Good morning, Helena.

Businesses and organizations gathered in Helena today to address Montana’s childcare gap that keeps 66 thousand parents from fully joining the workforce.

The forum explored ideas such as flexible work schedules, paid parental leave, onsite childcare, and financial aid — but no single solution was identified.

Helena senior Mason Robbins nearly dropped out after COVID-19 but found support and renewed love for learning with Project for Alternative Learning—an initiative that helped him regain his purpose and work toward a diploma.

Capital High School grad Charlie Snellman, accepted to Johns Hopkins, says music changed his life—he plans to use its power to help others heal.

Helena High School senior Layla Riggs is one of six finalists for the National Speech and Debate Association’s Student of the Year Award and will compete with her teammates in the national tournament in Des Moines beginning June 15, with the winner to be announced on June 20.

She credits her coach for guiding her and hopes to inspire others through speech and debate.

At a state meeting, experts warned that June is a critical month for drought as they noted that overall conditions were drier and more rain is needed to ease fire risks.

Officials announced that work on the St. Mary siphon will restart on July 1 and end on August 15 (after last summer's failure impacted water supply for local irrigators).

Helena's Spring Art Walk

Helena's Spring Art Walk: Visit 100+ artists in-person, on display at more than 40 business hosts from 4 - 8pm. Start by picking up your map at Omerta Arts to win prizes, see two great new exhibitions, real artist studios, live music, BBQ + ice cream, then shuttle to the library and wander back (800 Front St.)

Annual Stakeholder Event

YTCC's Annual Stakeholder Summit will highlight alternative transportation accomplishments in the Greater Yellowstone Region, with a focus on Montana. With decarbonizing the transportation industry as the driving theme, YTCC will share ways individuals, communities and states can become more efficient while lowering GHG emissions.

Junie B. Jones Jr. Musical

7:30-9 p.m. — Grandstreet Theatre — Tickets required — Experience the delightful musical adaptation of the beloved children's book series by Barbara Park.

Governor's Cup

5:30-9:30 p.m. — Last Chance Gulch — Registration fees support local charity — Celebrate fitness and community spirit at Helena's annual road races.

ServSafe Manager Certification Course

9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. — Residence Inn Helena — $215 early bird; $240 general admission — Complete your ServSafe Manager certification with engaging training and expert support.

8th Annual Perinatal Mental Health Conference

8 AM – 4 PM — Delta Hotels Helena Colonial — $199 — Explore the critical topic of perinatal mental health with experts and community leaders.

Ronnie and The Redwoods Concert

5:30-11:30 p.m. — Womens Park — Ticket info available — Experience an engaging Americana performance under the stars with Ronnie and The Redwoods.

Watermelon Men at The Rathskeller

12-2 a.m. — Rathskeller — Check for pricing — Enjoy local music and great beverages as the new food menu debuts.

July 4th Celebration at Centennial Park

10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. — Centennial Park — Free entry — Celebrate Independence Day with free hot dogs, root beer floats, live music, and family activities.