🌱 Montana House Representative Silenced + Covid Cases On The Rise

Good morning, friends. It's me, Sean Peek, your host of the Missoula Patch newsletter — here to impart everything that's fit to print about what's happening locally.

But first, today's weather:

A thick cloud cover. High: 54 Low: 30.

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Here are the top three stories today in Missoula:

1. Montana Representative Zooey Zephyr (D-Missoula) was not allowed to speak on the House floor during a debate on Senate Bill 99, which restricts healthcare for transgender youth. Speaker of the House Matt Regier (R-Kalispell) made the decision not to recognize Zephyr over concerns that she would not maintain decorum following her previous comments. The House Rules Committee later upheld Regier's decision. (KPAX News)
2. Montana has confirmed 340 new cases of covid and 406 active cases as of Friday, Apr. 21. Over 1.6 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered in Montana. In Missoula, 78,702 people are fully vaccinated, with 65 percent of the eligible population being fully vaccinated, which is the highest in the state. (KGVO News)
3. On Apr. 16, Joseph Finley drove his blue Ford F-150 pickup truck in the wrong direction on I-90 in Missoula, almost hitting multiple vehicles. Finley was found to have been drinking and had a blood alcohol level of .174. He was charged with several offenses, including felony criminal endangerment, and his bond was set at $50,000. (KGVO News)

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Today in Missoula:

• Missoula Valley Winter Market At Southgate Mall (9:00 AM)
• Free Bike Tune-Ups & Earth Day Celebration At Missoula Urban Demonstration Project (12:00 PM)

Sunday in Missoula:

• Yoga & Cider At Western Cider (11:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• The Missoula Marathon will return this year on Jun. 25. Runners can choose between the full marathon, half marathon, or a 5K race. Registration prices are set to increase in one week. (Missoula Marathon)
• A Family Education Coordinator position is available for hire at a non-profit organization located in Missoula. The role is projected at 32 hours a week and includes benefits. Applicants are encouraged to apply before May 1. (Families First Learning Lab via Facebook)
• The International Wildlife Film Festival is celebrating its 46th year with a week of live screenings and events, starting on Earth Day. Tickets and passes are available for purchase, with 60 film selections showcasing stories of survival in the natural world. (ARTS Missoula via Instagram)

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You're all caught up for today! See you all 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.