Health & Food Security: Great Plains Food Bank is set to receive a $350,000 grant from the Otto Bremer Trust to expand hunger relief across North Dakota, supporting more than 200 local pantries, shelters and meal programs. Local Tax Policy: Jamestown’s Finance and Legal Committee voted 4-1 to move forward with a first reading of an amendment that would impose a 1% city sales and use tax on gross receipts, with the change tied to a community development fund and a possible November ballot question for TRAC. Energy & Oil Markets: North Dakota oil fetched a rare premium in May—about $2.56 per barrel above WTI—boosting estimated oil tax revenue by roughly $29 million, though state officials say it likely won’t last. SNAP Rules: North Dakota’s SNAP “Healthy Choice Waiver” will restrict purchases like candy, soda and energy drinks starting Sept. 1 for two years, with possible extensions. Infrastructure & Growth: Bluepeak is accelerating fiber expansion in North Dakota and beyond using Harmonic’s broadband platform and optical gear, aiming to extend service into lower-density multi-dwelling units. Public Safety: The North Dakota Highway Patrol identified the driver in the I-94 Fargo bison carcass spill, tied to a trucking operation transporting bison remains to a Minnesota rendering facility. Housing Supply: New Zillow research says empty lots for sale could cut the national housing shortage by more than 6% if homes were built on them—an argument for zoning and permitting reform.