Mountain Snowpack Thin at End of 2025, but the Future Looks Snowier
Montana’s snowpack at the end of December was meager compared to the long-term average, according to Natural Resources Conservation Service data. However, the National Weather Service is predicting that much of the state will see above-average precipitation over the next one to three months. Eastern Montana and northeastern Wyoming, as well as much of the Dakotas, are expected to see above-normal precipitation over the next two weeks.
Wyoming Supreme Court Strikes Down State Abortion Bans, Including First-in-Nation Pill Ban
A major ruling for Montana’s neighbors to the south came from the Wyoming Supreme Court today: justices have struck down the state’s abortion bans, including the nation’s first explicit ban on abortion pills. The 4-to-1 decision found the laws violate a constitutional amendment protecting a citizen’s right to make their own healthcare decisions. Governor Mark Gordon expressed disappointment and is now calling for a new constitutional amendment to be put before voters this fall. For now, abortion remains legal across the state.
DPHHS Urges Montanans: Early Detection Key to Preventing Cervical Cancer
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, DPHHS says early detection saves lives. Cervical cancer is the fifth most common cancer among Montana women under 50, but it’s largely preventable through HPV vaccination and regular Pap tests. For free screenings visit cancer.mt.gov through the Montana Cancer Control Program.
Montana Food Bank Network Opens Volunteer Meal Repacking Facility
The nonprofit Montana Food Bank Network, headquartered in Missoula, has opened a large room it uses to repack meals with the help of volunteers. The facility was opened with the support of a $225,000 grant from Republic Services through its National Neighborhood Promise program. The Montana Food Bank Network is the only statewide food bank in Montana, distributing food to more than 330 locations.
Montana Gas Prices Take Dip Going into 2026
For the first week of 2026, average gas prices in Montana have dropped. According to GasBuddy.com, average gasoline prices in the state have fallen 3.4 cents per gallon in the last week. Prices are 19.2 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and 2.0 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.
Waterkeeper Sues DEQ Over New Sewer Pipeline in Big Sky
Upper Missouri Waterkeeper has sued the Montana Department of Environmental Quality. The nonprofit alleges an unconstitutional failure of public process and a lack of environmental review for a major sewer pipeline in Big Sky. It says the DEQ is improperly breaking a major regional wastewater system into smaller portions and that the agency must review the project as a whole.
Batching Deadline for NRCS Funding
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service has announced a January 15 batching deadline for the first round of 2026 funding for several key conservation programs. The NRCS is also offering a new Regenerative Pilot Program that provides targeted support for regenerative management practices. Applications for this program are also included in the January 15 deadline.
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Wednesday evening, Butte-Silver Bow commissioners will make the 12-member council whole again when they appoint someone to replace Commissioner Bill Anderson, who stepped down in December. If they agree to a plan laid out by Council Chairman John Morgan, the process could be completed by January 21.
The City of Billings has announced the resumption of late fees and potential service shutoffs for overdue utility accounts starting next week. The decision impacts residents who have not set up payment plans for outstanding balances. For those struggling to catch up, the city offers payment plans to help prevent service interruptions.
Thanks to a $250,000 NASA STEM Innovator Award, more than 120 tabletop telescopes will be distributed to public and tribal college libraries across Montana over the next two years. The University of Montana’s spectrUM Discovery Area program is called Big Sky, Big Dreams: Telescopes for Montana Libraries.
After four months operating in cramped temporary spaces, the Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter is moving to a much larger and more stable long-term location off Jellison Road. While not intended to be permanent, the move allows the shelter to bring its full team back under one roof for the first time since September.
Missoula broke a nearly century-old record, experiencing its warmest December on record. The city closed out the year with an average December temperature of 34.0 degrees—nearly 10 degrees higher than the historical monthly average of 24.4 degrees. The previous record was set in December 1929.
