Workforce & Higher Ed: North Dakota leaders say colleges and universities may need to do more to pull in students as post-secondary data show about 41% of 2023-24 high school graduates didn’t pursue higher education, raising concerns about future job gaps. Energy & Legal Watch: Federal approval clears a key Dakota Access Pipeline Missouri River crossing step, allowing continued operation with added monitoring conditions, though the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe says it will keep fighting in court. Agriculture Markets: Wheat prices are struggling to sustain recent gains as traders shift to “rain makes grain,” with Northern Plains spring wheat pressured by acreage and production expectations while global supply looks steadier. Food Costs: A survey finds many families in the region are treating fresh produce as a luxury as prices rise, with North Dakota households reporting higher monthly produce spending. Public Policy & Risk: Kentucky’s new pesticide liability shield—modeled after similar moves in North Dakota—limits some lawsuits when EPA-approved labels are used, fueling debate over consumer protections. Tech & Outdoors: Forward-facing sonar is changing fishing by letting anglers see fish in real time, but it’s also sparking questions about how the sport and fish populations will adapt. State Business & Talent: North Dakota’s higher-ed recruitment push and workforce planning are getting fresh attention as policymakers weigh incentives to attract more students.