AGP Executive Report

VA Housing: North Dakota received $39.2 million in VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans in Q2, with 118 loans issued statewide. Data Centers & Local Impacts: A public forum in Mapleton (Sept. 15) will tackle how data centers affect water and power, with candidate Vern Thompson criticizing NDAs used in negotiations. Food Policy: Gov. Armstrong praised a new federal meat country-of-origin labeling rule, saying North Dakota beef producers should get full transparency. Workforce Watch: Job Service reports 12,655 open jobs in North Dakota as of late August—down from earlier years, but only gradually. Trade Tensions: Trump’s Canada tariff fight is spilling into politics and prices, with Canada retaliating and targeting politically sensitive states. Community & Education: Grand Forks Public Schools warns preliminary enrollment and a proposed free school lunch/breakfast mandate could strain its budget. Public Health: ProPublica reports ectopic pregnancy deaths have nearly doubled, with abortion bans worsening delays in care. Tribal Food Sovereignty: ND tribal colleges held a Farm to Table event in Bismarck highlighting gardens and agriculture programs.

Kratom crackdown in Bismarck: North Dakota lawmakers passed a special-session bill banning synthetic kratom and restricting natural kratom sales to adults 21+, with Gov. Kelly Armstrong signing it after an earlier push for a full ban failed. Data center NDA fight: Lawmakers heard public concerns about transparency and nondisclosure agreements tied to data centers, but an NDA proposal died in the Senate, leaving the issue unresolved. School funding pressure in Grand Forks: Preliminary enrollment shows 70–100 fewer students than projected, and a November ballot push for free school lunch and breakfast could add millions in costs and threaten state aid payments. Energy focus at Lignite Energy Council: Industry leaders met in Bismarck as power demand surges, with data centers cited as a key driver and lawmakers arguing against retiring existing generation too quickly. Public health reminder on rabies: NDSU lab reports rising rabies testing positives, mostly little brown bats, prompting state agencies to urge residents to avoid handling bats and report dead ones. Tribal food sovereignty: ND tribal colleges held a Farm to Table event in Bismarck highlighting gardens, greenhouses, and locally sourced meals. State finance recognition: North Dakota earned a Government Finance Officers Association award for excellence in financial reporting.

Kratom policy in focus: North Dakota lawmakers advanced kratom bills in a special session, with the state moving toward regulation rather than a total ban. Free speech protections: A bill aimed at stopping frivolous lawsuits that target public-interest speakers is headed to the North Dakota Legislature next year. Local government and agriculture: Stevens County approved a conditional use permit for Riverview’s West River Dairy expansion, clearing a major step toward growing to 18,855 cows. Energy and environment: The EPA proposed approval of North Dakota’s regional haze plan, with Sen. John Hoeven backing the move. Education and community: Fort Ransom’s school district is now nonoperating as enrollment dwindles, while West Fargo’s mother-daughter team completed a Bharatanatyam milestone recital. Business and industry: Birchtech reached an agreement in principle to acquire a specialty activated carbon company, expanding commercial-scale capabilities with facilities in North Dakota and Pennsylvania. Public safety and health: Advocates are pushing for wider Narcan access, and a Minot doctor’s Arctic adventure is set for a local film screening. State finances: New Census data show North Dakota tobacco products sales tax revenue fell in 2024 versus 2023.

Kratom Crackdown in Bismarck: Gov. Kelly Armstrong is pushing a special-session ban on kratom “in all its forms,” citing overdose deaths and arguing the substance is too loosely regulated to wait. Lawmakers are weighing bills that would restrict synthetic kratom products and tighten natural kratom rules with licensing and labeling. Election Security Push: Rep. Julie Fedorchak says the SAVE Act—requiring photo ID proving citizenship—remains a top priority as Congress returns, alongside efforts to finish federal budget work before late-September deadlines. Data Center NDA Fight: North Dakota lawmakers moved to restrict data center non-disclosure agreements, with a proposal failing to advance in the Senate. Agriculture & Soil Research: South Dakota researchers say adding sunflowers to a corn-soybean rotation can improve soil structure and help stabilize corn yields in dry years. Local Events: West Fargo’s Big Iron Farm and Construction Show returns Sept. 15-17 with free entry, equipment demos, and educational sessions.

