Data Centers & Connectivity: Nokia, Aureon and t3 Broadband rolled out a new ultra-high-capacity optical route linking a North Dakota data center development to the Chicago metro, starting at 100 Tbps with a path to 400 Tbps—aimed at AI, cloud and hyperscale demand. Energy & Oil Markets: A North Dakota regulator said crude production is likely to stay steady this year even after oil prices slid following a U.S.-Iran MOU, with operators still running about 1–1.5 million barrels per day and adding rigs. Agriculture & Fertilizer Costs: An ag economist flagged ongoing volatility after the U.S.-Iran deal, while noting nitrogen fertilizer prices are easing and urging farmers to plan fall needs amid weather and input-price swings. Food Safety: A West Fargo meal prep company recalled nearly 6,000 pounds of frozen meatloaf because soy wasn’t listed on the label, affecting shipments to ND and neighboring states. Legal/Policy Watch: Pesticide makers are pushing “liability shield” laws to block failure-to-warn lawsuits tied to products like glyphosate, with Georgia and North Dakota already passing similar measures and the U.S. Supreme Court expected to weigh in this summer. Transportation & Safety: A new report on a 2024 ND derailment points to deteriorating culverts and inspection problems by the railroad operator. Manufacturing: America’s only LED light bulb factory is set to ramp up in Fargo, targeting A19 LED production for the 250th anniversary.