Drought Response: Gov. Armstrong declared a statewide drought emergency, activating North Dakota’s livestock water assistance and pointing to dry conditions across counties and tribal nations. Public Safety: The Highway Patrol says more than half of North Dakota’s fatal crashes this year involved unbuckled drivers, even with the state’s primary seatbelt enforcement law. Energy & Industry: Callan JMB agreed to buy Reger Oil assets tied to a 23-well Red River drilling program in the Williston Basin, naming Michael Reger president of its new energy platform. Nuclear Power Planning: Lawmakers studying advanced nuclear energy are looking to involve communities early, with Sen. Dale Patten signaling possible bills on a temporary on-site waste storage exception. Elections & Voting Access: A federal appeals court upheld Wisconsin’s voter-roll transparency exemption, a reminder of how election rules and access fights can ripple across states. Local Governance: Stanley Township residents removed their board chairman in a vote now being challenged over the legality of the process. Agriculture & Rural Life: Farm families are grappling with the next generation of operations amid tougher economics and market volatility. Infrastructure: Mandaree opened a new Bruce A. Fox Water Treatment Plant funded by federal dollars, boosting capacity for the Fort Berthold Rural Water system.