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Erik Olson

@erikolson-mt.bsky.social
312 followers 419 following 105 posts

Digital journalist at a Montana TV station, husband, father, pet owner. Looking for an X alternative

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Erik Olson @erikolson-mt.bsky.social · 18/07/2025
This is hitting harder than it should. He's an icon for my generation. I seriously question whether this was a requirement embedded within the Paramount settlement. www.ktvq.com/entertainmen...
scrippsnews.com
Stephen Colbert says CBS is ending his 'Late Show' in May 2026
CBS is axing “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” in May 2026, the host told an audience at a taping Thursday.
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Erik Olson @erikolson-mt.bsky.social · 20/05/2025
If you care about public lands at all, read this piece from my friend Nate Schweber. Even if you don't care, read it, and you will. www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-i...
theguardian.com
This land is their land: Trump is selling out the US’s beloved wilderness
During the McCarthy era’s darkest days, public lands came under attack. History now repeats itself – and this may be the last chance to defend what’s ours
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Erik Olson @erikolson-mt.bsky.social · 06/04/2025
Big turnout in Helena yesterday. Another couple hundred in Billings too. Helena "Hands Off" rally protests Trump administration at Montana State Capitol - www.ktvh.com/news/helena-...
ktvh.com
Helena "Hands Off" rally protests Trump administration at Montana State Capitol
At noon on Saturday, there was a crowd gathered on the front steps of the Montana State Capitol, expressing their opposition to what they called “chaos” coming from the federal government.
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Erik Olson @erikolson-mt.bsky.social · 02/04/2025
Posting this Wikipedia entry today for no particular reason en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoot%E...
en.wikipedia.org
Smoot–Hawley Tariff Act - Wikipedia
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Erik Olson @erikolson-mt.bsky.social · 27/03/2025
“I thought that if (DOGE) were smart, they would work with USDS because of the history that USDS has with the different federal agencies. If they were actually honest about wanting to make improvements, USDS knows exactly where to focus on.” Some really good reporting www.ktvq.com/politics/pre...
ktvq.com
Inside DOGE’s ‘hostile takeover’ of the US Digital Service
Scripps News spoke with five former and two current USDS staffers who paint a picture of an office that’s a shell of what it used to be after DOGE came in.
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Erik Olson @erikolson-mt.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
“We need a lot of lumber. So, the price increase, the tariffs, they will have an effect, and they will increase cost to the end consumer.” #mtnews #montana www.ktvq.com/news/local-n...
ktvq.com
Trump's tariffs: How lumber prices could impact Billings home builders
Lewis Earnst, owner of Montana Home Builders, remains committed to minimizing the burden on customers.
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Erik Olson @erikolson-mt.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
Sad news here in Montana. Strong winds reportedly caught ahold of the chair and caused the fall. #mtnews www.ktvq.com/news/local-n...
ktvq.com
Billings man dies from injuries in Red Lodge Mountain ski lift accident
A Billings man has died from injuries he suffered after falling from a ski lift at Red Lodge Mountain.
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Erik Olson @erikolson-mt.bsky.social · 11/03/2025
Interesting story. I see convenience stores in Billings stocked with kratom, and workers there have told me they sell like crazy. How safe are they? Who knows? #mtnews Reprinted with permission from @montanafreepress.org www.ktvq.com/news/montana...
ktvq.com
Without federal action, states like Montana wrestle with kratom regulation
A bill drafted by the American Kratom Association, a national industry lobbying group, is pending in the Montana Legislature.
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Erik Olson @erikolson-mt.bsky.social · 05/03/2025
About 100 people showed up in Billings last night to protest the president's speech. #mtnews www.ktvq.com/news/local-n...
ktvq.com
Protesters gather in downtown Billings in response to Trump speech
Before President Donald Trump addressed Congress and the nation Tuesday night, around 100 people lined the streets in downtown Billings to protest the president’s policies.
