Rocky Mountain Grid Monitored as Jan. 20 Solar Storm Arrives
A severe geomagnetic storm in effect today is expected to reach Earth as Arctic cold spreads into the Rocky Mountains, prompting increased monitoring of power systems and other critical infrastructure across high-elevation and rural regions. The G4 storm watch includes Montana, where cold temperatures, mountainous terrain, and wide geographic spacing between substations can increase operational challenges.
Montana State University Becomes Defense Innovation Unit OnRamp Hub
Montana State University has been designated a Defense Innovation Unit OnRamp Hub, connecting researchers and Montana companies with opportunities to scale technologies for defense projects. Similar hubs are being created across the U.S. to foster a commercial technology network linking companies, labs, bases, accelerators, academic partners, and investors with the Department of Defense to quickly field technologies for national security.
DEQ Launches Low-Interest Loan Program to Cut Energy Costs for Multifamily Housing
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has announced a new low-interest loan program aimed at reducing energy costs and improving efficiency in existing multifamily affordable housing across the state. The Multifamily Energy Retrofit Loan Program will provide financing to owners seeking to make energy-efficiency upgrades. The program is designed to lower utility costs, improve building performance, and increase comfort for residents, while addressing a key challenge facing affordable housing providers.
Montana Gas Prices Drop Below the National Average
Average gasoline prices in Montana have fallen 2.8 cents per gallon over the last week. According to GasBuddy.com, prices in the state are 12.1 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and 13.3 cents lower than a year ago. Montana is currently ranked 28th in the U.S. for average gas prices, three spots lower than last week.
Two More Flu Deaths Reported in Montana
Two additional deaths from influenza have been reported in Montana, bringing the seasonal total to 10. Weekly case counts show the number of patients testing positive for influenza fell during the first week of January to 806, down from 1,018 the previous week. Weekly hospitalizations also declined from 108 to 66. Counties reporting the most influenza cases include Yellowstone County with 151, Cascade County with 101, Gallatin County with 101, and Flathead County with 90 cases.
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Since the start of 2026, a growing number of candidates have entered Montana’s elections, including contenders outside the two major parties. Mike Eisenhauer says he wants to represent voters in the political middle by running as an independent candidate for the U.S. House in the 2nd Congressional District, which covers most of central and eastern Montana.
Governor Greg Gianforte recognized Dawn Bauer with his Spirit of Montana Award on Monday for her commitment to Superior Elementary School and her service to others during a recent severe windstorm that impacted the community. Gianforte presented Bauer with a certificate and a flag flown over the State Capitol in her honor and shared the story behind her nomination.
Kalispell Public Schools has approved a contract with Talos Security to enhance safety across all 12 district schools. The agreement complements ongoing efforts with the Kalispell Police Department and provides professional security personnel for regular patrols and event coverage, ensuring a consistent security presence throughout the district.
State lawmakers are seeking ways to regulate kratom ahead of the 2027 legislative session, arguing the synthetic compounds found in the drug are too dangerous to leave unchecked for another year. As of April 2025, 18 states had laws regulating the manufacture and sale of kratom products, while six states classified compounds in kratom as controlled substances.
One of downtown Whitefish’s longest-standing buildings and businesses is up for sale. The Remington Bar first opened in 1908 and now features a full-service restaurant and one of Whitefish’s largest grandfathered casinos, complete with live poker and gaming machines. The bar is currently listed online for $13.5 million.
