KPAX
![Federal judge considers whether to block Montana bill restricting drag performances](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2023/04/attachment-Drag-Shows.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Federal judge considers whether to block Montana bill restricting drag performances
Wednesday in Helena, a lawsuit challenging Montana’s new state law restricting drag performances got an initial hearing in federal court.
![Proposed property tax initiative in hands of Montana Supreme Court](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2022/07/housing.jpeg?w=980&q=75)
Proposed property tax initiative in hands of Montana Supreme Court
CI-121 would have based residential property’s assessed value on what it was in 2019, then limited any increases in value to no more than 2% per year. Property could only be reassessed to its new market value after it was sold or substantially improved.
![Grant Creek Starbucks second Missoula store seeking to unionize](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2023/07/attachment-Starbucks.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Grant Creek Starbucks second Missoula store seeking to unionize
The Starbucks on Grant Creek Road is the second store in Missoula to petition to unionize after the store on Brooks Street successfully petitioned and voted to unionize their store.
![Hayden Fire south of Salmon doubles in size to 3,000 acres](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2023/07/attachment-Hayden-fire.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Hayden Fire south of Salmon doubles in size to 3,000 acres
A wildfire burning south of Salmon doubled in some on Friday from 1,500 acres to over 3,000 acres.
![Montana wildfire briefing comes with warnings of longer fire season](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2019/05/Fire.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Montana wildfire briefing comes with warnings of longer fire season
This weekend's heatwave will raise fire potential sharply in Northwest Montana, with the rest of the state following suit in the next few weeks.
![Texas Roadhouse, Hobby Lobby looking to open soon in Missoula](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2018/05/Southgate-Mall.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Texas Roadhouse, Hobby Lobby looking to open soon in Missoula
The famous Texas Roadhouse rolls and a popular home good store Hobby Lobby will be opening at Southgate Mall.
![Water management team votes down proposal to raise Flathead Lake](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2023/07/attachment-Flathead-Lake.jpeg?w=980&q=75)
Water management team votes down proposal to raise Flathead Lake
The Bureau of Reclamation said any water release outside of 18" to the full pool mark could not be supported without significant research and studies on potential biological and ecological impacts.
![Cabin owners forced to adjust to record low Flathead Lake levels](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2023/07/attachment-Flathead-Lake.jpeg?w=980&q=75)
Cabin owners forced to adjust to record low Flathead Lake levels
Historic low water levels are impacting people who have cabins along Flathead Lake.
![190K income tax rebates already going out to Montanans](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2017/10/taxes-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
190K income tax rebates already going out to Montanans
Leaders with the Montana Department of Revenue say they processed about 190,000 income tax rebates during the first week of July.
![Montana planning for next round of broadband funding](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2022/02/Broadband.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Montana planning for next round of broadband funding
In June, the federal government announced it had allocated nearly $629 million to improve access to affordable and reliable high-speed internet service Montana.