AGP Executive Report

Redistricting Watch: A new wave of redistricting is moving beyond Congress and could reach statehouses and even city councils, with Georgia’s GOP-led Legislature set to convene June 17 for 2028 redistricting that may also touch state House, Senate, and possibly the utility regulatory commission—after a Supreme Court shift weakened minority voting protections. Coal Funding Push: President Trump is using wartime powers to steer $700 million toward coal-fired plants and related projects, including keeping facilities online in North Dakota and other states, while critics call it a boost for the dirtiest energy. Tribal Legal Fight: Nine Native tribes in South Dakota, North Dakota, and Nebraska are suing to stop exploratory graphite drilling near a sacred Black Hills meadow used for ceremonies and youth camps. Public Safety Training: Mayville Fire and Rescue is raising money for a regional firefighter training facility, aiming to reduce travel costs and bring more hands-on training closer to eastern North Dakota. Veterans Milestone (History): A 1960 report highlighted North Dakota’s veteran population topping 72,000.

Coal Funding Push: The Trump administration is channeling nearly $700 million into the U.S. coal industry using wartime powers, including $425 million for 13 existing coal plants that include North Dakota, plus grants for new builds and a California export terminal. Tribal Legal Fight: Nine Native American tribes, including from North Dakota, are suing to stop exploratory graphite drilling near a sacred Black Hills site, arguing federal agencies violated law and that the project threatens wildlife and ceremonial use. Regional Fire Training: Mayville Fire and Rescue is raising $6 million to build a regional training facility so firefighters can train locally instead of traveling to Minot’s state fire school. Medicaid Billing Spike: In Minot, Medicaid payments under “Temporary National Codes (Non-Medicare)” jumped 54.8% in 2024, reaching about $832,861. Local Politics & Voting: Early voting is up in Stutsman County for the June 9 primary, with Jamestown reporting 671 early voters through Thursday. Agriculture Safety: Western North Dakota youth ages 13–16 wrapped up a 3-day farm safety camp in Dickinson focused on tractor, livestock, emergency response, and first-aid training. Pipeline Hearings: A FERC scoping meeting in Jamestown drew light turnout as the Bakken East Pipeline project gathers public input on route and land-recovery concerns.

Coal Boost in the Bakken and Beyond: The Trump administration is set to push nearly $700M into the U.S. coal industry using Cold War-era Defense Production Act powers, including $425M for 13 existing coal plants that list North Dakota among the beneficiaries, plus $75M aimed at a California export terminal. Pipeline Protest Fallout: A Dutch court ruled Greenpeace can pursue its case in the Netherlands tied to Dakota Access Pipeline protests, keeping a major legal fight alive even after a prior $345M ruling against Greenpeace in North Dakota. Housing Pressure: North Dakota’s homeownership rate keeps sliding, down to 61.2% in 2024, while a separate report highlights affordability concerns as prices and shortages squeeze renters and would-be buyers. Farm Safety for Teens: NDSU Extension and 4-H held a Youth Farm Safety Camp in Dickinson for ages 13–16, teaching tractor, livestock, ATV, first aid, and “Stop the Bleed” skills. Local Election Watch: Early voting is underway in Stutsman County ahead of the June 9 primary, with turnout already higher than prior primary elections. FERC on Bakken East: A FERC scoping meeting in Jamestown drew limited turnout as the agency gathered landowner concerns about the proposed Bakken East Pipeline route through Stutsman County. Agriculture Data Modernization: North Dakota is among the first states to use an upgraded Farm Service Agency system that scans crop acreage maps to speed up reporting for federal programs. AI and Daily Life: A new report says advanced AI is improving facial recognition accuracy, raising fresh concerns as the tech spreads into airports and public venues.

