Regional Infrastructure & Public Safety: Walsh County approved a $10.64 million bid package for its jail project, with commissioners citing officer transport burdens and pushing for transparency as a conditional-use permit still awaits action. Energy & Cost of Living: With war-linked supply pressures, U.S. gasoline is headed toward record Labor Day levels, and the national average could hit $4.03 a gallon—fuel prices are already around $4.13. Air Quality Policy: The EPA proposed fully approving North Dakota’s regional haze plan, reversing a 2024 partial rejection and aiming to protect visibility in national parks while keeping baseload power operating. Health Policy: North Dakota lawmakers passed House Bill 1628 to ban synthetic kratom derivatives while preserving regulated access to natural kratom leaf products. Rural Economy & Community: ND Next: The Future Grows Here returns Sept. 30–Oct. 1 in Carrington, pairing rural economic development talks with local business stories and a dairy farm tour. Sports (Local Spotlight): No. 8 North Dakota hosts St. Thomas at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Alerus Center in the 60th Potato Bowl.