Shane Morigeau

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.

Gov. Greg Gianforte offered his third State of the State address Monday in the Montana House of Representatives. He called on lawmakers to pass his priorities during the legislative session. Gianforte says he’s optimistic for the future of Montana, and for the country at large, with the election of President-elect Donald Trump.

A sanctuary for dogs on the Flathead Indian Reservation is trying to heal animals and people. The organization has distributed thousands of pounds of pet food to low-income families, and recently paid for about $80,000 in vet bills for rescue dogs and pet owners who needed assistance.

A bill to establish Indigenous Peoples' Day is defeated. A debate stirs over property taxes. And Republicans say new legislative districts put them at a disadvantage.

There's rare bipartisan agreement over what to do about wayward balloons. Abortion remains a dominant legislative issue. Montana's former secretary of state wants to now be a country singer. And lawmakers argue over whether Columbus was a good guy or bad guy.

A bill that would replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples' Day failed to move forward in the Montana state Senate.

Another attempt at replacing Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples' Day has been introduced in the Montana state house. Similar bills have failed to pass.

A special committee on election security will have its first meeting at the Montana Legislature on Thursday. Republicans and Democrats are at odds over its purpose.

Lake County commissioners Monday proposed an ordinance to withdraw from an agreement to provide law enforcement services on the Flathead Reservation.

The U.S. Supreme Court last month issued a decision that allows states to prosecute non-Indians who commit crimes against Native Americans in Indian country. MTPR’s Freddy Monares spoke with Indian law attorneys to break down the ruling.