As of Monday, May 31, 2021, Montana reports 111,829 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 21 new cases reported in the last day: 12 new cases in Flathead County, 3 new cases in Missoula County, and more new cases in four more Montana counties. Most Montana counties do not report over the weekend, and so official case counts do not include the most populous Gallatin County, Yellowstone County, and others. The number of active coronavirus cases in Montana is 747. Currently, 52 people are being treated in Montana hospitals for COVID-19. The most active cases are in Cascade, Yellowstone, Flathead and Missoula Counties. 1,613 people have died in Montana of COVID-19. Nationwide, more than 594,000 Americans have died of COVID-19. There have been 33,300,000 cases of coronavirus in the US, and counting.

A Big Sky incentive program will offer free beer and prizes for coronavirus vaccinations. The Big Sky Community Vaccine Incentive Program is put on by three Big Sky nonprofits, the Gallatin City-County Health Department and Bozeman Health Big Sky Medical Center. Locals can show their COVID-19 vaccination cards to get a free beer at Beehive Basin Brewery or coffee at ACRE Kitchen through July 1. Through the end of July, people with completed vaccinations can enter a raffle a Big Sky Resort 2021 season golf pass, a Mountain Bike Haul Pass or a Double Black Diamond Season Ski Pass, along with $50 gift cards from local Big Sky retailers.

A routine financial-compliance audit of the Montana Public Service Commission has flagged issues regarding commissioners’ compliance with state travel policy and raised concerns about the integrity and competence of certain PSC commissioners and staff. The PSC is an elected five-member body that oversees utility companies on behalf of Montana utility raterpayers. The report said auditors encountered situations “indicative of an unhealthy organizational culture and ineffective leadership” and uncovered actions taken by PSC staff grave enough to constitute “abuse.”

A bear attacked and injured a man who was hiking in Yellowstone National Park Friday morning, marking the first incident of a bear injuring a person in the park this year. The 39-year-old man was hiking alone on the Beaver Ponds Trail at Mammoth Hot Springs when he saw what he believed to be two grizzly bears. One of the bears attacked and injured the man. Though he sustained significant injuries to his legs and feet, the man was able to hike out on his own.

A massive development is being planned for south Bozeman. The Blackwood Groves subdivision comprises nearly 120 acres between 11th and 19th avenues next to Sacajawea Middle School. The property is vacant and has been used for agriculture in the past.

Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer,” according to the Montana Highway Patrol. More fatal crashes occur between Memorial Day and Labor Day than any other time of year.

Bail is set at one million dollars for man who held a woman hostage in Four Corners and caused a nearly 12 hour standoff with law enforcement on April 29. Justin Swanson, of Belgrade, is charged with aggravated kidnapping and aggravated sexual intercourse without consent.