Pipeline Protest Legal Fight: A Dutch court ruled Greenpeace can pursue its case in the Netherlands tied to lawsuits over Dakota Access Pipeline protests, keeping the fight with Energy Transfer on an international track. Coal Funding Push: The Trump administration says it will channel about $700M into coal power using the Defense Production Act, including $425M for 13 existing plants that list North Dakota among the recipients, plus money for new builds and a California export terminal. Medicaid Billing Spike: Minot Medicaid payments under “Temporary National Codes (Non-Medicare)” jumped 54.8% in 2024, reaching $832,861, highlighting how local billing patterns can shift public health spending. Farm Safety & Youth: Western North Dakota teens attended an NDSU Extension/4-H Youth Farm Safety Camp in Dickinson for hands-on tractor, livestock, ATV, and emergency training. Housing Pressure: North Dakota homeownership fell to 61.2% in 2024, down from 63.7% in 2023, as affordability and inventory issues squeeze buyers. Election Ground Game: Early voting in Stutsman County rose, with Jamestown reporting 671 early votes through Thursday ahead of the June 9 primary. Bakken East Pipeline Input: FERC held a scoping meeting on the proposed Bakken East Pipeline route through Stutsman County, with land restoration and return-to-production concerns front and center. Agriculture Data Modernization: North Dakota is among the first states to use an upgraded system for farm acreage reporting, moving from manual entry toward scanned maps. Local Politics: Fargo’s primary could bring “generational change,” with three of five City Commission seats up and mayoral leadership in play.

Coal Power Push in North Dakota: Gov. Kelly Armstrong backed President Trump’s Defense Production Act plan to modernize or restart coal plants, including up to $27.4 million for Basin Electric’s Antelope Valley Station upgrades near Beulah, as part of a broader $425M package aimed at keeping 13 coal plants running longer. Energy Policy + Markets: The same coal push is playing out alongside Wall Street gains as oil prices eased, with the Dow hitting a record after Brent fell. Data Center Fallout in Oliver County: Commissioners heard concerns from a noise expert about low-frequency sound impacts from a proposed Applied Digital data center, while the company says studies and county conditions address the issues. Medicaid Crackdown: North Dakota will expand Medicaid oversight starting July 1, adding more frequent revalidations and site visits for higher-risk provider categories to prevent fraud. Local Governance: The Slope County Commission discussed a regional partnership, tax credit applications, and rural health funding. Agriculture Trade: U.S. Wheat Associates signed an agreement with Indonesia’s flour milling group to set minimum U.S. wheat purchase volumes through 2030. Sports + Schools: North Dakota’s NCAA penalties hit the FCS football program over assistant coach tampering violations, while local coverage also highlighted standout track performances at the state meet. Tourism Watch: A new tourism impact report shows North Dakota’s visitor economy dipped in 2025, with early signs of momentum for 2026.

Coal & Energy: President Trump announced a $700M federal push to revive coal, using the Defense Production Act to modernize 13 coal plants and support new coal projects, including up to $27.4M for North Dakota’s Antelope Valley Station. Tourism Economy: North Dakota’s visitor economy dipped in 2025 as Canadian travel fell, but domestic travel stayed strong and early signs point to momentum for 2026. Data Centers & Health: A North Dakota-focused discussion is zeroing in on data center noise and its health effects, not just water use and air impacts. Agriculture Markets: A look at “beans, beef and Boeing” trade talk with China argues markets want hard proof of deals, with commodity and stock moves showing skepticism. Courts & Business: A $15M lawsuit involving Summit Carbon Solutions is moving toward trial in Delaware. Local Politics: North Dakota’s primary is days away, with Ward County’s contested races drawing attention amid election-integrity claims. Housing/Finance: The Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines will accept VantageScore 4.0 for mortgage collateral, expanding scoring for millions of consumers. Community Health: A Grand Forks postpartum support group is building a safer space for new moms with education and connection.

