Energy & Research Funding: More than half of the employees furloughed at UND’s Energy and Environmental Research Center have returned as the EERC negotiates new U.S. Department of Energy funding awards, with nine already back at work and more expected as projects restart. Public Health & Water Safety: The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality issued a harmful algae bloom advisory for Devils Lake, warning people and pets to avoid the water if it looks discolored, has scum, or smells bad. Agriculture Under Pressure: North Dakota wheat growers are facing triple-digit heat stress as harvest nears, while global market shocks tied to Russia-Ukraine tensions add volatility to already-rising prices. STEM & Workforce Pipeline: North Dakota’s career and technical education system is expanding, with officials pointing to growing CTE centers and programs designed to match local industry needs and keep young people in-state. Infrastructure & Safety: The North Dakota Department of Transportation rescheduled a Skyway Bridge inspection in Grand Forks to July 29–30. Digital Infrastructure: A national analysis ranks Alaska as the biggest “internet desert,” highlighting the broadband gap that still affects remote regions.