Montana News Roundup: This Isn’t July Weather!

It's unusual for mid-July, but forecasters with the National Weather Service say we're in for some continued stormy conditions throughout today, as a strong-for-this-time-of-the-year storm rakes across the border. So far, we've seen some areas with heavy showers, and even a bit of lightning, especially north of the I-90 corridor, through Northwest and North Central Montana. Gusty winds are expected to continue through the morning. Behind the storm, temperatures could drop into the 30s for the higher valleys and areas along the Divide.

And Missoula forecasters say there could be more showers coming at least for the northern half of the state from the 19th through the coming weekend.

     Some weather stations were showing gusts of 45 to more than 50miles an hour last night, especially near those thunderstorm cells.

Malmstrom Airman held for fatal shooting

An airman from Malmstrom Air Force Base is facing charges of negligent homicide after the accidental shooting when a group of friends who had been drinking over the weekend.

As we reported yesterday, the shooting happened early Sunday morning in the Albertsons-Target parking lot in Great Falls. Prosecutors say Jackson Molnar was killed when a gun went off as three of his friends were showing off their guns in the backseat of the car.

Witnesses told police 19-year-old Ryan Nguyen (new-yen) had holstered his gun, but pulled it out again when Molnar apparently grabbed for the gun as Nguyen (new-yen) was trying to clear the weapon, and it went off, hitting Molnar in the head.

The Electric reports Nguyen was released into the custody of the Air Force after his initial court appearance Monday, with the base making sure he follows the rules governing his release while the case proceeds.

Latest run in: Bears vs Bikes

Another frightening encounter between a bear and a mountain biker in Northwest Montana. But this one ended without injury when the rider wisely dismounted his bike and deployed bear spray.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks says the incident happened last week when the rider was on the Starry Goat Trail outside of Troy on national forest land. FWP says the biker was riding along when he spotted what is believed to be a grizzly. He quickly dismounted, grabbed the spray from the bike's water bottle cage, and discharged it when the bear was in range. The bear ran about 20 yards away, sitting down at the base of a tree, while the rider was able to get away.

     🚵‍♂️ The trail remains open, but users are urged to be cautious.

The problem with bears and bikes has been growing across the Rockies in recent years. In 2016, a Forest Service law enforcement officer was fatally mauled after colliding with a bear on a trail near West Glacier.

Four Montana counties bring shame for DUI rates

Some alarming, but perhaps not surprising data about Montana's drunk driving problem, as Nick Northern reports…

     Both Missoula, and Lake counties were in the Top 5 on that list.

Celebration today honoring legendary Congressman

Political and community leaders from across the state are expected in Missoula this afternoon to pay tribute and respect to longtime Montana Congressman Pat Williams, who passed away June 25th, at the age of 87.

The "Celebration of Life", arranged by his family, will be held at the Dennison Theater, on the U-M campus, with doors opening at 3 pm for the 4 o'clock start, followed by a reception at 5:30. Williams, the longest continuously serving Congressman in Montana history, actually had a much longer history of public service, starting years ago in the Montana Legislature representing his native Butte in 1966.

READ MORE: The Life of Pat Williams

Pride flag debate comes to Bozeman

Expect a long city commission meeting in Bozeman tonight, where city leaders are discussing whether to return the "pride" flag to the roof of City Hall. Bozeman was among the cities that had displayed the flag until state law changed.

    🏳️‍🌈 If approved, Bozeman would join Missoula and Butte, finding a way to keep the rainbow flags flying.