North Dakota Drought Response: Gov. Kelly Armstrong declared a statewide drought emergency, activating livestock water assistance and pointing to below-normal precipitation and above-average temperatures through fall. Workforce Funding: The state Commerce Department awarded Regional Workforce Impact Program grants to Tri-County Regional Development Council ($130,100), Central Regional Education Association ($79,300), and the City of Beach ($60,000) to strengthen regional workforce strategies. Recovery-Friendly Workplace: North Dakota became one of only two states nationally certified as a Recovery Friendly Workplace, highlighting efforts to reduce stigma and support recovery hiring. Parks Leadership: Armstrong appointed Tony Hillig as director of the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department, effective immediately. SNAP Changes: USDA’s SNAP restrictions expand to North Dakota starting Sept. 1, limiting what retailers can sell with benefits. Foreign Farmland Rules: A new study suggests foreign farmland ownership restrictions can lower land values by reducing the pool of buyers. Local Business Watch: A popular Mandan bar and grill, Stage Stop Saloon & Grill, has closed temporarily, with reports the business was sold. Health Alert: A jalapeño-linked salmonella outbreak has expanded to 32 states, including North Dakota, with 431 illnesses reported.