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        <title>Capitol Talk</title>
        <description><![CDATA[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 online Friday afternoons and on-air Saturdays at 9:44 a.m. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Subscribe]]></description>
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        <link>https://www.mtpr.org/podcast/capitol-talk</link>
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<itunes:title>Capitol Talk</itunes:title>
<itunes:author>Sally Mauk</itunes:author>

    
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            <itunes:email>podcasts@mtpr.net</itunes:email>
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        <item>
    <title>Capitol Talk: Taking stock of the 2025 session</title>
    <enclosure url="https://traffic.omny.fm/d/clips/e09de6da-b14d-486a-8271-b19c00d572a0/c108534e-24ca-4512-8ff1-b26200e00dc9/4e56a469-4dde-46ed-bbf3-b2d20000f7ce/audio.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    <description><![CDATA[The 2025 session has adjourned and delivered on its promises of tax relief — but will taxpayers think they did enough? Republican leaders vow retribution for those in their ranks they felt betrayed the party. And the Capitol Talk team gives their biggest takeaways from this session.]]></description>
    
    <pubDate>Fri, 02 May 2025 18:07:35 -0600</pubDate>
    <link>https://www.mtpr.org/podcast/capitol-talk/2025-05-02/capitol-talk-taking-stock-of-the-2025-session</link>
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    <author>sally.mauk@mtpr.org (Sally Mauk)</author>
    <itunes:title>Capitol Talk: Taking stock of the 2025 session</itunes:title>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[The 2025 session has adjourned and delivered on its promises of tax relief — but will taxpayers think they did enough? Republican leaders vow retribution for those in their ranks they felt betrayed the party. And the Capitol Talk team gives their biggest takeaways from this session.]]></itunes:summary>
<itunes:subtitle><![CDATA[The 2025 session has adjourned and delivered on its promises of tax relief —…]]></itunes:subtitle>
<itunes:author>Sally Mauk, Lee Banville, Holly Michels</itunes:author>
<itunes:duration>926</itunes:duration>






</item><item>
    <title>Capitol Talk: Budget work continues, lawmakers call out sexism</title>
    <enclosure url="https://traffic.omny.fm/d/clips/e09de6da-b14d-486a-8271-b19c00d572a0/c108534e-24ca-4512-8ff1-b26200e00dc9/045a906a-e876-4d4b-9efa-b2cb0000fe46/audio.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    <description><![CDATA[The "bathroom" law remains stalled in the courts. Lawmakers appear poised to pass the state budget. Sen. Daines gets a presidential endorsement. And female senators call out sexism in the chamber.]]></description>
    
    <pubDate>Fri, 25 Apr 2025 18:07:11 -0600</pubDate>
    <link>https://www.mtpr.org/podcast/capitol-talk/2025-04-25/capitol-talk-budget-work-continues-lawmakers-call-out-sexism</link>
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    <author>sally.mauk@mtpr.org (Sally Mauk)</author>
    <itunes:title>Capitol Talk: Budget work continues, lawmakers call out sexism</itunes:title>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[The "bathroom" law remains stalled in the courts. Lawmakers appear poised to pass the state budget. Sen. Daines gets a presidential endorsement. And female senators call out sexism in the chamber.]]></itunes:summary>
<itunes:subtitle><![CDATA[The "bathroom" law remains stalled in the courts. Lawmakers appear poised to…]]></itunes:subtitle>
<itunes:author>Sally Mauk, Lee Banville, Holly Michels</itunes:author>
<itunes:duration>903</itunes:duration>






</item><item>
    <title>Capitol Talk: People power, due process and property taxes</title>
    <enclosure url="https://traffic.omny.fm/d/clips/e09de6da-b14d-486a-8271-b19c00d572a0/c108534e-24ca-4512-8ff1-b26200e00dc9/b08e57ee-7ade-4e0a-be4d-b2c301833506/audio.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    <description><![CDATA[Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez bring their "Fight Oligarchy" tour to Missoula, and their populist message has a familiar ring. Republican leaders criticize the tour as being out of touch with Americans' real concerns. Lawmakers continue to grapple with how best to keep a campaign promise to lower your property taxes.]]></description>
    
