In the last few weeks, The Western Word has taken a look at some of the “numbers” in the news.  This week we take a look at unemployment filings, fines, campaign fundraising, protestors, polls, miles, teams and there’s a lot more.

It all comes with some comments – so read on!

405,000 filed

That’s the number of people who filed first-time claims for unemployment last week. 

The folks in Washington don’t really care; they have jobs…

$3,500 fine

According to this story, “Federal regulators have fined Bozeman Deaconess Hospital $3,500 after hospital officials lost a vial of radioactive material used to treat cancer patients, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission said Monday.”

The vial was never recovered…

$175,000 raised

That’s how much money GOP Congressional candidate Steve Daines reported that he raised in the last quarter.  You can read the story HERE.

U.S. House races cost less to buy than U.S. Senate races…

$1.25 million raised

The Helena Independent Record reports “Sen. Jon Tester, facing a strong re-election challenge for 2012 in one of the most-watched U.S. Senate races in the nation, raked in $1.25 million in campaign funds the past three months…”

Just think how many folks Tester can put on his campaign payroll with that money…

Political fundraising numbers are important so a candidate can show they have the most support – but it is how the candidate uses that money that is most important.

$435 Fine

That’s what Nate Montana, University of Montana quarterback and son for former NFL quarterback Joe Montana, was fined for reckless driving.  The DUI charge was dropped.

Those DUI laws in Montana sure are tough, huh…

70 Protesters

That’s the number of people reported to have “thundered into the state Capitol Tuesday” to protest pipelines and megaloads.   Five were arrested and cited for obstruction of justice.

I think the protestors who climbed the flagpoles were pretty cool…

50 Miles

The whole 50 miles of the Going-to-the-Sun Road opened in Glacier National Park on Wednesday. 

So that means you should visit Montana and take a drive through Glacier National Park…and spend your money!

39.8 years old

According to the 2010 Census data, “The median age of Montanans jumped to 39.8 years in the 2010 census from 37.5 in the 2000 census.”

Is Montana becoming a destination of retirees?

16% Satisfied

A new poll from Gallup tells us that “Americans’ satisfaction with the way things are going in the country fell to 16% in July, the lowest in more than two years.”

I am NOT one of the 16%…

8 Teams

Did you know there are eight teams in Pioneer League Baseball?  I bet you didn’t.  The teams are located in Billings, Missoula, Helena, Great Falls, Casper, Idaho Falls, Orem (UT), and Ogden (UT).

You can follow Jack on Twitter @TheWesternWord for updates throughout the day for his expert opinion and insight into the world of politics, sports, the media and current events…