Home About Articles + Videos Reel Contact

Articles

KECI •

First Safe Haven Baby Box to be placed in Montana

BILLINGS, Mont. — Safe Haven Baby Boxes announced it is preparing to unveil its first box in Montana, opening this June in Billings.“Any time we can bring a resource to moms in need, we’re all about it,” explained Monica Kelsey, the CEO and founder of Safe Haven Baby Boxes, “and so getting just the first box in the state of Montana is just going to be a huge asset to the parents who may or have been thinking about surrendering their infant but didn’t know exactly how to do it.”The organization p...
KECI •

Cooler temperatures expected today, unsettled weather for weekend

Much cooler temperatures are expected today due a trough moving over Idaho and Montana; this will bring a start to a week or longer of cooler weather. Precipitation, including rain, snow, and a mix of the two is possible today. Areas in west central Montana and southwestern Montana are also seeing the possibility of thunderstorms today.We're also expecting this period to have more unsettled weather, including lowered snow levels this weekend to around 5,000 ft. Lower elevations will be seeing a...
KECI •

Gardening expert shares when to plant seeds this spring

MISSOULA, Mont. — Spring has sprung, and people are starting to eye their gardens in anticipation of starting flowers or vegetables.NBC Montana spoke with a local professional, and he stated it isn’t quite time to plant outdoors, but it is a good time to start seeds indoors.“Typically sowing seeds indoors is what you’re going to want to start with,” said Phillip Lear, the retail manager of Summer Sun Garden and Brew. ”You know, once they start getting too big, basically you can start moving thin...
KECI •

Department of Government Efficiency eyes NOAA

WASHINGTON — Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) entered the offices of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in Silver Spring, Maryland a week ago. This earned criticism from former NOAA officials as well as members of the public.NOAA’s mission stands to research and predict changes in the environment of the United States of America. This includes studies of weather, climate, oceans, and coasts. The organization was established in October of 1970 as part...
KECI •

Lolo Pass sees four feet of snow

While some of our valleys have not seen much snow yet this winter, passes are seeing quite a bit of powder. That includes Lolo Pass.On Monday, the visitor’s center reported on Facebook that they saw 6 new inches of accumulation overnight. Right now, that puts them around 4 feet of snow.All of this powder brought thrill seekers to the pass, with the visitor’s center reporting a full parking lot by 11 a.m. on Saturday.“My friend and I are going up to Mount Fuji just on the other side of the cross-...
KECI •

Officials offer backcountry avalanche safety tips

During winter, people hit the slopes to enjoy the snow and the beautiful sights it brings to western Montana.However, backcountry winter sports can be dangerous.According to data compiled by the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, the 2023-2024 winter season saw 16 avalanche related fatalities across the country.One was unfortunately right here in western Montana.While enjoying backcountry skiing or other outdoor activities, outdoor enthusiasts must recognize the potential danger some areas...
KECI •

Some NW Montana areas sitting above average for snowpack

MISSOULA, Mont. — With little snowfall around western Montana so far this December, people are wondering how much we will see over the coming season. However, some areas are already seeing more snowpack than average for this time of year.Northwest Montana is a prime example, as the Kootenai Basin is performing at 33% above average.The Flathead and Lower Clark Fork Basins are also overperforming, at around 13% above average.Parts of west-central and southwest Montana are seeing less than average...
KECI •

Ronan student selected for trip to Florida to learn about space travel

RONAN, Mont. — A Montana student received the opportunity of a lifetime -- a trip to Florida to explore the facilities that make space travel possible.Over 1,000 children applied for the chance to join SpaceKids Global Press Squad. Of the pool of applications, eight lucky students from across the country were selected including 11-year-old Tobias Becker of Ronan.“In third grade, my teacher was having a lesson about asteroids, and I've loved it ever since,” Tobias said, explaining where his love...
KECI •

Nonprofits seek donations from community this Giving Tuesday

MISSOULA, Mont. — From local organizations to national charities, Giving Tuesday is a worldwide fundraising event that helps connect nonprofits with people who want to give back this holiday season.With so many nonprofits around Missoula, there is a cause for everyone to feel passionate about.We spoke with Scott Appel from Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASA, an organization supporting the needs of abused and neglected children in the Missoula community.“Giving Tuesday is really for us th...
KECI •

Driving instructor shares tips for winter driving

MISSOULA, MONT. — Winter is approaching, which means snow and ice are going to be hitting Montana roads soon. Some areas have already begun to see a bit of snowfall, and valleys are not far behind.Knowing what causes cars to skid on ice and how skidding can be corrected can make driving in the winter less frightening.Susan Carney, a driver’s education teacher with Arlee School and Montana DRIVE, showed us how to correct this unfortunately common driving experience using a “Skid Monster,” which i...
KECI •

Organizations host reproductive freedom fair at UM

A reproductive freedom fair took place Monday at the University of Montana from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.Students visited information booths to learn about reproductive issues from several different organizations found both on and off campus.Some organizations that attended included Planned Parenthood of Montana, Americans for Contraception, and the Gender Equality Resource Center. Speakers also spoke on reproductive rights as well as what is at stake right here in Montana.“Access to reproductive health...
KECI •

Wildfire smoke causes air quality concerns in Missoula area

Smoke is continuing to pour into the Missoula Valley, leading to some unfortunate consequences.For example, many schools and day cares are not allowing students to play outside. Soccer and football practices, including Missoula Rec Youth Football, were canceled citing air quality concerns.NBC Montana spoke with Montana DEQ to learn more about air quality and how it’s monitored.“We have those monitors spread out throughout the state,” stated Aaron Ofseyer, an air quality meteorologist with Montan...
KECI •

Montana schools weigh pros, cons of AI use in higher education

Popular artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT are becoming more commonly used in in day-to-day life, whether in programming, human resources and even in the classroom.According to Forbes, around 89% of polled students nationwide said they used ChatGPT in one way or another to complete an assignment.NBC Montana spoke with local universities to see when they allow the use of AI, how many students use it and what the consequences are if a student crosses the line into academic dishonesty.“We a...
KECI •

NWS reveals rare cause behind July 24 storm

MISSOULA, MONT. — The severe storm that hit Missoula July 24 shook residents and left extensive damage around town. Now, we’re learning more about the weather phenomenon behind the storm.People have wondered exactly what caused this weather event. The most common theory for a while was that it was a microburst, a small localized downdraft in a thunderstorm. However, it turns out that it is something far more rare.NBC Montana spoke with the National Weather Service to learn more about the storm....
KECI •

Officials urge pet safety during heatwave

MISSOULA, MONT. — This time of year is defined by blistering temperatures, sweating, and wincing when you put your hand on the seatbelt when getting into your car.We spoke with Cindy Syrjala, an officer with Missoula City-County Animal Control about one particularly vulnerable party: man’s best friend.With hot temperatures on the approach, there is nothing worse you can do than leaving your pet in the car.People leave their animals inside their car as they go into the store or out to eat. Then,...
KECI •

Sunscreen tips to keep your skin safe this summer

MISSOULA, Mont. — Summer is here, and it’s time to enjoy some fun in the sun. However, there are some things you need to know to keep you and your skin safe.People love to be out and spend time in the great outdoors during this time of year. But how often do you remember being told to put on your sunscreen? Parents and grandparents have been telling this to children for years and for good reason.Sunscreen can reduce your risk of sunburns, skin cancer and even premature aging.This summer staple c...

Videos