Wildfire Watch: A new NOAA outlook suggests Montana may dodge the worst heat, but the risk stays real as the U.S. already has dozens of major wildfires and Utah reports hundreds of fires—most human-caused—so prevention and caution are key. Water & Sewage: Montana DEQ approved the final environmental assessment for Phase Two of the Lakeside County Water and Sewer District expansion, including a new wastewater treatment plant, septage receiving, and rapid infiltration basins with nitrogen and phosphorus reporting. Public Lands & Conservation Messaging: Montana wildlife filmmaker Casey Anderson is joining a “Vote Like Your Lands Depend On It” campaign, urging voters to check candidates’ public-lands records after he says attacks on public lands have intensified. Data Centers & Energy Costs: Montana’s Public Service Commission data-center “large new loads” case is drawing pushback from seniors, conservation groups, and the City of Missoula over affordability, transparency, and whether existing customers could subsidize new demand. Plastics Act Lawsuits: Montana is part of a 17-state coalition suing to block California’s Plastics Act, arguing it unlawfully reaches beyond state lines and could raise prices nationwide. Research & Food Safety: Montana State University researchers won a nearly $600,000 USDA grant to build an autonomous system to detect and remove crop-killing microbes in hydroponic farms. Local River Access: UM’s free Clark Fork River shuttle returns this summer with stops at Sha-Ron and Milltown State Park, aiming for safer, zero-fare access for recreation.