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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President Donald Trump is asking Congress to claw back roughly $9.4 billion from foreign aid programs and public news broadcasters. Montana’s federal representatives are voicing their support. -
The U.S. Department of Labor announced it will begin pausing a portion of the largest career training program for youth. A narrow majority on the Montana Supreme Court ruled the state must cover the legal costs for plaintiffs in a right-to-know case. The Montana Hospital Association has selected its next president. -
Montana’s congressional delegates in the U.S. House voted in favor of a massive spending and tax package proposed by President Donald Trump.
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The U.S. Forest Service will be allowed to use fire retardant this summer despite ongoing litigation; The head of Montana’s Department of Military Affairs is retiring. -
Republicans in the Montana Legislature passed several new laws this session they say will protect election integrity. Lawsuits from a student political organization and the state’s largest public employee union argue the new laws unduly burden the right to vote. -
Roughly 250,000 homeowners and small businesses are projected to see a break on rising property taxes under two bills Gov. Greg Gianforte signed. -
Here's a list of major bills from Montana's 2025 legislative session signed into law or left behind in the Legislature. -
A Missoula District Court judge ruled that a ban on gender-affirming care for youths is unconstitutional. Republicans in the state Legislature passed the law in 2023, saying they need to protect youths from experimental treatment.
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This special live episode of The Session was recorded on May 7, 2025, a week after the legislative session wrapped up. -
The 69th Legislature has adjourned. We're here to talk about what happened and what comes next. MTPR's Shaylee Ragar is joined by Tom Lutey, Eric Dietrich and Mara Silvers from the Montana Free Press.