Kratom crackdown in special session: North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong urged lawmakers to ban kratom “in all its forms,” citing overdose deaths and arguing the substance is too lightly regulated to wait. Lawmakers are weighing bills that would restrict synthetic kratom and regulate natural kratom, after earlier action that paused products for 30 days. Agriculture & soil research: A multi-year study highlights sunflowers as a rotation partner for corn-soybeans, pointing to better soil structure and more stable yields in dry years. Big Iron Farm Show returns: West Fargo’s 46th Big Iron Farm and Construction Show runs Sept. 15-17 with free entry, hundreds of exhibitors, seminars, field demos, and a free concert featuring Eli Young Band and LANCO. Consumer fraud snapshot: Casselton reported one scam in July, tying for 9th among ND cities tracked by BBB Scam Tracker. Regional haze policy: The EPA is moving on North Dakota’s regional haze plan, with proposals to reverse earlier rejection. Energy pressure on families: Nationally, Labor Day gasoline prices are projected to hit record levels above $4 a gallon, with war-related supply disruptions cited.

Energy & Cost of Living: Americans are heading into Labor Day weekend facing record-high gasoline prices, with the national average projected to top $4.03 a gallon—fueling fresh political pressure as the Middle East conflict keeps energy costs elevated. Local Fraud Watch: Casselton logged one scam report in July, tying for 9th among North Dakota cities tracked by the BBB Scam Tracker, as nationwide fraud losses keep climbing. Trade & Agriculture: North Dakota Sen. Paul Thomas helped secure a Midwestern Legislative Conference resolution backing Canada-U.S. agricultural free trade, highlighting how cross-border food supply supports both countries. State & Community Notes: Fargo’s Oct. 6 special election has no early voting, so residents must use absentee ballots to vote before Election Day. Education Spotlight: Grand Forks Central marketing teacher Hannah Freese earned North Dakota CTE’s Director’s Award of Excellence, and Katie Hatt Rokke was named North Dakota CTE Teacher of the Year. Sports: No. 8 North Dakota opens the Potato Bowl USA against St. Thomas, aiming to keep early momentum rolling at the Alerus Center.

Kratom Crackdown in Bismarck: North Dakota lawmakers wrapped a special session by advancing a bill that bans chemically manipulated synthetic kratom derivatives while keeping regulated access to natural kratom leaf; the House rejected a full ban proposal, then passed HB 1628, which the governor is set to sign. Native Voting Fight: Tribes including the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians and the Spirit Lake Nation asked a federal court to keep their challenge alive against North Dakota’s 2021 legislative map, arguing it dilutes Native voting power. Energy Costs Hit Home: With Middle East tensions pushing fuel prices higher, Americans are bracing for Labor Day gasoline prices around $4.03 a gallon, a new late-year high that’s already shaping the national mood. Local Spotlight—Education: Grand Forks Central marketing teacher Hannah Freese earned the state CTE Director’s Award of Excellence, highlighting hands-on career training for students. Community & Governance: Fargo voters can’t use early voting for the Oct. 6 special election and must request absentee ballots to weigh a proposed shift from commission to council government. Sports: No. 8 North Dakota opens Potato Bowl USA weekend against St. Thomas at the Alerus Center.

Potato Bowl Preview: No. 8 North Dakota hosts St. Thomas at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Alerus Center for the 60th annual Potato Bowl USA, with UND aiming to keep its early momentum rolling in a matchup that’s as much about local tradition as it is the scoreboard. Fargo Election Logistics: Absentee ballots are available for Fargo’s Oct. 6 special election, where voters will decide whether to switch the city’s form of government from a commission to a council. Kratom Crackdown Update: North Dakota’s special session is moving through kratom policy, with lawmakers advancing a bill that targets synthetic kratom derivatives while rejecting a full ban approach. Regional Air Policy: The EPA has proposed fully approving North Dakota’s regional haze plan, reversing a prior partial rejection and setting up a 30-day public comment period. State Economy Snapshot: Tax Commissioner Brian Kroshus reports Q2 2026 taxable sales and purchases rose 3.86% year over year, led by retail trade and manufacturing gains. Education & Community: Grand Forks Central’s marketing program earned a top statewide CTE award, and Katie Hatt Rokke was named North Dakota CTE Teacher of the Year. Sports Notes: Kindred’s Friday night football opener drew a big crowd, and Rugby families report renewed flooding after heavy rain.

