Kratom Crisis & Special Session: North Dakota lawmakers are weighing draft bills for a Sept. 2 special session, including proposals to restrict kratom and related chemicals after Gov. Kelly Armstrong linked the unregulated market to overdoses and deaths; a panel will also consider other topics like data center limits and a fix for the stalled Military Gallery project. State Health Leadership: Gov. Armstrong appointed Conner Swanson as commissioner of the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, effective Aug. 29, replacing interim Commissioner Pat Traynor. Foodborne Illness Watch: The CDC reports cyclosporiasis cases have climbed to 13,895 confirmed nationwide, tied largely to a Taylor Farms Mexico iceberg lettuce recall, while the FDA is sending inspectors to Mexico. Local Health Systems: Altru Health System named Heather Strandell as COO, overseeing inpatient and outpatient operations. Heart Care Recognition: Eight south-central North Dakota hospitals earned American Heart Association honors for heart disease and stroke care. Rural Health Access: North Dakota opened funding opportunities aimed at improving rural non-emergency medical transportation. Public Safety: Two separate I-94 crashes in the Jamestown area left one man dead and another seriously injured, with investigators citing seatbelt issues. Environment & Health: Pine wilt disease is tentatively identified in southern North Dakota, and officials say there’s no effective treatment.