Drought Response: Gov. Kelly Armstrong declared a statewide drought emergency and activated North Dakota’s Drought Disaster Livestock Water Supply Project Assistance Program, making up to $2 million available for producers to build new water wells, connect to rural systems, extend pipelines, and more. Ag Policy & Trade: At a Grand Forks ag roundtable, North Dakota farm leaders pressed for more certainty as tariffs and negotiations reshape beef, soybeans, sugar and other commodity markets; officials argued trade agreements will help long term, but farmers remain wary. Ethanol Market: A push is building for year-round E15 sales after House passage, with North Dakota stakeholders saying expanded availability could grow corn-based ethanol demand and lower fuel costs. Energy Infrastructure: Minnesota Power broke ground on a major power line upgrade in Center, designed to nearly double capacity and allow power to flow both directions. Workforce & Manufacturing: NSF awarded Williston State College $373,701 for a STEM workforce pipeline tied to energy and IT needs in the Bakken; meanwhile, the Greater North Dakota Chamber named Harvestone Low Carbon Partners’ Amanda Vetter a Faces of Manufacturing honoree. Rural Water Project: Mandaree opened the Bruce A. Fox Water Treatment Plant, funded with $33.3 million in federal support and doubling capacity for the Fort Berthold Rural Water system. Economic Development Planning: EDA awarded $630,000 to three North Dakota regional development councils for long-term economic growth strategies. Local Business Growth: Birdtree, an independent animation studio in Bismarck, is expanding in-state creative opportunities and building a local talent pipeline. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reported some of the week’s lowest regular and midgrade prices across multiple counties, with statewide regular averaging about $3.80 for the week ending Aug. 8.