Voices of Montana

With Maya MacGuineas, President of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, and Montana economist Dr. Patrick Barkey. The post Tariff Ruling and the No-So-Easy Road Back to Fiscal Responsibility first appeared on Voices of Montana.

Montana Revenue Director Brendan Beatty joins Voices of Montana to walk us through the new homestead and long‑term rental reduced‑rate programs, who qualifies, and how to apply, stressing the March 1 application deadline, which was extended to March 20 shortly […] The post The X's and O's Behind the Homestead/Long-Term Rental Exemptions first appeared on Voices of Montana.

How much are you aware of the presence and cost of invasive species in Montana? Everyone who loves and lives here should be aware of the problem, and a part of the victory.  Click on the podcast as the Montana […] The post Invasive Species – Keeping Up the Good Fight first appeared on Voices of Montana.

Featuring MACo President and Roosevelt County Commissioner Gordon Oelkers, Lewis & Clark County Commissioner Andy Hunthausen, and Missoula County Commissioner Dave Strohmaier The post County by County the Work's Getting Done – LIVE from MACo first appeared on Voices of Montana.

What better way to learn the stock market then to jump right in … Click on the podcast as Dax Schieffer, Executive Director of the long-standing Montana Council for Economic Education talks about the Stock Market Game, one of the […] The post The Stock Market Game – Financial Literacy for Students first appeared on Voices of Montana.

Have you thought about running for a local political office? How much do you know about elections and campaign law? click on the podcast to learn a whole lot more about the process as Mike Sistak, Advocacy & Political Management […] The post Need Campaign Lessons – Try Campaign School first appeared on Voices of Montana.

Local–federal cooperation in immigration enforcement is under a fresh spotlight in Helena and across Montana, as the Helena City Commission approved a 4–1 resolution that directs the Helena Police Department to essentially not cooperate with federal immigration law enforcement. The […] The post Reactions to Helena's Pledge of Non-Cooperation with the Feds first appeared on Voices of Montana.

Today's show dives into earthquake and volcanic dynamics with one of the nation's leading experts — Dr. Jamie Farrell, Chief Seismologist at the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, and a University of Utah professor. Starting with the recent magnitude ~4.2 Montana earthquake […] The post Big Sky Rattled – 4.2 Quake and Other Seismic News first appeared on Voices of Montana.

NorthWestern Energy's 2026 Integrated Resource Plan, or IRP, is a long-range blueprint for how the utility plans to keep electricity reliable and affordable for Montana customers over the next 20 years. It's not a construction plan, it's not a final […] The post NWE's 2026 IRP a Blueprint for Meeting Energy Needs first appeared on Voices of Montana.

Director of the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, Sonja Nowakowski, joins us to discuss environmental policies, nuclear and geothermal energy potential, critical minerals, and more. The post The DEQ Agenda – With Director Sonja Nowakowski first appeared on Voices of Montana.

America turns 250 in 2026 — and Montana is already planning how to celebrate, educate, and engage. Click on the podcast for a discussion on the value of patriotism, civic engagement, and all the celebrations at hand. From Paul Revere's […] The post Celebrate, Reflect, 250 years of Freedom first appeared on Voices of Montana.

A group of current and former Montana republican legislators have filed a lawsuit against legislation passed in the 2025 session that shifted Montana's property taxes. They are asking a judge to throw out Senate Bill 542 for several key reasons. […] The post Senate Leadership Defends Suit to Upend Property Tax Shift first appeared on Voices of Montana.

Do you know what the growing trends are in your public schools? One way to find out is through more engagement. The “Educator for a Day” program is one of the ways the Education Foundation of Billings Public Schools is […] The post Want to be an Educator for a Day? first appeared on Voices of Montana.

Click on the podcast for an interesting look at an evolving economic and political landscape, as two union leaders discuss their support for new tech development projects that environmental organizations often oppose. Jason Small of the Montana AFL-CIO, and Riley […] The post Montana Labor Pitching the Facts on Data Centers first appeared on Voices of Montana.

The Governor’s office has been opposed to the controversial grazing permits and variances awarded the “non-profit” American Prairie, which has purchased roughly $100 million in Montana Ranch land since 2012. Click on the podcast as Governor Gianforte discusses why the […] The post Gov. Gianforte On Grazing Rights, Economy, Taxes, Rail Merger first appeared on Voices of Montana.

Montana Farm Bureau's Executive Vice President Scott Kulbeck breaks down a major win for Montana ranchers. The Bureau of Land Management has reversed its 2022 decision that allowed the American Prairie Reserve to graze bison on federal allotments specifically designated […] The post MFBF Responds to Favorable Grazing Rights Ruling first appeared on Voices of Montana.

