Montana Public Radio

Steve Bullock

Health Officials Worry Independence Day Gatherings Could Accelerate Coronavirus Spread

By • Jul 2, 2020

Montana officials announced 67 new COVID-19 cases Thursday, breaking the state’s record for the most new cases in a single day. Health officials worry large gatherings for the Fourth of July could accelerate the spread of the novel coronavirus.

State Releases Two Sets Of School Reopening Guidelines

By • Jul 2, 2020
Lockers in an empty school hallway.
PD

Two separate reopening guides for Montana schools were released on Thursday, one from the governor’s office and the other from the state’s office of public instruction. Neither document is an order, but were presented as ideas for schools to consider when reopening.

Montana’s K-12 schools shut down in March due to the coronavirus pandemic, and it’s still unclear exactly how they plan to reopen for students this fall.

Supreme Court Rules Montana Program Can't Leave Out Religious Schools

By • Jul 1, 2020
U.S. Supreme Court file photo.
PD

The Montana Supreme Court discriminated against religious schools when it invalidated a tax credit program that supported school choice, according to a ruling handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday.

Telehealth Appointments On The Rise, Offer Options For Patients And Doctors

By Sofia Stuart-Rasi • Jun 30, 2020

This story is part of a series that looks at potentially lasting ways Montana adapted during the pandemic. It’s funded in part by the Solutions Journalism Network. 

After the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began advising against face to face interactions, Montana healthcare providers sought to expand non emergency telehealth appointments. It's a trend that could keep going.

Coronavirus Leaves Blackfeet Issuing Stay-At-Home Order

By • Jun 29, 2020
Sign saying "Welcome to Blackfeet Indian Country."
Will Marlow (CC-BY-NC-2)

The Blackfeet Indian Reservation is now under a mandatory 14-day stay-at-home order after health officials reported the reservation’s first COVID-19 cases. Blackfeet and Glacier County officials identified nine confirmed cases of COVID-19 among residents over the weekend.

Outside Groups Try To Influence Montana U.S. Senate Race

By • Jun 26, 2020
Montana Gov. Steve Bullock (D)

An outside group is running ads trying to influence voters in Montana's U.S. Senate race — a battle between Republican U.S. Sen. Steve Daines and Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock that could be key in determining which party holds the majority in the U.S. Senate.

Some Montana University Faculty Want Option Of Requiring Face Coverings

By • Jun 25, 2020

Some university faculty in Montana want the option of requiring students to wear face coverings when the fall semester starts.

Bullock Directive To Allow Visitors At Assisted Living, Nursing Home

By • Jun 25, 2020
On June 24, assisted living businesses and workers asked the Montana Legislature to increase payments for day-to-day services for seniors and people with disabilities.
(PD)

Gov. Steve Bullock issued a directive Thursday lifting visitor restrictions at assisted living facilities and nursing homes — under strict guidelines.

Bullock Addresses Increased COVID-19 Cases And Testing

By • Jun 24, 2020
Gov. Steve Bullock annonces his Coronavirus Task Force on March 3, 2020 in response to the growing number of cases reported in the United States. Bullock says the task force is a multi-agency group that will coordinate public health response.
Corin Cates-Carney / Montana Public Radio

On Wednesday, Gov. Steve Bullock said there is no doubt Montana has seen a spike in COVID-19 cases since moving into Phase 2 of its economic reopening plan in early June.

Montana has reported 766 total known cases. Nearly one-third of those were reported since June 1st. During Wednesday’s press conference, Bullock said 136 people have tested positive for the disease over the past week.

COVID-19 Motivates Policy Overhaul For County Jails In Montana

By Charles Bolte • Jun 24, 2020

 


This story is part of our series that looks at lasting ways Montana is adapting during the pandemic. It’s funded in part by the Solutions Journalism Network.

Criminal justice system reformers for years have sought to reduce county jail and state prison populations in Montana. The COVID-19 pandemic has sped up the process, mostly at county detention facilities across the state.

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