Grizzly Bear Management Shift: Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, with Gov. Brad Little and other Western governors, announced a proposal to return grizzly-bear management to states under an ESA “4(d)” rule—keeping bears listed as threatened but giving states more flexibility (no hunting authority under the plan). Wildfire Smoke & Heat Impacts: Western wildfires and high heat are worsening air quality, with AirNow reporting “moderate” wildfire-smoke conditions across parts of Idaho and the region, raising health concerns especially for sensitive groups. Boise River Access Project: Boise is moving toward permits for the proposed “Sandbar” pedestrian bridge over the Boise River near the Riverside Hotel, aiming to improve walking and biking connections while addressing riparian and floodplain requirements. Water Infrastructure Funding: Idaho DEQ awarded Malad City nearly $4 million for drinking-water upgrades, including repairing wells, looping watermains, and purchasing water rights. Targhee Expansion Fight: Driggs and Teton County Idaho filed formal objections to Grand Targhee Resort’s expansion FEIS, focusing on potential impacts to the Teton Range bighorn sheep herd. Local Parks Governance: Baker County’s parks advisory board opposed a proposal to hire a contractor to manage county parks, urging commissioners to keep oversight in-house. Sun Valley Dark-Sky Win: Sun Valley Resort earned DarkSky Certified Resort status for reducing light pollution and protecting Idaho’s night skies.