Water & Drought: Western states are still fighting over Colorado River water, with Upper Basin states blocking a major settlement that would bring running water to Native communities in northern Arizona. Local Water Governance: Boise is moving to limit water use as drought planning ramps up, while a new Idaho law targets how AI data centers can use water for cooling. Idaho Transportation Planning: The public can give final input on the Rathdrum Prairie Area Transportation Study at a Kootenai County open house before the project moves into environmental review. Aquatic Invasives: Montana inspectors decontaminated a mussel-fouled boat after zebra mussels and watermilfoil were found, underscoring the need for inspection before launching. Wildlife & Conservation: Idaho Falls Zoo welcomed “Lenny,” a male snow leopard, as part of a species survival program. Climate & Heat: A new report ranks Idaho’s hottest Julys since 1895, tying record heat to a warming trend. Wildfire Preparedness: Western emergency experts say FEMA still prioritizes hurricanes over Western wildfires, leaving gaps for fire and drought response. Energy & Infrastructure: Western governors, including Idaho’s, signed on to expand the regional electric grid and speed transmission permitting. Public Lands & Recreation: Grand Targhee Resort won a major Forest Service-approved expansion, with officials citing scaled-down impacts to wildlife habitat and watersheds.