U.S. West | Climate
Heat dome and Spokane wildfire crisis
A record‑breaking heat dome over the Western United States is driving dangerous temperatures and wildfire risk.
In Washington state, the fast‑moving Old Trails fire crossed the Spokane River into the city of Spokane, destroying dozens of homes and forcing thousands to evacuate under Level 3 “go now” orders.
The governor has activated the National Guard.
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Broad swaths of the Western U.S. remain under red‑flag conditions. Forecasters warn the intense heat is creating “particularly dangerous” wildfire risk, and officials say strained water systems and power grids could worsen the impacts.
Source: apnews.com
Water & Climate
Colorado River cuts and strong El Niño warnings
A new U.S. federal proposal would have Arizona, California and Nevada share water‑use cuts on the Colorado River to address chronic drought and overuse.
At the same time, the United Nations and scientists warn that an unusually strong El Niño is amplifying heat waves, droughts and extreme weather on “a planet already on fire.”
Source: apnews.com
Great Lakes
Michigan court blocks Enbridge Line 5 tunnel permit
The Michigan Supreme Court has rejected a key state permit for Enbridge’s proposed tunnel for its Line 5 oil pipeline under the Great Lakes.
The ruling is a major setback for the project and a win for environmental and tribal groups who argue the line threatens the Straits of Mackinac.
Source: apnews.com