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Big Sky Times

Thursday, November 21, 2024

Local Government News

Local Government

VA provides 51.4% more home purchase loans in Montana in Q3

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

By Big Sky Times | Nov 15, 2024

Local Government

FOIA Request Sent to Montana University System Regarding State University Employees' Salaries on November 14, 2024

A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to the Montana University System on November 14, 2024.

By Big Sky Times | Nov 14, 2024

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Local Government

Number of VA loans issued in Montana increased by 241.6% from Q3 2023 to Q3 2024

By Big Sky Times | Nov 12, 2024

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

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Local Government

Average VA home loan amount in Montana increases from 2022 to 2023

By Big Sky Times | Nov 8, 2024

The average VA loan amount for Montana in the fiscal year 2023 was $384,562, according to the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

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Local Government

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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Local Government

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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Local Government

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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Local Government

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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Local Government

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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Local Government

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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Local Government

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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Local Government

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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Local Government

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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Local Government

Montana ranks 18th in average VA home loan amount in 2023

By Big Sky Times | Oct 3, 2024

With $384,562 in issued loans, Montana ranked 18th for the average amount of a VA home loan in 2023, according to figures provided by the Veteran Affairs Home Loans Index.

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Local Government

Montana man pleads guilty to possessing child sexual abuse material

By Big Sky Times | Sep 30, 2024

A Montana man has pleaded guilty to one count of sexual abuse of children after authorities discovered child sexual abuse material on his cell phone. The plea was entered in Hill County District Court, as announced by Attorney General Austin Knudsen.

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Local Government

VA provides 358 home loans in Montana totaling $142.1 million in Q2

By Big Sky Times | Sep 28, 2024

The U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) issued 358 home loans totaling $142.1 million in Montana during the second quarter of the fiscal year 2024, according to the Veterans' Affairs Home Loans Index.

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Local Government

Inflation in Montana outpaces national average as of August 2024

By Big Sky Times | Sep 26, 2024

As of August 2024, Montana experienced a 22.1% increase in prices of goods and services since January 2021, compared to the nationwide trend of a 20.3% increase.

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Local Government

VA provides 243 home purchase loans in Montana in Q2

By Big Sky Times | Sep 25, 2024

There were 243 VA home purchase loans issued in Montana in the second quarter of the fiscal year 2024 totaling $99.3 million, according to figures provided by the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

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Local Government

Montana allocates $3.5 million from J&J settlement to aid child advocacy centers

By Big Sky Times | Sep 25, 2024

Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced that the Montana Department of Justice will allocate an additional $3.5 million to support Montana Children's Advocacy Centers (CACs). This funding aims to enhance the care and response for child survivors of crime and abuse across the state. The funds originate from a recent settlement with Johnson & Johnson, resolving allegations that the company sold baby powder containing carcinogenic asbestos.

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Local Government

Montana receives $18.5 million in VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans during Q2

By Big Sky Times | Sep 19, 2024

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