AGP Executive Report

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.

Legal Fight: North Dakota AG Mike Hilgers says a federal judge in New York struck down the state’s Climate Change Superfund Act as unenforceable, backing a coalition challenge that argued the law overreaches state power and conflicts with federal air rules. Public Health & Food Policy: SNAP “junk food” restrictions are again in flux after a federal court put similar bans on hold in multiple states, with South Dakota moving to seek a waiver to restrict soft drinks while North Dakota’s plans face legal uncertainty. State Government & Ethics: The North Dakota Ethics Commission wants more staff, citing a surge in complaints and advisory work, while the AG’s office also found the James River Humane Society violated North Dakota open records law and ordered it to release missing documents. Data Centers & AI: Lawmakers heard public pushback over AI and data center proposals, including calls for a pause and concerns about transparency and nondisclosure agreements. Infrastructure & Community: Fargo’s Fargodome is short about $22 million for ADA-focused upgrades, risking the loss of roughly 1,000 seats; separately, archaeologists are investigating possible historic graves near the North Dakota governor’s residence. Agriculture & Conservation: The John Lee and Ellen Njos family will receive North Dakota’s 2026 Leopold Conservation Award for work on soil, water, and wildlife on their ranch. Business & Local Economy: MacQueen opened a new Bismarck service center to expand support for refuse and recycling vehicles.

AI & Data Centers: North Dakota lawmakers heard public pushback on AI and data center plans, with residents calling for more transparency and even a temporary pause on new hyperscale permits, while others argued the projects bring needed construction work. State Budget & Infrastructure: Lawmakers are set to consider a $35 million line of credit to finish the stalled North Dakota military gallery on the Capitol grounds, with an expected opening in 2028 if funding holds. Tax Incentives: A legislative review found data center sales tax savings topped $65 million in 2025, and officials say the exemption’s impact is bigger than lawmakers anticipated when it was adopted. Public Safety & Roads: A helicopter carrying power-line work caused about a 20-minute I-29 backup near Harwood, with temporary lane closures and advance warnings. Fraud Watch: Grand Forks tied for 6th among ND cities for July BBB scam reports, with debt-collection scams the most common. Agriculture & Policy: Congress reconvenes with North Dakota producers watching stalled Farm Bill and E-15 biofuel action in the Senate, while SNAP-related disputes remain a key sticking point. Rural Help: Farm Rescue is urging referrals and applications for harvest assistance and launching Operation Hay Lift to move feed to drought-impacted ranchers. Wildfire Season: ND officials remind hunters and outdoor users to check daily fire indexes and local restrictions as dry conditions persist.

Farm Economy Under Strain: North Dakota farmers are heading into harvest with diesel and fertilizer costs still spiking, and a renewed trade war with Canada adding more uncertainty to already shaky planning. Rural Politics Backlash: GOP leaders are warning Trump’s tariff-and-war approach could hit “farm country” hard enough to reshape midterm outcomes. Energy & Climate Court Fight: Summit Carbon Solutions is abandoning two of three proposed CO2 storage areas in North Dakota, narrowing its appeal after earlier permit setbacks. Rural Health Watch: A KFF Health News report says a $50B rural health program needs more transparency so fraud can be spotted and results can be judged. Local Health Billing Snapshot: Medicaid spending in Wahpeton for surgery services jumped 27.7% in 2024, reflecting rising local demand and costs. Tech Debt & Oversight: North Dakota higher education regulators rescinded a TikTok ban on university devices. Public Safety Tech: A Harwood public forum is set to discuss AI and data center impacts. Community & Recovery: Tribal representatives are bringing input to an addiction forum focused on treating addiction as a chronic disease.

