Heat Wave Health Watch: A major heat dome is keeping overnight temperatures dangerously high, with the National Weather Service forecasting more than 90 U.S. temperature records tied or broken through Wednesday—especially night records that don’t cool down, including Fargo, ND. Water & Flood Policy: The Senate EPW Committee plans to mark up the Water Resources Development Act of 2026, which would authorize Army Corps flood risk management and ecosystem restoration and reauthorize EPA drinking water and wastewater infrastructure programs. North Dakota Wildlife: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is studying whether the plains spotted skunk should be listed under the Endangered Species Act, including habitat across ND. Local Environment in Court: Opponents of a proposed large dairy in Traill County are pressing for permit reversal, arguing the state didn’t adequately review environmental threats from manure. Energy & Pollution Oversight: Indiana is seeking EPA approval for a coal ash permitting program as federal cleanup safeguards are rolled back—raising concerns about protection near disposal sites. ND Water Quality Risk: NDSU Extension warns that hot, nutrient-rich conditions can spur cyanobacteria blooms in stagnant ponds and dugouts, producing toxins harmful to livestock and people. Microplastics at Home: A North Dakota State University-linked study highlights how plastic cutting boards can shed millions of microplastic particles during food prep. Data Center Footprint: Oliver County approved a building permit path for Applied Digital’s planned “AI Factory,” with conditions aimed at limiting wastewater impacts and routing heavy loads via state highways.