As of Friday, February 19, 2021, Montana reports 98,377 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 244 new cases reported in the last day: 44 in Gallatin County, 31 in Flathead County, 29 in Yellowstone County, 19 in Ravalli County, 18 in Cascade County, and more new cases in 27 more Montana counties. The number of active coronavirus cases in Montana is 2,425. Statewide, 4,506 people have been hospitalized. Currently, 96 people are being treated in Montana hospitals for COVID-19. The most active cases are in Yellowstone, Flathead, Gallatin and Lewis & Clark Counties. 1,339 people have died in Montana of COVID-19. Nationwide, more than 494,000 Americans have died of COVID-19. There have been 28,000,000 cases of coronavirus in the US, and counting.

Six US Capitol police officers have been suspended with pay and another 29 are under investigation following last month’s deadly riot that left five people dead, including Capitol police Officer Brian Sicknick. Video and other evidence discovered during an internal probe appears to show that some officers and officials violated department policies. One of the suspended officers appeared to have taken a selfie with members of the mob. Another officer was suspended after he was seen wearing a “Make American Great Again” hat and directing people inside the building. 10 to 15 more officers were being investigated, although details aren’t yet public about the extent of those investigations. Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund announced his resignation the day after the riot, amid intense scrutiny over the department’s response to the siege.

A District of Columbia grand jury has returned nine counts each against two East Helena brothers for their alleged roles in the Jan. 6 riot on the U.S. Capitol that protested the election of Democrat Joe Biden as president. A Dillon man was indicted as well, but faces five counts. He is scheduled to appear in court Friday but was released on his own recognizance, his son said. The indictments against Joshua, 37, and Jerod Hughes, 36, of East Helena and Henry Phillip Muntzer, 52, of Dillon were filed Feb. 10 in U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia.

Officials have said the Hughes brothers were allegedly among the first 10 rioters to enter the U.S. Capitol building after windows were broken. Jerod Hughes, with the aid of another rioter, kicked a door until the lock broke so that others could enter, authorities said. The charges filed against the Hughes brothers include civil disorder, obstruction of an official proceeding, destruction of government property, entering and remaining in a restricted building and disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds. Charges also include entering and remaining in certain rooms in the Capitol building, disorderly conduct in the Capitol building and parading or demonstrating in the Capitol building.

Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte signed legislation this week that will expand where gun owners may carry firearms. House Bill 102 allows people to carry a concealed weapon without a permit in most public settings, including banks and bars. Those with a permit will be able to carry in state and local government offices, as well. The bill limits restrictions the state university system can place on firearms on college campuses, including at Montana State University. The bill allows private property owners and tenants to ban firearms on their premises. Opponents have voiced safety concerns, particularly in regard to college campuses. The Montana Federation of Public Employees said some of its members, which include university employees and police officers, are worried about the bill becoming law. Some opponents have also questioned whether the bill was constitutional. In a legal note, the Legislative Services Division said the bill could “raise potential constitutional conformity issues” with the Montana constitution, which says the Board of Regents shall “have full power, responsibility and authority to supervise, coordinate, manage and control the Montana university system.” The amendments include allowing the university system to restrict firearms at events staffed by university police, to require proof of firearms training and to delay the effective day to June 1 rather than upon Gianforte’s signing of the bill.