Obamacare Refunds: President Trump says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including North Dakota, will get $500 checks starting in October after the Biden administration allegedly overcharged consumers through Healthcare.gov “user fees.” Energy Emergency Powers: Trump expanded Interior’s role in national energy emergencies, giving the Interior secretary independent authority under the Defense Production Act alongside other cabinet officials. North Dakota Higher Ed: The State Board of Higher Education is building a strategic plan aimed at keeping more North Dakota students in-state, attracting out-of-state students, and improving adult learner pathways—plus optimizing the university system’s decision-making structure. Drought Relief: Persistent northern Plains drought is driving a hay shortage, and Farm Rescue launched “Operation Hay Lift” to move hay to ranchers in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana. Tribal Youth Engagement: Turtle Mountain Chairman Jamie Azure urged tribal leaders to invest in youth and use data and higher education to break from “old politics,” sharing progress from a decade-long strategic planning effort. Election Fight: Republican election officials asked the U.S. Supreme Court to block Trump’s mail-ballot changes for the midterms, warning of confusion and operational strain. Tamarack Project Update: Talon Metals chose its Humboldt Mill in Michigan for Tamarack processing, ending plans for a proposed Beulah processing facility in Mercer County, North Dakota. Robocall Crackdown: North Dakota and other attorneys general pushed the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Upstream Provider” rules to stop illegal robocalls. Workforce Summit: North Dakota’s Governor’s Workforce Summit agenda is out, with registration open for Sept. 23 at Bismarck State College’s National Energy Center of Excellence.