Energy Policy: President Trump announced a $700 million push to revive coal, using the Defense Production Act to fund upgrades at 13 coal plants and keep 42 mines operating, with North Dakota included for modernization at Basin Electric’s Antelope Valley Station near Beulah. Oil & Jobs: North Dakota leaders are racing to expand Enhanced Oil Recovery in the Bakken before political momentum shifts, arguing only a fraction of the resource has been unlocked so far. Local Elections: Grand Forks County voters will choose on June 9 among eight candidates for County Commission seats, including a primary that will eliminate one contender for a partial term. State Government & Taxes: Tax Commissioner Brian Kroshus reported first-quarter 2026 taxable sales and purchases rose 4.24% year over year. School Tech: A new wave of state laws targets cellphone use in schools, with North Dakota cited among places moving toward stricter “gold standard” policies. Community & Culture: Elders’ Week powwow in Pablo celebrated language, tradition, and student participation.

Coal Funding Push: President Trump announced a $700 million “beautiful, clean coal” package using the Defense Production Act, including $75 million for a new Oakland export terminal and $425 million to upgrade 13 coal plants across multiple states that include North Dakota. Election Safeguards Debate: Rep. Julie Fedorchak is advancing a “SAVE America Through REAL ID Act” plan aimed at getting election rules through reconciliation limits, while a separate GOP-backed ballot measure (“Measure One”) is drawing calls to vote no over North Dakota’s single-subject constitutional amendment rule. Defense Against Drones: North Dakota’s 319th Reconnaissance Wing joined Kansas’s Point Defense Battle Lab for VAPOR 26.1, testing passive defenses against small UAS threats using camouflage, concealment, deception, and hardening. Tribal Sovereignty: Tribal leaders in Bismarck urged greater sovereignty as federal support looks less predictable, citing proposed cuts tied to the Trump administration. Local Economy & Housing: Centerspace says it will sell about $240–$245 million in apartments, including exits tied to Bismarck, as it tries to strengthen its balance sheet. Agriculture & Weather: A new drought snapshot shows dryness still affecting parts of North Dakota’s crops, even as some storms eased conditions elsewhere. Healthcare & Community: North Dakota’s early voting momentum is being driven by Cass County, and nursing home CMS updates highlight ongoing quality and staffing pressures across the state.

Tall-Grass Enforcement: Minot updated its tall-grass nuisance ordinance with new geographic exemptions, keeping the 8-inch rule in most areas but allowing taller growth (up to 24 inches) in certain development and land-use situations, plus a complaint and abatement process through Public Works. Military-Community Planning: A Minot Air Force Base Compatible Use Study is underway, with public meetings and 26 compatibility factors meant to guide how the base and surrounding communities coexist as drones and data centers change the landscape. Nursing Home Watch: CMS data ranks Good Samaritan Society Miller Pointe as Morton County’s No. 2 nursing home in Q1 2026, with Sunset Drive taking the top spot. Border Funding Push: Republican governors urged Congress to pass the Secure America Act to keep CBP and ICE funded, criticizing Senate Democrats for delays. Tribal Sovereignty: Tribal leaders met in Bismarck calling for stronger sovereignty and true government-to-government partnerships as federal support looks uncertain. UND Aerospace Deal: UND and Modern Technology Solutions Inc. celebrated an agreement transferring three RATS aircraft to the university. Human Remains Discovery: Construction near the North Dakota governor’s residence in Bismarck uncovered human remains and coffin fragments, prompting archaeological review and possible additional grave sites. Agriculture Grants: The state’s Ag Products Utilization Commission approved $340,524.50 in awards for projects ranging from corn pit structures to dry bean inoculants and meat processing upgrades. Local Politics: Williston mayoral candidate Shawn Roness highlighted housing accessibility as a top priority ahead of the June 9 election.

