Everywhere you look in Montana, there are places to gamble. Odds are good you've seen machines in bars, liquor stores and of course, gas stations. How did Montana end up with so many "casinos," and what does it have to do with bingo? The only sure bet is that The Big Why team has the answers.

More than 100 years ago, Montana sent the first woman to Congress, before women had the right to vote. Jeannette Rankin blazed a trail for suffrage and the anti-war movement. Now, a new biography of Rankin's life and legacy is hitting shelves. MTPR's Austin Amestoy visited with author Lorissa Rinehart about her book.

BLM continues oil and gas approvals despite federal shutdown; Environmental groups are petitioning the state to stop issuing pollution discharge permits until new standards can be set; The Montana State Prison has the green light to resume water use in all areas of the facility after a water line broke in October.

State health officials say they are working to quickly send partial payments to families on federal food assistance. A court ordered the Trump administration to partially fund the SNAP program during the federal government shutdown.

Helena’s county health department held its first community baby shower over the weekend. Around 60 expecting families qualified to participate.

A new legislative committee met Monday to start digging into questions about free speech on college campuses.

The final day to cast votes for local government elections is Nov. 4. It’s too late to return your ballots by mail, but you can drop them off or vote in person on Election Day. Registration and voting are open until 8 p.m Tuesday.

The agriculture industry is facing acute challenges: high input costs, tariffs, and a lack of federal support. The state faces limitations as it tries to help. MTPR’s Victoria Traxler spoke with Montana Department of Agriculture Director Jillien Streit to learn more.

Most Montana homeowners should see a drop in property taxes after sweeping tax reforms go into effect this year. Renters, however, could see the cost of living rise after lawmakers made a mistake reforming property taxes.

Montana tribes are trying to find ways to feed members who will lose federal food assistance. Funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, has been paused because of the federal government shutdown.