State Procurement Watch: Montana lawmakers heard a Legislative Audit Division report saying the state’s standard competitive-bid purchasing is mostly working, with only minor violations in 24 reviews, but it flagged more problems in sole-source and emergency buying. Public Health & National Security: AG Steve Marshall led a coalition warning Rubio about Chinese “national security” risks in pharmaceutical supply chains, citing concerns about unapproved drug ingredients tied to fentanyl-linked manufacturers. Workforce Support: Recovery Friendly Montana is expanding a free program to help businesses build recovery-friendly workplaces, with training and tools for employers of all sizes. Affordable Housing: Missoula’s $80M Franklin Crossing project is moving toward construction, aiming to deliver 200+ permanently affordable units using a complex mix of public and tax-credit funding. Fraud Hits Higher Ed: UM’s Missoula College reported a federal financial aid fraud scheme that drained $673,745 in 2025, with money later returned and an insurance claim filed. Data Centers & Local Politics: Yellowstone County’s first phase of a major data center project is underway, while opposition continues and officials warn interim zoning could trigger lawsuits. Beef & Consumer Trust: A beef-industry story highlights how price pressure and food-safety scares are pushing ranchers to differentiate and market directly to consumers.