Data Centers & Local Control: A Butte-Silver Bow ballot initiative group sued the county after election officials changed the data-center petition signature deadline to a past date, aiming to let voters approve or reject major data center development. Critical Minerals Policy: Sen. Steve Daines and Sen. John Curtis introduced a bill to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign critical-mineral processing by expanding a manufacturing tax credit tied to domestic production. Water Infrastructure: Rep. Troy Downing met with the Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authority in Sidney to push H.R. 8745, a federal authorization for a rural water system serving multiple eastern Montana counties. Manufacturing Expansion: Gov. Greg Gianforte joined Ex-Guard for a Kalispell ribbon-cutting for a new manufacturing and logistics facility at Glacier Rail Park, citing access to West Coast and Canadian markets. Energy & Costs: GasBuddy reported Montana regular prices easing in the week ending Aug. 8, with Missoula County’s lowest at $3.93 and Lewis & Clark County’s lowest at $4.09. Community Services: Park County commissioners will consider a grant application to help Community Closet expand its annex building to handle growing donation and resale volume. Environment & Cleanup: Montana DEQ finished stabilizing a Libby Creek embankment damaged by December flooding, with costs far below initial estimates and FEMA reimbursement sought. Quality of Life Rankings: WalletHub ranked Idaho No. 1 for “best states to live,” with Montana at 14th—strong on the economy, weaker on safety and quality of life.