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Erik Olson @erikolson-mt.bsky.social · 22/02/2025
A reminder that Trump won Montana with 58 percent of the vote. In addition, every statewide elected official is a Republican for the first time in decades. #mtnews www.ktvq.com/news/montana...
ktvq.com
Montana may face the biggest impacts from new tariff proposals, report shows
Tariffs are one of the most talked-about policies of President Donald Trump’s new proposals, but a new report indicates that Montana could feel the brunt of these tariffs more than any other state.
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Erik Olson @erikolson-mt.bsky.social · 19/02/2025
"It was crushing, you know. It's such a big piece of my life. I've dedicated my entire life and working experience to this." #mtnews www.ktvq.com/news/local-n...
ktvq.com
Layoffs leave Montana U.S. Forest Service workers devastated
The Trump Administration fired thousands of U.S. Forest and National Park Service employees as part of a larger push to cut government spending.
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Erik Olson @erikolson-mt.bsky.social · 15/02/2025
Part of me wonders if AP coverage of the administration might actually IMPROVE if access to such spaces is removed. Forces the world's largest news outlet away from access journalism and into more critical coverage.
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Erik Olson @erikolson-mt.bsky.social · 12/02/2025
This is a fascinating read. Back when I was a business reporter, I was frustrated at the weight given to a handful of economic indicators, primarily the unemployment rate. It's even worse today, when most people have a job but no one is getting paid enough. www.politico.com/news/magazin...
politico.com
Voters Were Right About the Economy. The Data Was Wrong.
Here’s why unemployment is higher, wages are lower and growth less robust than government statistics suggest.
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Erik Olson @erikolson-mt.bsky.social · 11/02/2025
An absolutely terrible story out of Wyoming. www.ktvq.com/news/crime-w...
ktvq.com
Wyoming mom shoots 4 daughters and calls 911 before shooting herself
The woman and one of the daughters survived, but their condition was unknown on Tuesday, according to a press release issued by the Big Horn County Wyoming Sheriff's Office a day after the shooting.
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Erik Olson @erikolson-mt.bsky.social · 10/02/2025
Big news over the weekend in Montana. Yellowstone County backed away from a proposal to use its largest entertainments venue to house detainees from Trump's mass deportation. #mtnews www.ktvq.com/news/local-n...
ktvq.com
MetraPark general manager issues statement that it will not be used as detention facility
According to a statement issued by MetraPark general manager Stoney Field, MetraPark or any buildings on the campus will not be utilized as a detention facility.
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Erik Olson @erikolson-mt.bsky.social · 06/02/2025
“We have tried since we started to manufacture in the US. And our products, it's kind of crazy, but they're very simple, but there are really only a few places in the world that can manufacture them,” Drain said. #mtnews
ktvq.com
Billings business preparing for higher cost under Trump's China tariff
One small Billings business, who manufactures products overseas, is anticipating higher costs with President Donald Trump's 10% tariff against China now in effect.
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Erik Olson @erikolson-mt.bsky.social · 31/01/2025
i first read your post as "more important" but re-read, and i hope you're right
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Erik Olson @erikolson-mt.bsky.social · 30/01/2025
funny how so many lamented who was really running the country while "sleepy Joe" was in office, yet now we have unelected and out-of-practice attorneys shaping major policy during this administration
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Erik Olson @erikolson-mt.bsky.social · 28/01/2025
i guess i'm frustrated because, if you're the administration of a government that pushes such a dramatic action, that you can't provide any basis for it. i know, i shouldn't expect these basic things from THIS administration. hence, frustration
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Erik Olson @erikolson-mt.bsky.social · 28/01/2025
you're right. very good point. i'm glad people spoke up. i'm just... frustrated
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Erik Olson @erikolson-mt.bsky.social · 28/01/2025
no, certainly not. just frustrated that a whole news cycle got burned through with so few facts. and realizing that news cycle are probably going back to lasting like 5 minutes again
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Erik Olson @erikolson-mt.bsky.social · 28/01/2025
All that fear and worry, all day today, just for it to get struck down? this already feels like the first time: lots of headline-making bluster, then an inability to follow through
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Erik Olson @erikolson-mt.bsky.social · 28/01/2025
Indian Country in Montana is telling tribal members to be prepared if encountered by ICE agents #mtnews www.ktvq.com/neighborhood...
ktvq.com
Crow Tribe official issues guidance on federal immigration actions
A Crow Tribe elected official has issued guidance to tribal members as federal law enforcement conducts a nationwide crackdown on illegal immigration.
