Readers can enjoy free access to the Independent Record through Labor Day — and there's never been a better time to see what local journalism has to offer.
Our mission is simple: to help you understand what's happening in our community. Our newsroom is working every day to keep you informed about the stories that matter most to life in the region:
Football season is here, and our reporters are covering everything from Friday night lights to flag football and the Saints. You'll find game previews, analysis, features, photos and video to get you ready for kickoff all season long.
Five takeaways from season-opening win for Carroll College over MSU-Northern.Â
As students return to the classroom, our education team is tracking the issues families care about most, from transportation and staffing to school budgets, curriculum changes and the first day of school.
The Helena and East Helena Public Schools boards of trustees have sworn in three new student representatives for the 2026-2027 school year, each with goals and ambitions for their respective schools.
Election season is also moving into high gear. In the lead up to November, our journalists will provide in-depth coverage of the race for U.S Senate, as well as congressional, legislative and local races, ballot initiatives and the issues shaping this year's election.
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Seth Bodnar claimed only an independent could solve the data center debate, although his approach hems closely to that of his Republican opponent, Kurt Alme.Â
Of course, that's only part of what you'll find here. The Independent Record delivers breaking news as it happens, in-depth reporting on the issues affecting our community, local business coverage, dining and restaurant reviews, arts and entertainment, outdoors, opinion, obituaries, photo galleries and calendars filled with things to do throughout the region. And if you're looking to unwind, you'll also find crosswords, Sudoku and other daily puzzles.
This free-access weekend is made possible through the support of Town Pump, whose sponsorship allows everyone in our community to experience the value of trusted local journalism.
I hope you'll take some time this weekend to explore everything the Independent Record has to offer. If you find our journalism valuable, I hope you'll consider becoming a subscriber after September 7. Your support allows our journalists to continue reporting the stories that matter most to our community.