All posts by Big Sky Headlines

Afghan released into US by Biden administration arrested for plotting terror attack

(The Center Square) – An Afghan citizen released into the U.S. less than 10 days after the Biden-Harris deadly withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan was arrested for plotting an Election Day terrorist attack on American soil. The U.S. Department of Justice on Tuesday announced charges were brought against 27-year-old Afghan national Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, Read More…

Poll: Voters divided on Biden admin’s Title IX changes ahead of election

(The Center Square) – In a new national poll released this week, voters signaled they are divided over the Biden administration’s Title IX changes to expand gender identity protections ahead of the general election. The Center Square Voters’ Voice Poll conducted by Noble Predictive Insights found that voters are almost evenly split on the controversial Read More…

Gov. Doug Burgum Names Steve D. Scheel as 50th Recipient of North Dakota Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award

Governor Doug Burgum has announced that Steve D. Scheel, board chairman emeritus of Fargo-based sporting goods retailer Scheels, will receive the Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award, North Dakota’s highest honor for its citizens. This marks the 50th recipient of the prestigious award. Under Scheel’s leadership, Scheels has transformed from a regional brand into one of Read More…

Attorney General Austin Knudsen Defends Actions Amid Professional Conduct Hearing

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen stood firm in his defense during a formal hearing Wednesday and Thursday regarding a professional conduct complaint against him by a California lawyer,  which arises from a long-standing legal dispute between the state Legislature and the judicial branch. The hearing, conducted by an adjudicatory panel of the Montana Commission on Read More…

Riley Gaines Advocates for Women’s Sports at Billings event

All-American swimmer Riley Gaines addressed the importance of preserving women’s sports during the Montana Family Foundation Banquet held at the Northern Hotel on Friday. Her remarks came in light of recent developments in collegiate athletics, including the University of Wyoming women’s volleyball team’s decision to forfeit a match against San Jose State, reportedly due to Read More…

Gianforte Honors Sheriff Lonnie Johnson with Veteran Commendation

In a heartfelt ceremony at the Sheridan County Courthouse, Governor Greg Gianforte presented Sheriff Lonnie Johnson with the prestigious 2023 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation. Joined by Johnson’s wife and fellow V.F.W. members, the governor acknowledged the sheriff’s dedication to both military and community service. “I was honored to recognize Sheridan County Sheriff Lonnie Johnson with Read More…

Governor Greg Gianforte Maintains Strong Lead in Poll Ahead of Election

A new poll shows Governor Greg Gianforte solidifying his position in the race for reelection, leading Democratic challenger Ryan Busse by a significant margin of 55% to 36%. This latest survey reflects the growing support for Gianforte’s leadership as Montanans prepare to head to the polls. Montana Republican Party Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt expressed confidence Read More…

Gianforte Files Amicus Brief with U.S. Supreme Court Supporting Tennessee Law on Children’s Medical Protections

Governor Greg Gianforte has filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in support of Tennessee’s laws aimed at protecting children from permanent and experimental medical and surgical procedures. This move comes as the Supreme Court prepares to hear United States v. Skrmetti, a case initiated by the Biden administration challenging the Tennessee law, Read More…

Poll: Knudsen leads Alke by 18%

A recent poll shows Attorney General Austin Knudsen maintaining a commanding lead in his reelection bid, with a 53% to 35% advantage over Democratic challenger Ben Alke. This demonstrates significant support for Knudsen’s conservative agenda as Montanans prepare to vote in the upcoming election. Montana Republican Party Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt expressed confidence in Knudsen’s Read More…

Montana Launches New Grant Program to Boost Rural and Tribal Agritourism

The Montana Department of Commerce has announced the launch of a new grant program aimed at supporting rural and tribal agricultural businesses while promoting economic diversification throughout the state. The funding will be provided through the newly established Agritourism Grants Program. Paul Green, Director of the Montana Department of Commerce, stated, “This new grant program Read More…

Montana’s Legal Disciplinary Body can avoid becoming a Tool for Partisan Politics

Montana’s Commission on Practice is the regulatory body of the legal profession here, tasked by the State Supreme Court with overseeing the ethical and professional conduct of attorneys’ practice of law in the state. Its enforcement arm is the Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC), which investigates and decides whether to prosecute complaints of unethical conduct Read More…

Trump blasts Harris for FEMA help to migrants as hurricane budget runs low

(The Center Square) – The Biden-Harris administration took a tidal wave of criticism this week after U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas told reporters that the Federal Emergency Management Administration did not have enough funds to cover the rest of this hurricane season. Those comments drew criticism from Republican lawmakers, billionaire Elon Musk Read More…

Montana Attorney General Announces $3.5 Million Funding Boost for Children’s Advocacy Centers

Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced today that the Montana Department of Justice will provide an additional $3.5 million to enhance the state’s Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs). This funding aims to improve the response and care for child survivors of crime and abuse across Montana. The financial support is made possible by a recent settlement with Read More…

Gov. Doug Burgum Declares Statewide Fire Emergency in North Dakota

n response to escalating wildfire risks, Governor Doug Burgum has signed an executive order declaring a statewide fire emergency. This action activates the State Emergency Operations Plan to strategically position resources for a swift response to wildfires throughout North Dakota. The state has already seen significant fire activity, with nearly 3,500 acres burned in the Read More…

