🌱 Helena Judge Blocks Anti Abortion Bills + New Grizzly Exhibit Opens

Hello, everybody. I'm back in your inbox this spring morning to walk you through everything you need to know about what's happening in town these days.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: Cloudy, a t-storm in the p.m.. High: 64 Low: 53.
• Saturday: A stray afternoon t-storm. High: 67 Low: 53.

Here are the top three stories today in Helena:

1. A judge in Helena has temporarily blocked four anti-abortion bills and a health department rule that limited Medicaid coverage of abortion. Lewis and Clark County District Court Judge Mike Menahan issued the decision after a four-hour hearing, stating that his role is to maintain the current situation while the lawsuits proceed. The laws passed during the 2023 legislative session and impose restrictions on abortion access after 24 weeks, mandate ultrasounds before all abortions, limit public funding for abortions, and prohibit the most common second-trimester termination method. (Montana Public Radio)
2. The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center recently hosted a "rope cutting" ceremony to officially open the new Jefferson Commons and Grizzly Exhibit. This event celebrated the efforts of a dedicated community of partners and volunteers who spent over three years planning, fundraising, and bringing the project to fruition. Visitors can now enjoy a fresh wildlife display featuring a Grizzly Bear pelt and captivating artwork by Michael Haynes at the center. (Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest via Facebook)
3. The Cathedral of St. Helena will undergo a comprehensive repair project to restore and preserve its architectural integrity, following damage caused by winds in November 2021. Temporary stabilization repairs have already been completed, and the main repair work is scheduled to begin in June and be finished by fall. The project includes the installation of scaffolding and future phases will involve repairing or replacing the great stairs on the west side of the cathedral in 2024. (Montana Right Now)

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Today and tomorrow in Helena:

Friday, May 26

• The Poutinerie Food Truck At Mt. Ascension Brewing Co. (6:00 PM)
• Live Standup Comedy With Andy Gold At The Windsor (7:00 PM)

Saturday, May 27

• Concealed Carry Class At Sportsman's Warehouse (11:00 AM)
• Grief Yoga At Eclipse Community Yoga (4:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• REMINDER: All City of Helena administrative offices and services will be closed on Monday, May 29 in observance of Memorial Day. Residents who typically have garbage collection on Mondays are advised to place their trash containers outside on Tuesday, May 30, no later than 7:00 a.m. instead. (City of Helena Gov)
• The Helena Police Department has collaborated with the Angel Fund to bring joy to local children by providing them with shoes. This initiative is made possible through a partnership with Running for Montana's Future (RFMTF). In the current year alone, RFMTF has generously supplied more than 180 pairs of shoes to the youth in Helena. (Helena Police Department via Facebook)
• In case you missed it, Chloe Overton from Jim Darcy Elementary is the winner of this year's Celebrating Wildflowers art contest. Congratulations to Chloe for her remarkable achievement! (Montana Discovery Foundation via Facebook)

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! See you soon for your next update.

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.