Carbon Capture Finance: North Dakota’s Industrial Commission approved $205 million in loans for carbon capture at Minnkota’s Milton R. Young Station, with Bank of North Dakota funding split between Minnkota ($45M) and Reliant Carbon Capture & Storage ($160M). Beef Trade Shock: Local cattle producers say Trump’s 90-day tariff-free foreign beef plan is already dragging down North Dakota sale-barn markets, adding uncertainty for ranchers. Drought & Feed Pricing: NDSU Extension updated guidance for valuing standing corn sold for silage as hot, dry conditions force producers to choose grain vs. silage and manage feed shortages. Food & Safety: A multistate E. coli/salmonella outbreak tied to alfalfa sprouts has sickened dozens across 15 states, keeping food supply chain risk in focus. Local Manufacturing Expansion: Wishek Sausage is building a new production facility to expand from Wishek into more North Dakota grocery stores, aiming for shelves by Thanksgiving and broader growth in 2027. Labor & Dairy: Teamsters Local 120 says more than 100 workers at Cass-Clay Creamery ratified a new contract with higher pay, better health care, a pension, and stronger workplace protections. Energy Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports the lowest Burleigh County premium gas at $4.19 (week ending Aug. 15), with North Dakota’s average premium price rising to $4.56. Health System Pressure: CMS data puts North Dakota ED wait times at about 115 minutes, underscoring ongoing pressure on emergency care access.