Quote for today…

I’ve been putting a lot of thought into it, and I don’t think being an adult is going to work for me. – Unknown

Welcome to “Thursday Numbers!” In case you are a first-time visitor, this is the weekly column where I look at the numbers in the news (in descending order) and provide commentary sometimes sprinkled with sarcasm and humor.

This week’s topics include American Rescue Plan funds, coronavirus deaths, unemployment claims, fully immunized Montanans, free beer, church attendance, Trump’s blog, Netanyahu, lawsuits, judicial applicants, and much more!

1,600,000,000

While the 2021 Montana Legislature has left town, one of its biggest projects is just getting under way: The distribution of more than $1.6 billion of federal Covid-relief funds, from the American Rescue Plan. Gov. Greg Gianforte and a quartet of advisory commissions, created by the Legislature, will decide how to spend the money on everything from health care to high-speed Internet expansion. (MTN News)

I’m sure Gianforte will know how to spend it. The $1.6 billion is probably what he spends for a fun weekend.

Just send me a fat check and we’ll call it even…

595,839

That is how many people have died in the United States from coronavirus, according to the latest data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. There have been 33,307,976 cases across the country so far. The first death in the USA was reported on February 29, 2020. (Johns Hopkins)

Last week the death total was 591,957.

385,000

In the week ending May 29, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims was 385,000, a decrease of 20,000 from the previous week’s revised level. This is the lowest level for initial claims since March 14, 2020 when it was 256,000. The previous week’s level was revised down by 1,000 from 406,000 to 405,000. The 4-week moving average was 428,000, a decrease of 30,500 from the previous week’s revised average. This is the lowest level for this average since March 14, 2020 when it was 225,500. The previous week’s average was revised down by 250 from 458,750 to 458,500. (DOL)

*Note: On Thursdays, this column is published right after 6:30 a.m. (Montana time), so I can post the latest unemployment numbers.

394,775

That is how many Montanans have been fully immunized for COVID-19. (Source)

Last week the number of fully immunized Montanans was 385,959.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Montana’s estimated population in July 2019 was 1,068,778.

Find COVID-19 Vaccines Near You by clicking HERE.

70

Anheuser-Busch announced that when the nation reaches the White House’s goal of 70% of adults partially vaccinated, Anheuser-Busch will buy America’s next round of beer, seltzer, non-alcoholic beverage or other A-B product* – inclusive of over 100 brands – to enjoy with family and friends. Adults 21+ will simply upload a picture of themselves in their favorite place to grab a beer, whether with friends at their favorite local bar and restaurant or with family in their very own backyard, at MyCooler.com/Beer to enter to receive a beer on A-B.

I’ll drink to that. For more information, click HERE.

30

With many churches, synagogues, mosques, and temples reopening or lifting capacity limits as more Americans are vaccinated, in-person attendance is rebounding. Twenty percent of U.S. adults report that they have attended a place of worship in person in the past week and another 10% say they have participated virtually. (Gallup)

I participated virtually last week. I think I only missed one or two virtual church services in 2020, which is probably a record for me!

29

Former President Donald Trump’s blog, celebrated by advisers as a “beacon of freedom” that would keep him relevant in an online world he once dominated, is dead. It was 29 days old. (WaPo)

It takes a special person to be a blogger!

The interesting thing is I tried over a half dozen times to sign up to be notified about his posts and never received anything. This venture goes down the toilet like Trump airlines, casinos, steaks, university, presidency, etc.

12

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s record-setting 12-year rule may be ending. (AP)

Time for a change?

8

That’s how many lawsuits have been filed challenging 11 bills passed by the 2021 Montana Legislature. (AP)

So far…

5

Governor Greg Gianforte today announced he is seeking public comment on five applicants to the vacancy in the Eighth Judicial District (Cascade County).
Members of the public can provide letters of support or other comments regarding the applicants through Wednesday, June 30, 2021, at 5 p.m.
The governor has received applications from the following attorneys whose applications may be found at nominatejudges.mt.gov:

• Rebekah J. French
• David Joseph Grubich
• Michele Reinhart Levine
• Tracy Labin Rhodes
• Matthew S. Robertson

For more information, click HERE.

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