Wildfire smoke and water quality: A new “smoke ecology” look at Idaho and the broader Northwest explains how wildfire particles can travel far and affect lakes and aquatic ecosystems, not just burned ground. Snake River salmon survival: A fisheries-management paper says Snake River hatcheries can’t reliably hit chinook goals unless survival through the hydropower system and ocean improves—more fish releases alone won’t fix it. Cyanobacteria health alerts: Idaho DHW issued advisories for Grasmere Reservoir and the Bruneau Arm of CJ Strike after high toxin-producing cyanobacteria levels were found; officials warn against swimming and even cooking with the water. Local water infrastructure: Sandpoint adopted a $92 million FY2027 budget, with a wastewater treatment plant replacement moving forward after discharge violations and a voter-approved bond. Idaho conservation and access: Idaho DEQ and local partners are also dealing with water and environmental management needs, while broader nonprofit and public-access funding highlights pressure on services and habitat recreation. Energy and AI policy in Idaho: Bannock County is drafting model rules for incoming AI data centers as it works around a limited moratorium, focusing on energy use and environmental impacts. Micron’s Boise research push: Micron announced a $10 billion memory research labs effort in Idaho, tying long-horizon semiconductor work to the AI boom. Wildlife management and public debate: Idaho’s grizzly delisting push and broader wildlife policy fights continue to draw attention, including calls for state control over management.