Grid & Power Reliability: The U.S. Department of Energy is backing nearly $2B in projects to boost transmission capacity, including 1,500 miles of line rebuilds/modernization and grid upgrades across 26 states, aiming to add 23 gigawatts as electricity demand surges. Climate Impacts in the West: California is facing intensifying drought and heat—nearly 70% of the state is abnormally dry—and warmer Sacramento River conditions are raising alarms for Chinook salmon egg survival. Renewables Buildout: New York is moving ahead with the 500-megawatt Cider Solar Farm, now under construction, expected to power about 120,000 homes. Wildfire Season Data: Utah’s 2026 wildfire year has burned more than half a million acres, with megafires hitting even higher elevations. Water & Ecosystems Tech: A DOE-backed study using underwater monitoring claims 99% accuracy in reconstructing fish species composition for hydropower operators. PFAS & Accountability: North Carolina’s AG touts a major Chemours/DuPont settlement, while advocates say it still falls short for long-running river pollution. Invasive Species Twist: New research suggests the spiny water flea may have arrived naturally in North America earlier than previously thought, complicating how invasives are managed. Energy Prices: Natural gas prices dipped even amid record summer heat, with renewables helping reduce gas burn.