School & Labor: Minot’s school board ratified new one-year union contracts, including a 4% base wage increase for teachers and changes to health savings account contributions and personal leave terms. Longevity & Community: A new look at North Dakota’s region highlights how social connection—like daily gatherings—can be a major factor in long life. Ballot Rules: North Dakota voters approved a single-subject rule for constitutional amendments, but questions remain about how the Secretary of State will define “one topic” and whether future court fights are likely. Medicaid Oversight: ND HHS is tightening Medicaid provider oversight starting this summer under a two-year revalidation push aimed at reducing fraud and protecting program integrity. DAPL Settlement: North Dakota is set to receive $28 million from the federal government to cover state costs from the 2016-17 Dakota Access Pipeline protests, with ND leaders calling it overdue reimbursement. Agriculture Policy: Lawmakers adopted a cost estimate for a November free school meals ballot measure, pegging implementation at roughly $124.3M to $134.3M every two years. Infrastructure & Recovery: FEMA awarded $817,641 for North Dakota storm recovery, including repairs for electric infrastructure and replacement work at the University of Jamestown sports dome. Elections & Process: A detailed explainer outlines how ND recounts work, from canvassing-board certification to recount triggers and ballot review rules. Energy & Water: An irrigation and drainage study presented at the Capitol says North Dakota could develop another 1.3 million acres of irrigation, with major potential economic impact.