Amanda Cahill, a supporter of Montana's tobacco tax measure, I-185, at a press conference near the state capitol last August. Tobacco firms have spent $17 million in opposition to the initiative, compared to an $8 million campaign by those in favor of it.

Eric Whitney

Eric Whitney is NPR's Mountain West/Great Plains Bureau Chief, and was the former news director for Montana Public Radio.

'Steel City' No More, Pueblo Reinvents Itself And Its Politics

Ari Shapiro

Unlike postcard mountain resort towns, or Denver's booming, high-tech corridor, Pueblo is Colorado's faded industrial relic. But it's finding ways to grow into its next chapter.
After Midterm Defeat, Advocates For Montana's Medicaid Expansion Turn To Legislature

Eric Whitney

If a funding extension can't be hammered out in the Montana Legislature, the state could be the first to undo an expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act.
Big Tobacco Spends Big To Block A Tax And Medicaid Expansion In Montana

Eric Whitney

If the state's ballot initiative to fund Medicaid's expansion passes, it will mean a $2-per-pack increase in taxes on cigarettes and a new tax on electronic cigarettes.
Senators Push For Leadership At Indian Health Service

Eric Whitney

President Trump first nominee to lead the Indian Health Service is out of the picture. Montana's senators are urging the administration to name a new nominee quickly.
Native Americans Feel Invisible In U.S. Health Care System

Eric Whitney

About a quarter of Native Americans report experiencing discrimination in health care, according to a poll by NPR, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
The Costs Of Fighting Wildfires In Montana

Eric Whitney

A massive wildfire is burning in Montana. But the money needed to fight the fires is becoming an issue.
Montana Insurers Say Medicaid Cuts Would Drive Up Cost Of Private Health Plans

Eric Whitney

Montana's three main health insurance firms say the Republican Senate's proposed cuts to Medicaid, and any plan to repeal the individual mandate, could drive up health costs for everyone.
Candidates Confront GOP Health Care Bill In Montana Special Election

Eric Whitney

Health care is on the minds of many potential voters in Montana, but the House health bill itself is unlikely to sway entrenched Republican voters in the special election next week.
A Singing Cowboy, A Millionaire And Rifles Dominate Montana Special Election

Eric Whitney

Democrats hope a singing cowboy in Montana will become their party's latest candidate to mobilize enthusiasm and money against Republicans in a special election for the state's only U.S. House seat.
Trump Extends Troubled VA Program That Pays Private Doctors

Eric Whitney

The Veterans Choice program was supposed to make it quicker and easier for vets to see a doctor by paying for private-sector care. But it's ended up being slower and more complicated.