Legal Desert: Eastern Montana judges told the Montana Bar board in Miles City that lawyer shortages are slowing court cases, raising pro se filings, and rippling into family services and longer jail stays. State Procurement: A Legislative Audit Division report says Montana’s standard competitive-bid purchasing is mostly working, but flags more problems in sole-source and emergency contracting. Health Care Policy: Senate HELP/Finance weighed HHS nominations while House Ways and Means advanced bills on Alzheimer’s screening, home-delivered meals, and Medicare Advantage spending transparency. AI in Politics: A federal judge blocked Montana from enforcing its AI campaign-ad law, citing free-speech concerns. Public Health & Food: Montana confirmed avian influenza in Ravalli County’s chicken flock, urging stronger poultry biosecurity. Beef & Ranching: USDA-backed beef price pressures and consumer worries are pushing ranchers to market origin and quality more aggressively. Data Centers Debate: Nearly 75% of Montana voters oppose nearby data centers, as construction plans keep drawing backlash. Recovery Support: Recovery Friendly Montana is expanding workplace training and resources during National Recovery Month.