Mining & Permitting: Silver Bow Mining says Montana DEQ issued an Authorization to Proceed for Amendment 2 at the Rainbow Block project in Butte, clearing the company to advance the next phase of exploration, including a Rainbow Decline, expanded surface drilling, and bulk sampling. Wildlife Safety & Crossings: A new Associated Press report highlights how wildlife-vehicle collisions are common in Montana, and points to state laws funding wildlife crossings to protect both drivers and migrating animals. Sexual Harassment Fallout in Helena: A bipartisan supermajority of Montana senators is calling for Sen. Jonathan “Windy Boy” to resign after long-running allegations of sexual harassment and abuse. Water Quality Watch: A new analysis ranks Montana near the bottom for tap water cleanliness, citing EPA-reported violations. Health & PFAS Concerns: Montana reporting says PFAS “forever chemicals” have been found in fish across major waterways, raising concerns for anglers and public health. Access to Care: Montana was selected for federal funding to expand behavioral health clinics statewide through the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Medicaid Demonstration Program. Insurance Shakeup: PacificSource is shutting down all Montana operations, leaving about 42,000 members to find new coverage options starting in 2027. Public Lands & Recreation: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says more than 95% of national refuge lands could be opened to hunting under proposed changes.