Health officials confirm first Yellowstone County influenza death of the season
Hospitalization rates are increasing for respiratory illnesses, including influenza and COVID-19. Health officials say vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones against the flu and its potentially serious complications.
Influenza spreads through coughing and sneezing. Symptoms can include high fever, chills, headaches, exhaustion, sore throat, cough, and body aches. You may be able to pass the flu to someone else one day before symptoms develop and up to five to seven days after becoming sick.
State gives funds to two nonprofits that help chronically ill children
The Montana Legislature created the Chrome for Kids Wish Fund to support programs that make a lasting impact on the lives of chronically or seriously ill children. When a Montana resident registers a motorcycle or quadricycle, a $20 donation fee is deposited into the fund.
Cancer Support Community Montana has received $8,900 from the fund, while the Montana Hope Project received $17,600.
Department of Veterans Affairs implements ‘immediate’ abortion ban for veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs has moved to fully implement a ban on most abortions for veterans and their families, effective immediately. Abortions and other pregnancy termination procedures will be allowed if the health of the pregnant mother is at risk.
The VA previously offered general pregnancy care and some infertility services under its general treatment authority.
Montana residents urged to vote on new highway sign design
With more than 8,000 votes already cast, Montanans are actively participating in selecting the state’s next “Welcome to Montana” highway sign design. The voting period, which began in late November, will close on December 31.
The three available designs incorporate elements of the state’s new brand and highlight unique aspects of Montana. The Montana Department of Transportation plans to install the new signs in late spring 2026, depending on weather conditions and access to sign locations.
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A housing project just outside of Belgrade, off Jackrabbit Lane and West Cameron Bridge Road, remains in development. The Foundry project calls for approximately 556 homes, with both attached and detached garages, on lots smaller than half an acre. The development will span 36.186 acres. According to the development team, the homes are designed to be affordable for middle-class residents and to meet growing demand from smaller households.
The Montana Department of Transportation has announced a proposal to preserve approximately two miles of U.S. Highway 93 south of Kalispell and is seeking public input. The project would begin just north of U.S. 93 Alternate, known as the Kalispell Bypass, and extend north to the intersection with 12th Street.
Travelers’ Rest State Park will host a temporary exhibit titled “The Art of the Angle” from the Maclean family illustration collection beginning next month. The display focuses on fly fishing and illustrations from related books. The free exhibit will be open from January through April during regular visitor center hours, Wednesday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors may attend a Zoom presentation in person at the visitor center or online from home.
The City of Great Falls and Walleyes Unlimited are encouraging residents to recycle their Christmas trees to support fish habitat at Tiber Reservoir through the Pines for Perch project. Recycled trees provide critical habitat for perch to lay their eggs. Before recycling, residents should remove all lights, decorations, and tree stands. Flocked trees cannot be recycled and should not be taken to the drop-off sites.
Helena-based attorney Brian Miller has launched a campaign across Montana, announcing his candidacy for the state’s second congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2026. Running on the Democratic ballot in the June 2026 primary election, Miller describes himself as an “independent-minded” Montanan who takes time to research and understand the issues facing the nation.
Billings shattered its Christmas Day temperature record with a high of 61 degrees. According to the National Weather Service, the temperature peaked at 2 p.m. at the airport. The previous record was 56 degrees. Temperature records also fell in Sheridan and Livingston.