    <pubDate>Fri, 18 Apr 2025 17:36:30 -0600</pubDate>
    <link>https://www.mtpr.org/podcast/capitol-talk/2025-04-18/capitol-talk-people-power-due-process-and-property-taxes</link>
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    <author>sally.mauk@mtpr.org (Sally Mauk)</author>
    <itunes:title>Capitol Talk: People power, due process and property taxes</itunes:title>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez bring their "Fight Oligarchy" tour to Missoula, and their populist message has a familiar ring. Republican leaders criticize the tour as being out of touch with Americans' real concerns. Lawmakers continue to grapple with how best to keep a campaign promise to lower your property taxes.]]></itunes:summary>
<itunes:subtitle><![CDATA[Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez bring their "Fight Oligarchy" tour…]]></itunes:subtitle>
<itunes:author>Sally Mauk, Lee Banville, Holly Michels</itunes:author>
<itunes:duration>959</itunes:duration>






</item><item>
    <title>Capitol Talk: Protests, partisan judges and party loyalty</title>
    <enclosure url="https://traffic.omny.fm/d/clips/e09de6da-b14d-486a-8271-b19c00d572a0/c108534e-24ca-4512-8ff1-b26200e00dc9/ef6ddf6c-86b5-4801-ab3b-b2bd0003f990/audio.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    <description><![CDATA[Opposition to Trump 's policies draw thousands of Montanans to protests. The state Republican party tries to excommunicate nine legislators. Bills aimed at making judicial races overtly partisan appear to be failing. And members of the Blackfeet Nation sue over Canadian tariffs.]]></description>
    
    <pubDate>Fri, 11 Apr 2025 18:20:56 -0600</pubDate>
    <link>https://www.mtpr.org/podcast/capitol-talk/2025-04-11/capitol-talk-protests-partisan-judges-and-party-loyalty</link>
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    <author>sally.mauk@mtpr.org (Sally Mauk)</author>
    <itunes:title>Capitol Talk: Protests, partisan judges and party loyalty</itunes:title>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Opposition to Trump 's policies draw thousands of Montanans to protests. The state Republican party tries to excommunicate nine legislators. Bills aimed at making judicial races overtly partisan appear to be failing. And members of the Blackfeet Nation sue over Canadian tariffs.]]></itunes:summary>
<itunes:subtitle><![CDATA[Opposition to Trump 's policies draw thousands of Montanans to protests. The…]]></itunes:subtitle>
<itunes:author>Sally Mauk, Lee Banville, Holly Michels</itunes:author>
<itunes:duration>843</itunes:duration>






</item><item>
    <title>Censure in the Senate; Pain in your pocketbook; Public lands in whose hands?</title>
    <enclosure url="https://traffic.omny.fm/d/clips/e09de6da-b14d-486a-8271-b19c00d572a0/c108534e-24ca-4512-8ff1-b26200e00dc9/bbe9ca09-fe44-45db-b869-b2b6000fd95a/audio.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    <description><![CDATA[Sen. Ellsworth gets his punishment. Montana's congressional delegation stands behind the Trump tariffs. Humanities Montana becomes a victim of the DOGE cuts. And, the old fight over who should own public lands resurfaces.]]></description>
    
    <pubDate>Fri, 04 Apr 2025 19:24:22 -0600</pubDate>
    <link>https://www.mtpr.org/podcast/capitol-talk/2025-04-04/censure-in-the-senate-pain-in-your-pocketbook-public-lands-in-whose-hands</link>
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    <author>sally.mauk@mtpr.org (Sally Mauk)</author>
    <itunes:title>Censure in the Senate; Pain in your pocketbook; Public lands in whose hands?</itunes:title>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Sen. Ellsworth gets his punishment. Montana's congressional delegation stands behind the Trump tariffs. Humanities Montana becomes a victim of the DOGE cuts. And, the old fight over who should own public lands resurfaces.]]></itunes:summary>
<itunes:subtitle><![CDATA[Sen. Ellsworth gets his punishment. Montana's congressional delegation stands…]]></itunes:subtitle>
<itunes:author>Sally Mauk, Lee Banville, Holly Michels</itunes:author>
<itunes:duration>861</itunes:duration>