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Erik Olson @erikolson-mt.bsky.social · 27/01/2025
I'm sure every school district in the country is having similar discussions. Along with every church. #mtnews www.ktvq.com/news/local-n...
ktvq.com
Billings superintendent outlines procedures if ICE agents show up at school
The memo comes in response to a new executive order signed by President Donald Trump allowing ICE agent to conduct enforcement activity in schools and other community areas.
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Erik Olson @erikolson-mt.bsky.social · 24/01/2025
if anyone is going to follow suit, i'd bet on great falls going first
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Erik Olson @erikolson-mt.bsky.social · 24/01/2025
illegal immigrants, then we'd have a problem. it's also important to note that I'm aware of anyone asking the commissioners to use the facility. they just offered it up to the federal government #mtnews
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Erik Olson @erikolson-mt.bsky.social · 24/01/2025
Of note: MetraPark is the largest arena for at least 400 miles in southeast Montana, known for housing the county fair, concerts, trade shows, basketball tournaments and other sporting events. Also, the jails here are severely overcrowded. So if we do see an influx of arrests of anyone, including
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Erik Olson @erikolson-mt.bsky.social · 24/01/2025
Something to watch in Montana. www.ktvq.com/news/montana...
ktvq.com
County commissioners offer MetraPark to house detained illegal immigrants
Yellowstone County commissioners are offering the use of MetraPark to detain illegal immigrants caught in the region following President Trump's orders to increase deportations.
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Reposted by Erik Olson
Olga Nesterova @onestpress.onestnetwork.com · 21/01/2025
All I got is that the “infrastructure plan” is about the AI infrastructure and is most likely connected to the $20B investment by the Saudi exec on building the data centers. Again, just an FYI, not actual news at this point.
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Erik Olson @erikolson-mt.bsky.social · 14/01/2025
If the U.S. Interior Department’s assistant secretary for Land and Minerals Management ultimately approves the expansion, the Navajo Transitional Energy Company will gain access to a one-to-two-year supply of federally owned coal. h/t @montanafreepress.org #montana www.ktvq.com/news/montana...
ktvq.com
Feds look to expand Montana’s largest coal mine
Montana’s largest coal mine is set for an expansion that could increase its coal production by 19 million tons.
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Erik Olson @erikolson-mt.bsky.social · 10/01/2025
This is Earl. My wife nicknamed him Sexy Man. So if she calls for a sexy man in the house, I know she's not calling for me.
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Reposted by Erik Olson
Mina Kimes @minakimes.bsky.social · 08/01/2025
We have been glued to the local news. As social media becomes less and less useful for breaking news and real time info, it’s been such a reminder of how valuable the reporters and production folks on the ground are.
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Erik Olson @erikolson-mt.bsky.social · 07/01/2025
Montana's GOP-dominated Legislature is taking up this big issue this year. The state decided in 2015 to accept Medicaid expansion, after much debate, for 10 years before reauthorizing. Good reporting from KFF Health News #montana #medicaid #politics www.ktvq.com/news/montana...
ktvq.com
Medicaid expansion debate will affect other health policy issues before Montana Legislature
Legislative leaders say the decision whether to renew Montana’s Medicaid expansion program this year will loom over behavioral health spending and hospital regulation, among other topics.
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Erik Olson @erikolson-mt.bsky.social · 29/12/2024
Rest in peace sir.
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Erik Olson @erikolson-mt.bsky.social · 26/12/2024
I hope your Christmas was as full of joyous surprises as hers was. Happy holidays, Blue Sky!
