By Tom Schultz A growing policy debate in Montana centers on a fundamental question of governance: should the state’s Public Service Commission remain elected by voters, or transition to an appointed regulatory body? The discussion is expected to surface during the 2027 legislative session, where lawmakers are considering a proposal that would...
Supreme Court Decisions Spotlight Free Speech and Birthright Citizenship Two high‑profile U.S. Supreme Court cases were on the Voices of Montana docket as host Tom Schultz was joined by Derek Oestreicher, Chief Legal Counsel and Director of Government Affairs for the Montana Family Foundation. Together, they unpacked the implications of a majo...
Global Conflict Highlights Strain on Energy Supply Chains Instability in the Middle East is once again putting pressure on global energy markets, underscoring the importance of reliable transportation infrastructure for oil and gas. During a recent interview on Voices of Montana, Montana Petroleum Association Executive Director Sonny Capece sa...
The Power of a Small Act of Generosity Sometimes it’s a small moment that changes a life — a word of encouragement, a helping hand, or a neighbor who believes in someone’s potential. That idea was at the heart of a recent Voices of Montana conversation about the Montana Community Foundation and the power of local giving. The statewide nonprofi...
As tensions surrounding Iran continue to dominate global headlines, scholars and international policy experts will gather in Montana next week to analyze the conflict and its broader geopolitical implications. Dr. Mehrdad Kia, a professor at the University of Montana and longtime organizer of the event, joined Voices of Montana to discuss both...
Montana lawmakers say a major package of housing reforms is beginning to show results, after the state underwent dramatic housing price increases since the COVID pandemic shutdown. During a recent appearance on Voices of Montana, State Senator Forrest Mandeville, of Columbus, said the reforms—first passed during the 2023 legislative session—a...
Fraud in Montana is evolving rapidly—and state officials warn that artificial intelligence is making scams more convincing and harder to detect than ever before. On a recent episode of Voices of Montana, State Auditor and Commissioner of Securities and Insurance Jim Brown said fraud investigations and prosecutions have surged 80% during his fi...
A proposed ballot initiative in Oregon is drawing national concern from conservation leaders who say it could fundamentally change how wildlife is managed in the United States. During a recent episode of Voices of Montana, filmmaker Tom Opre joined policy leaders from the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) to discuss Initiative Petitio...
High school sports in Montana — like much of the country — are facing a growing shortage of referees and game officials. The issue has developed over the past decade as longtime officials retire and fewer new recruits enter the profession. Officials say the shortage has become noticeable enough that schools sometimes adjust game schedules just...
A Montana third grader is being recognized statewide after writing a letter that inspired a new proclamation from the governor. Montana Governor Greg Gianforte recently declared March 3 as “Third Graders Day” in Montana, honoring the efforts of Blakely Wagner, an 8-year-old student at Bonner Elementary School who asked the governor to recogniz...