Governor Highlights HER Campaign’s Efforts to Combat Human Trafficking in Montana

Governor Greg Gianforte visited the HER Campaign last week to showcase the organization’s vital work supporting survivors of human trafficking through their residential programs. “Human trafficking is a despicable, heartbreaking crime, but thanks to dedicated Montanans like Sammy and organizations like the HER Campaign, survivors are offered resources and hope,” Gianforte stated. He emphasized the Read More…

The History of Columbus Day

As America observes Columbus Day on October 14, 2024, communities across the nation are engaging in a renewed conversation about the historical significance of the holiday and its implications for contemporary society. Columbus Day was first celebrated in the United States in 1937, established as a federal holiday to honor Christopher Columbus, the Italian explorer Read More…

Keep Charities Out of Partisan Politics

The brave Americans who registered voters in the Jim Crow South during the Civil Rights Era endured violence, in some cases even death. Since then, maximizing voter participation has been widely considered a public good worthy of charity status. But the IRS has clear rules prohibiting charities that register voters from favoring political parties or Read More…

Criticism Mounts Against DHS Chief Mayorkas Over FEMA Funding Comments

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas is facing backlash after stating that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has exhausted its funds for disaster relief, while billions have reportedly been spent on housing and supporting migrants across the country. As Hurricane Helene wreaks havoc on the South and East, many are expressing frustration over FEMA’s perceived Read More…

Montana Pheasant Season Opens October 12

The highly anticipated pheasant hunting season in Montana kicks off on Saturday, October 12, offering hunters a chance to engage in the state’s beloved outdoor tradition. This fall, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) plans to release nearly 18,000 pheasants across wildlife management areas, fishing access sites, and select school trust lands. This year marks Read More…

Vote NO on CI-128

When debating legislation, legislators are always looking for unintended consequences. If you are pro-life or pro-choice, CI 128 must be a major concern. Hidden in the text of the initiative is language that gives blanket immunity to abortion providers for malpractice, incompetence or outright criminal behavior. In the complete text of CI 128 it says, Read More…

Sheehy, Tester Debate

Republican candidate Tim Sheehy emerged victorious in a heated U.S. Senate debate against incumbent Democrat Jon Tester, according to Montana Republican Party Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt. Following the debate, Kaltschmidt issued a statement underscoring Sheehy’s performance and criticizing Tester’s record. “Tim Sheehy’s second debate victory over career politician Jon Tester showed exactly why Montanans will Read More…

Gianforte Announces $2.5 Million Investment for Behavioral Health Solutions in Rural and Tribal Communities

Governor Greg Gianforte unveiled an investment of up to $2.5 million aimed at assisting rural counties and tribal communities in Montana to develop and implement tailored solutions for their behavioral health needs. This initiative is part of a broader $300 million funding allocation secured by the governor last year to reform and enhance the state’s Read More…

Boeing’s ‘Final Offer’ Falls Short for Striking Workers, Says Union

Boeing announced Monday that it had made a “best and final offer” to its striking machinists, including bigger pay raises and larger bonuses. However, the workers’ union quickly rejected the proposal, stating it wasn’t sufficient, and no ratification vote would occur before Boeing’s deadline at the end of the week. The union criticized Boeing for Read More…

Filming for “1923” Returns to Butte

The production team for the television series “1923” is making a return to Butte as they begin construction of the Dutton Ranch set down a dirt road near the Mining City. Some scenes for the show’s second season will be filmed in and around Butte this October and possibly into November. After filming its first Read More…

Governor Celebrates Opening of Ultimate Defense Technologies Headquarters in Billings

Governor Greg Gianforte cut the ribbon  on the new headquarters and production facility for Ultimate Defense Technologies in Billings, a weapons safety manufacturer expected to create nearly 90 jobs for Montanans. “Thanks to our pro-business policies and strong Second Amendment heritage, businesses like Ultimate Defense Technologies are choosing to relocate to Montana,” Gov. Gianforte said. Read More…

Twenty state AGs challenge gender dysphoria guidance and methodology

(The Center Square) — Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill joined a 20-state coalition to question the American Academy of Pediatrics practices with child gender dysphoria. In a letter, originally written by Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador, the AGs put the organization on notice for possible violations of state consumer protection statutes over its standards on Read More…

Trump Intensifies Criticism of Harris’ Mental Fitness

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump ramped up his personal attacks on Kamala Harris, his Democratic opponent, during a rally in Erie, Pennsylvania, on Sunday. Trump repeated his claim that Harris is “mentally impaired,” going as far as to suggest she should be “impeached and prosecuted.” These remarks followed a rally from the day before, which Read More…

Montana Ranked Fourth Best State for Regulatory Freedom

Governor Greg Gianforte recently emphasized a report from the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, which identifies Montana as one of the least regulated states in the country. The report ranks Montana fourth, following North Dakota, South Dakota, and Idaho, citing the state’s efforts to reduce regulatory burdens. Governor Gianforte stated that cutting red tape Read More…