Kratom Crackdown: North Dakota’s special legislative session opened with Gov. Kelly Armstrong urging a total ban on kratom “in all its forms,” after a 30-day emergency order took effect Aug. 5; lawmakers are now weighing bills that would permanently outlaw kratom and derivatives, including synthetic 7-OH, with criminal penalties. Legislative Process Fight: House and Senate Republicans blocked bills on childcare funding and a pause on data center development from moving forward in the special session, arguing they weren’t properly forwarded by the Legislative Management Committee. Data Center NDA Debate: A committee recommended a do-not-pass on a bill that would add penalties tied to public officials signing nondisclosure agreements with data center developers, with supporters saying current law is too weak. Court System Cyber Incident: The North Dakota Supreme Court said it was affected by a C-Track vendor data security incident; district courts and the Odyssey system were not impacted, and officials say the scope and number affected are still being determined. Military Tech Visit: Army Under Secretary Mike Obadal toured Grand Forks’ Point Defense Battle Lab and GrandSKY UAS tech park with Sen. Kevin Cramer, highlighting counter-UAS and drone innovation. Storm Relief: Trump approved a presidential major disaster declaration for June storms, unlocking $3.4 million for recovery in multiple western and central counties. Public Safety: Harvest season reminders urged drivers to slow down and watch for farm equipment; separate reports also detailed serious crashes in Fargo and West Fargo.