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Telehealth forever?

With health care accounting for such a huge piece of Montana’s economic pie and supporting some 48,000 jobs in the state, hospitals, clinics and individual providers are eagerly awaiting information from policymakers and insurance companies about their plans for telehealth’s future. By Amanda Eggert

American Journalism Project awards grant to MTFP

On Thursday, the American Journalism Project announced a new round of grants to three nonprofit U.S. newsrooms, including Montana Free Press. According to AJP, the organizations will receive financial support to further their watchdog journalism missions and help build “organizational infrastructure that fosters stability.” By MTFP staff

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Montana coronavirus report

As of Thursday, December 17, Montana reports a cumulative total of 75,483 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 766 new cases since yesterday, 9,241 active cases, and 65,393 people considered recovered. State officials also report that 3,199 of the cases have resulted in hospitalizations, with 306 patients currently hospitalized. There have been 849 Montana deaths attributed to the disease.

And big thanks to the donors who make this work possible. The following people became new or renewing MTFP members during the last seven days. From now until the end of the year, all news donations will be doubled thanks to NewsMatch and a generous group of MTFP supporters!

Major Supporters $500+

Mark, Basalt, CO; Sam, San Diego, CA

Benefactors $100-$499

Anne, Bozeman, MT; BJ, Helena, MT; Bridget, Springfield, KY; Jeffrey, Billings, MT; Ken, Tucson, AZ; Laura and Jackson, Missoula, MT; Lynda, Bozeman, MT; Maxon, Great Falls, MT; Nancy, Billings, MT; Pamela, Helena, MT; Robert & Kiki, Bozeman, MT; Robert, Darby, MT; Sas, Belgrade, MT; Shannon, Helena, MT

Supporters $1-$99

Andrea, Bigfork, MT; Aslaug, Woodinville, WA; Brandy, Helena, MT; David, Jefferson City, MT; David, Clancy, MT; Helen, Thousand Palms, CA; Howard, Bozeman, MT; Janelle, Bozeman, MT; Jerry, Helena, MT; John, Livingston, MT; Joy, Basin, MT; Meghan, Bozeman, MT; Renee, Redondo Beach, CA