All posts by Big Sky Headlines

FACT CHECK: Biden’s claim that illegal border crossings lower than Trump’s is false

(The Center Square) – During President Joe Biden’s address to the American public Wednesday night, he said his administration secured the border. Without discussing border policies in his 10-minute address, he touted his efforts in two sentences, saying, “We are also securing our border. Border crossings are lower today than when the previous administration left Read More…

Montana GOP Questions Ryan Busse’s Silence on Biden’s Endorsement of Kamala Harris

As President Joe Biden announced his decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris, Montana’s Democratic gubernatorial candidate Ryan Busse has remained notably silent on the matter. The Montana Republican Party is expressing frustration over Busse’s lack of comment. Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt criticized Busse for not addressing Biden’s Read More…

Manhattan DA Argues Supreme Court Ruling on Presidential Immunity Doesn’t Affect Trump’s Conviction

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office has filed a brief asserting that a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity does not impact the criminal case against former President Donald Trump. The July 24 filing states that the Supreme Court’s decision “has no bearing on this prosecution” and does not warrant overturning the jury’s Read More…

Former California School Official Sentenced to Over Five Years for Embezzlement Scheme

A former senior director of fiscal services for the Magnolia School District has been sentenced to 70 months in federal prison for embezzling nearly $16.7 million from the district, federal officials announced Thursday. Jorge Armando Contreras, 53, was also ordered to pay restitution totaling $16,694,942. Contreras, who held his position with the district—serving Anaheim and Read More…

Sheridan Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Killing Montana Woman in Colorado

Casey Childers of Sheridan has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder of Rachel Holeman, a Montana woman, in Colorado. Childers was convicted of first-degree murder, second-degree kidnapping, and conspiracy to commit second-degree kidnapping, according to Sheridan Media. The case unfolded in November 2021 when Childers, Shantel Edlund Read More…

Israel Strikes Hezbollah Targets in Lebanon Following Deadly Rocket Attack on Golan Heights

Israel’s air force has launched airstrikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon following a deadly rocket attack that killed 12 children and young adults in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights on Saturday. The attack, which struck a football pitch in the Druze town of Majdal Shams, has intensified tensions between Israel and the Lebanese militant group. The Read More…

Gov. Gianforte Issues Executive Order Declaring Disaster in Missoula and Mineral Counties

HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today issued an executive order declaring a disaster in Missoula and Mineral counties. “A recent severe thunderstorm toppled trees and downed power poles in the Missoula area, leaving too many residents without power. I appreciate the rapid response of our electric cooperatives to restore power to affected communities,” Gov. Read More…

Southeast Idaho Mule Deer Advisory Committee efforts are underway

Southeastern Idaho boasts abundant wildlife and expansive outdoor adventures, but perhaps none captivates local interest and conversation quite like the mule deer. Thriving in the sagebrush steppe and mountain shrub/aspen habitats that define the region, mule deer hold a special place in the hearts of Idahoans. However, the iconic mule deer herds face numerous challenges. Read More…

Montana SBDC Honors Quincy Walter of Wolf Point as 2024 State Star

In a distinguished accolade, Quincy Walter of Wolf Point has been named the 2024 Montana “State Star” by the Montana Department of Commerce and the Montana Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network. This national honor recognizes outstanding contributions and performance among SBDC directors across the country. Walter, serving as SBDC Regional Director hosted by the Read More…

Governor Gianforte Commits to Enhancing Behavioral Health Care in Montana Tribal Communities

Governor Greg Gianforte recently engaged with the Rocky Boy Agency Tribal council in Box Elder, Montana, to discuss significant investments in behavioral health care across north central Montana. During his visit to the Rocky Boy Health Center, Governor Gianforte underscored the state’s commitment to supporting mental health and substance abuse initiatives rather than neglecting those Read More…

Glacier Bancorp Reports Strong Quarterly and First Half 2024 Results

Glacier Bancorp, Inc. (NYSE: GBCI) announced its financial results for the second quarter and first half of 2024, highlighting significant developments in earnings and operational performance. For the second quarter ended June 30, 2024, Glacier Bancorp reported a net income of $44.7 million, marking a notable increase of $12.1 million, or 37 percent, from the Read More…

House Committee Advances Zinke Funding Proposal

The House Appropriations Committee took a significant step forward by passing the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2025 out of Full Committee Markup. This legislation includes substantial provisions aimed at addressing critical infrastructure needs and housing challenges in Western Montana. Among the key components of the bill Read More…

Senator Steve Daines Advocates for Grizzly Bear Delisting Despite Administrative Hurdles

Senator Steve Daines made a compelling case today at a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing for the delisting of grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone and Northern Continental Divide Ecosystems. He highlighted the discrepancy between the robust grizzly populations and the prolonged delay in their delisting review by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Read More…

Former South Dakota Department of Social Services Employee Indicted for Stealing $1.8 Million