The 51st Annual Economic Outlook Seminar series from the Bureau of Business and Economic Research will launch in the coming weeks. The series this year takes a deep dive into Montana's tax structure, asking what appears to be a now […] The post Sales Tax Talk is a Full-On Agenda Item for 2026 Economic Outlook Seminars first appeared on Voices of Montana.

The fight against human trafficking isn't happening in the shadows anymore. It's happening in data centers, on encrypted networks, and inside the software we all use every day. What's it like on these new battle lines, and how effective are […] The post Human Trafficking – Montana's DeliverFund Fighting Fire with Fire first appeared on Voices of Montana.

We're talking a century of Western tradition — dude ranches, and Montana cowboy Hall-of-Famers.  The Dude Ranchers' Association is celebrating 100 years, and their national centennial convention is in Billings. Click on the podcast as we visit with Bryce Albright […] The post Western Heritage Celebrations on Tap first appeared on Voices of Montana.

Join us for a fun and educational journey through the new federal government nutrition guidelines, with Dr. Janna Hibler, a Bozeman nutritionist, who  joins us to discuss the new standards and talk about how the foods you eat, and don't […] The post Nutrition Guidelines – Out with the Old, In with the New first appeared on Voices of Montana.

The hurricane-level wind speeds of the mid-December storms had a broad impact across the Treasure State. Well over 100,000 electricity users were without out power in every geographic direction of our 147-thousand square miles. The vastness and rural nature of […] The post Restoring Power – Utilities Recap Major Windstorm Efforts first appeared on Voices of Montana.

Iran and Venezuela are two of the hottest global flashpoints that could affect our country. Thousands of protestors (12,000 according to our guest) are reported dead amid unrest in Iran, while the Islamic regime in power there threatens U.S. military […] The post Iranian People Fighting For Freedom first appeared on Voices of Montana.

With Founder and President Dallas Knight, and Erin Alexander, a Navy veteran helping the organization as it expands into the Bozeman area. The post Operation Juliet Addresses Unique Challenges for Women Veterans first appeared on Voices of Montana.

The Hot Topics from Business Days at the Capitol Taxes, Energy, Mining, Tourism, Workforce The post The Hot Topics from Business Days at the Capitol first appeared on Voices of Montana.

FWP Director Christy Clark joins the show to look back at some of the key issues in wildlife and recreation in 2025. Grizzly bear and wolf management are on that plate. What's the status of the proposal to have them […] The post 2025 FWP Key Issues, with Director Christy Clark first appeared on Voices of Montana.

The U.S. House has recently passed a Healthcare funding measure – it's one that will get the ball rolling as Congress has yet to tackle the impending deadline for the end of the Covid-19  ACA insurance subsidies. Montana Congressman Troy […] The post House Healthcare Bill Kick-Starts Reform Discussions, with Rep. Troy Downing first appeared on Voices of Montana.

What were some of the key stories coming out of Washington D.C. in 2025?  I’d prefer a Montana perspective on that…. and fifth-generation Montanan Drew Lesofski, a longtime grassroots organizer and political strategist provides just that! The post 2025 DC Takes, with Drew Lesofski first appeared on Voices of Montana.

When roadways and bridges are impacted by some of Montana's harshest weather conditions, how does the transportation department assess the damage, keep you safe, and plan for repairs? Click on the podcast as special guest Chris Dorrington, Director of the Montana […] The post From Assessment to Repair – Storm Damaged Roads and Bridges first appeared on Voices of Montana.

The Treasure State was blasted recently by storms that brought heavy rain and winds that exceeded any reasonable and prudent speed limit. The damage is extensive. What happens now? How will the newly approved federal disaster declaration help? We'll take […] The post Clean Up on Isle Big Sky first appeared on Voices of Montana.

With Montana Speaker of the House, Brandon Ler The post New Courts, Climate, Education Hurdles for Montana Legislators first appeared on Voices of Montana.

Click on the podcast as Voice of the Bobcats, Keaton Gilloghy, and Voice of the Grizzlies, Riley Corcoran, download great perspectives on the Biggest Brawl of the All –  the Cat/Griz FCS semifinal! First, listen as Ryan Luchau relates a […] The post CAT/GRIZ: A 2018 Afghan Matchup to Remember, and FCS Semifinal Preview first appeared on Voices of Montana.

As Congress debates extending Obamacare's ‘temporary' subsidies, it's time for some fact-driven questions and answers. Are these subsidies a necessary safety net — or a costly crutch? Click on the podcast as Senior VP and Policy Director Marc Goldwein from […] The post Healthcare Debate – Facts Needed first appeared on Voices of Montana.

