Shaylee Ragar
Capitol Bureau ChiefShaylee began covering state government and politics for Montana Public Radio in August 2020.
Originally from Belgrade, Montana, she graduated from the University of Montana’s journalism program and previously worked as a reporter for the Bozeman Daily Chronicle and UM’s Legislative News Service.
Please share tips, questions and concerns at 406-539-1677 or shaylee.ragar@mso.umt.edu.
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Former U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, Governors Marc Racicot and Steve Bullock drew an overflowing crowd to a forum in Helena last weekend. They talked about the upcoming elections, the Trump agenda, and defending democracy. Racicot was a Republican governor from 1993 to 2001. Bullock and Tester were the last Democrats to hold statewide office in Montana. -
Several Montana industry groups and chambers of commerce are suing the state over a ballot initiative aimed at restricting 'dark money' in campaign spending. -
Zoning laws aimed at incentivizing home construction have survived a legal challenge. The Montana Supreme Court ruled they are constitutional. -
The deadline to apply for the state’s new "homestead" property tax exemption is midnight on March 19. Missoula County is hosting public open houses on its new draft floodplain map over the next few weeks. A Montana judge Wednesday gave the go-ahead to plaintiffs challenging state laws that restricted how schools teach sex education. -
A ballot initiative aimed at restricting dark money in Montana elections is advancing. Dubbed "The Montana Plan," the proposal would prohibit any entity that does business in Montana from contributing to candidates, political parties or ballot issues. -
Democrats competing in Montana’s western district congressional race met for a debate in Butte Tuesday. They discussed money in politics, data centers and access to health care, among other topics. While the candidates found some distinction between their views, they agree on most issues. -
Controversial BLM director nominee clears first Senate hurdle. Dillon City Council appoints new mayor. Court upholds state law that allows insurance companies to factor gender, marital status into rates. Bozeman-based candidate withdraws from State Department nomination process.
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Montana Democrats gathered in Helena over the weekend to rally ahead of the 2026 election. Party leaders focused their message on rebuilding support for Democrats and unifying around their candidates. -
U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme, Montana’s top federal law enforcement officer, resigned from office Wednesday, the same day he launched a surprise campaign for U.S. Senate. -
Montana U.S. Sen. Steve Daines is retiring and withdrawing his reelection bid. Daines, Montana’s senior senator dropped out just moments before the deadline to join or withdraw from a race. He anointed the state’s U.S. Attorney to take his place in the election.
