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Big Sky Times

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

News from October 2024

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Average VA IRRRL loan amount in Montana increases from Q2 to Q3

By Big Sky Times | Oct 31, 2024

The average VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL) amount in Montana during the third quarter of fiscal year 2024 was $406,266, according to figures provided by the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

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Montana launches summer ebt cards with over $9 million in funding

By Big Sky Times | Oct 31, 2024

The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) and the Office of Public Instruction (OPI) have commenced the distribution of cards for a new Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (Summer EBT) program.

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VA provides 368 home purchase loans in Montana in Q3

By Big Sky Times | Oct 28, 2024

There were 368 VA home purchase loans issued in Montana in the third quarter of the fiscal year 2024 totaling $161.4 million, according to figures provided by the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

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Montana ranks 39th in total VA home loans during Q3

By Big Sky Times | Oct 25, 2024

Montana ranked 39th in the nation in VA home loans in the third quarter of 2024, with 509 loans issued, according to the Veterans' Affairs Home Loans Index.

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Montana authorities arrest eight in human trafficking operation

By Big Sky Times | Oct 25, 2024

The Montana Department of Justice's Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), in collaboration with the Missoula County Sheriff's Office and the Missoula Police Department, carried out a human trafficking operation in Missoula this week.

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Red Lodge man receives 20-year sentence for assaulting infant

By Big Sky Times | Oct 24, 2024

A Red Lodge resident, Nathan Samuel Polakoff, has been sentenced to 20 years in the Montana State Prison following his conviction for assaulting a 9-month-old child in 2019. Attorney General Austin Knudsen made the announcement on October 24, 2024. The incident left the child, now six years old, with a fractured skull and enduring partial blindness along with significant cognitive challenges.

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Montana sues TikTok over alleged harm and deception targeting youth

By Big Sky Times | Oct 24, 2024

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has initiated legal action against TikTok, accusing the platform of exposing children and teenagers to harmful content and engaging in deceptive practices. The lawsuit, filed under the Montana Consumer Protection Act, follows an investigation by the Montana Department of Justice which revealed that TikTok provides "virtually endless amounts of extreme and mature videos" to users as young as thirteen.

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Montana ranked 18th in average VA home loan amount in Q3

By Big Sky Times | Oct 22, 2024

With $422,956 in home loans issued, Montana ranked 18th in average loan amount for VA home loans in the third quarter of fiscal year 2024, according to the Veterans' Affairs Home Loans Index.

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Attorney general issues opinion on voter eligibility of felons at state hospital

By Big Sky Times | Oct 22, 2024

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has issued an official opinion regarding the voting rights of felons undergoing psychiatric treatment at Warm Springs, the Montana State Hospital. The opinion states that these individuals are prohibited from voting, similar to those serving sentences in other correctional facilities. This decision was made following a request from Lake County Attorney James Lapotka.

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Montana legislators visit new autism facility site supported by state grant

By Big Sky Times | Oct 21, 2024

Rep. Courtenay Sprunger, Sen. Shane Morigeau, Sen. Mike Cuffe, and Lindsey Carter from the DPHHS Developmental Disability Program visited the site of Jake’s Farm in the Dell on October 21. The facility is being constructed with the help of a $400,000 state grant and will cater to adults with severe autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities.

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VA provides 509 home loans in Montana totaling $215.3 million in Q3

By Big Sky Times | Oct 19, 2024

The U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) issued 509 home loans totaling $215.3 million in Montana during the third quarter of the fiscal year 2024, according to the Veterans' Affairs Home Loans Index.

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Montana receives $19.9 million in VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans during Q3

By Big Sky Times | Oct 16, 2024

The VA issued 49 Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans in Montana during the third quarter of fiscal year 2024, according to the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

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Montana experiences higher inflation rate than national average as of September 2024

By Big Sky Times | Oct 16, 2024

As of September 2024, Montana experienced a 22.1% increase in prices of goods and services since January 2021, compared to the nationwide trend of a 20.5% increase.

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Attorneys general challenge Biden-Harris administration's new immigration rule

By Big Sky Times | Oct 16, 2024

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has spearheaded a coalition of seven attorneys general in submitting an amicus brief supporting a lawsuit against a rule from the Biden-Harris administration. The rule, known as "Parole-in-Place" (PIP), permits illegal immigrants to stay in the United States with potential employment opportunities and access to public benefits. The brief was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas.

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Average cost of college education in Montana rises for students in 2022-23 school year

By Big Sky Times | Oct 15, 2024

College tuition fees rose 3.4% in Montana in the 2022-23 school year, according to the latest disclosure from the National Center for Education Statistics.

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Gianforte celebrates disability mentoring week with Montana students

By Big Sky Times | Oct 15, 2024

Governor Greg Gianforte joined the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) Director Charlie Brereton to mark Disability Mentoring Week. The event took place on October 15, coinciding with National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), which emphasizes equal job opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

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Montana awards grants for innovative health projects

By Big Sky Times | Oct 15, 2024

The recipients of the 2024 Call for Proposals grants have been announced, focusing on innovative projects aimed at enhancing health and well-being in Montana. The annual call for proposals plays a crucial role in understanding new needs and partners throughout the state, occasionally leading to support for new statewide initiatives.

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Montana health officials urge preparation for respiratory illnesses this fall

By Big Sky Times | Oct 15, 2024

As Montana approaches the colder months, the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) is advising residents to prepare for the upcoming respiratory illness season. The department emphasizes precautions against COVID-19, influenza, pneumococcal pneumonia, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

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Higher property tax revenue in Montana during Q2

By Big Sky Times | Oct 14, 2024

The second quarter brought in $222 million in property tax revenue for Montana, a 181% increase from the first quarter, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's Quarterly Summary of State and Local Taxes.

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Montana Healthcare Foundation acknowledges Caring for Montanans' vital role

By Big Sky Times | Oct 14, 2024

The Montana Healthcare Foundation (MTHF) has expressed gratitude towards Caring for Montanans (CFM), acknowledging its role in MTHF's establishment and growth over the past decade. The foundation was created in 2013 following the sale of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana (BCBS-MT) to Health Care Services Corporation. According to state law, assets from such a conversion are transferred to a charitable trust benefiting Montanans.