Endangered Species Protections: A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to designate critical habitat for the Sierra Nevada red fox, saying regulators failed to properly consider how the designation could aid recovery. Drought & Wildfire Impacts: Gov. Tina Kotek declared a drought emergency in Hood River County, where dry conditions are expected to hit farms, drinking water, fish and wildlife, and raise wildfire risk; meanwhile, early September storms eased drought indicators in parts of Oregon, but officials say the region still needs a wet winter to refill long-term water supplies. Air Quality Monitoring: NASA’s TEMPO satellite is helping track “chemical weather,” giving near-real-time views of pollution that can swing hour to hour during wildfire smoke events. Forest Management & Fire Recovery: The U.S. Forest Service proposed post-Akawa Butte Fire logging, fuel reduction, and replanting on about 10,000 acres near Sisters. Local Climate Reality: In the Rogue Valley, trees are changing color and dropping leaves about two months early due to hot, dry conditions—potentially disrupting fruit yields and harvest timing. Water Resilience Policy: Oregon senators Wyden and Merkley introduced the Western Water Reinvestment Act to fund dam safety and resilient watershed projects for drought-hit communities. Data Centers & Oversight: Gov. Kotek’s Data Center Advisory Committee released a public draft report urging more centralized tracking of data center water and energy use and state tax incentives, as the issue fuels backlash in the governor’s race. Wildlife Habitat Law: A judge faulted the BLM for reopening grazing in sage grouse research areas without proper analysis and public input.