Democrats seeking their party's nomination for the state's U.S. House seats met in Helena last weekend to debate. The eastern district candidates covered many issues, including how they each plan to address health care costs. In the western district debate, candidates traded sharp criticisms over union backing and 'dark money.'

Some Montana schools are seeking levies to fund staff salaries and mounting technology expenses

Hundreds of miles of open road can stretch between expectant mothers and the maternity care they need in rural Montana. That’s where trained, non-medical professionals called “doulas” can help fill the gap. Montana was set to start reimbursing doulas through Medicaid this year, but federal cuts to the health program have put that plan on ice.

The Northern Rockies is expected to have a normal springtime wildfire season, despite the warm winter and low snowpack. That’s not an ironclad guarantee, but early indicators are not raising any red flags.

The Montana Supreme Court heard arguments Friday in a case that could impact how voters pass laws from the ballot box. Plaintiffs say a 2023 law passed by legislators puts unconstitutional restrictions on citizen-led initiatives.

Mining company executives interested in gold near Lincoln met with locals this week to discuss their exploration plans. Australian mining company, Sentinel Metals, has applied for a permit to drill 21 holes on private land just east of Lincoln, the first step in determining if there is enough gold to build a mine.

In 1916, four years before women nationwide won the right to vote, Montanans elected Jeannette Rankin to Congress. She served two nonconsecutive terms, retiring in 1943. Rankin was the first woman in the country – and the last woman in Montana – to hold congressional office. One listener wants to know why.

MTPR is airing interviews with candidates running for federal office in 2026. MTPR's Victoria Traxler speaks with Russ Cleveland, a Democrat running for Montana's western U.S. House seat.

The University of Montana’s presidential finalist Jeremiah Shinn is in Missoula this week. Shinn participated in a public forum on campus Monday afternoon. The value of a liberal arts education was raised repeatedly.

Environmental groups are challenging the federal approval of a mining exploration project near Libby. The groups have concerns over the potential impacts to the surrounding Cabinet Mountains Wilderness area.