Quote for today…

Truth does not mind being questioned. A lie does not like being challenged. – 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 the nation, state, and local COVID numbers, unemployment claims, TWW poll results, Biden approval numbers, NFL passes, trust in doctors, and much more!

793,228

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 49,538,960 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 782,106.

Thanks to everyone who wears a mask and has been vaccinated – you are patriots!

526,500

That is how many Montanans have been fully immunized for COVID-19. That is just 51% of the eligible population. (Source)

Last week, the number of fully immunized Montanans was 519,587.

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.

184,000

In the week ending December 4, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims was 184,000, a decrease of 43,000 from the previous week’s revised level. This is the lowest level for initial claims since September 6, 1969 when it was 182,000. The previous week’s level was revised up by 5,000 from 222,000 to 227,000. The 4-week moving average was 218,750, a decrease of 21,250 from the previous week’s revised average. This is the lowest level for this average since March 7, 2020 when it was 215,250. The previous week’s average was revised up by 1,250 from 238,750 to 240,000. (DOL)

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

182

Check out WalletHub’s list of “2021’s Most Fun Cities in America.” There are 182 on the list. (WalletHub)

All I need is more fun in my life…

60

Republicans are less likely now than they were in the past to say they are confident in the accuracy of important medical advice their doctor gives them. Currently, 60% of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents are confident, down from 73% in 2010 and 70% in 2002. Meanwhile, more Democrats and Democratic leaners are confident now (71%) than were in the past, especially compared with the 62% measured in 2002. (Gallup)

I trust doctors and scientists more than I do politicians and pundits…

52

This week’s poll question asked, “Will the U.S Supreme Court overturn the 1973 ruling known as Roe v. Wade?”

Here are the results:

YES: 52%
AMEND IT: 34%
NO: 14%
UNDECIDED: 0%

Thanks for participating!

47

The Cascade County (Great Falls, MT) City-County Health Department reports that as of Wednesday still only 47% of eligible individuals in the county are fully vaccinated. (Source)

C’mon people!

42.5

According to FiveThirtyEight.com, that is President Joe Biden’s approval rating. (Source)

Last week, Biden’s approval rating was 42.3%.

21

That is how many positive COVID cases were reported in the Great Falls Public Schools for the week ending December 3, 2021. (Source)

Last week he positive COVID cases numbered 18.

Mask up, Montana – it is making a difference!

3

Mac Jones and the New England Patriots played a style of game more reminiscent of a triple-option service academy than the modern NFL.
Jones threw just three passes on a windy Monday night in Buffalo for the fewest pass attempts in an NFL game in nearly a half-century as the Patriots beat the Bills 14-10. The Patriots relied on the ground game as 40 mph wind gusts forcing the emphasis to be placed on running the ball, with 46 runs compared with just the three passes. The last time a team threw that little in a game came Sept. 29, 1974, on another windy day in Buffalo. (AP)

A win is a win…

## WEAR A MASK INDOORS IN PUBLIC PLACES ##