Rural Infrastructure Funding: The U.S. House advanced a FY27 agriculture/rural development bill that includes $4.8 million for Western Montana projects, from Columbia Falls wastewater upgrades ($2.325M) to Libby water filtration ($1M) and Ronan wastewater work ($1M), plus emergency communications for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and fire/communications support in Lake County and Charlo. Energy & Jobs: President Trump announced nearly $700M to prop up coal—supporting 13 coal plants, building new capacity in Alaska and West Virginia, restarting a Maryland plant, and backing a long-delayed Oakland export terminal—framing it as grid reliability and job creation. Critical Minerals in Montana: Sibanye-Stillwater says it’s restarting full-scale production at Stillwater West and returning East Boulder to pre-2024 capacity, aiming to restore about 200,000 ounces of annual PGM output by end of 2026. Water & Public Works: Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water System funding was extended through 2028 with a $500M allocation, while Helena is moving ahead with 50+ ADA ramp upgrades in the 6th Ward. Local Industry & Community: Anderson Towing reached a $165,000 settlement with Billings after being removed from the police towing rotation. Environment & Access: A proposed 97-slip marina in Bigfork Bay is drawing pushback over public access and environmental impacts.