</item><item>
    <title>Exhaustive debate; Bathroom bills; God &amp; government; Honoring Chuck Johnson</title>
    <enclosure url="https://traffic.omny.fm/d/clips/e09de6da-b14d-486a-8271-b19c00d572a0/c108534e-24ca-4512-8ff1-b26200e00dc9/7a4d8a58-3982-4f51-ae2f-b2af00286037/audio.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    <description><![CDATA[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.]]></description>
    
    <pubDate>Fri, 28 Mar 2025 20:30:50 -0600</pubDate>
    <link>https://www.mtpr.org/podcast/capitol-talk/2025-03-28/exhaustive-debate-bathroom-bills-god-government-honoring-chuck-johnson</link>
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    <author>sally.mauk@mtpr.org (Sally Mauk)</author>
    <itunes:title>Exhaustive debate; Bathroom bills; God &amp; government; Honoring Chuck Johnson</itunes:title>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[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.]]></itunes:summary>
<itunes:subtitle><![CDATA[Two Republican Senate leaders continue to battle allegations of ethics…]]></itunes:subtitle>
<itunes:author>Sally Mauk, Lee Banville, Holly Michels</itunes:author>
<itunes:duration>828</itunes:duration>






</item><item>
    <title>Capitol Talk: Ethics, education and the missing delegation</title>
    <enclosure url="https://traffic.omny.fm/d/clips/e09de6da-b14d-486a-8271-b19c00d572a0/c108534e-24ca-4512-8ff1-b26200e00dc9/9eb36db6-0fff-4a87-b580-b2a800037bb2/audio.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    <description><![CDATA[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.]]></description>
    
    <pubDate>Fri, 21 Mar 2025 18:21:08 -0600</pubDate>
    <link>https://www.mtpr.org/podcast/capitol-talk/2025-03-21/capitol-talk-ethics-education-and-the-missing-delegation</link>
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    <author>sally.mauk@mtpr.org (Sally Mauk)</author>
    <itunes:title>Capitol Talk: Ethics, education and the missing delegation</itunes:title>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[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.]]></itunes:summary>
<itunes:subtitle><![CDATA[The state Senate is mulling an ethics report about one of its own. Lawmakers…]]></itunes:subtitle>
<itunes:author>Sally Mauk, Lee Banville, Holly Michels</itunes:author>
<itunes:duration>912</itunes:duration>






</item><item>
    <title>Republicans back Trump cuts and tariffs; Lawmakers return to Helena</title>
    <enclosure url="https://traffic.omny.fm/d/clips/e09de6da-b14d-486a-8271-b19c00d572a0/c108534e-24ca-4512-8ff1-b26200e00dc9/c2979d18-54fc-44f4-9e5f-b2a1001d7b97/audio.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    <description><![CDATA[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.]]></description>
    
    <pubDate>Fri, 14 Mar 2025 20:08:40 -0600</pubDate>
    <link>https://www.mtpr.org/podcast/capitol-talk/2025-03-14/republicans-back-trump-cuts-and-tariffs-lawmakers-return-to-helena</link>
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    <author>sally.mauk@mtpr.org (Sally Mauk)</author>
    <itunes:title>Republicans back Trump cuts and tariffs; Lawmakers return to Helena</itunes:title>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[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.]]></itunes:summary>
<itunes:subtitle><![CDATA[Montanans voice mounting concern about the impact of federal budget cuts and…]]></itunes:subtitle>
<itunes:author>Sally Mauk, Lee Banville, Holly Michels</itunes:author>
<itunes:duration>929</itunes:duration>






</item><item>
    <title>Another ethics probe; An early departure; A DUI; Chromosome cops?</title>
    <enclosure url="https://traffic.omny.fm/d/clips/e09de6da-b14d-486a-8271-b19c00d572a0/c108534e-24ca-4512-8ff1-b26200e00dc9/e5e8d6d5-7671-4d76-b4ad-b2990187c589/audio.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    <description><![CDATA[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.]]></description>
    
