The Big Why
Answers to your questions — big or small — about anything under the Big Sky. Let's see what we can discover together!
The Big Why (get it?) is part of MTPR’s commitment to community-led journalism, telling the diverse stories of Montanans like you.
Join us in this collaborative! Ask your questions about anything under the Big Sky and we’ll help dig up the answers.
No question is too big or too small for the Big Why. Let's see what we can discover together!
Join us in this collaborative! Ask your questions about anything under the Big Sky and we’ll help dig up the answers.
No question is too big or too small for the Big Why. Let's see what we can discover together!
Submit your questions
Vote for your favorite
We'll look for answers
We'll share the results
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A wildfire burned through the small town of Denton, MT in December of 2021. It burned more than 10,000 acres and destroyed 25 homes. So how is the town of Denton rebuilding, and what does wildfire resilient construction look like? -
The Pekin Noodle Parlor in Butte is the oldest, continually operating family owned Chinese restaurant in the country. But the story behind the Pekin is not just the story of one restaurant. It's a story about the Chinese-American experience of a distinct, authentic culture and cuisine that was created in this chaotic mixing bowl of the American West.
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The Montana Constitution says "The state and each person shall maintain and improve a clean and healthful environment in Montana for present and future generations." How did that get included, and what does it mean for Montana? Learn more now on The Big Why
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How do Montana lawmakers govern themselves when governing the state is a part time job? What kinds of ethics rules do lawmakers have to follow? Find out now on The Big Why.
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This week, we’re tackling more of a “big where” than a why. A listener wants to know, where does our recycling go in Montana?
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A flag's primary purpose is to be recognized from a distance. That means few colors, no lettering and a clear distinction from other flags. Ideally, it should be simple enough for a child to draw it from memory. So, how did Montana end up with such a complicated flag? Learn more in this episode of The Big Why.
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Why so many "Bald" mountains? Why Native place-names matter. Chouteau or Choteau? Gardiner or Gardner? We sort it out on The Big Why.
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Across Montana there are hundreds of nuclear missile silos and launch facilities hidden in plain sight. If you didn't know what you were looking for, you probably wouldn't know what they were. So, why are there so many nuclear missile sites in Montana?
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A listener wants to know how many cattle die due to extreme cold each year in Montana. And what's the story behind "The Great Die-Up" of 1887?
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Radon is a hazardous gas, the second leading cause of lung cancer and something we take great pains to remove from our homes. So why do people travel from near and far to spend time in radon-filled mines in Montana?
