Edward O'Brien

Rumor has it that President Donald Trump will visit Montana again next week.

If true, it would be Trump’s third rally in Big Sky Country this year. It would be his first appearance west of the divide.

Montanans first supported the 6-mill tax for higher education back in 1948.

Every decade since then, voters have reauthorized the levy which raises about $20 million annually from a property tax dedicated to the state university system. On average, that tab amounts to $12 on every $100,000 in property value. The 6-mill levy goes before voters for the eighth time next month.

University of Montana alumnus, Sam Forstag, describes the 6-mill levy as a proud Montana tradition.

“It affects the music we make, the books we write, the culture that we produce.”

Two of Montana’s congressional candidates squared off Saturday night for their final debate before November’s election.

Republican incumbent Greg Gianforte and Democratic challenger Kathleen Williams’ debate took place on a closed MontanaPBS set in Bozeman.

Opponents of the ballot initiative to raise Montana’s tobacco tax dumped more than $3.5 million into their campaign in September - raising their spending total to more than $12 million.