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Big Sky Times

Monday, December 23, 2024

Big Sky Times Reports News

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Montana inflation rate outpaces national average as of July 2024

By Big Sky Times | Aug 27, 2024

As of July 2024, Montana experienced a 21.8% increase in prices of goods and services since January 2021, compared to the nationwide trend of a 20.2% increase.

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Montana launches curriculum on combating human trafficking

By Big Sky Times | Aug 27, 2024

Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced today the launch of a human trafficking course developed by the Montana Department of Justice to raise awareness and educate Montana students about human trafficking and online exploitation.

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Local organizations donate nearly 11,000 toys to children in foster care

By Big Sky Times | Aug 27, 2024

The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) today announced that it has received generous donations from Intrepid Credit Union and Toys for Tots to support children in foster care throughout Montana.

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VA’s Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans in Montana average $378,307 for Q2

By Big Sky Times | Aug 26, 2024

The VA’s Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans in Montana for the second quarter of the fiscal year 2024 averaged $378,307, according to the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

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Montana DCI investigates officer-involved shooting in Valley County

By Big Sky Times | Aug 26, 2024

The Montana Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is investigating an officer-involved critical incident that occurred late Saturday night in Valley County.

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Governor Gianforte proclaims August 21 as Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day

By Big Sky Times | Aug 21, 2024

Governor Greg Gianforte has proclaimed August 21 as Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day to honor those lost to fentanyl overdoses and raise awareness about the dangers of the drug.

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First West Nile virus detections of summer 2024 reported in Montana

By Big Sky Times | Aug 19, 2024

State and local health officials have reported the first detections of West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes for summer 2024 across four Montana counties. Six mosquito pools in Blaine, Dawson, Prairie, and Wibaux counties tested positive for WNV. The detection in mosquitoes serves as an early indicator that activity is increasing within the state, raising the risk of illness among humans.

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Attorney General Knudsen urges Montanans to safeguard identity after alleged data hack

By Big Sky Times | Aug 16, 2024

HELENA – Attorney General Austin Knudsen is encouraging Montanans to be vigilant and take measures to protect their identity following reports that billions of records, including social security numbers and other sensitive information, may have been compromised.

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Attorney General Knudsen responds to Supreme Court decision on Title IX

By Big Sky Times | Aug 16, 2024

The United States Supreme Court has blocked the Biden-Harris administration from enforcing its Title IX rule, which has been criticized for endangering the rights and safety of girls and young women. In response to the decision, Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen issued a statement expressing his approval.

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Governor Gianforte announces $400K investment addressing opioid crisis

By Big Sky Times | Aug 16, 2024

HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte announced an investment of up to $400,000 to provide low-cost, life-saving resources across the state in response to the fentanyl and opioid crisis attributed to the Biden-Harris border policy.

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Attorneys general seek answers from online retailer over alleged CCP ties and labor violations

By Big Sky Times | Aug 15, 2024

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has led a coalition of 21 attorneys general in seeking answers from online retailer Temu concerning alleged connections with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), data collection and sharing practices, and potential violations of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA).

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Attorney General Knudsen leads challenge against Biden-Harris voter registration initiative

By Big Sky Times | Aug 13, 2024

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has led a coalition of attorneys general in challenging the Biden-Harris administration’s voter registration initiative. The coalition argues that Executive Order 14019, signed by President Biden in 2021, unlawfully directs federal agencies to engage in voter registration activities using funds allocated by Congress.

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Average VA IRRRL loan amount in Montana declines from Q1 to Q2

By Big Sky Times | Aug 9, 2024

The average VA interest rate reduction refinance loan (IRRRL) amount in Montana during the second quarter of fiscal year 2024 was $378,307, according to figures provided by the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

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Concerned Veterans for America Director: 'Montana veterans are facing several obstacles to getting the care they need'

By Nicholas Malfitano | Aug 8, 2024

Concerned Veterans for America Strategic Director Chris Enget says ongoing administrative challenges within the office of Veterans Affairs (VA) have Montana military veterans “facing several obstacles to getting the care they need.”

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Analysis: Montana among 25 states that ban boys from playing girls’ high school sports

By Big Sky Times | Aug 8, 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.

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Attorneys general urge EPA for uniform pesticide label rules

By Big Sky Times | Aug 8, 2024

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has joined a coalition of attorneys general urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to implement a new rule for uniform labeling requirements on pesticide products nationwide. The proposed rule aims to streamline the process and prevent misbranding by states like California, thereby alleviating burdens on farmers across the country.

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Coalition of state attorneys general supports national TikTok ban

By Big Sky Times | Aug 5, 2024

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen led a coalition of 21 attorneys general in asking the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia to uphold the national TikTok divest-or-ban legislation passed by Congress earlier this year.

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Which type of Montana companies were inspected the most by FDA in July?

By Big Sky Times | Aug 1, 2024

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted two inspections at two Food and Cosmetics companies from Montana in July.

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Montana centenarians to be honored at annual Governor's Conference on Aging

By Big Sky Times | Aug 1, 2024

The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) will honor Montana centenarians during the 55th annual Governor’s Conference on Aging on October 1, 2024. The conference will be held at the Billings Hotel and Convention Center, with a luncheon scheduled from noon to 1:30 p.m.

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Governor Gianforte announces $1 million study on housing accessibility for behavioral health system

By Big Sky Times | Jul 31, 2024

Governor Greg Gianforte today announced an investment of up to $1 million to conduct a statewide study to determine the appropriate level of funding needed to help supplement housing costs for low-income Montanans served in the state’s behavioral health system.