Food Costs & Household Strain: A new MarketBeat survey finds 62% of U.S. households have cut back on protein quantity or type as prices rise, echoing Montana shoppers’ reports of meat getting scarcer in the freezer. Energy & Transportation: GasBuddy says Montana gasoline rose 8.6 cents to average $4.31/gal, while diesel climbed to $5.418 nationally; local diesel pricing in Broadwater County hit a low of $4.99/gal in the week ending Aug. 8. Energy Deal Watch: Callan JMB agreed to buy Reger Oil assets tied to a 23-well Red River drilling program in the Williston Basin, with Michael Reger named president of Callan Power. Public Lands & Water: A Continental Divide Trail Community Survey ranks public lands and waters as a top quality-of-life driver in Rocky Mountain communities, with Montana among the gateway states. Policy & Consumer Protection: Montana’s AG warns of spoof websites targeting residents with fake listings and payment traps. Education & Compliance: The Education Department warns 42% of eligible colleges are missing or underreporting required student outcomes data, putting federal funding access at risk. Trade & Tariffs: Reuters reports the U.S. and Canada are nearing a deal that could cut auto, steel and aluminum tariff rates, with Montana retailers watching potential ripple effects. Local Government: Polson approved an $11.18 million revenue, $12.49 million budget for FY 2026-27, aiming to restore patrol car funding and reduce reliance on reserves.