Drought Watch (Missouri River): July runoff in the Missouri Basin above Sioux City landed at 61% of average, with well-below-normal inflows tied to dry soils and low mountain snowpack—conditions that keep much of the basin abnormally dry. Wildlife & Hunting (Sage-grouse, CWD): Wyoming Game and Fish reports spring sage-grouse lek attendance down 13% from 2025, and urges hunters to submit deer and elk for chronic wasting disease testing as the 2026 season ramps up. Public Lands (Wilderness review): The Interior Department is taking public comment on federal wilderness policy changes, arguing for better consistency and recreation access while conservation groups warn protections could weaken. Water Politics (Colorado River): Reclamation’s post-2026 Colorado River plan moves forward without full state consensus, setting up continued downstream disputes as reservoirs hit historic lows. Weather & Fire Risk (SE Wyoming): A cold front and monsoonal moisture are expected to cool and wet up southeast Wyoming midweek, easing hot, dry conditions and lowering fire danger. Invasive Weeds (Hay relief order): A Wyoming executive order to move more livestock feed during drought raises invasive weed concerns as stressed rangeland could be more vulnerable to new species. Air Quality & Permitting (NSR bill): Sens. Cynthia Lummis and Jon Husted introduce a bill to clarify New Source Review permitting rules, aiming to reduce red tape for upgrades that don’t increase pollution.