Montana is currently experiencing widespread influenza activity with cases and outbreaks reported in 96% of counties around the state and state health officials are reminding residents to take precautions to protect against influenza infection. Several flu vaccines are available for Montanans ages six months and older and it’s not too late to get vaccinated for influenza this season.
The Montana Supreme Court has upheld a District Court judge’s ruling in favor of St. Peter’s Health against Helena oncologist Dr. Thomas Weiner (WINER) finding it had immunity from damages under federal law for claims he made against them that arose out of the hospital’s peer review process. Weiner’s colleagues voiced concerns about his patient care as early as 2018 and the Peer Review Committee requested an investigation. He was terminated in late 2020 and then filed a wrongful termination lawsuit.
The map that determines the five districts Montana Public Service Commissioners are elected from was re-drawn by lawmakers in 2023. Lewis and Clark County District Court Judge Christopher Abbott has found it to be constitutional despite being drawn in a way that favors Republican candidates. The map was used in the most recent PSC election and will hold for the next one.
For the last month legislative budget committees have been hearing budget proposals for the next two years from each state agency. This week leaders with Montana’s judicial branch brought their budget request of $137.6 million an 8.5% increase over the base budget. Voting on the agency budgets is set to begin next week.
A recent midair collision in Washington D.C. involving an American Airlines plane and a military helicopter has sparked concerns about flight safety nationwide. In Montana military aircraft frequently share airspace with civilian planes particularly near airports in Great Falls Helena and Billings. Malmstrom Air Force Base prioritizes flight safety and officials there coordinate closely with the FAA to minimize risks.
There is a bipartisan effort to bring Montana up to date on laws regarding Name Image and Likeness for college athletes. Senate Bill 271 is being championed by students and administrators at the University of Montana and Montana State University. The bill had its first hearing Tuesday afternoon in the Senate Education and Cultural Resources Committee. It brings Montana’s NIL laws to match what has been reached in the recent settlement in House versus the NCAA.
United Way of Yellowstone County will buy $2,110 worth of free day passes for MET bus riders. Passes can be added to MET Cards or UMO apps through Friday. The MET system has about 2,000 regular riders that use cards or the app and anyone can sign up for a card or the app to get the free day pass.
The planned Tractor Supply store in Butte will be in the rear western portion of a 7.3-acre site leaving space available for additional retail or commercial development once an old long-vacant motel is demolished. Tuesday the board that oversees the Harrison Avenue South Urban Revitalization District agreed to steer $300,000 in tax dollars toward the overall projected construction tab of $4.5 million.
Housing officials from Missoula recently moved 12 homeless veterans into rental units as part of a nationwide “housing sprint” campaign with the goal of reducing homelessness. The City of is one of 142 local governments in the program and the only local government from Montana. It was sponsored by Built for Zero a national campaign through the nonprofit Community Solutions meant to lower homeless numbers.
If you are planning a trip across the border from Montana into Canada officials say there are several things you should have in mind before heading to a foreign country. They recommend you visit Canadian government websites to ensure you have the latest information regarding valid travel requirements. You will you need a current up to date passport and you should know your itinerary and how long you plan to stay.
