Drought Relief for Livestock: The North Dakota Water Commission activated a drought disaster livestock water supply assistance program, approving $2 million in cost-share help for wells, rural water connections, pipeline extensions and pasture taps, with reimbursement up to 65% (capped at $10,000 per project) after Gov. Kelly Armstrong declared a drought disaster. Special Session Watch: Lawmakers set the agenda for a Sept. 2 special session, including kratom regulation (age limits and a synthetic ban), a line of credit for the stalled Military Gallery project, a technical property tax credit fix, and a proposal to bar governments from signing nondisclosure deals with data center developers through 2027. Meta Trial Signals Big Tech Pressure: A federal trial began in Oakland over state claims that Meta designed Facebook and Instagram features that harm youth, seeking major damages and operational changes. Farm Policy Push: The American Farm Bureau urged lower regulatory costs and reforms to strengthen the produce sector, arguing rising specialty-crop import pressure is tied to regulatory-imposed cost differences. Local Business/Community: Bassett Mirror expanded sales representation across Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota, adding a new territory rep to support customer relationships. Fuel Prices: GasBuddy reported North Dakota regular gas averaging $3.80 for the week ending Aug. 8, with diesel averaging $4.92.