Meta Settlement for Montana Youth: Montana is set to receive at least $89 million and up to $127 million from the Meta deal, with at least half earmarked for crisis intervention (including expanding 988 and youth crisis lines), after-school and summer programs, digital wellness education, outdoor activities, youth mental health, and training for medical providers on interactive media and body dysmorphia. Rural Clinic Closure: Partnership Health Center says the Seeley Lake Clinic will close Oct. 31 after the Seeley Lake Hospital District board voted not to extend the lease, ending access during the winter cold-and-flu season. COVID-19 Activity Rising: A new uptick in COVID-19 activity is being reported across the U.S., especially in western states, prompting people to take symptoms seriously again. Back-to-School Health Support: Eastern Montana Community Mental Health Center and partners hosted a “Growing Stronger Together” back-to-school event with supplies and resources covering physical well-being and emotional care. Kratom Crackdown Talks: Montana lawmakers are considering restricting or banning kratom; a consumer protection bill was tabled, while another proposal to designate kratom compounds as illegal controlled substances is moving forward. Forensic Mental Health Facility Hearing: A new public hearing is scheduled Sept. 8 for Montana’s planned forensic mental health facility near Laurel after a judge paused construction and the state posted a revised environmental analysis. Bear Attack in Columbia Falls Area: A woman was injured in a bear attack on the Cedar Flats trail complex; officials say she was transported to Logan Health and the area is closed while the search continues. Licensing Reform Update: Gov. Gianforte received the initial report from Montana’s Licensing Reform Task Force, which proposes 37 recommendations aimed at reducing licensing burdens while protecting public health and consumer standards. Disability Voting Guide: A Montana disability-led coalition launched a free 2026 Disability Voter Guide with candidate responses on Medicaid/health care, housing, mental health, caregiver support, transportation, education, employment, and voting access.