Latest News from Big Sky Times

Montana AG files lawsuit challenging Biden's mandate on gender-transition treatments

By Big Sky Times | Jun 11, 2024

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen filed a lawsuit Tuesday against the Biden administration's new rule, which mandates states and healthcare providers to offer or finance "gender-transition" treatments for adults and children or risk losing federal funding. This marks the 50th lawsuit Knudsen has filed against the current administration.

Attorneys general sue Biden administration over new coal mining regulations

By Big Sky Times | Jun 10, 2024

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has joined a coalition of 14 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against the Biden administration’s rule that shifts regulatory authority over surface coal mining from states to the federal government. This lawsuit marks the 49th filed by Attorney General Knudsen against the current administration.

Montana DCI investigates officer-involved incident in Cut Bank

By Big Sky Times | Jun 8, 2024

The Montana Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is currently investigating an officer-involved critical incident that occurred early Saturday morning in Cut Bank. The event took place in the Pioneer Bar parking lot at 13 N. Central Avenue.

Reach Higher Summit supports Montanan foster youth's transition into adulthood

By Big Sky Times | Jun 7, 2024

Students throughout Montana will gather at the University of Providence’s University Center Ballroom in Great Falls from June 11 to 13 to participate in the Reach Higher Montana Summit for Youth in Foster Care.

Analysis: Montana one of 25 states banning boys from playing girls’ high school sports

By Big Sky Times | Jun 6, 2024

As President Biden revealed new rules regarding Title IX protections in April of 2024, which redefined “sex” to include “gender-identity,” an analysis by Big Sky Times shows that Montana is one of 25 states that ban boys from playing in girls’ high school sports.

U.S. Senate candidate from Montana Tim Sheehy endorsed by the National Rifle Association

By Big Sky Times | Jun 6, 2024

The National Rifle Association (NRA) has announced its endorsement of Tim Sheehy, awarding him an "A" rating for his support of Second Amendment rights. Sheehy is running against incumbent Democrat Jon Tester, who received an "F" rating from the organization.

Miller receives life sentence without parole for injuring MHP trooper

By Big Sky Times | Jun 5, 2024

Jason Allen Miller was sentenced to life without parole for running over and seriously injuring Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Lewis Johnson in February 2023. In April, Miller was found guilty on all counts, including attempted deliberate homicide, criminal endangerment, criminal mischief, criminal possession of dangerous drugs, aggravated kidnapping, and a sentencing enhancement for the use of a weapon.

Montana ranks no. 17 in 2024 Parent Power index, empowering families in education choices

By Big Sky Times | Jun 3, 2024

In the Center for Education Reform's 2024 Parent Power Index, Montana secured the seventeenth position, with an Overall Parent Power Index Score of 73.2%.

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In Montana, 143 people have died after receiving COVID-19 “vaccine”

By Big Sky Times | Jun 2, 2024

Montana registered 143 deaths after admission of a “COVID-19” MRNA injection, according to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS).

Montana pension holdings worth $13.6 million in 2022

By Big Sky Times | Jun 1, 2024

In 2022, Montana had $13.6 million in total cash and investment holdings in its public pension funds, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's Annual Survey of Public Pensions.

Inflation in Montana outpaces national average as of May 2024

By Big Sky Times | Jun 1, 2024

As of May 2024, Montana experienced a 22.2% increase in prices of goods and services since January 2021, compared to the nationwide trend of a 20.1% increase.

Consumption advisory issued for sucker fish below Billings

By Big Sky Times | May 31, 2024

BILLINGS – The Fish Consumption Advisory Board, which includes representatives from the Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services (DPHHS), Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP), has updated its consumption advisory for fish on the Yellowstone River.

Average VA IRRRL Loan amount in Montana increases from 2022 to 2023

By Big Sky Times | May 30, 2024

The average VA IRRRL Loan amount for Montana in 2023 was $397,076, according to figures provided by the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

Attorney General Knudsen comments on Supreme Court's NRA v. Vullo ruling

By Big Sky Times | May 30, 2024

The Supreme Court ruled today in favor of the National Rifle Association (NRA) in its case against a New York state official accused of infringing on the organization’s First Amendment right to free speech. In response to the NRA v. Vullo decision, Attorney General Austin Knudsen issued a statement.

Average VA home loan amount in Montana falls in Q1

By Big Sky Times | May 29, 2024

The average VA home loan amount in Montana during the first quarter of the fiscal year 2024 was $394,356, a 0.7% decrease from the previous quarter, according to the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

Montana one of 30 states that allows copay accumulators

By Big Sky Times News Service | May 28, 2024

Montana is one of thirty states that allows copay accumulators.

Montana releases draft plan for behavioral health system improvements

By Big Sky Times | May 24, 2024

The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) Director Charlie Brereton announced the publication of the Behavioral Health System for Future Generations (BHSFG) Commission’s draft report on May 24, 2024.

AG Knudsen urges safe driving as '100 Deadliest Days' approach

By Big Sky Times | May 24, 2024

Attorney General Austin Knudsen and the Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) are reminding drivers to stay safe on the road ahead of the holiday weekend and unofficial start of summer. Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer.” State troopers will increase their presence on Montana roads and highways throughout the summer, cracking down on drunk and drugged drivers.

Governor Gianforte honors Montana emergency medical services responders

By Big Sky Times | May 23, 2024

Governor Greg Gianforte and Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) Director Charlie Brereton honored Montana Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel from Glendive, Big Sky, Rudyard, Ennis, Great Falls, and Hinsdale during an awards ceremony at the Capitol Rotunda on Wednesday, May 22.

Montana Highway Patrol trooper honored nationally for heroic rescue