Colorado River Water & Power: Lake Powell and Lake Mead hit historic lows, threatening water supplies and electricity generation across the Southwest. Energy Grid Resilience: Wildfire smoke is emerging as a real operational risk for the power sector, cutting solar output and complicating grid management. Arizona Utilities & Rates: Arizona’s utility regulators moved to repeal energy efficiency standards, a shift that could affect ratepayer savings and future demand planning. Onshore Wind Permitting: State AGs joined a legal fight against a federal wind farm freeze, arguing stalled national security reviews are blocking more than 155 projects. AI Data Centers & Local Politics: Democrats are leaning into backlash over AI data centers—an issue resonating in Arizona as communities weigh jobs against water, land, and power strain. Housing Market Shift: A new housing outlook warns the next decade may be defined by fewer buyers, not fewer homes, as deaths begin to outnumber births. Public Health: West Nile virus cases are rising fast, with Arizona reporting all confirmed 2026 deaths. Local Business & Growth: Planet expanded its Southwest mortgage retail footprint by adding a Tempe-area branch manager. Manufacturing Tech: Fluree AI launched to help enterprises use governed knowledge for automation, aiming to reduce data silos. Community Spotlight: Center Court Pickleball opened a new Scottsdale indoor facility, adding courts and training space.