most of the poaching took place on a single family’s ranch off the Melstone–Custer Road.
Montana to Compare Federal Immigration Data Against Voter Rolls to Root Out Non-Citizens
Non-citizens are already prohibited from voting in Montana, but Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen’s office will begin using federal citizenship and immigration data to verify that non-U.S. citizens are not on the state’s voter rolls. The office has sought access to federal data for some time, saying the effort was previously blocked during the Biden administration.
More Headlines
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Billings Clinic–Logan Health will move to a single-CEO structure. The organization announced Monday that Dr. Clint Seger will become CEO on January 1, transitioning from his current role as co-CEO.
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Carroll College professor and administrator Jennifer Glowienka has been named the institution’s 20th president and the first woman fully appointed to the role. She received unanimous support from all 29 members of the board of trustees.
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Affordable Housing in Kalispell: A new housing complex called The Outpost at Kalispell is moving forward after developers secured $8,336,000 in housing tax credits. The 24-unit project will reserve 10% of the units for veterans, survivors of domestic violence, and youth aging out of foster care. Completion is targeted for March 2027.
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Montana Heritage Center Opens: After 25 years, $107 million in spending, and the relocation of thousands of artifacts, the Montana Heritage Center in Helena is officially opening. Led by the Montana Historical Society, the project aims to become the state’s premier hub for historic preservation and education.
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Beaverhead–Deerlodge National Forest Expansion: The Conservation Fund and the U.S. Forest Service have partnered to add nearly 600 acres in Madison County to the Beaverhead–Deerlodge National Forest. The land provides habitat for multiple species, offers access to Lower and Upper Boulder Lakes, and features excellent fishing opportunities.
