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Big Sky Times

Thursday, November 21, 2024

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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.

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Which type of Montana companies were inspected the most by FDA in Q3?

By Big Sky Times | Oct 11, 2024

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted four inspections at four Food and Cosmetics companies from Montana in the third quarter of 2024.

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Montana celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month with mentoring initiative

By Big Sky Times | Oct 7, 2024

October marks National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), and this year's theme, "Access to Good Jobs for All," emphasizes the Department of Public Health and Human Services’ (DPHHS) dedication to providing equal career opportunities for individuals with disabilities. In celebration of NDEAM, DPHHS is organizing Disability Mentoring Week from October 14-18. This event aims to facilitate partnerships between Montana businesses and DPHHS to offer career exploration and mentoring opportunities for youth with disabilities.

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Analysis: Montana one of 25 states banning boys from playing girls’ high school sports

By Big Sky Times | Oct 6, 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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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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Montana emphasizes importance of early breast cancer detection during awareness month

By Big Sky Times | Oct 3, 2024

The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has highlighted the prevalence of breast cancer among women in Montana, noting that it accounts for 33% of new cancer diagnoses each year. Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast grow uncontrollably and can spread to other parts of the body.

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

By Big Sky Times | Oct 1, 2024

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted an inspection at one Food and Cosmetics company from Montana in September.

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Montana honors centenarians at Governor's Conference on Aging

By Big Sky Times | Oct 1, 2024

Montana centenarians were celebrated at a special luncheon held in Billings as part of the 55th annual Governor’s Conference on Aging. The event took place at the Billings Hotel and Convention Center, where attendees gathered to honor these individuals for their contributions and inspiration.

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

By Big Sky Times | Sep 30, 2024

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