July 23, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Bollinger Conference Room, Helena, MT

The Montana Public Service Commission cut public hearings on NorthWestern Energy's 20-year energy plan from five sessions across the state down to just two, both in Helena. Tomorrow is the last one.

NorthWestern's IRP will shape Montana's energy future for the next 20 years, including how much new infrastructure gets built to serve AI data centers and who pays for it. That means your utility bill.

Can't make it to Helena? You can still be heard:

Speak via phone or Zoom: Register TODAY by 5:00 PM
Call 1-800-646-6150 or email [email protected]
Docket 2026.04.026

Watch live: https://psc.mt.gov/livestream

Submit written comment by July 28: email [email protected] with subject line Docket 2026.04.026

Time is short. Take action!

11:20am I’d avoid taking Mullan to N reserve. Traffic is backed up and at a standstill as of right now due to a crash. Hope everyone is okay!

Great Falls

Hi friends! Was poking around to see if anybody was making a day trip from Missoula to Great Falls. My younger brother got into a car accident and is at benefis hospital, i was hoping to snag a ride there and possibly back, I'm more than happy to get gas! Pls lmk if you have an extra seat and are planning to head that way <3 ty peeps (i smell good and am not a crazy guy) lol 😁

Watch out for all the dumb drunk drivers tonight and be safe out there. This concert brought out some dumb people.

I’m looking for the name of the lawnmower repair service that comes to your home to do your lawnmower repair. I had it and then I lost it.🤦🏼‍♀️

Shout out to the fine gentleman that “rolled coal” on the hapless motorists backed up on the Van Buren off-ramp this evening. You were so interested in admiring your own handy work in your rearview mirror that you rubbed up against the median on the interstate. Truly hilarious Karma. I needed that

Anyone see that bonsai stand on Russell yesterday? Wanted to grab one but had to get to work. Went back just now and they were gone. Anyone have any info

Just me or does it sound like absolute shit? Can’t understand a single word 🤷‍♂️

Here are some of the moths I observed over the last few days in Missoula! Do check out what moths call your backyard home! Over the last 5 days, I saw over 60 species of moths. Please upload whatever moths you see between 7/18 to 7/24 on inaturalist.org . If anyone is interested in watching moths, please DM me. I am putting out moth screens every night all around the city!

Here’s the progress on day 2. I figured I’d show y’all a mural thats independent from the Missoula arts council 🤍 (one that supports the artist and is properly compensated) this mural is painted on a bathhouse at the Yellow-rock Campground. The campground is located on lolo creek road: on the way to Lolo hot springs 🤍 I’m really excited about the color palette and the campground owners who are so kind!! They’ve:
Paid me before designing
Paid me for supplies
Given me respect as an independent artist and trusted my process. Forever grateful for the Missoula community members that support artists, especially in a world full of AI slop.
Stay tuned!!
- Sophia Mathis

The Western Montana Fair returns to the Missoula County Fairgrounds July 31-Aug. 8! Fair activities and events will stretch over two weekends to give visitors ample time to enjoy everything from fair food and arena events to carnival games and live music. 

This week, the commissioners spoke with Billie Brown, fairgrounds events and operations manager, to discuss what’s new this year and how to plan your best visit to the Western Montana Fair. Click here to listen on YouTube or find it wherever you get your podcasts under "The Agenda with the Missoula County Commissioners."

The Missoula County commissioners host "The Agenda" podcast, which aims to help county residents better understand how local government works and how it affects their lives.

In each episode, the commissioners sit down with fellow staff, elected officials and community partners to discuss public sector projects and trending topics. This podcast is produced in partnership with Missoula Community Access Television (MCAT), which allows the County to use MCAT's podcast recording equipment free of charge.

EDIT HES HOME!!! long shot but my kitty bear got out of my parents house in upper miller creek on meriwether st. he’s all black long hair kitty with no tail. i miss him so much if anyone knows anything please reach out. he is extremely social and friendly and will come right up to you if you call his name. he has no collar on but he is microchipped!

I'm not surprised that there are tickets left. I am surprised at the entire sections that are left. Maybe 250-350 a ticket wasnt the right price point.

I see floor tickets with entire rows still available. Secondary market is 30-60 percent cheaper currently lmao.

The BBER is a joke. Study funded by the company. Impact on housing market was ‘out of scope.’ Quite a shame BBER rented out their name but I’m not surprised.

