Why hasn't Montana sent a woman to Congress in 80 years? - Pt. 1

Why are mountain goat populations in Montana declining?

Mountain goat populations have been on the decline in Montana for 70 years. Researchers are working to learn more about the nimble climbers, which means going where the goats go – and that's easier said than done. But no mountain is too high, no weather too extreme to stop us from answering this week's question: What happened to the mountain goat population in the Bitterroot Mountains?

What's the real story behind Missoula's Slant Streets?

If you've spent much time in Missoula, you've probably gotten turned around in the "Slant Streets" at least once. If you've lived there long enough, you've probably heard sensational tales of strife and betrayal surrounding the origin of the Garden City’s most geographically confused neighborhood. We're here to set the record straight. It’s the saga of the Slant Streets, on The Big Why.

Why hasn't Montana sent a woman to Congress in 80 years? - Pt. 2

There are many reasons why no woman has been elected to federal office in Montana since Jeannette Rankin. But it largely begins with deeply rooted beliefs about where women belong and who should have power. Montana women say the challenges Rankin had to overcome are still largely present today. Learn more from them on this episode of The Big Why.

Why hasn't Montana sent a woman to Congress in 80 years? - Pt. 1

In 1916, four years before women nationwide won the right to vote, Montanans elected Jeannette Rankin to Congress. She served two nonconsecutive terms, retiring in 1943. Rankin was the first woman in the country – and the last woman in Montana – to hold congressional office. One listener wants to know why.

How did Jew Mountain get its name?

Jew Mountain sits in rugged country on the BItterroot National Forest east of Painted Rocks Reservoir. One listener was curious about how the mountain got its name. The search for an answer revealed some family ties, a slice of history and a deeper story about geography, genealogy and why words matter.