U.S. Senate Candidate in Montana Tim Sheehy criticized the border policy of the current administration, describing it as a "complete failure" due to the influx of millions of illegal migrants entering the United States. Sheehy made this statement to Big Sky Times on July 24.
On July 25, the Flathead City-County Health Department (FCCHD) and the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) confirmed that ground beef was the source of an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak in Flathead County. The specific source was identified as wagyu beef from one lot number, consumed as undercooked or made-to-order burgers at various restaurants in the county. The last known date of consumption was July 14, 2024.
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen filed a formal complaint today with the U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) against Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, alleging misuse of government resources for political activities in violation of the Hatch Act. The complaint requests that OSC recommend Secretary Cardona's removal from his federal position.
In response to ongoing administrative challenges within the office of Veterans Affairs (VA) which have Montana military veterans searching for healthcare facilities to provide the care they need, U.S. Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) said the VA must “redouble its efforts” to assist veterans statewide and nationally.
The Flathead City-County Health Department (FCCHD), the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), and other local health departments are collaborating to investigate an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak originating in Flathead County.
Filmmaker Mike Cernovich stated, "Jon Tester votes with Chuck Schumer 99% of the time," and described Tester as not a moderate but a "far left wing radical" who is "selling out Montana" to cartels and China. Cernovich made his statement in a July 20 post on X.
Montana is among 26 states that have resigned from or are not members of a national voter data group accused of partisanship in its work to expand voter rolls and lacking in transparency, an analysis by the Big Sky Times found.
U.S. Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) joined 19 other senators in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Denis McDonough asking that the department correct recent policy initiatives that are making access to care more difficult for veterans.
Governor Greg Gianforte announced an investment of up to $6.5 million in one-time grants to Tribal nations and Urban Indian Health Organizations (UIHOs) aimed at supporting and improving behavioral health services in Native American communities.
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.
In response to increased demand and to further support customers in Carbon County, Montana’s Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) will offer a mobile licensing event in the parking lot of the Veterans Memorial Civic Center at 215 14th St W, from July 9-11 in Red Lodge.
A federal court has granted Attorney General Austin Knudsen's request to block the Biden administration's new rule, which would withhold funding from states and healthcare providers that refuse to provide or pay for "gender-transition" treatments for adults and children. In response, Attorney General Knudsen issued a statement:
As of June 2024, Montana experienced a 22% increase in prices of goods and services since January 2021, compared to the nationwide trend of a 20.1% increase.
Montana received $629,434 in public pension contributions, ranking it 45th in the United States in 2022, according to data obtained from the U.S. Census Bureau's Annual Survey of Public Pensions.
The average VA interest rate reduction refinance loan (IRRRL) amount in Montana during the first quarter of fiscal year 2024 was $401,860, according to figures provided by the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.
Tim Sheehy, U.S. Senate candidate in Montana, stated that American leaders need to seal the border and stop current border policies from allowing criminals to enter the country. Sheehy shared his statement with Big Sky Times on June 26.