    <pubDate>Fri, 07 Mar 2025 16:49:59 -0700</pubDate>
    <link>https://www.mtpr.org/podcast/capitol-talk/2025-03-07/another-ethics-probe-an-early-departure-a-dui-chromosome-cops</link>
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    <author>sally.mauk@mtpr.org (Sally Mauk)</author>
    <itunes:title>Another ethics probe; An early departure; A DUI; Chromosome cops?</itunes:title>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[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.]]></itunes:summary>
<itunes:subtitle><![CDATA[Another state senator faces an ethics investigation. A state rep. suddenly…]]></itunes:subtitle>
<itunes:author>Sally Mauk, Lee Banville, Holly Michels</itunes:author>
<itunes:duration>918</itunes:duration>






</item><item>
    <title>Capitol Talk: Exemptions, inclusion, infighting, confusion</title>
    <enclosure url="https://traffic.omny.fm/d/clips/e09de6da-b14d-486a-8271-b19c00d572a0/c108534e-24ca-4512-8ff1-b26200e00dc9/fafb9ff8-6a81-4ae2-96bb-b292017d8ea1/audio.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    <description><![CDATA[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.]]></description>
    
    <pubDate>Fri, 28 Feb 2025 17:20:44 -0700</pubDate>
    <link>https://www.mtpr.org/podcast/capitol-talk/2025-02-28/capitol-talk-tax-cuts-inclusion-infighting-confusion</link>
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    <author>sally.mauk@mtpr.org (Sally Mauk)</author>
    <itunes:title>Capitol Talk: Exemptions, inclusion, infighting, confusion</itunes:title>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[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.]]></itunes:summary>
<itunes:subtitle><![CDATA[Confusion reigns at colleges like the University of Montana as they struggle to…]]></itunes:subtitle>
<itunes:author>Sally Mauk, Lee Banville, Holly Michels</itunes:author>
<itunes:duration>849</itunes:duration>






</item><item>
    <title>Medicaid expansion advances; U.S. reps praise Trump&#x27;s cuts; Church &amp; state remain separate</title>
    <enclosure url="https://traffic.omny.fm/d/clips/e09de6da-b14d-486a-8271-b19c00d572a0/c108534e-24ca-4512-8ff1-b26200e00dc9/a6b812d5-dc83-4db5-9458-b28c002a5da4/audio.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    <description><![CDATA[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.]]></description>
    
    <pubDate>Fri, 21 Feb 2025 19:38:44 -0700</pubDate>
    <link>https://www.mtpr.org/podcast/capitol-talk/2025-02-21/medicaid-expansion-advances-u-s-reps-praise-trumps-cuts-church-state-remain-separate</link>
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    <author>sally.mauk@mtpr.org (Sally Mauk)</author>
    <itunes:title>Medicaid expansion advances; U.S. reps praise Trump&#x27;s cuts; Church &amp; state remain separate</itunes:title>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[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.]]></itunes:summary>
<itunes:subtitle><![CDATA[Senate Republicans continue to split votes on key issues; Medicaid expansion is…]]></itunes:subtitle>
<itunes:author>Sally Mauk, Lee Banville, Holly Michels</itunes:author>
<itunes:duration>826</itunes:duration>






</item><item>
    <title>The Gulf of What? Bathroom laws take priority; Republicans take aim at climate rules</title>
    <enclosure url="https://traffic.omny.fm/d/clips/e09de6da-b14d-486a-8271-b19c00d572a0/c108534e-24ca-4512-8ff1-b26200e00dc9/9634716b-db9f-4ba2-973f-b28500272fed/audio.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    <description><![CDATA[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.]]></description>
    
