Education Leadership: University of Mary appointed Dr. Brenda Tufte as dean of the Liffrig Family School of Education and Behavioral Sciences, effective Aug. 15, after 14 years at the university. Scams & Consumer Protection: North Dakota’s unemployment agency warned of phone scams demanding a fee to “release” unpaid benefits—legitimate benefits don’t require payment. Accounting & Business Recognition: Brady Martz (Grand Forks) was named among Inside Public Accounting’s 2026 Top 100 Firms. Affordable Housing: Wells Fargo announced a $1.2 million investment in Minot partner Beyond Shelter, plus a former branch property donation aimed at senior housing. Energy & Funding: DOE awarded nearly $1.4 million to North Dakota for weatherization readiness, training/technical help, and the State Energy Program. Oil & Drilling: North Dakota oil production ticked up in June, with output above forecast and drilling activity improving. Parks Leadership: Gov. Kelly Armstrong named Tony Hillig director of the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department. Data Centers & Transparency: Lawmakers advanced draft rules targeting nondisclosure agreements tied to data centers and industrial projects. Public Safety: Jalapeño-linked salmonella cases expanded to North Dakota and 31 other states.