Big Sky Times

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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In Montana, 143 people have died after receiving COVID-19 “vaccine”

By Big Sky Times | Jul 30, 2024

Montana registered 143 deaths after admission of a “COVID-19” MRNA injection, according to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS).

Senate Candidate Sheehy: ‘Kamala Harris has been a complete failure on the border’

By Big Sky Times | Jul 26, 2024

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.

E. coli outbreak linked to undercooked wagyu beef in Flathead County

By Big Sky Times | Jul 26, 2024

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 AG files complaint against Education Secretary over alleged Hatch Act violations

By Big Sky Times | Jul 25, 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.

U.S. Senator Jon Tester on military veteran healthcare challenges: VA must 'redouble its efforts' for veterans in need

By Nicholas Malfitano | Jul 25, 2024

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.

Health officials investigate E.coli outbreak linked to ground beef in Flathead County

By Big Sky Times | Jul 24, 2024

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: 'Jon Tester votes with Chuck Schumer 99% of the time'

By Big Sky Times | Jul 23, 2024

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.

26 states, including Montana, separated from 'hyper-partisan' voter data group

By Big Sky Times | Jul 22, 2024

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.

Sen. Daines: VA’s failure to comply with MISSION act is ’a personal affront to veterans across the country’

By Big Sky Times reports | Jul 19, 2024

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.

Gianforte allocates $6.5M grant for tribal mental health services

By Big Sky Times | Jul 17, 2024

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.

FDA Inspection: What type of Montana companies were under most scrutiny during Q2?

By Big Sky Times | Jul 12, 2024

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted an inspection at one Veterinary company from Montana in the second quarter of 2024.