Energy & Regulation: Gov. Greg Gianforte and Montana DEQ say they’ll ask to intervene in a Montana Public Service Commission case over NorthWestern Energy’s “large new load tariff,” aimed at data centers and other big users, arguing new customers should cover incremental costs so families and small businesses aren’t stuck subsidizing growth. Elections & AI: A Montana House District 68 candidate filed a complaint after claiming AI-altered “deepfake” mailers used her image without a required disclaimer. Data Centers & Jobs: A Broadview-area data center developer says it has a preliminary agreement with local unions to prioritize stable wages, benefits, and apprenticeships as plans for a 1,100-megawatt project move forward. Local Government: Laurel voters elected Kris Vogele mayor after the resignation of Dave Waggoner, with the dispute tied to a controversial state-funded forensic mental health facility. Montana Agriculture: The Montana Farm Bureau Federation’s summer conference in Kalispell put farm bill, trade, labor, and the economic outlook front and center, with “Ask a Farmer. Feed a Family” plans to connect consumers to local producers. Environment & Water: Montana DEQ approved an exploratory permit for Sentinel Metals in the Blackfoot River headwaters, raising fresh concerns about future mining impacts on a prized trout fishery. Public Input & Growth: A new report says Montana’s population is still rising but growth is slowing, with more gains shifting toward smaller towns. Housing & Affordability: A national housing report card gives Montana a marginal grade as affordability and homebuilding lag in many states. Local Culture: Bozeman’s Wild Crumb Bakery was named Outstanding Bakery at the James Beard Awards, and the community is already reacting to the buzz.