Human Remains Discovery: Construction near the North Dakota governor’s residence in Bismarck paused after workers found human remains and coffin fragments; archaeologists with the State Historical Society used ground-penetrating radar and say additional grave sites may be present, with next steps expected in weeks. Energy & Oil Recovery: Sen. John Hoeven and Gov. Kelly Armstrong are pushing enhanced oil recovery as Bakken production declines, arguing North Dakota has a short window to expand recovery before momentum fades. Agriculture Grants: Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring announced $340,524.50 in Agricultural Products Utilization Commission awards for projects ranging from corn pit structures and meat processing to dry bean inoculants and crop inoculation research. Local Government Watch: Ward County commissioners advanced a battery energy storage systems ordinance after debate over industry language and whether to pause for more revisions. Elections & Integrity Claims: A Minot mayoral candidate questioned Ward County election equipment accuracy as early voting began, alleging testing steps were handled incorrectly. UND Update: UND highlighted major 2025-2026 initiatives, including new company “moonshots” and efforts to become an AI-focused university for North Dakota.

Nursing Home Oversight: Sanford-owned Good Samaritan Society–Oakes in Dickey County had a Q1 2026 CMS rating of 1 (below the state average of 3.3), with 43.8 residents on average, 46 beds, and one fine totaling $12,740. Local Government: Grand Forks County commissioners moved toward a ballot measure to consolidate county mills for more budget flexibility, but were more hesitant about dropping minimum mill guarantees for ambulance services and the Senior Citizen Center. Beef Promotion: The North Dakota Beef Commission is extending Beef Month into June with events including a Fargo “Smoke, Sear, & Sip” beef-and-beer pairing on June 11 and a Girls Who Grill series. Public Safety: Triple-A is pushing its E-Ride Ready campaign in North Dakota as e-bikes and scooters grow; riders don’t need licenses or insurance, but under-18 riders must wear helmets. Agriculture & Wildlife: USDA expanded a Farm Bill-funded program to help farmers protect big-game migration corridors on private land, adding North Dakota among 17 states. Energy Infrastructure: Minnkota Power Cooperative joined the North Plains Connector HVDC transmission project consortium, securing interest in 150 MW capacity. Health Alerts: A salmonella outbreak tied to imported moringa supplements has been reopened after additional illnesses, with new brands added to the recall list. Business/Ag Tech: Fargo’s 701x closed an oversubscribed $10M+ Series B funded by ranchers and local investors, aiming to expand internationally.

ND Politics & Campaign Finance: The NDGOP filed corrected campaign finance reports after earlier filings contained major errors, according to a new report, as a populist faction feud continues to roil state party politics. Agriculture & Markets: Northern Plains farmers stepped up grain sales during a spring rally, with analysts noting many producers are 30% to 40% sold on new crop ahead of the usual early-June pace. Farm Policy & Data: USDA is modernizing crop acreage reporting; North Dakota and Maryland are first to use an upgraded system that can scan paper maps into spreadsheets, with a longer-term push toward more real-time precision ag data. Energy & Grid: Minnkota Power Cooperative joined the North Plains Connector HVDC transmission project consortium, adding 150 MW of planned capacity and boosting regional grid flexibility. Wildlife & Ranching: USDA unveiled a migratory big game conservation framework across 17 states, including North Dakota, aiming to protect connected habitat while keeping working lands working. Community Ag: Grand Farm will plant and donate 7,000–10,000 ears of sweet corn to Churches United for the Homeless in Fargo-Moorhead. Workforce Safety: North Dakota’s Get Home Safe Day highlighted workplace safety efforts, with workers’ comp claims trending down.

Energy & Wildlife: A major elk herd habitat area near Dinosaur National Monument in Colorado is set to open for an oil and gas lease sale, raising concerns that drilling lights and traffic could threaten the region’s dark-sky tourism. Outdoor & Community: The National Park Service bought 213 acres along Lake Superior in Wisconsin to move the North Country National Scenic Trail off the road, adding a smoother, more scenic stretch for hikers. Dakotas Agriculture: A look at how crop diversity keeps the Dakotas’ ag economy humming, from corn and soybeans to wheat and beyond. Workplace Safety: North Dakota’s “Get Home Safe” campaign in Bismarck pushed safety as a daily culture, touting three straight years of falling workplace injury claims. Local Government: Grand Forks advanced an annexation tied to industrial plans near 70th Avenue North, but nearby homeowners raised concerns about impacts. Public Safety & Courts: A North Dakota man was sentenced to 30 years for a Fargo-to-Moorhead ransom kidnapping tied to a meth drug debt. Elections: Early voting began in Ward County for the June primary, with turnout steady as ballots are cast ahead of election day.

