Local Education & Budgets: Grand Forks Public Schools is warning its budget could take a hit as early enrollment data shows 70 to 100 fewer students than projected, with a proposed statewide free lunch and breakfast ballot measure also raising costs and uncertainty. State Policy: North Dakota lawmakers passed a bill banning synthetic kratom while keeping natural kratom legal for adults 21 and older, after a special session debate that included a failed push for a full ban. Energy & Industry: The Lignite Energy Council opened its annual conference in Bismarck with leaders focusing on building the next generation of power plants as demand surges, including data centers, and lawmakers pushed back against retiring fossil-fuel capacity too quickly. Government Transparency: North Dakota earned a Government Finance Officers Association certificate for excellence in financial reporting, highlighting the state’s continued push for clear public budgeting. Local Development: Grand Forks City Council approved a tax incentive (PILOT) for a Ray Richards Golf Course redevelopment tied to a 169-unit apartment plan and a Toptracer driving range. Public Health: NDSU’s vet lab reports rising rabies testing results, with most positive cases coming from tiny little brown bats. Community Events: Dickinson will host the Out of the Darkness Walk Sept. 19 to support suicide prevention efforts across North Dakota. Business & Growth: Divide County and Crosby saw strong taxable purchase growth in the latest state tax data, pointing to continued construction and renovation activity.