Wildlife & Biodiversity: Washington’s Bee Atlas reports 17 new state bee records and rediscovered 12 species last seen up to 144 years ago, underscoring why native pollinators matter for food security and conservation. Aquatic Invasives: Portland State University crews found a dead quagga mussel at Prineville Reservoir—Oregon officials say they’re coordinating fast to protect waterways and check for more. Forests & Public Lands: Cascadia Wildlands sued the Bureau of Land Management to stop a Coast Range timber sale, arguing Congress invalidated the BLM plan that should have governed the harvest. Climate & Fire Risk: Forecasters warn a cold front could spark dry lightning in the Pacific Northwest and Intermountain West, followed by strong winds that raise wildfire danger. Energy & Resilience: Avangrid will build a 41 MW/82 MWh battery storage project in Gilliam County, aiming to strengthen grid reliability while funding local early childhood programs. Community Outdoors: BottleDrop’s Hidden Bottle Hunt returns statewide with six hidden bottles and $1,000 donations to partner nonprofits. Policy & Conservation Tension: Oregon’s proposed hunting and fishing ban initiative (IP28) is drawing sharp backlash from Montana Gov. Gianforte, highlighting how wildlife policy debates are heating up across the region.