North Dakota Courts: The North Dakota Supreme Court ruled the North Central Judicial District judgeship (vacant July 17 after Judge Todd Cresap’s retirement) should be retained to avoid a caseload shortage, setting up a judicial nominating commission to recommend governor appointees for the remaining two years. Workforce & Immigration: The state Department of Commerce opened registration for the 2026 Global Talent Summit in Bismarck (Sept. 3), aiming to connect employers and educators with strategies for recruiting and integrating international talent. City Government & Finance: Minot says its $2.38 million tied up in the stalled “Big M” development remains unresolved, with the city attorney describing ongoing talks among the developer’s stakeholders and the mortgage holder to find a path forward. Public Safety Staffing: Fargo officials report an officer shortage of 19 positions, with an incoming academy class expected to ease patrol gaps over the next several months. State Government Oversight: A 2025 UND HR investigation into a hostile work environment involving the current state forensic examiner and her husband is now part of the public record, raising questions about workplace conduct and accountability. Health Policy: As Medicaid work requirements loom, Montana’s early implementation highlights ongoing concerns about system gaps before enforcement begins. Consumer Protection: Attorneys general are pushing the FCC to tighten rules to stop robocalls that use legitimate phone numbers, targeting a major source of scams.