Drought Response: North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong declared a statewide drought disaster, with 33.6% of the state in moderate drought, 28.1% in severe, and 2.3% in extreme conditions, and activated the Drought Disaster Livestock Water Supply Project Assistance Program. Producers can get cost-share help for new wells, rural water connections, pipeline extensions, pasture taps, and related work—up to 65% reimbursement, capped at $10,000 per project, with up to three projects. Water Infrastructure: Mandaree opened the Bruce A. Fox Water Treatment Plant, funded by $33.3 million in federal support for the Fort Berthold Rural Water system, doubling capacity to treat up to 1,000 gallons per minute. Groundwater & Farming Dispute: Rural landowners and the Dakota Resource Council asked the state to reconsider a dismissed challenge to a Wahpeton water agreement tied to a planned 12,500-head dairy, arguing impacts to the Wahpeton Buried Valley Aquifer. Wetlands Policy Fight: Sen. Kevin Cramer put holds on Trump nominees over a wetland conservation program, after the administration paused changes following pushback from farmers and duck hunters. Carbon Capture Update: Minnkota’s Project Tundra carbon capture effort may move faster with a new partner, after North Dakota’s Clean Sustainable Energy Authority recommended $205 million in loans for a Reliant partnership. Mosquito Control: Minot is shifting to mosquito surveillance and fogging, budgeting about $100,000 annually, citing West Nile virus risk. Energy & Jobs: NSF awarded Williston State College $373,701 to grow STEM workforce pipelines in the Bakken region, and EDA granted $630,000 to North Dakota regional councils for economic planning.