Autonomous Systems & Trade: North Dakota is turning heads at AUVSI Xponential 2026 with the “North Dakota Row,” a collaborative exhibit featuring nine companies and showcasing unmanned aircraft and autonomous tech to partners, investors, and government stakeholders. Energy Infrastructure: Minnkota Power Cooperative is joining the North Plains Connector utility consortium, seeking 150 MW of capacity on the HVDC line once it starts operating—aimed at boosting grid reliability and flexibility. Oil & Industry: North Dakota leaders are pushing for faster progress on enhanced oil recovery tech for the Bakken, but executives warn there’s no guaranteed “silver bullet.” Agriculture Innovation: The NSF AgTech Engine in North Dakota opened a Request for Proposals for producer-engaged ag tech projects, with up to $100,000 per award and a July 19 deadline. Housing Shortage: McKenzie County is investing more than $11 million in a three-part plan, including modular home construction and senior duplexes, to expand affordable options in the Bakken. Community & Business: Forum Communications has finalized its purchase of the McKenzie County Farmer, expanding its western North Dakota newspaper footprint. Public Safety: Fargo-area rodeo workers were hurt in West Fargo after a bull incident left a veteran handler with life-threatening injuries. Consumer Note: COUNTRY Financial says it’s cutting auto insurance rates in North Dakota and 10 other states after improved driving and claims trends.

Prescribed Burns: A new North Dakota report argues for more proactive fire management, highlighting how planned burns can reduce fuel loads and help communities avoid the “perfect storm” conditions that fueled the 2024 wildfire surge. Pipeline Court Fallout: A commentary piece says Greenpeace’s Dakota Access Pipeline-era tactics have backfired, pointing to a recent court ruling tied to alleged sabotage and defamation claims. Food System Risk: A separate national analysis warns the USDA plans to close the Beltsville bee research lab, raising alarms for disease diagnosis and pollinator support as beekeepers face heavy losses. Freedom 250 Shake-Up: Interior Secretary Doug Burgum defended the “Freedom 250” festival as nonpartisan after multiple performers pulled out, saying artists were misled about political ties. Housing Push in McKenzie County: McKenzie County is investing $11M to tackle shortages with modular home building, senior-friendly duplexes, and a “pathway to purchase” plan. Asian Culture Expo: Bismarck State College hosted a free Cultural Expo celebrating Asian food, music, and hands-on activities, marking the end of AAPI Heritage Month. ND Primary Reminder: With June 9 elections approaching, coverage stresses absentee ballot signature matching and warns voters to cure mismatches quickly. Local Growth & Community: Grand Forks held a park planting event, while Fargo-area families are building a children’s nature park and East Grand Forks opened a public observatory for stargazing nights.

Market Mood Swing: A “beans, beef and Boeing” China trip didn’t land as promised—soybeans, cattle, and Boeing shares slid within days as traders demanded proof. Consumer Scam Alert: The BBB warns of a fake “Bass Farm Equipment” site using a real South Dakota family’s identity to steal $35,000+ from buyers who wire money. Indigenous Health: A proposed Indigenous School of Medicine in Rapid City aims to boost Native physician numbers, blending culture into training and targeting enrollment around 2030. Housing Pressure: Grand Forks Housing Authority leaders say ND needs thousands more units and urge lawmakers to expand Low Income Housing Tax Credit capacity. Election Prep: With ND’s June 9 primary approaching, absentee voters are reminded that matching signatures matter—and early voting starts soon in Stutsman County. Local Growth & Community: A new drive-thru 7Brew Coffee is planned after a $1.7M purchase of a former bank building in Rochester, and Grand Forks Park District kicks off its summer planting events. Energy & Land Use: Townships diverge on Flickertail Wind agreements, showing how local approvals can make or break projects.