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has announced a significant development in a case involving alleged embezzlement from the state’s Department of Social Services. Lonna Carroll, 68, of Algona, IA, has been indicted for reportedly stealing an estimated $1.8 million in state and federal funds from the department’s Child Protection Services program. Carroll faces two Read More…

Senator Josh Hawley Raises Concerns Over Security Failures at Trump Rally

In a bold move, Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri has publicly addressed serious allegations regarding the security arrangements at former President Donald Trump’s recent rally. In a letter addressed to United States Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, Senator Hawley detailed concerns brought forward by whistleblowers within the security apparatus. The letter, opens with Senator Read More…

DeliverFund and Whooster Announce Partnership to Fight Against Human Trafficking

In a significant development aimed at combating human trafficking, DeliverFund, a nonprofit specializing in intelligence operations, has partnered with Whooster, a leading provider of investigative data solutions. This collaboration marks a pivotal advancement in leveraging technology to fight against one of the world’s most pressing issues. Whooster, renowned for its cutting-edge data analysis intelligence SaaS Read More…

Montana Shooting Sports Group Endorses Knudsen

In anticipation of the upcoming November General Election, the Montana Shooting Sports Association (MSSA) has unveiled its highly anticipated 2024 candidate grades and endorsements, aimed at guiding pro-gun voters in their choices at the polls. MSSA has given Attorney General Austin Knudsen an A rating and the group endorsed him for the 2024 Election. Each Read More…

Bridger Aerospace Acquires FMS Aerospace

BELGRADE, Mont. – Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. (“Bridger Aerospace”), a prominent provider of aerial firefighting services, has completed the acquisition of FMS Aerospace (“FMS”), based in Huntsville, Alabama. This strategic move marks Bridger’s expansion into comprehensive airframe modification and integration solutions for government and commercial clients. The transaction, valued at $20.6 million in equity, Read More…

Supreme Court Candidate Lynch Receives F Rating from Pro-gun Group

n anticipation of the upcoming November General Election, the Montana Shooting Sports Association (MSSA) has unveiled its highly anticipated 2024 candidate grades and endorsements, aimed at guiding pro-gun voters in their choices at the polls. MSSA has given Chief Justice candidate Jeremiah Lynch an F rating. The group endorsed Lynch’s opponent, Broadwater County Attorney Cory Read More…

Unbreakables Foundation Launches Initiative to Empower Disadvantaged Families

A newly established nonprofit organization, the Unbreakables Foundation, has announced its inaugural initiatives aimed at enhancing self-reliance and welfare among disadvantaged families in the United States and former conflict zones. Founded under the leadership of Braxton Norwood PhD, Unbreakables Foundation is dedicated to fostering independence and prosperity for vulnerable groups, with a particular emphasis on Read More…

Burgum appoints Greg Hoffman to serve as chief information officer

Governor Doug Burgum has appointed Greg Hoffman to serve as the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the North Dakota Information Technology (NDIT) department, effective immediately. Hoffman, recognized for his extensive leadership within the agency, steps into the role following his tenure as interim CIO since June 1, succeeding Kuldip Mohanty. With a career spanning nearly Read More…

Democrat Complaint Against Governor Gianforte Dismissed

Montana’s Commissioner of Political Practices, Chris Gallus, decisively dismissed a complaint on Wednesday alleging misuse of taxpayer funds by Governor Greg Gianforte for his reelection efforts. The complaint, filed by Democratic candidates Ryan Busse and Raph Graybill, accused Gianforte of leveraging state resources through postcards sent to Montana taxpayers to bolster his campaign. In a Read More…

GOP Chair calls for Menahan recusal

REPUBLICAN PARTY CHAIRMAN CALLS ON JUDGE MENAHAN TO RECUSE HIMSELF In a strongly-worded statement, Montana Republican Party Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt called on Judge Mike Menahan  to recuse himself from the CI-128 case. Kaltschmidt accused the judge of bias, alleging that Menahan has consistently favored pro-abortion activists throughout his career. “Judge Menahan has sold out Read More…

Shooting Sports Group Endorses Gianforte

In anticipation of the upcoming November General Election, the Montana Shooting Sports Association (MSSA) has unveiled its highly anticipated 2024 candidate grades and endorsements, aimed at guiding pro-gun voters in their choices at the polls. MSSA has given Governor Greg Gianforte an A rating and the group endorsed him for the 2024 Election. Gianforte’s Democrat Read More…

Wyoming Transportation Commission to meet July 18

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – The Wyoming Transportation Commission is scheduled to convene for its regular business meeting on Thursday, July 18, starting at 8:30 a.m. The meeting will be conducted exclusively via Zoom to address agenda items and conduct necessary votes. The primary agenda items include critical discussions related to transportation infrastructure and pertinent statewide initiatives. Read More…

FBI Identifies Shooter in Attempted Assassination of Former President Trump

The FBI has identified 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks as the suspect in the attempted assassination of former U.S. President Donald Trump. The incident, which unfolded on Saturday, ended with the suspect being fatally shot by Secret Service agents just seconds after shots were fired towards the stage where Trump was addressing the crowd. According to Read More…