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Erik Olson @erikolson-mt.bsky.social · 18/12/2024
Breaking: The Montana Supreme Court has UPHELD the ruling in the landmark climate-change case, Held v. Montana. The ruling asserts the young plaintiffs have a“fundamental constitutional right to a clean and healthful environment.” #mtnews www.ktvq.com/news/mt-supr...
ktvq.com
MT Supreme Court upholds Held v. Montana climate case ruling
The Montana Supreme Court has upheld a district court ruling in Held v. Montana, affirming the young plaintiffs have a “fundamental constitutional right to a clean and healthful environment.”
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Erik Olson @erikolson-mt.bsky.social · 14/12/2024
I just found @mrhwm.bsky.social here. He was one of my favorite follows on the other site, so I'm happy to find him again. I encourage others, particularly in Montana, to give him a follow. Plus he used to have a sweet southpaw jumper. Not sure if that's still there though
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Erik Olson @erikolson-mt.bsky.social · 13/12/2024
Extremely necessary
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Erik Olson @erikolson-mt.bsky.social · 13/12/2024
I should also add we only had access to this story through our partners at @montanafreepress.org they do so much great work in Montana
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Erik Olson @erikolson-mt.bsky.social · 13/12/2024
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Erik Olson @erikolson-mt.bsky.social · 13/12/2024
this account is worth following @altyellonatpark.org
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Erik Olson @erikolson-mt.bsky.social · 12/12/2024
I was really proud that we could publish this story on our website. It's an incredible piece of reporting from ProPublica about a Montana doctor in a small town with way too much power. these sorts of things happen when it's tough to attract high-end talent #mtnews www.ktvq.com/eat-what-you...
ktvq.com
‘Eat What You Kill’
There was a deeper, haunting story, they told me, about the oncologist many inside the hospital suspected of hurting his patients.
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Erik Olson @erikolson-mt.bsky.social · 11/12/2024
great read from @kemc.bsky.social . I loved her Blood Money book too, which I at times read while selling my plasma last year. the irony of it amused me
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Erik Olson @erikolson-mt.bsky.social · 10/12/2024
Now we've got this coalition of pro-gun groups riding in to defend Cowan's rights, more than a year later as his attorneys appeal his sentence. At issue is these "gun-free" zones around schools, and whether they're constitutional. Will be worth watching this one in the courts.
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Erik Olson @erikolson-mt.bsky.social · 10/12/2024
The NRA never weighed in, nor other supporters of Second Amendment rights. This was a man arrested carrying a gun on the sidewalk in front of his house, but he wasn't a great test case. Even if it wasn't his intent, he was scaring people, and I think most people were just focused on stopping that.
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Erik Olson @erikolson-mt.bsky.social · 10/12/2024
Cowan pleaded guilty to the charge and was sentenced to three years probation, avoiding federal prison. At the time, no one seemed too upset. Matt Rosendale, Montana's GOP congressman, said he didn't like the law that tripped up Cowan, but he didn't raise a big stink. Not when kids felt in danger
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Erik Olson @erikolson-mt.bsky.social · 10/12/2024
It seems he had carried the gun on the public sidewalk in front of him home (and was caught on camera), which violates federal law banning carrying weapons on public property within 1,000 feet of a school. (Why Billings police didn't make an arrest based on on this law earlier is unclear.)
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Erik Olson @erikolson-mt.bsky.social · 10/12/2024
The school, understandably, was still frightened, and they moved all the students away from the field facing Cowan's home as a precaution. Billings police said their hands were tied because he carried the gun on his own property, but within days, he was arrested on a federal charge.
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Erik Olson @erikolson-mt.bsky.social · 10/12/2024
We first heard about Gabriel Cowan when frightened parents reported a gun-toting neighbor across from Broadwater Elementary School in Billings on the first day of school. He told our reporter he carried the gun in self-defense after a dispute with a neighbor. www.ktvq.com/news/local-n...
ktvq.com
Gun-toting neighbor raises security concerns at Broadwater Elementary
The man lives along Broadwater Avenue and is located directly across from the Elementary school's playground.
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