Recent changes to federal environmental rules mean some logging projects are moving forward without public input. Tristan Scott works for the Flathead Beacon, and has been covering a 13,000-acre logging project moving forward west of Blacktail Mountain in the Flathead. He sat down with MTPR’s Elinor Smith to share his reporting.

A new commission charged with evaluating the state’s judges met for the first time Wednesday. Its conception was part of a broader push by GOP lawmakers to further regulate the judicial branch.

Montana Farm Bureau Federation held its 106th annual conference this week. Farmers gathered to vote on how their organization should lobby on state and federal issues.

A proposed ballot initiative to keep Montana’s judicial elections nonpartisan is advancing after the state Supreme Court ruled that the attorney general overstepped by rewriting the measure.

Montana's largest utility this year struck deals to power three data centers — and counting. NorthWestern Energy has promised them at least twice the amount of electricity used to power all homes and businesses in the state. As data centers look to break ground in Montana, some worry ratepayers will have to subsidize their colossal power needs.

Most Montana homeowners this year are paying less in taxes than last year, according to the state. That’s due to phase one of a new property tax system.

The federal government shutdown has ended, but not the debate that started it. Republicans have promised a vote on health insurance subsidies that Democrats want to fund. Montana’s all-GOP congressional delegation says the subsidies need to end.

Country of origin labeling helps consumers know where the food they’re buying came from. It’s required for products such as fruits and vegetables, and proteins like seafood and chicken. Missing from that list since 2015 are pork and beef.

Montanans are now receiving partial federal food benefits. State health officials say they sent the money for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, Sunday.

Stafman served in the Legislature for three terms, representing the Bozeman area since 2020. Prior to his resignation, he sat on the Law and Justice Interim Committee.