Big Sky Lede

Helena Independent Record
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Big Sky Lede Podcast

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 shakers of import on the Montana political scene. This podcast is from the reporters of the Montana State News Bureau in Helena, as well from reporters in our newsrooms across the state. 

  1. 15/02/2023

    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 Billings Gazette, the Helena Independent Record, the Missoulian, the Montana Standard and the Ravalli Republic. You can support this podcast and our efforts by subscribing. Visit any of these newspapers’ websites, and click on the Become a Member button at the top of the home page. We appreciate your support of local journalism. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    23 min

  2. 09/02/2023

    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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    29 min

  3. 31/01/2023

    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 of interest regarding a freshman legislator's bill and a couple controversial bills heard in both judiciary committees. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    26 min

  4. 25/01/2023

    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 have in store for fish and wildlife legislation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    33 min

  5. 18/01/2023

    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 and legislation aimed at addressing problems at the Montana State Hospital. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    32 min

  6. 11/01/2023

    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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    19 min

  7. 04/01/2023

    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 over the power of their supermajority. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    35 min

  8. 21/06/2022

    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 his administration about the flooding, and by Tuesday had issued a disaster declaration. But there was something less than standard about that executive order, because it was signed by Lt. Gov. Kristen Juras acting at governor. On this week's episode, Holly Michels of the Montana State News Bureau, talks about the governor's whereabouts last week and what's being done in response to the historic flooding. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    16 min
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Trailers

About

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 shakers of import on the Montana political scene. This podcast is from the reporters of the Montana State News Bureau in Helena, as well from reporters in our newsrooms across the state. 

Information

  • Creator
    Helena Independent Record
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2023
  • Episodes
    55
  • Rating
    Clean

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