Pesticide Lawsuit Fight: Pesticide makers are pushing “liability shield” laws to block lawsuits from people harmed by products like glyphosate/Roundup, as the U.S. Supreme Court is set to rule in July 2026 on whether federal law blocks state “failure to warn” claims—North Dakota is already among the states that passed similar protections. Water Safety in the Red River Valley: Emerado’s “No Use Order” was lifted after a transmission-line break; testing in Bismarck confirmed the water is safe, though residents may see discoloration as the system clears. Soil Health & Erosion: North Dakota State University soil experts warn that wind-blown topsoil can strip nutrients for centuries, urging no-till and reduced tillage to stabilize fields after severe erosion events. EPA Funding for ND Agriculture & Water: The EPA awarded $684,000 to North Dakota agencies—supporting pesticide regulation work and funding an engineering feasibility study plus upgrades for Maxbass’s water system. Local Community & Public Safety: Hettinger is gearing up for Fourth of July with recreation and safety projects, including upgrades tied to the Armory Fitness Center and emergency access improvements. Disaster Relief Readiness: The North Dakota National Guard will activate 50 troops statewide to support 250th anniversary events, funded through the state Disaster Relief Fund. Food Access Update: Ruby’s Pantry permanently closed all locations, ending pop-up food pantries across multiple states including North Dakota. Transportation Planning: NDDOT is seeking public comments on a STIP amendment for a potential next phase of the U.S. Highway 52 four-laning project between Minot and Voltaire.