Medicaid Watch (Wahpeton): Wahpeton Medicaid bills for Surgery hit $732 in 2024, up 27.7% from 2023, with Surgery ranking 4th locally and 11th statewide. Medicaid Watch (West Fargo): Temporary Codes claims in West Fargo rose to $9,623 in 2024, a 33.1% jump. Medicaid Watch (Grand Forks/Devils Lake/Larimore/Kenmare/Bismarck): Grand Forks Temporary Codes climbed to $3,051; Devils Lake Temporary Codes jumped to $5,644; Larimore Dental Services reached $4,946; Kenmare Evaluation & Management totaled $1,340; and Bismarck DME MACs bills rose to $19,970. Childcare Policy: North Dakota’s Working Parents Child Care Relief Program ends in September, ending subsidies for hundreds of families. Local Governance/Infrastructure: NDSU’s Challey Institute plans fall public events, including a panel on AI data centers’ impact on North Dakota’s grid, rates, and agriculture. Public Safety/Health: North Dakota’s kratom ban is headed to a special session decision, with leaders citing deaths tied to the drug. Community Access: PLOTS private-land hunting access expands to 925,000 acres for fall 2026.

Medicaid spending watch: New federal data show local Medicaid bills rising in North Dakota—Jamestown’s “Surgery” claims hit $6,038 in 2024 (+17.4%), Grand Forks “Temporary Codes” reached $3,051 (+37.9%), Harvey “Medicine Services and Procedures” climbed to $3,140 (+30%), Devils Lake “Temporary Codes” jumped to $5,644 (+394.2%), and Mandan “Medicine Services and Procedures” rose 29.9% to $599,020. Childcare policy: North Dakota’s Working Parents Child Care Relief Program, which helped subsidize childcare costs for working families, is set to end in September. Data centers and AI debate: A legislative committee meets Monday with public comment on AI and data center impacts, while a Harwood forum highlighted calls for transparency and a possible moratorium on new data center permits. Ag economy: Constellation Brands announced a $100 million, five-year investment to support barley farmers across Montana, Idaho, and North Dakota. Fraud tracker: Cando tied for 6th among ND cities in July scam reports, with two BBB Scam Tracker reports. Sports: NDSU’s FBS debut paid off—North Dakota State routed Jacksonville State 33-7 in the Fargodome.

Data Centers & Local Control: Rep. Julie Fedorchak says North Dakota should keep permitting decisions local, pushing for transparency on noise, roads, and energy impacts as data center projects like one near Mandan move forward. AI & Government Scrutiny: A Legislative Research Council brief warns that AI tools can “hallucinate” on legal questions, raising concerns about using AI in government guidance. Legislature Special Session: Lawmakers head back to Bismarck for a special session aimed at restricting kratom and synthetic drugs, with public comment starting Tuesday. Public Health & Rural Access: A new analysis warns rural hospital obstetrics closures could mean much longer drives for Medicaid patients seeking inpatient maternity care. Child Care Funding Ends: A pilot program helping working ND families with childcare costs is set to expire in September, ending subsidies for hundreds of families. Agriculture & Investment: Constellation Brands plans $100M over five years to support U.S. farmers growing barley, hops, and other ingredients, including purchases in North Dakota. Invasive Species: Emerald ash borer has been confirmed in Bismarck, triggering quarantine steps to slow spread. Mobile Health Care: Fargo-area company Bison Imaging is bringing portable X-ray services to patients who can’t easily travel.

NDSU & Rural Health: North Dakota lawmakers head into another special session in Bismarck, with public testimony set and kratom/synthetic drug restrictions on the agenda, alongside a funding fix for a military museum project. Public Safety & Health Care Access: A new Fargo-area company, Bison Imaging, is bringing mobile X-ray services to patients who struggle to travel, aiming to cut down on ER trips for imaging. AI & Data Centers: The Legislature’s AI and Data Center committee meets Monday with public comment, as Harwood-area residents and officials debate impacts from Applied Digital’s planned data center build. Agriculture & Economy: Constellation Brands says it will invest $100M over five years to boost U.S. farmer profitability, including additional purchases from North Dakota growers. Environment: Emerald ash borer has been detected in Bismarck, triggering quarantine steps and renewed warnings about moving ash wood. Civic Life: The Valley Prosperity Partnership, a long-running Red River Valley collaboration, is disbanding after members say it achieved its original goals.