Capitol Talk

Capitol Talk: Taking stock of the 2025 session

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.

Capitol Talk: Budget work continues, lawmakers call out sexism

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.

Capitol Talk: People power, due process and property taxes

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.

Capitol Talk: Protests, partisan judges and party loyalty

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.

Censure in the Senate; Pain in your pocketbook; Public lands in whose hands?

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.