![Missoula Current](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2022/06/attachment-mc-sq-logo-profile.jpg?w=300&q=75)
Missoula Current
![Missoula Current](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2022/06/attachment-mc-sq-logo-profile.jpg?w=300&q=75)
![Montana Supreme Court hears Smith River Mine case in Missoula](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2024/03/attachment-supreme-court.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Montana Supreme Court hears Smith River Mine case in Missoula
The Montana Supreme Court will decide whether a mining company can suck millions of gallons of water out of the ground and keep it for months without having to obtain a water-right permit.
![Three water main projects on tap as city reduces leakage](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2023/05/attachment-Infrastructure.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Three water main projects on tap as city reduces leakage
Since its takeover of Mountain Water, the city has invested more than $45 million into the system, including $20 million to replace 8.7 miles of water main, some of which was originally installed in 1914.
![Medicaid providers going into debt amid ‘unwinding’ payments](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2023/06/attachment-health-care-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Medicaid providers going into debt amid ‘unwinding’ payments
More than 127,200 people in Montana lost Medicaid with tens of thousands of cases still processing, according to the latest state data, from mid-February.
![UM researchers: Let small wildfires burn to diminish large fires](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2023/07/attachment-Colt-fire.jpg?w=980&q=75)
UM researchers: Let small wildfires burn to diminish large fires
As increasing drought pushes western Montana toward a risky fire season, new University of Montana research indicates that wildfire suppression can worsen the effects of wildfire.
![Viewpoint: Roads, landscapes and ag – the promise of SB 442](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2022/05/bison-herd.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Viewpoint: Roads, landscapes and ag – the promise of SB 442
"While some wish to try and kill the bill by making it about something else, the reality is those now seeking to stop Senate Bill 442 are using the same cynical, divisive rhetoric to further divide us."
![Climate Connections: NW Energy plan endangers climate, increases bills](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2024/03/attachment-Colstrip-Feb-2024.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Climate Connections: NW Energy plan endangers climate, increases bills
Nick Fitzmaurice writes, "All the pieces are available for NorthWestern Energy to plan for and execute a cleaner, more affordable energy system that doesn’t punish ratepayers. Montanans can’t afford to wait any longer."
![Missoula mayor’s urban camping group closer to recommendations](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2024/03/attachment-Homeless-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Missoula mayor’s urban camping group closer to recommendations
A task force assigned by the mayor to address issues around urban camping continued to work toward a policy on Wednesday that's generally agreeable to a majority of the group and “socially acceptable” to Missoula residents.
![Viewpoint: Reflecting on Pyramid’s lumber legacy in Montana](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2019/11/Pyramid-lumber-wood.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Viewpoint: Reflecting on Pyramid’s lumber legacy in Montana
Chris Servheen writes, "The mill has been an important local destination for logs harvested in Western Montana in thinning projects to reduce fire danger in the wildfire-urban interface."
![Clark Fork River Market returning to old location](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2018/08/Market.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Clark Fork River Market returning to old location
Looking to grow its programs and support the downtown business district, the Clark Fork River Market plans to return to its old stomping grounds on the river lot this season.
![Poplar farm irrigation contract to continue environmental program](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2022/09/attachment-Poplar-grove.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Poplar farm irrigation contract to continue environmental program
The city created the poplar farm in the early 2000s to reduce its release of phosphorus and nitrogen into the Clark Fork River, beyond what the wastewater plant was capable of doing on its own.