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.

Montanans who rely on federal food assistance could get partial payments in November. That's after benefits were set to freeze because of the federal government shutdown. Multiple courts Friday ordered the Trump administration to use emergency funds to pay for SNAP costs.

Water service is now fully restored at the Montana State Prison, but much work remains to bring the facility up to date. A new legislative committee charged with investigating allegations of censorship and civil rights violations on Montana college campuses will meet Monday; The first pre-release center in northwest Montana opened this week; Public comment period on proposed hunting regulations opens.

Wind farms are facing strong opposition in much of southeastern Montana, but Stillwater County is welcoming wind power with open arms. New turbines went online there in August, and plans for up to 400 more are under consideration.

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has stalled or altered multiple proposed ballot initiatives. Backers of a campaign finance initiative are challenging his actions in court.

The state’s utility oversight board has elected a new president. The Public Service Commission’s previous leader was ousted last week amid allegations of misconduct.

When public schools face deep budget cuts, art and music programs are often the first to be slashed. A new nonprofit in Missoula is hitting the road with a mobile pottery studio to help fill the gaps.