Workforce & Immigration: North Dakota Commerce opened registration for the 2026 Global Talent Summit, Sept. 3 in Bismarck, aiming to help employers recruit and retain international and skilled-trade talent, with Gov. Kelly Armstrong set for a fireside chat. Courts & Judgeships: The North Dakota Supreme Court says a North Central District judgeship should be retained after Judge Todd Cresap’s retirement, keeping caseload needs in mind and setting up a nominating commission. Local Development: Minot is still working through stalled “Big M” building talks, with $2.38 million in TIF-backed asbestos abatement funds tied up and city attorneys seeking a path forward. Rural Health: North Dakota’s Rural Health Transformation Program is projected to bring $1 billion over five years, but officials stress the real bottleneck is staffing across the state, not just equipment. Accessibility Grants: NDCA highlighted FY26 Accessibility Grant projects, including adaptive arts programming and facility/digital upgrades across North Dakota communities. Public Safety & Health Coverage: As Medicaid work requirements loom, questions remain about system gaps and enforcement timing. Agriculture & Trade: NDSU researchers discussed how tariffs and market disruption are hitting U.S. agriculture, including diversion effects tied to China. Infrastructure: DOT awarded $1.73B in BUILD/related grants, including $24M for I-94 guardrails and $24M for Red River bridge work connecting North Dakota and Minnesota. Fiber Internet: Bluepeak hit a 500,000-premises milestone, expanding service across multiple states including North Dakota. Community & Heritage: Valley City held a grand opening for a World War II Heritage Trail and exhibit at the Barnes County Museum. Sports: Stanley-Boyd’s Charlie Hoel committed to North Dakota State University. Consumer Protection: Attorneys general pushed the FCC to strengthen rules against illegal robocalls that rely on legitimate phone numbers.