Latest News from Big Sky Times

CDC tally of provisional coronavirus deaths in Montana is 0

By Michael Carroll | Apr 10, 2020

The number of Covid-19 deaths in Montana based on death certificate data reported to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is 0 as of April 8, according to a CDC tabulation.

IRS audit rate for Big Horn County residents is highest in Montana

By Michael Carroll | Jan 17, 2020

Big Horn County residents were audited by the Internal Revenue Service at a greater rate than all similar jurisdictions in Montana, according to an analysis by the website 24/7 Wall St.

Purchasing power of a dollar in Montana equals $1.06, study finds

By Michael Carroll | Jan 10, 2020

The purchasing power of a dollar in Montana, based on the cost of living and other factors in the state, is $1.06, according to a state-by-state ranking of the dollar’s value by the website 24/7 Wall St.

Minimum wage hike takes effect in Montana

By Michael Carroll | Jan 4, 2020

Hundreds of new state laws took effect across the nation this week, including minimum wage increases, new internet privacy rules, gun-related regulations, marijuana legalization and new tests on whether workers can be classified as independent contractors.

Montana depends on property taxes for 39.7% of its state, local funds

By Michael Carroll | Dec 27, 2019

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No counties in Montana are now 2nd Amendment sanctuaries

By Michael Carroll | Dec 20, 2019

No counties in the state are now under a Second Amendment sanctuary law or ordinance, according to updates from the website Gunrightswatch.com and media reports.

Blaine ranks the poorest of Montana counties

By Michael Carroll | Dec 19, 2019

Blaine was ranked the most impoverished county in Montana in a 24/7 Wall St. analysis of the least affluent regions in all 50 states.

Montana places tax of 14 cents per gallon on beer

By Michael Carroll | Dec 13, 2019

State taxation on beer in Montana amounts to 14 cents per gallon, according to an analysis from the Tax Foundation based on January 2019 data.

7.4% of Montana bridges rated structurally deficient in study

By Michael Carroll | Dec 6, 2019

A total of 390 out of the 5,265 bridges in Montana – or 7.4 percent – were designated in poor shape in an analysis examining bridge conditions in the 50 states, Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C.

Montana collects $1.06 per gallon in wine taxes

By Michael Carroll | Nov 27, 2019

The wine excise tax in Montana amounts to $1.06 per gallon, according to a Tax Foundation study based on January 2019 data.

Frenchtown ranks the best suburb in Montana, study finds

By Michael Carroll | Nov 22, 2019

Based on a ranking consisting of 10 measurements, including income levels, home ownership and commute times, Frenchtown is the best Montana suburb in which to live, according to a 24/7 Wall St. analysis published this month.

Montana had 3,946 children in foster care in fiscal year 2018

By Michael Carroll | Nov 14, 2019

The number of youths in foster care in Montana at the end of fiscal year 2018 stood at 3,946, a 2.4 percent increase over the previous fiscal year, according to newly released data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Montana ranked ‘tax-friendly’ in new Kiplinger tax guide

By Michael Carroll | Oct 18, 2019

The overall tax system in Montana was dubbed “tax-friendly” in a recently released 50-state tax guide published by the Kiplinger business forecasting website.

Montana receives ‘C’ grade on national ranking of states’ fiscal health

By Michael Carroll | Oct 10, 2019

Montana would need $750 million to pay all of its bills, including public employers’ pension benefits, according to a new ranking of the states’ fiscal health by Truth in Accounting (TIA).

1 case of Montana voter fraud documented by Heritage Foundation

By Michael Carroll | Oct 6, 2019

One person has been found guilty of election or voter fraud in Montana since the year 2000, according to a Heritage Foundation database that details such cases nationwide.