Rachel Cramer

More than a dozen movie and TV productions filming on-location across Montana will share half a million dollars in grants from the Montana Film Office. The Big Sky Film Grants promote tourism and the state’s filmmaking industry.

Ten more cases linked to variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 have been identified in Montana since last week, including two cases in Missoula County. Health officials there say they are more concerned about a renewed rise in cases.

A new coalition in Big Sky is gearing up to expand behavioral health services, reduce stigma around mental health and addiction, and help people navigate their options for care.

Following Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte’s announcement that all Montanans aged 16 and up will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine starting April 1, larger counties are outlining varying timelines and approaches for how they’ll meet that goal.

Dr. Gregory Normandin, associate chief of staff for Montana Veterans Affairs, says responding to the COVID-19 pandemic has been an experience above and beyond his 15 years with the VA. Rachel Cramer with Yellowstone Public Radio news spoke with Normandin about the role his dad, a World War II vet, played in shaping Normandin’s desire to serve others and what gives him hope as the pandemic moves into year two.

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte Tuesday said all Montanans, 16 and older, will be eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine starting Apr. 1.

Montana legislators heard testimony Friday on a bill that, if passed, would ask voters to amend language in the state constitution related to harvesting and managing wildlife.

The Gallatin City-County Board of Health has relaxed a COVID-19 related health rule limiting event sizes as the spread of the virus has slowed down.

While not explicitly stated in Montana’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan, the state health department says pregnancy is a major medical condition that may qualify someone for a shot under the current phase.

Montana’s Lewis and Clark County will lift all COVID-19 related restrictions, except its mask mandate, on Friday. The health board’s decision comes as more communities consider peeling back or amending some health orders as COVID-19 cases have fallen.