Montana Health Insurance: Montanans on the ACA marketplace could see another steep premium hike in 2027, with analysts pointing to higher health and drug costs plus fewer people staying enrolled after federal subsidy changes. Public Health & Environment: UM scientists report “forever chemicals” (PFAS) in Flathead Watershed water samples at every tested site, alongside separate findings of pharmaceuticals and personal care products—raising new concerns for drinking-water and ecosystem health. Care Access: Hope Hospice Center in Missoula marks its first year, focusing on building awareness with hospitals and clinics and expanding a compassionate care fund to help patients who can’t afford room and board. Health Infrastructure: Montana State University opened a new $58M Combined State Laboratories building to strengthen veterinary diagnostics and disease testing for Montana agriculture. Child Advocacy Funding: Montana DOJ awarded nearly $150K to four Children’s Advocacy Centers to improve care for child survivors of abuse and crime. Workplace Safety: Gov. Gianforte honored DOA workers’ comp leader Rob Virts with an Outstanding Service Award for decades of improving workplace safety and risk management. Emergency Preparedness: A Montana Tech student with cerebral palsy helped redesign the school’s emergency evacuation plan, including special evacuation chairs and training for students who assist. Food Safety: FDA updates include another recall tied to the broader dairy milk-powder contamination investigation.