Kratom Crackdown: North Dakota’s special legislative session is pushing toward a total kratom ban after Gov. Kelly Armstrong’s call for “all forms,” with a committee recommending Senate Bill 2408 that would cover both synthetic and natural kratom and set criminal penalties. Data Center Policy: Lawmakers also debated a data center nondisclosure agreement bill (SB 2406), with a do-not-pass recommendation after arguments that existing transparency rules may be enough. Defense Tech & Drones: Army Under Secretary Mike Obadal toured Grand Forks’ Point Defense Battle Lab and GrandSKY UAS tech park, highlighting North Dakota’s counter-drone and unmanned systems momentum. Harvest Safety: Vision Zero is urging drivers to slow down and stay alert as combines and tractors share roads during harvest, citing 35 farm-equipment crashes in 2025. Drought Relief for Ranchers: Farm Rescue launched “Operation Hay Lift” to haul and subsidize hay for eligible ranchers hit by drought, fire, or other disasters. Public Health: Bismarck reported two rabid bats since Aug. 20; officials urged residents to avoid bat contact and report unusual activity. Energy Watch: GasBuddy price checks show premium and midgrade prices still elevated in multiple counties, with statewide averages rising week over week.