    <pubDate>Fri, 14 Feb 2025 19:27:35 -0700</pubDate>
    <link>https://www.mtpr.org/podcast/capitol-talk/2025-02-14/the-gulf-of-what-bathroom-laws-take-priority-republicans-take-aim-at-climate-rules</link>
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    <author>sally.mauk@mtpr.org (Sally Mauk)</author>
    <itunes:title>The Gulf of What? Bathroom laws take priority; Republicans take aim at climate rules</itunes:title>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[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.]]></itunes:summary>
<itunes:subtitle><![CDATA[Press freedom and press access are at stake in the fight over the Gulf of…]]></itunes:subtitle>
<itunes:author>Sally Mauk, Lee Banville, Holly Michels</itunes:author>
<itunes:duration>855</itunes:duration>






</item><item>
    <title>Drama in the Senate; Trans sports ban resurfaces; Sheehy backs Musk</title>
    <enclosure url="https://traffic.omny.fm/d/clips/e09de6da-b14d-486a-8271-b19c00d572a0/c108534e-24ca-4512-8ff1-b26200e00dc9/9526baba-4259-4ffb-80a1-b27e00563280/audio.mp3" length="13218634" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    <description><![CDATA[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.]]></description>
    
    <pubDate>Fri, 07 Feb 2025 22:22:52 -0700</pubDate>
    <link>https://www.mtpr.org/podcast/capitol-talk/2025-02-07/drama-in-the-senate-trans-sports-ban-resurfaces-sheehy-backs-musk</link>
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    <author>sally.mauk@mtpr.org (Sally Mauk)</author>
    <itunes:title>Drama in the Senate; Trans sports ban resurfaces; Sheehy backs Musk</itunes:title>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[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.]]></itunes:summary>
<itunes:subtitle><![CDATA[More hard feelings erupt in the state Senate. State lawmakers appear poised to…]]></itunes:subtitle>
<itunes:author>Sally Mauk, Lee Banville, Holly Michels</itunes:author>
<itunes:duration>824</itunes:duration>






</item><item>
    <title>Federal funding in limbo; Senate opens ethics probe; Medicaid expansion debate begins</title>
    <enclosure url="https://traffic.omny.fm/d/clips/e09de6da-b14d-486a-8271-b19c00d572a0/c108534e-24ca-4512-8ff1-b26200e00dc9/9f10fde5-7d58-47c3-bef5-b277000bc113/audio.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    <description><![CDATA[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.]]></description>
    
    <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jan 2025 18:12:55 -0700</pubDate>
    <link>https://www.mtpr.org/podcast/capitol-talk/2025-01-31/federal-funding-in-limbo-senate-opens-ethics-probe-medicaid-expansion-debate-begins</link>
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    <author>sally.mauk@mtpr.org (Sally Mauk)</author>
    <itunes:title>Federal funding in limbo; Senate opens ethics probe; Medicaid expansion debate begins</itunes:title>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[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.]]></itunes:summary>
<itunes:subtitle><![CDATA[Threatened cuts to federal funding have Montana organizations anxious. The…]]></itunes:subtitle>
<itunes:author>Sally Mauk, Lee Banville, Holly Michels</itunes:author>
<itunes:duration>824</itunes:duration>






</item><item>
    <title>No-bid contract exposed; Court affirms public&#x27;s right to know; Jan. 6 rioters go free</title>
    <enclosure url="https://traffic.omny.fm/d/clips/e09de6da-b14d-486a-8271-b19c00d572a0/c108534e-24ca-4512-8ff1-b26200e00dc9/9261195a-50ad-4b20-b9d6-b2700018489b/audio.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    <description><![CDATA[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.]]></description>
    
    <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jan 2025 18:34:28 -0700</pubDate>
    <link>https://www.mtpr.org/podcast/capitol-talk/2025-01-24/no-bid-contract-exposed-court-affirms-publics-right-to-know-jan-6-rioters-go-free</link>
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    <author>sally.mauk@mtpr.org (Sally Mauk)</author>
    <itunes:title>No-bid contract exposed; Court affirms public&#x27;s right to know; Jan. 6 rioters go free</itunes:title>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[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.]]></itunes:summary>
<itunes:subtitle><![CDATA[A Republican state senator is in trouble for a questionable no-bid contract.…]]></itunes:subtitle>
<itunes:author>Sally Mauk, Holly Michels, Lee Banville</itunes:author>
<itunes:duration>782</itunes:duration>






