Health & Human Services Leadership: Gov. Kelly Armstrong appointed Conner Swanson to lead the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, effective Aug. 29, tasking him with oversight of a $5.7B-plus agency. Public Safety & Law Enforcement: A cross-border abduction report involving a Manitoba man unraveled after North Dakota Highway Patrol said the account was fabricated; the suspect is in custody in Minnesota while federal review continues. State Policy & Regulation: Armstrong’s kratom crackdown is accelerating: North Dakota banned kratom statewide under a public health emergency while lawmakers are set to consider permanent restrictions in a Sept. 2 special session. Energy & Infrastructure: The U.S. Department of Energy backed away from designating three National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors, including a Tribal Energy Access Corridor that would have stretched across parts of North Dakota. Elections & Civic Process: Secretary of State Michael Howe is taking nominations for the 2026 North Dakota Election Hero Award, spotlighting poll workers and election support staff. Local Governance & Community Impact: Fargo-area Sen. Tim Mathern is pushing a one-year pause on new data center approvals and a ban on ND officials signing NDAs with developers. Military & International Partnerships: Ghanaian military and emergency leaders are visiting North Dakota to train with the National Guard and emergency management officials through the State Partnership Program.