It’s Friday and time for Caught My Eye! Here are the topics for today’s commentary: 

• Montana Secretary of State
• The Great Healthcare Plan
• Stars and Stripes
• Playoff Football
• One More Thing

MONTANA SECRETARY OF STATE:

The Daily Montana is reporting that a new audit report by the Legislative Audit Division said ongoing accounting issues at Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen’s office are so problematic the financial statements for 2023 cannot be trusted, and those from 2024 can only be trusted with explanation.

At a meeting on Thursday of the Legislative Audit Committee, state Sen. Tom McGillvray, R-Billings, characterized the report as the Secretary of State’s office “flunking,” a description that auditors confirmed, even though a representative from the office disputed that, calling it a model for other agencies.

This information could be bad news for Jacobsen’s future in politics.  

THE GREAT HEALTHCARE PLAN:

President Donald Trump launched the “Great Healthcare Plan,” which he claims will slash prescription drug prices, reduce insurance premiums, hold big insurance companies accountable, and maximize price transparency in the American healthcare system.

Trump says the plan will deliver money directly to the American people, not insurance companies, big pharma, and special interest groups—putting patients over industry leaders’ profits, just as he promised. The Great Healthcare Plan also builds on the successes of his first term by promoting competition, eliminating wasteful spending, and putting consumers back in control.

A Factsheet about the plan can be seen HERE. 

We all know that reform of healthcare is badly needed; however, it is unclear if this plan will be effective or if it can secure the necessary support in Congress.  

STARS AND STRIPES:

If you Google “Stars and Stripes,” the search brings up the result that states, “Stars and Stripes – The U.S. Military’s independent news source.” 

That may not be the case anymore. 

Several sources, including The Hill, are reporting that the Pentagon announced Thursday it would take editorial control of independent military newspaper Stars and Stripes to refocus coverage on “warfighting” and remove “woke distractions.”

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said in a statement posted to the social platform X, “We will modernize its operations, refocus its content away from woke distractions that syphon morale, and adapt it to serve a new generation of service members.”

Good grief. I enjoyed reading the Stars and Stripes when I was in the military, especially when I was overseas. I guess the publication did not kiss Secretary Pete Hegseth’s or Trump’s ass enough. 

PLAYOFF FOOTBALL:

Football is back this weekend and Monday! 

The NFL Divisional Round kicks off Saturday with two games: the Bills at the Broncos and the 49ers at the Seahawks. On Sunday, we have the Texans at the Patriots and the Rams at the Bears. 

The time and network televising the Divisional games can be found HERE.

On Monday, we have the College Football Playoff National Championship!

The Miami Hurricanes (13-2) take on the Indiana Hoosiers (15-0). The game will be televised on ESPN and starts at 5:30 Montana time. 

ONE MORE THING:

If you grew up in the 70’s…You know exactly who was a bullfrog.  

## HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND ##