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Capitol Talk Capitol Talk is MTPR's weekly legislative news and analysis program. MTPR's Sally Mauk is joined by Montana Free Press State Editor Holly Michels and Lee Banville, Director of the University of Montana School of Journalism and Professor of Political Reporting. Tune in during the legislative session.
Capitol Talk

Podcast Directory
Capitol Talk

Capitol Talk

From Montana Public Radio

Capitol Talk is MTPR's weekly legislative news and analysis program. MTPR's Sally Mauk is joined by Montana Free Press State Editor Holly Michels and Lee Banville, Director of the University of Montana School of Journalism and Professor of Political Reporting. Tune in during the legislative session.

Most Recent Episodes

Exhaustive debate; Bathroom bills; God & government; Honoring Chuck Johnson

Two Republican Senate leaders continue to battle allegations of ethics violations. The governor signs two anti-trans bills into law. The House takes up the main budget bill. A Kalispell Republican loses his effort to name Jesus the ruler of all nations. And the late, great journalist Chuck Johnson is honored at the Capitol.

Exhaustive debate; Bathroom bills; God & government; Honoring Chuck Johnson

Listen · 13:48

Capitol Talk: Ethics, education and the missing delegation

The state Senate is mulling an ethics report about one of its own. Lawmakers hope to pass bills to boost teacher pay. The state school superintendent supports eliminating the federal Department of Education. And Montana's congressional delegation has no desire to hold public town halls.

Republicans back Trump cuts and tariffs; Lawmakers return to Helena

Montanans voice mounting concern about the impact of federal budget cuts and tariffs. Montana's governor and congressional delegation don't seem to share those concerns. And the Montana Legislature faces a busy, and possibly contentious second act.

Another ethics probe; An early departure; A DUI; Chromosome cops?

Another state senator faces an ethics investigation. A state rep. suddenly resigns. A Missoula senator pleads guilty to a DUI. And a controversial "bathroom bill" awaits the governor's signature.

Capitol Talk: Exemptions, inclusion, infighting, confusion

Confusion reigns at colleges like the University of Montana as they struggle to interpret presidential executive orders to erase diversity, equity and inclusion. The Montana Republican party's split continues to play out publicly. And several bills to cut your property taxes are moving toward a climax.

Medicaid expansion advances; U.S. reps praise Trump's cuts; Church & state remain separate

Senate Republicans continue to split votes on key issues; Medicaid expansion is well on its way to passage; Montana's congressional delegation isn't concerned — yet — about federal workers being fired; And Montana public school classrooms won't be displaying the Ten Commandments.

Medicaid expansion advances; U.S. reps praise Trump's cuts; Church & state remain separate

Listen · 13:46

The Gulf of What? Bathroom laws take priority; Republicans take aim at climate rules

Press freedom and press access are at stake in the fight over the Gulf of Mexico's name. Legislators want to make sure you use the right bathroom. A climate change court ruling is behind several bills to change Montana's environmental laws. And Republican lawmakers join Vice President Vance in making fun of climate activist Greta Thunberg.

The Gulf of What? Bathroom laws take priority; Republicans take aim at climate rules

Listen · 14:15

Drama in the Senate; Trans sports ban resurfaces; Sheehy backs Musk

More hard feelings erupt in the state Senate. State lawmakers appear poised to ban trans women from competing in women's sports. And Sen. Tim Sheehy says Elon Musk is doing a great job.

Federal funding in limbo; Senate opens ethics probe; Medicaid expansion debate begins

Threatened cuts to federal funding have Montana organizations anxious. The state Senate gears up for an ethics investigation. Medicaid expansion bills advance. The Democratic party is looking for a new leader. And state workers — and legislators — would get a pay raise under a proposed new pay plan.

Federal funding in limbo; Senate opens ethics probe; Medicaid expansion debate begins

Listen · 13:44

No-bid contract exposed; Court affirms public's right to know; Jan. 6 rioters go free

A Republican state senator is in trouble for a questionable no-bid contract. Courts side with the Montana press in legislative transparency case. And Montanans imprisoned for attacking the Capitol on January 6th are freed by the new Administration.

No-bid contract exposed; Court affirms public's right to know; Jan. 6 rioters go free

Listen · 13:02
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