Kratom crackdown in special session: North Dakota lawmakers wrapped a three-day push by passing House Bill 1628, banning chemically manipulated synthetic kratom derivatives (including 7-OH) while keeping regulated access to natural kratom leaf; Gov. Kelly Armstrong is set to sign. Clean air policy: The EPA proposed fully approving North Dakota’s regional haze plan, reversing a 2024 partial rejection and setting up a 30-day public comment period. Native voting rights fight: Tribes asked a federal court to keep alive claims that North Dakota’s 2021 legislative map dilutes Native American voting power. Flood recovery hits another snag: Rugby families rebuilding after recent flooding reported additional basement flooding after another round of heavy rain. Missile modernization: A presentation on the Sentinel ICBM replacement for Minuteman III outlined major changes to the missile field, including fewer launch centers. Local education and community: Grand Forks CTE teacher Katie Hatt Rokke was named North Dakota CTE Teacher of the Year; plus, a roundup of community bravos and senior center meal details. Gas prices pressure: Labor Day weekend is expected to bring record-high U.S. gasoline prices, with the national average projected to hit about $4.03 a gallon.

Regional Air: The EPA has proposed fully approving North Dakota’s regional haze plan, reversing a 2024 partial rejection and setting up a 30-day public comment period. Flood Recovery: Rugby homeowners are facing repeat basement flooding after another round of heavy rain, forcing families to rebuild again. Defense Update: The new Sentinel missile system is set to replace Minuteman III, bringing major changes to the missile field that includes Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota. Tax & Economy: North Dakota Tax Commissioner Brian Kroshus reports Q2 2026 taxable sales and purchases rose 3.86% year over year to $7.39B, with retail trade and real estate leading gains. Kratom Fight: North Dakota lawmakers advanced kratom regulation while rejecting a total ban, and Gov. Armstrong continues pushing for stricter limits. Cybersecurity: A Thomson Reuters breach exposed court-related files across multiple states, including North Dakota, raising concerns about sensitive personal data. Higher Ed Oversight: UND may see programs reviewed under a new state board policy targeting low-completion offerings. Local Culture & Community: UND will honor outstanding alumni during Homecoming, and a Glendive wrestling fundraiser is set to support a domestic violence program.

Kratom showdown in Bismarck: North Dakota lawmakers are close to deciding kratom’s fate in the special session, with the House and Senate moving different proposals—one would regulate pure-leaf kratom for adults, while the other would permanently ban natural and synthetic forms; the kratom industry is pushing back, including claims critics say are misleading. Data center NDA fight: A bill to block non-disclosure agreements between public agencies and data center/industrial developers failed in the ND Senate, with opponents warning the language could sweep in other kinds of government tech contracts. Cybersecurity ripple in ND courts: Thomson Reuters says a breach tied to its C-Track court platform hit systems in multiple states including North Dakota, raising concerns about sensitive court records. North Dakota workforce push: The Global Talent Summit highlighted ways to strengthen North Dakota’s talent pipeline through global recruitment and better newcomer integration. Agriculture & health watch: South Dakota confirmed anthrax in a cattle herd, and ND ranchers are watching closely as harvest season approaches amid uncertainty.

Kratom crackdown in Bismarck: North Dakota lawmakers are racing toward Friday’s special-session deadline as the House passed a regulated kratom bill (HB 1628) for buyers 21+ with licensing, labeling, and penalties, while the Senate advanced a near-total ban (SB 2408) on natural and synthetic kratom—setting up a likely showdown in the second votes. Data center transparency fight: A proposal to block government nondisclosure agreements tied to data centers and other industrial projects failed on the Senate floor, with supporters arguing “secrets destroy trust” and opponents saying more time and hearings are needed. Military Gallery funding: The Senate approved a $20 million construction loan package to restart the stalled Military Gallery project, despite criticism that no one has been held accountable. Workforce push: North Dakota hosted a Global Talent Summit with more than 100 employers and partners focused on recruiting and integrating international workers to fill jobs. Cybersecurity ripple: A Thomson Reuters C-Track breach tied to court systems across multiple states—including North Dakota—has raised concerns about exposed personal data, even as officials say there’s no sign of misuse yet. University tech policy: The State Board of Higher Education rescinded the university system’s TikTok ban on state-owned devices, aligning with updated state guidance.