I’m not complaining because I think this is funny to say the least, but my dog is a moose. He’s 80 pounds at 8 months old. I was just looking at the paper work for him when I got him and it says “medium size up to 44 pounds fully grown”. Whelp… umm he’s a LOT bigger than that and STILL GROWING… I understand it’s a guesstimate but still. Just thought it was funny

It’s been a while! I’ve recently redecorated my nerd corner (it’s on my feed if anyone is curious) and I’d love to find a cool, thicker, pop culture rug to put right in front of my two shelves. Any suggestions? Rockin Rudy’s maybe?

Hey! I was wondering if there are any safe spots around missoula that I can park and sleep at? Im tired of every other day getting kicked out when I pay bills and my names on the bills and my mail gets sent there

Has anyone ever rented those crazy creek chairs for the lawn at Kettlehouse?! As a millennial in my 30s, my back be hurting when we go to shows and purchase lawn tickets, so I'm just curious if anyone has ever used one of these chairs and if it's worth it? Or what do you use?

Hello, apologies if Im posting this in the wrong spot. I havent used reddit a ton. I am a mover in Missoula with a truck and it is our slow season right now. I know times are tough for a lot of people and so many people are getting squeezed out of their living situation or are just anxiously living on the edge. I see these news stories about the evictions at The Howard apartments and whats happening with lot rent for people in trailer parks and it bums me out seeing the negative changes our community is currently facing with rent/housing. The reason I am posting is to offer general help with moving services, but more specifically to let people know of a more laid back option thats willing to work with you no matter the situation/budget. You are not alone. Ive seen it all and have helped many people over the years in all kinds of situations. Weve been at it over 10 years and offer professional service, but keep it lowkey without paperwork or taking deposits. We just set a date and time, take care of whatever you may need, then settle up. I usually charge $150/hr for 2 of us with a truck with a 2hr minimum, but am not rigid on that structure. Can definitely work something out if you or somebody that you know is in a tough spot or its short notice. Especially if its just an apartment or modest amount of stuff. So please get in touch. Thanks

hey missoula,

i am getting more into 3-d printing and wondering if anyone has the equipment to scan things and create .stl files? happy to trade for time and resources.

thanks!

Sweet dog at the base of the tom green trail on Wylie. I'm not sure if he lived in the area, but he was on the thin side, black collar with no tags, his nose was a bit chafed up, and he was wandering between yards like he didn't belong anywhere specific. I had no way to bring him home with me, but in case someone is missing their pet :( He was friendly and had double dew claws on each foot. I don't have Facebook but if anyone feels like sharing this info there, please do.

Does anyone know of a storage unit in Missoula that actually has openings? I’m so sick of calling every place to hear they are at capacity.

And 90% of them have either have no website or a horrible website. Insane how much time I’ve spent calling these places because they operate in a 80s business model.

Car is pretty small at 14 feet long fyi.

When I was a young man in the 90's, I would see some cool stuff at Jay's Upstairs. I'm no longer interested in the bar scene, but I still have interest in supporting the scene.

I've built my own guitar pedals, tube amps, solid state amps.....everything I do is DIY.

Is there still a scene around, and if so, in what capacity could I help? Full disclosure, Im old so going to shows isn't really fun for me, but I still enjoy using my talents to keep the young folks focused on being creative. Any tech help I can offer (which is extensive), I'm happy to voulnteer.

Hosted by MADCAT and Families for a Livable Climate

When: Sunday, July 26, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Where: Goodworks Ventures, 129 W Alder St, Missoula, MT 59802
RSVP: https://www.madcatmt.org/rsvp.html

NorthWestern Energy is filing a 20-year Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) that will shape how Montana generates and distributes electricity for the next two decades — including how much new capacity gets built to serve AI data centers. The Montana Public Service Commission is accepting public comments, and the deadline is July 28 two days after this event.

Your comment matters. The PSC is required to consider public input, and comments from everyday Montanans carry real weight when they outnumber the utility lobbyists in the room.

You do not need to be an energy expert. We will cover the background together, provide talking points, and help everyone write and submit their comment before the deadline. The goal is not a perfect comment — it is more Montanans showing up and being heard.

What to expect:
- A brief overview of the IRP and why it matters for Montana families, water, land

- Information on how AI data centers are driving energy demand and what that means for your utility bill

- Guided comment-writing with prompts and support

- Food and drinks provided

- Good company and community connection

Who should come: Everyone. First-timers especially. Bring a neighbor, a friend, a family member. No background required.

RSVP at https://www.madcatmt.org/rsvp.html so we have a headcount for food.

MADCAT (Montanans Against Data Centers Action Team) is a grassroots community of Montanans fighting to protect our waters, lands, and communities from unchecked AI data center development. Built by volunteers. Powered by Montanans.