Montana News

YPR News’ Kaitlyn Nicholas recently spoke with Connie Walker, an award-winning Cree Journalist from the Okanese First Nation in Saskatchewan. She is the host of the 8-episode podcast Stolen: The Search For Jermain from Gimlet Media and Spotify. In "Stolen," Walker shares the story of Jermain Charlo, a 23 year old member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes who went missing in Missoula in June 2018.

Two new Montana laws that aim to keep the Colstrip coal-fired power plant open and running sparked a lawsuit from plant owners who say the government is intruding on private business dealings.

Republicans and Democrats on a special legislative committee are at odds over dueling reports summarizing an ongoing investigation into Montana’s judicial branch.

The minority report from Democratic lawmakers refutes GOP claims of alleged judicial bias and misconduct, saying Republican lawmakers and the Republican-led executive branch are trying to smear the judiciary.

The 2021 meeting of Montana lawmakers was defined by Republicans' ironclad majority in both chambers with the backing of the first GOP governor in 16 years and work that began during a pandemic. MTPR’s Shaylee Ragar and YPR’s Kevin Trevellyan have been in the halls and zoom meetings for the past 80 days. Here’s their breakdown of the final day of action.

Shaylee Ragar Kevin, the Republican caucus held a press conference after the session had officially adjourned, and they were in high spirits.

Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte announced Montana will stop providing additional unemployment benefits allowed during the coronavirus pandemic. This coincides with the state offering so-called return-to-work bonuses.

Gianforte says the measures are intended to incentivize Montanans to re-enter the job market amid a severe workforce shortage.

The governor’s office says Montana will opt out of providing enhanced unemployment benefits by July.