</item><item>
    <title>Capitol Talk: Lawmakers debate bathrooms and homesteads. Sheehy wedges-in his joke </title>
    <enclosure url="https://traffic.omny.fm/d/clips/e09de6da-b14d-486a-8271-b19c00d572a0/c108534e-24ca-4512-8ff1-b26200e00dc9/c9f07131-8fca-4457-8789-b269003a7e2b/audio.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    <description><![CDATA[Gender identity and anti-trans legislation are a repeat focus this session. Lawmakers begin work on property tax changes. The governor is quiet about Medicaid expansion. Sen. Sheehy wants to know how many pushups the Secretary of Defense nominee can do.]]></description>
    
    <pubDate>Fri, 17 Jan 2025 20:38:45 -0700</pubDate>
    <link>https://www.mtpr.org/podcast/capitol-talk/2025-01-17/capitol-talk-lawmakers-debate-bathrooms-and-homesteads-sheehy-wedges-in-his-joke</link>
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    <author>edward.obrien@mtpr.org (Edward F. O&#x27;Brien)</author>
    <itunes:title>Capitol Talk: Lawmakers debate bathrooms and homesteads. Sheehy wedges-in his joke </itunes:title>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Gender identity and anti-trans legislation are a repeat focus this session. Lawmakers begin work on property tax changes. The governor is quiet about Medicaid expansion. Sen. Sheehy wants to know how many pushups the Secretary of Defense nominee can do.]]></itunes:summary>
<itunes:subtitle><![CDATA[Gender identity and anti-trans legislation are a repeat focus this session.…]]></itunes:subtitle>
<itunes:author>Edward F. O&#x27;Brien</itunes:author>
<itunes:duration>851</itunes:duration>






</item><item>
    <title>Capitol Talk: Week 1 brings a contentious start and familiar themes</title>
    <enclosure url="https://traffic.omny.fm/d/clips/e09de6da-b14d-486a-8271-b19c00d572a0/c108534e-24ca-4512-8ff1-b26200e00dc9/b56956d1-50c9-4b4e-95c3-b26200e3f94e/audio.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    <description><![CDATA[The first week of the 2025 Legislature gets off to a contentious start. Gov. Gianforte invites Elon Musk to Montana. Legislative leaders plan to revive efforts to change the judiciary. Newly sworn-in Senator Tim Sheehy is wasting no time making a splash. Retiring Congressman Matt Rosendale makes a quiet exit.]]></description>
    
    <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jan 2025 07:15:06 -0700</pubDate>
    <link>https://www.mtpr.org/podcast/capitol-talk/2025-01-11/capitol-talk-week-1-brings-a-contentious-start-and-familiar-themes</link>
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    <author>sally.mauk@mtpr.org (Sally Mauk)</author>
    <itunes:title>Capitol Talk: Week 1 brings a contentious start and familiar themes</itunes:title>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[The first week of the 2025 Legislature gets off to a contentious start. Gov. Gianforte invites Elon Musk to Montana. Legislative leaders plan to revive efforts to change the judiciary. Newly sworn-in Senator Tim Sheehy is wasting no time making a splash. Retiring Congressman Matt Rosendale makes a quiet exit.]]></itunes:summary>
<itunes:subtitle><![CDATA[The first week of the 2025 Legislature gets off to a contentious start. Gov.…]]></itunes:subtitle>
<itunes:author>Sally Mauk, Holly Michels, Lee Banville</itunes:author>
<itunes:duration>1182</itunes:duration>






</item><item>
    <title>A contentious legislative session ends. Will it mark a turning point in Montana politics?</title>
    <enclosure url="https://cpa.ds.npr.org/s214/audio/2023/05/mn-capitol-talk-05-06-23.mp3" length="20147216" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    <description><![CDATA[Republican lawmakers say they delivered for Montanans. Democrats say they kept a lot of bad things off the books. The Regier family reigned over much of the action. And this session marked a political turning point — but in what direction?]]></description>
    
