Mother and son artists Jaune Quick-To-See Smith and Neal Ambrose-Smith are deeply connected to their heritage. Juane Quick-to-See Smith creates work addressing the myths of her ancestors in the context of current issues facing American Indians, while Neal Ambrose-Smith often mixes tribal imagery and humor with current events and political issue. Both are enrolled Salish, Cree, Shoshone and Metis members from the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Nation, in Montana. 

Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke has recommended a new national monument at Badger-Two Medicine. While the Blackfeet Nation says the proposal is a good start, they’re also hesitant to fully embrace it before having a say in how the proposed monument is managed.

The federal government gave Montana a one-year extension to comply with the REAL ID law.  Without it, Montanans could not board a commercial airplane or enter federal buildings after January 22, 2018 using their driver’s license.  The alternative was another federally issued identification, like a passport.

The Department of Homeland Security had said it would only grant Montana an extension was if the state made a commitment toward making substantial and documented progress toward complying with REAL ID.

As I am write this post for the next Flavors Under the Big Sky, I send strength and hope to those in California especially in Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino and Lake Counties. Mother Nature has not been kind, but I know the human spirit perseveres. May time heal all the damage that has been done. May Mother Nature grant a reprieve for repair and renewal.

Republican legislative leaders are skeptical that the Bullock Administration's revenue projections are correct. Because of that they told reporters during a conference call Wednesday it is premature to talk about a special legislative session to address the state budget.

Editor's Note: Some stories are best experienced via audio, and this is one of them.

Every fall, thousands of birds of prey migrate over Gallatin County. And while most people never notice them, two so-called “hawk watchers” do. They sit on top of the Bridger Mountains for days counting raptors and trying to better understand how they’re impacted by people.

Montana’s lone congressman Greg Gianforte has clarified his stance on modifying weapons with so-called bump stocks.