KPAX
![Montana Dems request special session with focus on property taxes; Will Gianforte accept?](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2023/03/attachment-Gianforte-Taxes.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Montana Dems request special session with focus on property taxes; Will Gianforte accept?
n a letter sent to Gov. Greg Gianforte (R) on July 6, 2023, Democratic state senators requested a one-day special session, proposing a bill that could bring down estimated property taxes.
![Montana Commissioner of Labor & Industry resigns following alleged DUI](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2019/06/police-car-lights.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Montana Commissioner of Labor & Industry resigns following alleged DUI
Montana’s Commissioner of Labor and Industry Laurie Esau has resigned from her post, one day after an alleged DUI in Missoula.
![LGBTQ+ advocates, businesses sue Montana over Drag Story Hour ban](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2023/04/attachment-Drag-Shows.jpg?w=980&q=75)
LGBTQ+ advocates, businesses sue Montana over Drag Story Hour ban
The state of Montana is facing a new lawsuit just months after it became the first state in the nation to enact a ban on "Drag Queen Story Hour."
![19-year-old charged in death of Kalispell homeless man pleads not guilty](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2023/07/attachment-homeless-murder.jpg?w=980&q=75)
19-year-old charged in death of Kalispell homeless man pleads not guilty
Kaleb Eligah Fleck was taken into custody on June 25, for the assault and murder of 60-year-old Scott Bryan.
![New law aims to open up Montana camping spots for last minute trips](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2022/12/attachment-Camping.jpg?w=980&q=75)
New law aims to open up Montana camping spots for last minute trips
A new bill passed by the 2023 Legislature — aimed at opening up opportunities for spur-of-the-moment camping trips — will go into effect just in time for the 2024 season.
![Candidates begin making cases for open Montana Supreme Court seats](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2022/09/attachment-Supreme-Court.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Candidates begin making cases for open Montana Supreme Court seats
Next year, Montanans are going to select two members of the state Supreme Court – and it appears both of them will be new to the court.
![Like many, retired Huson couple feels sting of rising property taxes](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2023/07/attachment-taxes.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Like many, retired Huson couple feels sting of rising property taxes
A rise in property value may be seen as a blessing to those who intend to sell, but for owners who want to stay, it’s only stressful.
![Gianforte extends Montana Housing Task Force through June 2025](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2022/12/attachment-Housing-construction.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Gianforte extends Montana Housing Task Force through June 2025
Created in July 2022, the state’s Housing Task Force has been working to find solutions to Montana’s housing supply shortage.
![Cadaver dog team searches suspected unmarked ‘poor farm’ gravesite](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2023/06/attachment-gravesite-Helena.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Cadaver dog team searches suspected unmarked ‘poor farm’ gravesite
The Poor Farm in the 1800s housed the elderly who had no one to care for them, people who were disabled and unable to work, and orphaned or abandoned children.
![New Montana law intended to increase support for childcare](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2023/06/attachment-childcare.jpg?w=980&q=75)
New Montana law intended to increase support for childcare
Advocates gathered in Helena to celebrate a new state law that seeks to provide additional support for families who need help with those costs.