    <pubDate>Sat, 06 May 2023 11:32:18 -0600</pubDate>
    <link>https://www.mtpr.org/podcast/capitol-talk/2023-05-06/a-contentious-legislative-session-ends-will-it-mark-a-turning-point-in-montana-politics</link>
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    <author>sally.mauk@mtpr.org (Sally Mauk)</author>
    <itunes:title>A contentious legislative session ends. Will it mark a turning point in Montana politics?</itunes:title>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Republican lawmakers say they delivered for Montanans. Democrats say they kept a lot of bad things off the books. The Regier family reigned over much of the action. And this session marked a political turning point — but in what direction?]]></itunes:summary>
<itunes:subtitle><![CDATA[Republican lawmakers say they delivered for Montanans. Democrats say they kept…]]></itunes:subtitle>
<itunes:author>Sally Mauk, Holly Michels, Rob Saldin</itunes:author>
<itunes:duration>840</itunes:duration>






</item><item>
    <title>The Legislature makes the national news again and the mood at the Capitol turns sour</title>
    <enclosure url="https://cpa.ds.npr.org/s214/audio/2023/04/mn-capitol-talk-04-28-23.mp3" length="19987586" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    <description><![CDATA[Republicans ban a trans lawmaker from the House floor, putting Montana in the national news spotlight. Meanwhile, much work remains on the budget as the end of the session approaches.]]></description>
    
    <pubDate>Fri, 28 Apr 2023 18:15:23 -0600</pubDate>
    <link>https://www.mtpr.org/podcast/capitol-talk/2023-04-28/the-legislature-makes-the-national-news-again-and-the-mood-at-the-capitol-turns-sour</link>
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    <author>sally.mauk@mtpr.org (Sally Mauk)</author>
    <itunes:title>The Legislature makes the national news again and the mood at the Capitol turns sour</itunes:title>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Republicans ban a trans lawmaker from the House floor, putting Montana in the national news spotlight. Meanwhile, much work remains on the budget as the end of the session approaches.]]></itunes:summary>
<itunes:subtitle><![CDATA[Republicans ban a trans lawmaker from the House floor, putting Montana in the…]]></itunes:subtitle>
<itunes:author>Sally Mauk, Holly Michels, Rob Saldin</itunes:author>
<itunes:duration>834</itunes:duration>






</item><item>
    <title>Citing decorum, Republicans shut down transgender lawmaker; &#x27;Jungle primary&#x27; bill fails</title>
    <enclosure url="https://cpa.ds.npr.org/s214/audio/2023/04/mn-capitol-talk-04-21-23.mp3" length="18917126" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    <description><![CDATA[Republicans try to silence transgender lawmaker Zooey Zephyr. Anti-trans bills are on their way to becoming law. Lawmakers table a bill to create a one-time "jungle primary" in next year's Senate race. The defeat of that bill may have political fallout for Senator Steve Daines.]]></description>
    
    <pubDate>Fri, 21 Apr 2023 19:13:47 -0600</pubDate>
    <link>https://www.mtpr.org/podcast/capitol-talk/2023-04-21/citing-decorum-republicans-shut-down-transgender-lawmaker-jungle-primary-bill-fails</link>
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    <author>sally.mauk@mtpr.org (Sally Mauk)</author>
    <itunes:title>Citing decorum, Republicans shut down transgender lawmaker; &#x27;Jungle primary&#x27; bill fails</itunes:title>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Republicans try to silence transgender lawmaker Zooey Zephyr. Anti-trans bills are on their way to becoming law. Lawmakers table a bill to create a one-time "jungle primary" in next year's Senate race. The defeat of that bill may have political fallout for Senator Steve Daines.]]></itunes:summary>
<itunes:subtitle><![CDATA[Republicans try to silence transgender lawmaker Zooey Zephyr. Anti-trans bills…]]></itunes:subtitle>
<itunes:author>Sally Mauk, Holly Michels, Rob Saldin</itunes:author>
<itunes:duration>789</itunes:duration>






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