A nonprofit nature reserve in Montana is suing the state. American Prairie argues the state needs to decide whether to grant their six-year-old request for permits to graze bison on state lands.

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.

Missoula County is set to significantly update its floodplain map for the first time in 50 years. Hundreds of property owners could soon be added to the flood zone. MTPR’s Austin Amestoy visited the flood-prone Orchard Homes neighborhood to learn more.

The state will reimburse Anaconda-Deer Lodge County about half a million dollars for its part in a manhunt in August. Taxpayers will also chip in. The First People’s Buffalo Jump State Park outside of Great Falls will offer guided tours this month of rock art found in the park. A second case of Chronic Wasting Disease is suspected on the Flathead Indian Reservation.

The federal government is open again. That means families on federal food assistance are getting full payments after more than a month of uncertainty. Even with the end of the shutdown, reservation residents and tribes may still face consequences in the aftermath.

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.

Great Falls fire officials responded to two back-to-back grass fires this week. Thursday’s weather forecast in north-central Montana is calling for another round of wind and warmer-than-normal conditions.

A long-dormant property along the Clark Fork River in Missoula could soon be home to luxury apartments, restaurants, shops, a hotel and rooftop bar. The project’s developer is moving forward after his business partner was criminally charged for wire fraud.

A handful of federally funded "circuit riders" help Montana’s small towns keep their drinking water safe. Funding for the federal program that supports them lapsed during the government shutdown.