Montana Politics

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'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.

More than 100 years ago, Montana sent the first woman to Congress, before women had the right to vote. Jeannette Rankin blazed a trail for suffrage and the anti-war movement. Now, a new biography of Rankin's life and legacy is hitting shelves. MTPR's Austin Amestoy visited with author Lorissa Rinehart about her book.

State health officials say they are working to quickly send partial payments to families on federal food assistance. A court ordered the Trump administration to partially fund the SNAP program during the federal government shutdown.

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.

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.