Energy Share of Montana Helps with Energy Assistance
As Montana’s winter approaches and temperatures begin to drop, Energy Share of Montana continues its mission to ensure no household faces the life-threatening reality of a no-heat emergency. Since 1983, the nonprofit organization has provided critical energy assistance to more than 77,000 Montanans, helping families keep their homes warm, safe, and powered during times of crisis. Energy Share stands apart for its case-by-case approach to assistance.
Two New Measles Cases Confirmed in Montana
The Department of Public Health and Human Services is reporting two new measles cases in Gallatin County. The new cases may have exposed the public to measles in multiple locations in Gallatin and Missoula Counties throughout November. Two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine are 97% effective in preventing measles. Prior to this April, Montana had not reported a measles case since 1990.
Group to Sue Fish and Wildlife Service for Reversing Course on Gray Wolf Recovery Plan
As Montana adopts increasingly aggressive measures to reduce its wolf population, the Center for Biological Diversity announced Tuesday that it plans to sue federal wildlife managers for refusing to issue a first-of-its-kind national recovery plan for gray wolves under the Endangered Species Act. Montana is home to an estimated 1,091 wolves. The conservation group intends to file its formal lawsuit in early February.
MSU International Students Still Face Harm and Fear Deportation, ACLU Says
The U.S. Attorney’s Office argued in federal court Tuesday that the U.S. government has already fixed the issue at the center of a lawsuit filed by two Montana State University international students, and therefore a federal judge should dismiss the case. A lawyer for the American Civil Liberties Union of Montana disagreed, saying that without a court order, the students continue to fear future deportation.
Montana Is the 2nd Least Vulnerable State to Identity Theft & Fraud, WalletHub Study Finds
With the recent AT&T data breach impacting nearly 86 million customer accounts, including more than 44 million Social Security numbers, the personal-finance company WalletHub released its report on 2025’s States Most Vulnerable to Identity Theft and Fraud, based on 15 key metrics. Montana ranks as the second least vulnerable state. The data set ranges from identity-theft complaints per capita to the average dollar amount lost to fraud.
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Citizenship Mark Added to Montana Driver’s Licenses
Beginning January 1, all driver’s licenses issued in Montana will include a marker indicating that the license holder is a legal U.S. citizen. The citizenship marker is an eagle emblem.
Gibson Park “Roots Revival” Tree Donations
Great Falls Park and Recreation is encouraging residents to gift trees for Gibson Park. The Roots Revival Committee is collecting donations to replace the final seven trees removed last year due to age, disease, and storm damage. Planting costs range from $495 to $770 per tree.
UPS Stops Delivering to Remote Neighborhood South of Whitehall
Dozens of residents in a remote neighborhood south of Whitehall are frustrated after receiving word that UPS will no longer deliver packages to their homes. The company cited poor road conditions and the theft of a drop box that was placed near federal mailboxes.
Food Banks Across Western Montana Seek Community Support
Food banks across Western Montana are asking for community help to meet rising demand this holiday season. The Flathead Food Bank in Kalispell and the North Valley Food Bank in Whitefish both served a record number of families during their Thanksgiving meal distributions and expect the need to grow as the holiday season continues.
East Helena Christmas Stroll Returns Thursday
The East Helena Christmas Stroll will take place Thursday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. along Main Street. The annual event features more than 100 arts and crafts vendors, live performances, kids’ activities, food and refreshments, and a visit from Santa Claus. Free bus transportation will be available between vendor locations.
