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.

Montana’s farmers have been hit particularly hard by the war in Iran. Price increases and market instability are straining producers already under pressure. A federal judge ruled a logging project near Whitefish violated federal environmental laws. A former Montana campaign consultant who pleaded guilty to embezzlement is now in custody.

Trout are prized and ubiquitous residents of Montana’s waterways. They’re less commonly found in the classroom – unless you know where to look. In the Bitterroot Valley, some students are getting a hands-on lesson in what it takes to raise rainbow trout.

A small company operating in western Montana has been tasked with supplying the federal government with a critical mineral. The project raises hopes and concerns for locals who have experienced the impacts of mining industries in western Montana.

Briefs: A temporary block on abortion restrictions will remain in place as a lawsuit challenging them continues; The public can weigh-in on Lolo National Forest plan revisions; UM plans April 6 public forum with university president candidate.

State lawmakers heard testimony last week on the connection between wildfires and skyrocketing insurance rates. Average insurance premiums for a typical Montana homeowner increased by 10% from 2021-2024.

This past winter was defined by historic warmth in the Rockies. Long-term spring forecasts look similar – warmer and drier than normal.