Latest issueMontana PSC approves the NorthWestern Energy and Black Hills merger, 3-2Read now

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Today’s edition · Wed., Nov. 11

UtilitiesTop story

Montana regulators approve the $15.4 billion NorthWestern Energy and Black Hills merger in a 3-2 vote

If you pay a NorthWestern Energy bill, this one reaches you. The Montana Public Service Commission voted 3-2 on Tuesday to approve the $15.4 billion merger.

The Good Day Helena team · 1 min read · 3 sources

Read the story The full edition

Three of five commissioners backed the merger

Montana Public Service Commission vote, Nov. 10

3–2

Passed

Approve the NorthWestern Energy and Black Hills merger with two Colstrip conditions

Yes 3

  • FielderVice President
  • BukacekCommissioner
  • BushmanTemporarily appointed

No 2

  • WelbornPresident
  • PinocciCommissioner

Sources: NonStop Local Montana, KTVH, NBC Montana

View as table
MemberSeatVote
Jeff WelbornPresidentNo
Jennifer FielderVice PresidentYes
Randy PinocciCommissionerNo
Annie BukacekCommissionerYes
Kirk BushmanTemporarily appointedYes

Today in HelenaWed., Nov. 11

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  • Sunset 4:58 p.m.

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From Good Day Helena’s editions this week

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State GovernmentMontana asks the Ninth Circuit to reverse the order that keeps American Prairie bison on federal landMontana is asking a federal appeals court to undo the order that keeps American Prairie Foundation (APF) bison on public grazing land. Gov. Greg Gianforte's office announced that the state filed its opening brief with the Ninth Circuit. Chief District Judge Brian Morris granted the preliminary injunction in early September. It partly blocks BLM's May 2026 decision to cancel APF's bison grazing authorizations and reissue cattle-only permits.Tuesday’s editionRead SportsCarroll earns the No. 6 seed as the Frontier Conference volleyball tournament comes to HelenaIf you want volleyball with a hometown team, the Frontier Conference tournament is in town. Carroll earned the No. 6 seed in the eight-team field, and the Saints face No. 3 Dakota State in Thursday's 7:30 p.m. nightcap at the Carroll College P.E. Center.Monday’s editionRead OutdoorsMontana FWP is looking for a licensed angler to join its fisheries grant panelIf you've got a Montana fishing license and opinions about the state's streams and rivers, Fish, Wildlife & Parks has a seat for you. The Future Fisheries Citizen Review Panel is looking for a licensed angler to fill a two-year term.Saturday’s editionRead CommunityHelena families share their adoption stories as Montana kicks off Adoption MonthGov. Greg Gianforte proclaimed November 2026 as Adoption Month on Thursday at the Capitol Rotunda, where adoptive and foster families gathered to celebrate the start of the month. Helena's April Berns shared her story: a Child Protective Services call on Oct. 5, 2018, asked if she could take in her granddaughter. She adopted her on March 11, 2021, and adoptions of two grandsons became official Sept. 30.Friday’s editionRead Carroll FootballCarroll plays College of Idaho on Saturday with the Frontier West on the lineIf you follow the Fighting Saints, Saturday's a big one. No. 12 Carroll and No. 2 College of Idaho are both 4-0 in Frontier West play, so the game is winner take all for the division. Linebacker Eli Aby said the Saints are "firing on all cylinders right now."Friday’s editionRead

In brief

The edition’s short notes. Open one to read it, with its sources.

  • Holter roofThe Holter Museum of Art is getting a new roof.

    The Holter Museum of Art is getting a new roof. A $315,000 grant from the Montana Department of Commerce backs it.

    News Notes · Today’s editionSource: The Independent Record

  • Safety grantsA $125,000 Helena Police Department grant would fund a detective, and an $80,000 grant would go to Helena Fire hazmat equipment.

    A $125,000 Helena Police Department grant would fund a detective, and an $80,000 grant would go to Helena Fire hazmat equipment. Both are funded by the Department of Homeland Security, and you can read the conditions.

    News Notes · Today’s editionSource: The Independent Record

  • The Bray at 75The Archie Bray Foundation is celebrating 75 years since Helena brickmaker and arts patron Archie Bray founded it in 1951.

    The Archie Bray Foundation is celebrating 75 years since Helena brickmaker and arts patron Archie Bray founded it in 1951. Artistic director Steven Lee said, "The 75 years is a signifier that it is going to continue."

    News Notes · Today’s editionSource: KTVH

  • Veterans DayWednesday marks the 107th anniversary of Veterans Day.

    Wednesday marks the 107th anniversary of Veterans Day. Here's a roundup of Helena-area events.

    News Notes · Today’s editionSource: The Independent Record

  • ACA sign-upOpen enrollment on the Affordable Care Act Marketplace runs through Jan.

    Open enrollment on the Affordable Care Act Marketplace runs through Jan. 15, 2027. Enroll or change plans by Dec. 15 for coverage that starts Jan. 1. State Auditor James Brown is warning consumers about plans marketed as "self-funded" or "limited partner" coverage, and official plans are available through licensed agents or at healthcare.gov.

    Around Montana · Today’s editionSources: Hi-Line Today, KECI

  • Forest dealGov. Greg Gianforte, the Bureau of Land Management and the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation announced a new agreement.

    Gov. Greg Gianforte, the Bureau of Land Management and the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation announced a new agreement. It expands cooperation on timber production, hazardous fuel reduction and wildlife habitat, building on joint projects dating back to 2019.

    Around Montana · Today’s editionSource: NBC Montana

Things to do

94 events in Helena this week, from the Helena events calendar.

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Around Helena

From Hi-Line Today, NBC Montana and 7 more newsrooms, gathered by 6AM News, 6AM City’s local news service.

More local news

  1. Hi-Line Today15 minutes ago

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  2. Hi-Line Today2 hours ago

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  3. NBC Montana13 hours ago

    Montana PSC approves NorthWestern Energy merger with Black Hills

    The Montana Public Service Commission is approving a $15.4 billion merger between NorthWestern Energy and Blackhills Corporation after months of testimony.The P

    Also reported byMy 103.5KSEN AM 1150Fairfield Sun TimesNewstalk KGVO

  4. KTVH14 hours ago

    Thankful for Veterans & Nice Weather

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  5. NonStop Local Montana14 hours ago

    Montana PSC approves NorthWestern Energy merger with Black Hills Corp.

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  6. KTVH15 hours ago

    From bricks to masterpieces: The Bray celebrates 75 years

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  7. The Independent Record17 hours ago

    This week: Montana lawmakers to elect leadership, set the tone for 2027 Legislature

    On Wednesday, parties in each chamber will choose their leaders for the next legislative session. Leadership elections offer a glimpse into party strategy and priorities ahead of the 2027 Legislature.

  8. The Independent Record18 hours ago

    Read Helena City Attorney's defense of DHS grant

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  9. The Independent Record18 hours ago

    Read the conditions for Helena detective, hazmat equipment grants

    Read the conditions for a $125,000 Helena Police Department grant to fund a detective and $80,000 grant for Helena Fire hazmat equipment, both funded by the Department of Homeland Security.

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Good Day Helenato me · Wed., Nov. 116:00 a.m.

Montana PSC approves the NorthWestern Energy and Black Hills merger, 3-2

Plus, Veterans Day events, ACA enrollment dates and a $315,000 grant for the Holter's roof.

The TLDR

  1. PSC approves the NorthWestern-Black Hills merger, 3-2
  2. Holter roof gets $315,000; Helena police and fire get grants
  3. Veterans Day marks its 107th anniversary with local events
Read this edition