Big Sky Lede
Big Sky Lede
Big Sky Lede, hosted by Thom Bridge, is a deep dive into the ways that government and politics drive the direction of Montana, from housing and health care, to cannabis legalization and public lands use. Episodes explore the behind-the-scenes of policy making at the capital, and analyze the legislative sessions and players for key developments and controversies. Guests include the movers and shake…Follow the podcast:
Week 7 has crossbows on the horizon and redistricting in the rearview
This week Tom Kuglin and Sam Wilson talks about one legislator's quest to legalize the use of crossbows for hunters with disabilities and the process of drawing new legislative district maps. This podcast from the Montana State News Bureau is created in partnership across five newsrooms — the Bill…
23:16
Legislature debates judiciary and legislation aimed at trans Montanans in week 6
This week Seaborn Larson and Holly Michels discuss the ways the GOP is seeking to change the judiciary this session and a group of bills that would change how transgender minors live in Montana, as well as one targeted at who can attend drag shows held in certain places.
29:19
Money, conflict and tensions in week 5 of the legislature
This week, Holly Michels, Seaborn Larson and Sam Wilson of the Montana State News Bureau, talk about reporting from week five of the legislative session. Topics discussed: a package of Republican-backed legislation to spend $1 billion of the state’s surplus and cut taxes, a question of conflict o…
25:52
Legislature shows division and consensus in week 4
This week, Tom Kuglin and Seaborn Larson of the Montana State News Bureau, talk about big-picture reporting from week four of the legislative session. Topics discussed: the formation of the Montana Freedom Caucus, a bloc of ultraconservative state lawmakers, and what this current session might ha…
32:44
Legislature tackles major issues, policy-wise and elsewhere, in week 3
This week, Holly Michels and Seaborn Larson of the Montana State News Bureau talk about the big news from week three at the Montana legislature. Topics discussed: the resignation of Rep. Mallorie Stromswold, Gov. Gianforte's tax relief bills debut, an anti-abortion bill aimed at the constitution a…
31:39
Policy starts progressing in week 2
This week, Tom Kuglin and Holly Michels talk about week 2 of the legislative session and how policy is starting to move. Legislation discussed: making Montana Water Court permanent, increasing payments to block management enrollees and changes to child protective services.
18:52
The 68th Montana Legislature kicks off
On this week's episode, the Montana State News Bureau's Tom Kuglin and Holly Michels run down the opening day of the legislative session, from leadership laying out their priorities and what priorities plan to focus on to voices of dissent in the Capitol and an early indication of a GOP dispute ove…
35:01
Gov. Gianforte returns to Montana amid historic flooding
The news last week was dominated by the historic flooding in south-central Montana and all the damage left in the wake of receding flood waters. As the flooding started to happen early last week, the state was putting out press releases with quotes from Gov. Greg Gianforte about the response from h…
15:40
Montana primary election outcomes
On Tuesday, voters in Montana had their say in the state’s midterm primary election. While the primaries for the new western congressional seat drew most of the attention, voters also weighed in on state Supreme Court positions, seats on the Public Service Commission, legislative races and more. On…
32:40
Crisis at the Montana State Hospital
In the last few months, we’ve seen employees at Montana State Hospital try to raise the alarm about the conditions at the facility in Warm Springs. It’s the only state-run psychiatric hospital in Montana and, according to the state, is amid a serious staffing shortage. On this episode, Seaborn Lar…
15:25