Medicaid spending spikes in Montana communities: New federal spending data show Dillon providers billed $32,554 for Medical and Surgical Supplies in 2024 (up 3,411.8% from 2023), Choteau saw a 41.2% jump in Pathology and Laboratory Procedures ($1,031), Deer Lodge’s Radiology Procedures rose 34% ($898), and Poplar’s Medicine Services and Procedures climbed 54.4% ($4,659). Behavioral health funding expansion: HHS/CMS added Montana to the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) Medicaid Demonstration Program, aiming to expand access to mental health and substance use treatment. ICE detention health concerns: An AP investigation reports an alarming rise in suicides among ICE detainees, while separate reporting highlights overdoses at ICE’s Camp East Montana in El Paso and hunger/labor strikes tied to conditions. Local health access for animals: The Humane Society of Western Montana is expanding veterinary clinics across Blackfeet Nation, including vaccines and spay/neuter services, supported by the Slootman Family Fund. Food insecurity help in Bozeman: The city’s “Food for Fines” program lets people pay off outstanding fines with nonperishable food for the local food bank. Rural workforce pipeline: Gov. Gianforte’s Hi-Line tour highlighted a Certified Medical Assistant apprenticeship program that just graduated its first cohort. Wildlife and health-adjacent land fights: Conservation groups filed a federal notice of intent to sue over USFS Red Lodge Fuels and Burnt Mountain projects, arguing habitat harm to species like grizzlies and lynx.