Cybersecurity: Thomson Reuters confirmed a March 2026 breach of its C-Track court case system, with unauthorized access tied to records in North Dakota and 11 other U.S. states plus Ontario and the U.S. Virgin Islands; officials say there was no operational disruption, but some files may include sensitive personal and health information. Kratom Crackdown: North Dakota’s special session is pushing toward a permanent ban on kratom in all forms, after Gov. Kelly Armstrong urged lawmakers to act on a public health and public safety threat; committees advanced bills that would classify synthetic (and now natural) kratom products as controlled substances. Data Center Politics: A data center nondisclosure bill advanced with a do-not-pass recommendation after lawmakers debated whether penalties are needed beyond existing transparency rules. Military Gallery Funding: Lawmakers advanced a compromise to restart the stalled Military Gallery project, recommending a $20 million Bank of North Dakota line of credit and changes to existing state funding conditions. Public Health: Health officials reported two rabid bats in Bismarck and urged residents to avoid handling bats and to report dead bats for testing. Local Business: Acme Equipment opened a new Bismarck store, expanding its Kubota sales and service footprint.

Military Museum Funding Fight: Lawmakers grilled the fundraising firm behind Bismarck’s stalled Military Gallery and are weighing a $20M Bank of North Dakota line of credit to restart construction, after testimony exposed big payments with limited donations. Kratom Crackdown: North Dakota’s special session opened with Gov. Kelly Armstrong urging a total kratom ban; committees advanced bills that would permanently outlaw kratom in all forms, including synthetic products, with the Senate set to vote soon. Court System Cyber Incident: The North Dakota Supreme Court said a third-party vendor (C-Track) breach may have involved Supreme Court data; district court and other systems were not affected, and officials urged people to watch statements and credit reports. Public Safety—Rabid Bats: Health officials reported two rabid bats in Bismarck since Aug. 20 and urged residents to avoid bat contact and report dead bats for testing. Data Center Politics: House and Senate Republicans blocked special-session bills on childcare and data centers, while a separate committee recommended rejecting a proposal that would add penalties tied to public-agency NDAs. Storm Recovery: Trump approved a presidential major disaster declaration for June storms, unlocking $3.4M for recovery in multiple western and central counties. Road Safety for Harvest: DOT reminded drivers to slow down and use extra caution around farm equipment during harvest season.

Special Session Watch: North Dakota lawmakers head to Bismarck for a special session starting Wednesday, with kratom restrictions, rules on nondisclosure agreements tied to data centers/industrial projects, and a plan for the stalled North Dakota Military Gallery all on the table. Data Center Transparency: Gov. Kelly Armstrong pushed back on a proposed NDA bill, arguing it can’t override open-records law, while lawmakers cite the Harwood-area surprise project as a reason for clearer limits. Kratom Pushback: Public testimony urged lawmakers to go beyond regulation, with parents and clinicians describing dependence and addiction concerns. Military Museum Funding: A bill would seek a $35 million Bank of North Dakota line of credit to keep the Military Gallery project moving after fundraising fell short. SNAP Soda Fight (Neighboring State): South Dakota submitted a waiver request to ban soda purchases with SNAP benefits, a move that could cost the state hundreds of thousands annually if approved. Agriculture & Weather: USDA reported Iowa corn maturity at 6% (behind recent averages) while conditions remain mostly good to excellent. Beef Prices Probe: DOJ expanded its beef affordability investigation to major grocery retailers, adding Walmart, Costco, Amazon and others.

UAS & Satellite Jobs: Grand Forks is pushing careers in North Dakota’s uncrewed and autonomous systems and satellite sectors, pointing people to Job Service ND and ND Workforce Connection for openings and internships. County Governance: A proposed Grand Forks County employee corrective action policy sparked pushback over how much HR would weigh into discipline decisions. Kratom Crackdown: Lawmakers head into a special session as public testimony splits between a full ban push and calls to regulate natural kratom, with concerns about addiction and synthetic products. Data Center Transparency: Gov. Kelly Armstrong opposed a bill that would restrict public officials from signing nondisclosure agreements with data center developers, arguing it could complicate routine confidential permitting and financing. Storm Recovery: Trump approved a presidential major disaster declaration for June storms, unlocking $3.4 million for North Dakota recovery. Military Museum Funding: Lawmakers are set to revisit a stalled North Dakota National Guard military museum after reporting raised questions about premature construction and fundraising shortfalls. Public Safety & Health: Work began to remove and relocate human remains found at the Governor’s Residence, with archaeologists investigating additional underground anomalies.