Author Amy Gamerman takes us inside The Crazies: The Cattleman, the Wind Prospector, and a War Out West. The book is the true story tale of a 21st‑century wind farm range war in Big Timber that pitted a local rancher […] The post A “Crazies” Conversation, with Author Amy Gamerman first appeared on Voices of Montana.

How did Montana’s cowboys and cowgirls fair in the 2025 National Finals Rodeo? Butch Thurman, a veteran broadcaster of around four dozen NFRs under his belt, joins us to talk about this year’s action, including prize money won by Montana […] The post Butch Thurman Wraps Up the 2025 NFR first appeared on Voices of Montana.

As the country deals with the aftermath of the widely criticized open border policy of the Biden administration, the question we now face is what to do next. There are real problems behind illegal immigration and there are practical solutions […] The post FAIR Immigration Reform first appeared on Voices of Montana.

Rob Natelson returns to Voices of Montana with much to discuss nationally and here in Montana. As one of America's foremost experts on the Constitution's original meaning and the state-led amendment process, Natelson provides clarity on complex issues. Nationally, the […] The post Constitutional Rights and Judiciary Entanglement first appeared on Voices of Montana.

Click on the podcast as Montanan Katie Verderber tells us how she’s gearing up for Milan in March as one of the newest members of the USA Paralympic Team. She'll compete in the sport of Wheelchair Mixed Curling in the […] The post Montanan Katie Verderber to Curl for Team USA in 2026 Winter Paralympics first appeared on Voices of Montana.

Public safety measures have become a bigger part of public meetings and events. Author and personal safety trainer Alain Burrese joins the program to advise the general public, and public officials about the increasing need for better safety measures at […] The post Protection Measures Taking Higher Priority Domestically, Politically first appeared on Voices of Montana.

Fostering American energy independence, addressing rural education, and making sure the federal government doesn’t backtrack on funding promises for Montana recreation — Click on the podcast as Congressman Troy Downing discusses a busy agenda as the first session of the […] The post Bills on the Plate for Congressman Downing first appeared on Voices of Montana.

Diving into what's on the plate and what's ahead for Montana's resilient wool and sheep industry. There's a brand-new MSU Wool Lab opening this spring, what kind of impact will that have in the state?  We'll talk about a major […] The post LIVE from the 142nd Annual Wool Growers Convention first appeared on Voices of Montana.

Click on the podcast as newly appointed Montana State Representative Stacy Zinn joins us in studio. A longtime DEA agent and former congressional candidate, Zinn has been on the front lines battling cartels, gang crime, and the growing fentanyl threat […] The post Former DEA Agent Has New Digs for an Old Fight first appeared on Voices of Montana.

A powerful conversation with Iraq veteran Jeff Wells, founder of Wish for Our Heroes, Walk Among Heroes, and Winston's Warriors — and Montana filmmaker Doug Stebleton on their new documentary Walking Among Heroes.  40,000+ military families helped. WWII history preserved. Rescue […] The post Walking Among Heroes – The Jeff Wells Story first appeared on Voices of Montana.

Rural health care, award-winning rural education, Hi-Line ag, and the future of hometown radio — Voices of Montana is 406-in' to Malta, where we talked with Phillips County Hospital CEO Jo Tharp, Malta Public Schools Superintendent Steve Bucks, local AG […] The post Real Rural – Heathcare, Education, Community, first appeared on Voices of Montana.

Is the world heading toward a debt crisis?  University of Montana economist Dr. Robert Sonora joins Voices of Montana to break down Japan’s staggering 250% debt trap, China's aggressive debt-trap diplomacy,  and the U.S.’s quickly escalating national debt and what […] The post National Debt Plaguing Developed Nations Across the Globe first appeared on Voices of Montana.

Montana faces persistent mental-health challenges that are amplified by rural geography, workforce shortages, and a high veteran population. But there’s been a shift in the Veterans Administration's mental-health funding structure from outdated formulas that rewarded volume over innovation to new […] The post NAMI Keeps Veteran and Youth Mental Wellness in Sight first appeared on Voices of Montana.

Nutrient standards, water and wells… how do we protect water quality without breaking small town budgets?  Click on the podcast as Kelly Lynch of the Montana League of Cities and Towns joins us to talk about community nutrient standards, private […] The post Nutrients, Water, Wells, and Municipal Care first appeared on Voices of Montana.

Guest-host Steve Arveschoug, a longtime economic development leader in Montana, sits down with two of the state's most recognizable mayors: Helena's Wilmot Collins and Billings' Bill Cole. They reflect on their biggest challenges and proudest moments — from pandemic pressures […] The post Reflections of a Montana Mayor first appeared on Voices of Montana.