Critical Minerals: Red Mountain Mining says its Pioneer tungsten project in Montana returned strong, consistent rock-chip assay results, including multiple samples above 500ppm WO3 and several above 1,000ppm WO3, plus copper, silver and gold hits—another signal for Montana’s role in the critical-minerals supply push. Healthcare Policy: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Montana, will receive $500 Obamacare refunds tied to alleged federal “user fee” overcharges from the Biden era. Housing & Veterans Finance: A VA Home Loans Index snapshot shows Montana ranked 16th for average VA home loan amount in Q2 2026, at about $438,375. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports Beaverhead County’s lowest diesel price at $5.38 for the week ending Sept. 5, while premium gas in the county bottomed at $4.78; statewide averages for both premium and regular rose week over week. Food Safety: The FDA is investigating a salmonella outbreak linked to Evergreen Fresh Sprouts LLC broccoli sprouts sold in Idaho, Montana and Washington, with 22 reported illnesses across four states. Local Governance & Public Works: Stimson says it completed a final Montana easement, placing its entire timber base under conservation protection. Courts & Rights: A federal appeals court ruled the U.S. Constitution doesn’t guarantee clean drinking water, limiting constitutional claims in lead-water cases.