Health Tips as Montana Flu Cases Rise During the Holidays
Flu cases are on the rise in Montana, and experts are sharing advice on staying healthy in the new year. Everyone six months and older should receive a flu vaccine. Anyone 65 and older who has not yet been vaccinated is encouraged to receive a high-dose flu vaccine.
Basic hand hygiene can also help protect against respiratory illnesses. This includes washing your hands regularly and using hand sanitizer. Make sure hand sanitizer contains at least 60% alcohol to effectively kill germs.
Montana Court Temporarily Blocks State’s First Education Savings Account Program for Students with Disabilities in School Choice
The Frontier Institute is a Montana-based free-market think tank. Cheryl Tusken is the Education Outreach Coordinator whose primary work focuses on advocating for education freedom and school choice within Montana. A Montana court has temporarily blocked Montana’s first education savings account program for students with disabilities.
Cheryl Tusken
To learn more about the education savings account program, School Choice, find a school or informational help, visit: ed navigate mt dot com.
Department of War Moves to Strip Sen. Mark Kelly’s Rank After Video Urging Troops to Defy Orders
The Department of War is reportedly moving to downgrade Senator Mark Kelly’s military retirement rank and pay. The action follows a resolution led by Congressman Ryan Zinke and other veteran lawmakers condemning a video Kelly appeared in, which urged troops to question orders from the Commander in Chief. Zinke praised the move, saying it upholds discipline and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The controversy centers on concerns that the video undermined military chain of command and politicized the armed forces.
Montana Congressional Delegation Praises Capture of Venezuelan President
Montana’s entire congressional delegation has unanimously praised President Donald Trump’s military capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The delegation also defended Trump against criticism that he authorized the military action without congressional approval.
Three of the four members of Montana’s all-Republican delegation are military veterans. In separate statements, they said the capture was justified.
DEQ Offers Discounted Radon Test Kits
Nearly every county in Montana is classified by the federal government as having the highest risk for potentially dangerous radon levels. This month, Montana residents concerned about radon in their homes can order a heavily discounted test kit from the state Department of Environmental Quality.
The DEQ is offering radon test kits for just $5 during National Radon Action Month.
Court Dismisses Misconduct Charges
District Court judges temporarily appointed to serve on the Montana Supreme Court have dismissed misconduct charges in a five-year case involving Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen.
The Supreme Court justices who brought the charges recused themselves, requiring the appointment of district judges to hear the case.
Veteran Legislative Staffer Marilyn Miller Dies at 83
Marilyn Miller, former secretary of the Montana Senate and a longtime legislative staffer, has died at the age of 83. Miller worked in various positions at the state Legislature for 40 years.
She retired as secretary at the end of 2024, a year after the Senate voted to rename the leadership offices at the Capitol the “Marilyn Miller Senate Suite.” A plaque commemorating her service hangs outside the secretary’s office.
More Headlines
Helena Public Schools marked a leadership change last week as Business Manager and Finance Director Janelle Mickelson retired. She was replaced by Sam Holman. Mickelson concluded her tenure after balancing the district budget and establishing a long-term plan for equitable physical spaces between the district’s two high schools.
Several recent mountain lion sightings in and around Red Lodge have residents warning neighbors to stay alert while outdoors. A video from a local wildlife camera posted to Facebook has been viewed more than 27,000 times. Officials say bear spray can be effective, but the most important response is to stand your ground.
The Kalispell City Council will swear in a new mayor and several council members this evening during its 7:00 p.m. meeting at City Hall. An informal reception will follow to honor outgoing officials and welcome new leadership.
Smokejumper Sam Forstag is expected to announce a run for Montana’s 1st Congressional District, giving Democrats another candidate in the race. Two other Democratic candidates have already filed federal paperwork. The last Democrat to represent Montana in the U.S. House left office nearly 30 years ago.
The Billings Chamber of Commerce has announced John Ostlund will posthumously receive its 2025 Agriculture Excellence Award. Ostlund, who died in a plane crash in June, was a longtime public servant and served as a Yellowstone County commissioner for more than 20 years. Award recipients are nominated by their peers and selected by the Chamber’s Agriculture Committee and board of directors.
