🌱 Montana Bright Futures Grant + Climate Trial Comes To A Close

Hey, everybody. It's Friday in Helena and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on the most important things happening locally.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: Couple of thunderstorms. High: 74 Low: 55.
• Saturday: Cloudy with a thunderstorm. High: 70 Low: 51.

Here are the top three stories in Helena today:

1. The Montana Bright Futures project and the Crisis Child Care Centers have received a $24-million investment to improve childcare resources in Helena and across the state of Montana. With the federal funding comes the piloting of a new universal home visit program that will provide screening and referrals for families in need. The Department of Public Health and Human Services also hopes to offer recruitment and retention mini-grants to licensed childcare providers statewide. (Montana Right Now)
2. The first-ever youth-led constitutional climate trial ended in Helena on Tuesday. A total of 16 youth plaintiffs are suing leaders in the state of Montana for contributing to climate change by promoting fossil fuel policies. A decision on the case will be made by Lewis and Clark County District Court Judge Kathy Seeley and is expected to take a few months. (Montana Public Radio)
3. Lewis and Clark County is one of 12 Montana counties to receive a grant as part of a $58-million investment in broadband growth. The investments are expected to bring high-speed internet to thousands of households and hundreds of businesses across northern Montana. The funding for the project comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. (Montana Right Now)

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Today and tomorrow in Helena:

Friday, June 23

• 18th Annual Blast From The Past Car Show At Nickels Bar (3:00 PM)

Saturday, June 24

• Concealed Carry Class At Sportsmans Warehouse (9:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• The Helena Farmers Market returns tomorrow, Jun. 24, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Stop by Fuller Avenue to explore the latest offerings from local vendors. (AARP)
• The re-routed section of Easy Rider Trail on Mount Ascension is now complete, according to an announcement from the City of Helena on Wednesday. Work on the fence is expected to be completed soon. (City of Helena, Local Government via Facebook)
• Flex your funny bone with Teen Improv at the Lewis and Clark Library! Stop by Monday, Jun. 26, for food, fun, and a hilarious improv practice session. No experience is needed. (Lewis & Clark Library via Facebook)

You're all caught up for today! See you soon for another update.

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.