Wild Horses Protection: A House subcommittee heard support for Sen. John Hoeven’s bill to protect the wild horse herd at Theodore Roosevelt National Park, including a minimum genetically diverse herd of 150 and required monitoring and reporting. Prairie Habitat Mitigation: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service approved the Little Missouri Conservation Bank in Dunn County, a 310-acre project generating Dakota skipper credits by restoring and permanently protecting native prairie. North Dakota Data Centers: Grand Forks County and the city are preparing for possible future AI data centers, with officials discussing ordinances and site rules like buffers and wastewater outlets; Cass County residents also raised questions at a public forum. Oilfield Automation Jobs: North Dakota colleges are gearing up for more automation roles as oilfield equipment becomes computerized and robotic. Public Health Recall: FDA classified a hand soap recall as Class II due to possible bacterial contamination, with products distributed in North Dakota and 14 other states. Wildlife Survey on the Lewis & Clark Trail: The Smithsonian’s nationwide resurvey is using trail cameras and AI, with North Dakota students helping document how mammal populations have changed over 200 years. Drones for State Agencies: North Dakota is nearing final procurement for its Drone Replacement Program to keep unmanned aircraft systems compliant for federal funding. Energy Policy Watch: EPA finalized repeal of a Biden-era power plant rule affecting North Dakota lignite, with local leaders calling it a win for the energy grid.