Colorado River Drought: Lake Powell hit a new record low at 3,519.91 feet, just shy of the level that threatens hydropower, as the broader system strains and officials warn readings may shift. Water & Power Watch: Lake Mead also set record lows days earlier, underscoring how drought is squeezing drinking water, irrigation, and electricity across the Southwest. Local Energy Costs: Denver-area drivers saw the lowest reported diesel price in Denver County at $4.79/gallon for the week ending Aug. 8, while E85 hit $3.24/gallon in Douglas County. Construction & Growth: Weld County’s Rodeo Dunes golf resort is on track for a 2027 public debut, with a second course under way. Housing Pressure: A new push to keep Colorado affordable centers on faster permitting and smarter development, arguing policy-driven build costs are pricing out workers and young families. Agriculture & Tech Policy: Nebraska lawmakers advanced bills on agricultural data privacy and AI safety, plus tougher penalties for modular housing violations—signals of how farm and tech rules are tightening. Consumer Protection: A national trial is set to test whether Meta’s addictive design harms children’s mental health, with Colorado among participating states.