Trade & Tariffs: Trump paused a 50% tariff on Canadian goods through Friday, easing pressure on North Dakota businesses that exported about $7 billion to Canada last year—though uncertainty remains. Energy & Oil: DOE awarded nearly $1.4 million to North Dakota for weatherization, training, and energy reliability, while state oil data shows June production up to 1.153 million barrels per day and more drilling rigs. State Government & Recovery: North Dakota became the second state to earn national “recovery-friendly workplace” certification, highlighting workplace support for people in recovery. Parks Leadership: Gov. Kelly Armstrong named Parks and Recreation recreation chief Tony Hillig as director, effective immediately. Education Tech: ND education leaders are weighing new rules for student device and screen use as the new school year starts. Agriculture & Drought: A North Dakota farmer described drought impacts as among the worst in 30 years, with disaster assistance helping only part of the Red River region. Local Innovation: UND’s Lift-Off Showcase funded 10 projects, including an AI vocal training app and a blood-sample breast cancer test. Workforce Funding: ND Commerce awarded funding to regional workforce strategy projects. Fraud Prevention: A fraud prevention seminar stressed scammers rely on urgency, fear, and trust.